The Airport Authority's 2009 summer interns, with President/CEO Thella F. Bowens. (See below for their names, the Airport Authority departments they worked in and their colleges).

• Austin (Training & Organization Development – Brigham Young University)
• Nathan (Aviation Security & Public Safetyu – Oklahoma State University)
• Natalie (Human Resources – San Diego State University)
• Mark (Quieter Home Program – University of California at San Diego)
• Daniel (Airport Planning – University of North Dakota)
• Jeff (Small Business Development – San Diego State University)
• Tim (The Green Build – University of California at San Diego)
• Jennifer (Facilities Development – University of Virginia)

Front row, from left:

• Lois (Public, Community and Customer Relations – San Diego State University)
• Michelle (Real Estate Management – The George Washington University)
• Jessica (Risk Management – San Diego State University)
• Thella F. Bowens (Airport Authority President/CEO)
• Dani (Marketing – Point Loma Nazarene University)
• Dana (Airport Noise Mitigation – Florida Institute of Technology)
• Chris (Environmental Affairs – University of California at San Diego [not pictured])

At the beginning of the summer the interns were given a group project:  Design and implement an Web page to promote the Airport Authority’s internship program among colleges, universities and the general public and provide future interns with useful information. Over the next two months, the interns worked with their advisers – Mike in Human Resources, Jon in Marketing and Dat in Internet Technology – to unveil a really awesome site.

This year, the core team of Airport Authority employees responsible for the internship program – Carol and Michelle in Human Resources, fellow Ambassablogger Sjohnna in the Quieter Home Program and me – implemented some changes to the already “World Class” program . . . so next year is going to be even better! Remember to check the Airport Authority’s employment website starting in February 2010 for more information about the program.

Oh, and as a farewell gift, the 2009 summer interns produced this music video showing them in action at the airport:

Home Treat Alert! The special feature above may not be accessible at work. But you can view the Ambassablog at home & check it out there.

Have you ever sent an overnight delivery of See’s Candy to your mother in Tampa? (Just FYI—my favorites are nuts and chews). How do you think it gets there? If you shipped via FedEx, it likely went through Memphis during the middle of the night. At the FedEx World Hub in Memphis, packages from all over the United States (and the world) get sorted on a nightly basis. In fact, the hub can process nearly 125,000 packages an hour (that is a lot of candy), making it the world’s busiest air cargo airport! FedEx is also the largest employer in Memphis.

Recently Keith from Airport Planning, Richard and Eric from Real Estate and I spent a couple of days in Memphis talking with both FedEx and UPS about their air cargo needs here in San Diego. Currently, all of San Diego International Airport’s cargo carriers park their aircraft on the north side of the airfield. It is a long-term goal of the Airport Authority to build air cargo buildings for processing and sorting of packages, as addressed in both the Airport Master Plan and Destination Lindbergh.

In 2008, there were 6,892 cargo operations (a take-off or a landing) that accounted for 3.4 percent of our total operations. Most of the FedEx operations here are with large Airbus A300 aircraft. Occasionally, FedEx operates some small Cessna Caravans from El Centro to San Diego; these are known as feeder aircraft (pictured here).

Ah ... Memphis.

Some of you may remember my post from last year, “Thank ya, thank ya very much,” which discussed our once-daily nonstop service to Memphis. Here are some other sights in Memphis you might consider seeing:

• Peabody Hotel (watch the world-famous Peabody ducks)
• The Rendezvous (some killer dry-rub BBQ)
• Beale Street (home of the Blues)
• Sun Studio (where Elvis recorded the hits)
• And of course… Graceland (what can I say?)

Let me give you a word of warning:  When you visit Memphis during the summer, it can be HOT and HUMID! However, whether you’re sending an overnight package or having some dry-rub BBQ, Memphis is one “attitude adjustment” that shouldn’t be missed.

Laverne & Shirley — those happy-go-lucky ladies from Milwaukee, Wisconsin who entertained generations of Americans on TV in the 1970s and 1980s — were recently spotted at San Diego International Airport! Well, sort of.  The video above is a madcap spoof of the opening sequence of the original Laverne & Shirley TV show. It stars the Ambassabloggers themselves and a few other SDIA employees in supporting roles.  Watch it all the way to the end for a cool tip on how to get to Milwaukee — and lots of other places — from SDIA.  Oh, in case your memory of the original Laverne & Shirley opener is a little fuzzy (we’re talking more than 25 years ago, after all),  here it is for purposes of comparison to the above spoof:

Home Treat Alert! The multimedia features above may not be accessible at work.  But you can log on at home and check them out there!

San Diego Dance Theater performing 'Rolling Luggage' in Terminal 2 West.

