### Swanson, Brian (OST)

From:. 

## s'ent:· To: 

### Subject:

Good morning. 

### ...

Thomas Stoffel <Thomas.Stoffel@ascensus.com> Monday, August 13, 2012 11:00 AM Swanson, Brian (OST) Brainerd Regional Airport Service

Iwould like to encourage the choice ofSky West as EAS carrierto the Brainers Lakes Regional Airport.

### ~a frequent business travelerfrom Brainerd with afamily memberwho is disabled Ican't imagine a better choice.
Much has been said about the advantages ofthe Sky West selection in terms ofthe Delta frequent flyer program. While that is a consideration, what is more importantfor me is to be able to complete my business travel without disruption and in atimely 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 Iget there. Seat selection at the time ofticketing ratherthan atthe time ofcheck in. Carryon luggage capacity in the cabin to insure a minimum of stress on delicate electronics. All ofthese items would remain with the Sky West choice and in addition to being able to continue my travel beyond Minneapolis on Delta Iwill be able to expand my options with the same seamless travel on United and US Air. Hopefully the change ofcarriers 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 foraweek. Lastly Iwould like to share an experience Iwitnessed this past June. Traveling on myflight was ayoung couple, one of whom.was in awheel chair. Itwas apparentto 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 timeofthis 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 herwith her lifeless legs up the stairs. Isee this as a dignity issue and my heart ached forthis young couple who have to endure such obstacles. Yes thejet bridge in BRD will accommodate us all including the seniors in our area but it seems like an injusticeto have such afacility 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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