Review: Boutique Air PC-12 Dallas to Clovis

Review:  Boutique Air PC-12 Dallas to Clovis
Review:  Boutique Air PC-12 Clovis to Dallas

4B 0454
DFW – CVN
TAKEOFF: 1410
Landing: 1455
Flight time: 1hr 45min
Seat: 2A
March 2, 2019

The planning for the review took place at the last minute.  I actually purchased the ticket on the day prior to the flight.  By using the Citi Prestige card, I was able to earn just over 1,300 Citi Thank You points.  The trip almost did not happen because of Boutique Air’s unusual customer service.

Boutique Air uses the Corporate Aviation Terminal at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport.  The terminal is located outside of the main airport entrance.  I used the access road to get to the terminal. Parking was free.

I walked to the check in counter 29 minutes prior to departure because the website said to arrive at least 20 minutes prior. The agent removed me from the manifest because he thought I would not show for the flight. After providing him with my identification, weight, and carry-on bag weight, I was given a printed boarding pass. I was then told to stand by the door and an agent would escort me to the aircraft.

The terminal was very small, but had more than enough room for passengers to stretch out.  There was a small drink station near the exit.  I did not partake in any coffee.

As I waited by the door, the pilot asked if I needed to use the bathroom and informed me we would be leaving shortly.  I used the facilities because I know firsthand how a small stink in a small place could leave a big impression. 😂 We (me and the other passenger) were escorted to the aircraft by the agent.

Our boarding passes were looked over by the first officer and we were allowed to board the beautiful PC-12. After boarding, the first officer gave us a safety briefing. “Connect your shoulder harness, in case of a water landing, blah blah blah”. I could only think, “if we die, we die”. The seats (a total of eight) were first come, first serve.  There were two rear facing and six forward facing. I chose the first forward facing seat on the left side of the aircraft.

I paid attention when the first officer mentioned the location of the oxygen mask. Hint, it is the red pull tab.

All of the seats were captain chairs, something that really made the experience comfortable. The adjustable armrest was a welcomed addition.

The seats had little else. There was a tray table which came out of the airplane side. It could be used halved or whole.

The last thing that the seat offered was individual air nozzles and two reading lights. I did not necessarily need the air (winter) or the lights (day time flight), but they were greatly appreciated.

Checked baggage was store behind the last row of seats.

We left before the scheduled 2:10 departure because “the pilots like to leave early if the weather is getting bad”. This came from the Boutique Air front desk agent. We had a quick seven minute taxi and were airborne. It was kind of surreal seeing Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport from the private aircraft side.

We were quickly airborne.

There was not much else to the flight after departure. The first officer informed us that water was available under the front seat. I did not take one because I brought my own beverages.

The under seat storage compartment was kind of cool, but why would you need that if you are essentially flying private?

The flight was boring. There was not any interaction between the pilots and the passengers. I created a “stink”, if you will, when I opened the lavatory to take pictures. The pilot and first officer both turned around with inquisitive faces. I had to let them know that I was only taking pictures.

We began our descent about 10 minutes out from Clovis. The pilot announced that we needed to buckle our lap belts for landing.  The descent was quick and smooth, thanks to our 18,000ft cruise altitude.

Final Word

I enjoyed the simplicity of the entire Boutique Air flight experience.  There was no hassle with security or other passengers, it was surreal.  I would not change anything about the experience, even with my booking issues.  If you have the chance to try Boutique Air, do it, I am sure you will be pleasantly surprised.