And I thought that I have baggage!  Boy, was I mistaken … I just had the pleasure of watching the San Diego Dance Theater’s performance of Rolling Luggage in Terminal 2 West here at the airport.  The dance piece starred eight “passengers” with luggage.  It was improvisational, and they interacted with our real passengers, concessionaires and objects like the baggage belt.

It was really fun and exciting to see our real passengers interact with the “dancing passengers.”  Some people didn’t quite know what was happening at first, but soon almost everyone was intrigued and applauding.  Through our performing arts series, called a breve, the Airport Authority is showcasing all different types of performing arts.

The San Diego Dance Theater’s Artistic Director is Jean Isaacs, known for her work on the Trolley Dances — combining mass transit with urban dance.  (Remember that the MTS Route 992 serves the airport!)  The 11^th Annual Trolley Dances start September 26.

I have to admit that I was a bit jealous of all the dancing.  If you check this clip, you can see that I can really get my groove on:

Home Treat Alert! The special feature above may not be accessible at work. But you can view the Ambassablog at home & check it out there.

Yes, that is the Roger Rabbit I’m doing.  You’ll also see me in a special new Ambassablog video that will be posted on the blog VERY soon. And, no, it’s not an audition tape for So You Think You can Dance!

(By the way, thanks to Susanna P. in Airport Art for taking these great shots of the Rolling Luggage action.)

Moonrise over San Diego International Airport.

Tick tock … tick tock … tick tock. How often do you lay awake in the middle of the night? Counting sheep? Counting airplanes (what?!)?

Well at least one person working at San Diego International Airport has visions of 737’s at night: Garret in the airport’s Airport Noise Mitigation Department:

Garret of the Airport Authority's Airport Noise Mitigation Department points out a monitor used to trace aircraft noise curfew adherence at San Diego Internatiional Airport.

RYAN:  What time of the day does the curfew take effect?

• GARRET:  All passenger aircraft operating at SDIA today are Stage 3.  That means they meet the most stringent noise levels set in Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 36, which cover aircraft noise standards.  For Stage 3 aircraft, there is a departure curfew from 11:30pm to 6:30am.  Arrivals are permitted 24 hours a day.

R:  Are there any exceptions?

• G:  Yes, what we call “life-flights”—when patients or human tissue is being transported, and military flights of necessity. A real-world example is after 9/11, there were doctors flying to New York and Washington, DC, to assist with injuries, and they departed after curfew as a “mercy” flight.

R: How often do the airlines “break” curfew?

• G:  About twice a month airlines break curfew. The aircraft operator may be assessed penalties for breaking curfew, based on a six-month period. The review of violations is done by a Curfew Violation Review Panel, consisting of representatives of the Airport Authority’s’ Vice President of Marketing and Communications, Vice President of Planning and Operations and Vice President of Development. There can be exceptions made to the penalties, such as for local weather concerns, air traffic control issues or mechanical problems with the aircraft.
  

  The Aircraft Noise Monitoring Room at San Diego International Airport.

R: Is the curfew legally enforceable?

G:  Yes, the curfew at SDIA is legally enforceable. Other airports that have legally enforceable noise restrictions are John Wayne (SNA), Washington National (DCA), Long Beach and San Jose (SJC). In 1990 the Airport Noise Capacity Act (ANCA) was passed, which restricts airports’ ability to enact noise ordinances. SDIA’s curfew was grandfathered in under this law.

R: In the post-ANCA period, what airports have tried to put a curfew in place?

• G:  Bob Hope Airport in Burbank (BUR), Los Angeles International (LAX), San Francisco (SFO) and Naples, FL (APF) are all going currently through the FAR Part 161 process to try to enact curfews, but none has been successful to date.

R: As a member of the public, how can I learn more about the curfew or other noise issues?

• G:  The best way is to check the airport noise mitigation section of Airport Authority’s website. The Airport Noise Mitigation Department also publishes a periodic  Noise Matters newsletter. And you can always call the Noise Complaint Hotline at 619-400-2799.

R: Garret, what are the two most important points you’d like the public to know about the curfew?

G:  Simple: SDIA has arrivals 24 hours a day, and departures are mostly allowed only from 6:30am to 11:30pm.

And if you live near the airport and those airplanes at night are still giving you grief, make sure to check out Ambassablogger Sjohnna’s Quieter Home Program, as well. Otherwise, sleep tight … and sweet dreams!

KIPP students at SDIA

This week, San Diego International Airport played host to a very special group of eighth graders from San Diego’s KIPP: Adelante Preparatory Academy. KIPP: Adelante is a small, college-preparatory public school serving 360 students from southeastern San Diego in grades five through eight. The school is based upon the acclaimed KIPP (Knowledge is Power Program) model. KIPP schools share the common mission of preparing educationally underserved students for success in high school, college and the world beyond.

