SNA runway.... YIKES!

[AustinTink]

So, we're flying into SNA. Someone told my DH to expect a crazy landing, because SNA has a very short runway. Apparently, the guy said you do a veritable nosedive landing. What on earth? I'm not a good flyer. This has me worried. Any insights??

 

[jdb in AZ]

We've never noticed any difference between landing at SNA and any other airport (and we've landed at several.) If it were risky the FAA wouldn't allow it.

 

[robinjh7]

We fly a lot for business. SNA is just a regular landing, not steep at all. It's San Diego that is scary! (I'm NOT a good flyer. I just recently am able to fly without valium. In this case, practice does make a less nervous flyer.)

 

[AustinTink]

We fly in and out of San Diego every year. So, I guess if I can do that one, I'll be fine.

I was sick/worn down on my last flight in June and had a mini panic attack. I do not want a repeat this time around.

 

[PinkBudgie]

I have heard it is trickier than most due to its location but you won't notice that. And they have done it a zillion times so I wouldn't worry about it. If no one said anything to you, you would never know.( Now we are driving down 5 with all those crazy trucks and people on your tail when you are already going 80mph.) So relax and I'll see you at CCI!

 

[AustinTink]

I have heard it is trickier than most due to its location but you won't notice that. And they have done it a zillion times so I wouldn't worry about it. If no one said anything to you, you would never know.( Now we are driving down 5 with all those crazy trucks and people on your tail when you are already going 80mph.) So relax and I'll see you at CCI!

That's what I figured. I'll be knee deep in People magazines and I'll never know the difference.

Whoooohoooo!! I'm getting so excited. See you there!

 

[DebbieB]

I've flown into SNA several times and never noticed a "nosedive". I did notice that they brake hard, it's not a long runway where they can just rollout to a stop.

 

[FlameGirl]

I absolutely loathe flying and we fly into SNA whenever we can. I've never even noticed the slightest difference. Trust me, I would notice. Every single variation of any normal plane noise, and I bolt straight up in my seat and stare down the flight attendants to make sure we are all good.

You'll be fine.

 

[skiingfast]

Flying to San Diego where the runway starts just as you pass over the city, that's a tough landing. Want a scary flight fly into Vail the mountain are right out your window as you drop into a valley that is just strait enough to put a runway in. In Jackson Hole it makes the news when a plain can't stop before the runway ends. http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/40842863/ns/travel-news/

 

[jernysgirl]

I absolutely loathe flying and we fly into SNA whenever we can. I've never even noticed the slightest difference. Trust me, I would notice. Every single variation of any normal plane noise, and I bolt straight up in my seat and stare down the flight attendants to make sure we are all good.

You'll be fine.

 

[ttfn2u2pooh]

I agree with others, I've flown into SNA and have not noticed any difference between landing there and a lot of other airports. My worst is San Francisco. Hated landing there - knew we were headed straight into the water.

I must admit, my fear of flying has grown in the last 10 years. I flew to NYC about 4 years ago and I actually asked my doctor to give me something for my panic. I don't know what she gave me but it did help just to take that jumpy edge off. And she only gave me 2 pills so it was perfect. One for going there and one for coming home. I was thinking about doing the same for my trip to SNA in Sept but it's only a 2.5 hour flight. I just need to suck it up on this one.

Good luck, but know that the landing isn't any different.

 

[1-disneyfan]

Another no fun flyer here SNA does have a hard stop....not scary though just made me put my hand on the seat in front of me! taking off is a little different too, they level out pretty quickly.... was told because of noise (husband LOVES to fly...builds the planes)... not a fan of that feeling, then they continue increasing altitude. However, neither of these things stop me from flying into SNA....or go to Disney we'll be going the beg. of August. Have a great trip and try to relax.

Kris

 

[cyclenut]

SNA is just fine. There is plenty of room to do a normal approach. They brake real hard and instead of coming to a near stop before turning, they do turn while still going a little faster than you might otherwise expect. Nothing too bad though.

The takeoff is a little different. They hold the brakes and spin up the engines and then release to get a good start. That is if they can't do a rolling start after the turn. In any case, the real odd part is that the takeoff includes a steeper than usual angle followed by a throttle back. They call it a noise abatement takeoff. It is perfectly safe but it feels weird. You are at a steep angle at full throttle and then the plane almost levels off and slows down. It feels like you are actually sinking, but you are just climbing more slowly. Many pilots announce the takeoff procedure during the taxi to the runway.

 

[Dobie]

What airline are you flying? The free wine/beer on Alaska makes all the difference!

 

[AustinTink]

What airline are you flying? The free wine/beer on Alaska makes all the difference!

What a jip!! I'm flying Continental. The "here's some free headphones...that will be $6 to watch TV" airline. $6 for beer and wine too.

 

[MyYearWithTheMouse]

Well, you can take 3 oz of your own booze in your carry-on

But as others have said, the two noticeable differences are heavy braking after landing and a steep ascent for noise abatement. Neither are very scary.

ttfn2u2pooh, I too was going to say that the one airport that makes me nervous is San Francisco! It's like one misstep and bam, you're in the bay.

I don't know how long your flight is, but many people find it helpful to take a Benadryl before flying. It will make you sleepy but also calmer. If you can nap on the plane, that might help you.

 

[Dr.Mickey]

I found no problems at all at SNA. Now, for a little recreation, check out the normal landing approach at St. Maarten Maho Beach. This was highlighted on Yahoo a few weeks ago. I've posted two videos. But there are a few hundred on YouTube. SNA will seem like a piece of cake.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=55NHf5QInt0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p7rpxf2Nx8Y&feature=related

 

[DizNee Luver]

Up to this last March I had only gotten on a plane heavily sedated.....this time I was not be able to do so. I was really worried about the landings & take offs. I did not find either to be an issue.....so if I can do it & not be freaking out.....you'll be fine!!!!

I'm actually looking forward to flying down next Feb. & that in itself is a miracle!!!!!

 

[RuthieT]

Never have had any bad experience with SNA.. now Salt Lake city now thats another story...

 

[*NikkiBell*]

I flew into SNA last year and out of it. Didn't notice anything unusual at all. Nice, smooth landing.