Swanson, Brian (OST) 

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s'ent:· 

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Subject: 

Good morning. 

... 

Thomas Stoffel <Thomas.Stoffel@ascensus.com> 

Monday, August 13, 2012 11:00 AM 

Swanson, Brian (OST) 

Brainerd Regional Airport Service 

I would like to encourage the choice of Sky West as EAS carrier to the Brainers Lakes Regional Airport. ~a frequent 

business traveler from Brainerd with a family member who is disabled I can't imagine a better choice. 

Much has been said about the advantages of the Sky West selection in terms of the Delta frequent flyer program. While 

that is a consideration, what is more important for me is to be able to complete my business travel without disruption 

and in a timely manner. The Sky West option would continue the seamless travel we currently enjoy with the Delta 

carriers. One luggage check in, knowing that my bags will generally be at my location when I get there. Seat selection at 

the time of ticketing rather than at the time of check in. Carryon luggage capacity in the cabin to insure a minimum of 

stress on delicate electronics. All of these items would remain with the Sky West choice and in addition to being able to 

continue my travel beyond Minneapolis on Delta I will be able to expand my options with the same seamless travel on 

United and US Air. Hopefully the change of carriers will bring some stability to the schedules in an.d out of BRD. The 

current schedule does not accommodate business travelers in any way. There are no early morning flights out of BRD 

and no late nights to BRD. This can add as much as two days to my week if I don't choose to drive to MSP and park my 

car for a week. 

Lastly I would like to share an experience I witnessed this past June. Traveling on my flight was a young couple, one of 

whom. was in a wheel chair. It was apparent to me that this woman. was no.t injured but this chair would be with her for 

the remainder of her life. The jet bridge at Brainerd was not operational at the time of this trip. While the ground 

personnel in BRD tried to accommodate this couple and assist they chose to wheel the chair to the steps the wife 

then clasped her hands around her husband's neck and he carried her with her lifeless legs up the stairs. I see this as a 

dignity issue and my heart ached for this young couple who have to endure such obstacles. Yes the jet bridge in BRD 

will accommodate us all including the seniors in our area but it seems like an injustice to have such a facility and force 

people out into the weather and to climb steps to get into a smaller aircraft when the CRJ was an option. 

Thank you for your consideration. 

Tom Stoffel, CISP 

Ascensus; Technical Consultant/Trainer 

P.O. Box 979 

Brainerd, MN 56401 

Phone:218-825-5179 

fax:218-825-5011 

www.Ascensus.com 

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