KIPP students arrive at the airport

In all, 70 eighth graders were at the airport for their Golden Ticket Ceremony, where it was announced that they’ll be flying to Washington, DC on Southwest Airlines next week! For the special event, the Airport Authority provided San Diego International Airport baseball caps and luggage tags for the students. Opening remarks were provided by yours truly, as well as by Keith Wilschetz, Director of Airport Planning for the Airport Authority.

After the ceremony, the students were treated to a special presentation by Harbor Police Department K-9 units and a tour of Terminals 1 and 2. They had a look at ticket counters, the concessions program, the NTC Landfill Remediation, TSA security checkpoints and various public art projects at the airport.

'Yours Truly' welcoming the KIPP students to SDIA

The event was organized by LEAD San Diego, KIPP: Adelante, and the Airport Authority’s Airport Planning and Landside Operations Departments. It was a great way to expose these bright students to all of the opportunities and careers available at San Diego International Airport. I’m bursting with pride knowing that these promising students are our future passengers … and maybe future employees, too!

• NH= All Nippon Airways (ANA)
• NRT= Tokyo Narita International Airport

You can also see on the bag tag that the first flight is operated by United Express (UA), departing at 9:35am, but then in Los Angeles it connects to ANA (NH), departing at 12:35pm. Both of the carriers are part of Star Alliance, one of the “Big 3” airline alliances.

This flight to Tokyo is operated on a Boeing 777-300 aircraft, like this one:

Thanks to everyone who submitted answers, and stay tuned for more fun Ambassa-Quizzes.

And remember, when you see Garth in the hall, congratulate him for having baggage!

One of the biggest hassles when flying is the fear of lost baggage. Nothing is more frustrating than to be standing at the bag carousel waiting anxiously for luggage that never comes. In recent years the airlines have gotten much better at handling baggage. In 2008, only 3.6 bags per 1,000 passengers were misplaced (compared to 5.4 per 1,000 in 2007), according to the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. This improvement has a lot to do with new technology that tracks bags through the whole journey.

Scott and Elsie, in the Airport Authority’s Landside Operations Department, have years of combined airline experience here at SAN. They worked with me on my “baggage issues.” I asked them the following questions:

After I check in my bag at the ticket counter, what happens to it?

• First, TSA checks every single bag that is checked in. Remember you can ONLY lock your baggage with TSA-approved locks.
  

  Scanning baggage.

• Next, it is handed off to the airline to be sorted by flight. Most airlines use either automated or hand-held bar code scanners to track your bags based on the bar code of your bag tag. It is sorted on carts by flight. As your bag is loaded it is scanned again to ensure your bag is loaded on the correct aircraft.

What happens to my bag if I am connecting?

• Same process; it is scanned and resorted extremely quickly. The problem comes when people connect between airlines that are not partners – those bags are the lowest priority. The airlines are largely aligned in “alliances.”  SkyTeam, Star Alliance and One World are some of the biggest. Staying in one alliance on a single trip will help ensure that your bag will make it with you to your final destination.

What are some tips people can follow to help their baggage make it?

• Remove all old luggage tags.
• Place your name, address and itinerary inside your bag in case the tag falls off.
• Do not buy black bags—bright colors are easier to spot.
• Use bright metallic tape on your bag to identify it rather than “poofy” tags that can get caught in the belt system.
• Do not over-pack bags. Do not use tape to hold a bag shut!
• As the agent places the tag on your bag, make sure it is correct. The three-letter airport code at the top of the tag should match your final destination.

The bag tag provides a wealth of information. Most importantly, be sure to read up the tag:

• The city code at the top is the final destination (remember, San Diego is SAN).
• Also, you will see the airline’s code, flight numbers and scheduled departure time.
• At the very top of the tag you will see your name, the record locator, where you checked in and at what time.

In the sample bag tag shown above, I checked in at San Diego, flew on Delta #44 to Cincinnati (CVG) and then connected to Delta #5786 to Toronto (YYZ).

And there you have it … no matter what your therapist says, it is okay to have baggage.

Pop Ambassa-Quiz!!! The first Airport Authority employee who can tell me the final destination and airline on the tag below will get a prize! To win, you must submit your answer using the “comments” link at the bottom of this post. Good luck!

I've got baggage ... and here it is.

Miss California 2007 Melissa Chaty at San Diego International Airport

I have had the exquisite honor of getting to know Melissa Chaty, Miss California 2007. We are both current participants in LEAD San Diego’s Class of 2009. She is a spectacular individual, dedicated to a lifestyle of non-profit work and enhancing both America’s Finest City and the Golden State. During her reign, Melissa traveled from San Diego international Airport (SDIA) all the time to make appearances, as well as to visit friends and family. I caught up with Melissa at the airport recently:

Ryan: During your reign as Miss California, how many times did you fly out of SDIA?

• Melissa: I don’t know the exact number of times, but it was a lot! Let me put it this way, I earned quite a few free tickets on Southwest Airlines — that is always a good thing!

Ryan: Can you tell us some of the places where you have flown?

• Melissa: All over California, to make appearances and to visit family. Sacramento, Oakland, San Francisco and Fresno. Plus , beyond California to places like Chicago, Miami and Grand Rapids.

Ryan: Did you have any fun or memorable experiences here at San Diego International Airport?

• Melissa: You mean aside from falling in love with the TSA Security Tips video?! (laughing). I am kidding! … The coolest thing that happened was when I got to fly on Southwest Airlines’ Shamu aircraft twice!

Ryan: Wow, that is cool. Any travel tips you’d like to give to Miss California hopefuls?

• Melissa: Always take your crown with you as carry-on; it can’t be replaced. Also, learn the TSA 3-1-1 rule. You never want your lip gloss confiscated.

"Always take your crown as carry-on luggage."

Ryan: Good ones! I’ll have to remember those. Overall, what role does San Diego International Airport play in your life?

• Melissa: The airport is integral to how I live. Without it how could I possibly go visit my parents, or have a friend in every one of the 50

You work for the San Diego/Imperial Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association. Can you tell me a little about that?

• Melissa: I started getting involved with pageants when I was a senior in high school, to make the community more aware of the disease that had plagued my grandfather. Now I’m working for the organization here locally, letting people know all about how to reduce their risk of developing Alzheimer’s and how to cope with the disease. It’s extremely rewarding.

Last year, SDIA served 18.1 million annual passengers. That’s 18.1 million reasons to fly. Now you know why Miss California 2007 uses our airport. Why do you? You can let me know by clicking the blue comment link below.

No matter how you look at it, this airport really is fit for a queen.

Here I am, Ambassablogger Ryan, being crowned by Miss California 2007.

(I had a huge amount of help with this post: Brian, Royal and Gerilyn at JetBlue; plus Rich and Jon in the Airport Authority’s Marketing Division)

I can remember a number of occasions, when I was a wee young lad in Northern California, of getting in trouble for not doing my chores. My dad would say, “You better have an attitude adjustment real soon, Ryan.” Uh-oh. Not good.

But, 20 years have passed. So now, when I need an “attitude adjustment,” I can fly to one of the 43 non-stop destinations offered from SDIA! Yay! Much better! Here’s a map of those destinations.

I was curious what some of my co-workers’ favorite “attitude adjustments” are … and why? Below are their responses, with the city and three-letter airport city code for each city. Remember, you can fly nonstop between San Diego and each of these cities. And if you’re planning a trip to any of these destinations, click the handy hyperlinks below for great information about them.

• Austin , Texas (AUS) - Sandi in Airport Planning: “Great food! Good music and beautiful scenery!”
• Honolulu, Hawaii (HNL) - Suzanne in Real Estate Management: “I just can’t get enough of those warm, tropical beaches.”
• Nashville, Tennessee (BNA) - Dennise in IT: “To visit good friends and possibly run into Kenney Chesney … I love country music!”
• Minneapolis/ St. Paul, Minnesota (MSP) - Diann in Training & Organization Development: “There are beautiful lakes, gorgeous trees that change color in the autumn, terrific restaurants, arts and sports!”
• Phoenix, Arizona (PHX) - Marion in Environmental Affairs: “Both Southwest and US Airways fly to Phoenix, with lots of daily service … an easy way for me to get some ‘real heat’!”
• Albuquerque, New Mexico (ABQ) - Paul in Airport Planning: “It is the gateway to Santa Fe, Taos and the delights of northern New Mexico. Check out the Folk Art Museum and the Georgia O’Keefe Museum. Plus, green chili burgers, farmer’s markets and world-famous chili powder.” (Paul gave me three fantastic paragraphs on New Mexico. Note to internal staff: seriously, call Paul if you are heading to ABQ).
• Sacramento, California (SMF) - Diann in Training/Organization Development (she couldn’t resist and had to submit two!): “Sacramento is my favorite gateway to the California wine country. It’s only about an hour away. Wonderful wineries and fabulous restaurants.”
• New York City, New York (JFK) – Jeff L. in Human Resources: “Broadway, museums, sight-seeing and shopping! Also, getting to see paparazzi assembled to snap photos of Nathan Lane, Lily Tomlin, Jessica Alba and Posh Spice!”
• Again, New York City, New York (JFK) – Mary in the Administration Division: “Getting immersed in the urban, big-city vibe; Yankees games; pasta in Little Italy; and Broadway shows!”
  

Well, readers, I’m sure you’re dying to know what my favorite attitude adjustment is? Take me to lunch at Yan Can and I might tell you. Kidding!

But I’d love to hear from you … any favorite nonstop attitude adjustments from San Diego International Airport you’d like to share? Click the comments link below and let us know.