Flying the Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner, the one-of-a-kind turboprop that’s become an AvGeek delight
Did you know that it is possible for a plane to simultaneously be cramped and roomy?
I didn't, either, until I recently took a flight aboard one of the most unique passenger planes flying in the U.S. right now, the Fairchild Swearingen Metroliner. This plane was popular with regional airlines in the 1980s and 1990s, but now just a single airline operates it — and on a single route.
I recently flew this plane on that route, from Denver International Airport (DEN) to Alliance Municipal Airport (AIA) in Nebraska and back — service subsidized by the federal government's Essential Air Service program, which provides a subsidy to airlines to maintain air carrier service to small airports that would not otherwise be commercially viable. This Metroliner is operated by Key Lime Air, which brands its passenger operations as Denver Air Connection and receives approximately $2.4 million a year in subsidies from the U.S. Department of Transportation to operate this route.
The plane, manufactured in Texas, is affectionately nicknamed the "San Antonio Sewer Pipe." A quick look inside, and you can easily see how it got the "sewer pipe" nickname — thankfully only in shape, not in smell.
This aircraft is designed to hold 19 passengers, but for regulatory reasons, it is configured to hold just nine in a 1:1 configuration. Keeping the capacity at nine allows Key Lime Air/Denver Air Connection to employ pilots with fewer flight hours than are required to work at larger regional airlines. This provides a lifeline to smaller airlines that desperately need pilots to operate these unique aircraft, and it provides those pilots with an opportunity to build their time toward working at larger airlines, a win-win for both sides.
It's also mostly a win for passengers. As a result of the nine-seat cap, this plane features some of the best legroom you can find anywhere. But there is a trade-off: The seats are rather small, and the seat in the first row on the right side of the plane actually has very little legroom.
Not that you're on the plane for that long. The flight from Denver to Alliance took just 34 minutes, while the return took a slightly longer 49 minutes, thanks to headwinds and some vectoring that was required to sequence us into the busy airport.
The route is 180 miles as the crow flies, and 244 miles by road. In fact, I can report that a one-way Uber from the Denver airport to the Alliance airport would have cost just $248 (before tip) that afternoon. How do I know? During a slight predeparture delay caused by malfunctioning ground service equipment, someone on board looked it up as a last-resort alternative. Split four ways, that would've been $62 — or just $13 more than I paid for my one-way flight to Alliance.
Both my actual flights were uneventful. As with many small propeller planes, the cabin was loud, so noise-canceling headphones are a must. The little Metroliner also felt very susceptible to turbulence. We encountered some moderate clear-air turbulence en route from Denver to Alliance that really gave us a nice jolt — something that would have likely been a much smoother ride in a larger jet-powered aircraft.
A memorable experience in Alliance
Perhaps the most interesting part of the experience was the actual airport in Alliance.
When I arrived in Alliance, a city in western Nebraska with a population of 8,151, I needed a boarding pass. Denver Air Connection doesn't let you purchase a round-trip, same-day, out-and-back DEN-AIA-DEN reservation. Its reservation system requires at least 60 minutes of time on the ground — I was only scheduled to be on the ground for 25 minutes — so I was on two separate reservations. But the customer service agent working the check-in desk at DEN told me not to worry. While he couldn't check me in for AIA-DEN, he said he'd "send a message" to the station in Alliance to let them know I was coming and to not cancel my inbound reservation.
One of the real utilities of the Alliance flight is that Denver Air Connection interlines with United Airlines at its Denver hub. It's not a codeshare, or United Express, but when Alliance residents plan on traveling somewhere beyond Denver, they're able to purchase their entire reservation on United.com. They receive a boarding pass at the Alliance airport for both their Denver Air Connection flight and their United flight, and checked bags will be delivered to their United flight as well. For instance, a passenger in front of me held a boarding pass for a United Express flight that would take him to Knoxville, Tennessee, after we landed in DEN.
As I deplaned, I told the agent by the door to the terminal that I still needed to check in. "I need to finish unloading the bags — just go to the counter and wait for me and I'll be with you in a few minutes," she said.
What I found was a small waiting area, complete with some vending machines and standard-issue Transportation Security Administration posters. A couple of chairs were also set up. A deputy from the sheriff's department was there, presumably to help provide security.
As for the agent I encountered earlier by the door, she seemed extra familiar as she checked me in. She'd appeared in a memorable video by Noel Philips, a United Kingdom-based aviation vlogger who’s made a name for himself with videos that feature him flying obscure aircraft in obscure locations. The agent, who was just as friendly to me as she was to Noel, mentioned that she sees a lot of AvGeeks passing through Alliance to do exactly what I was doing. My reservation, it turns out, was never at risk of being canceled. She expects AvGeeks by default.
Perhaps the most unexpected part of my experience was going through TSA screening in Alliance. Who knew that I would be able to experience full TSA PreCheck at one of the least-used commercial service airports in the lower 48 states, provided by some of the nicest TSA officers I've encountered? I was expecting to get wanded or a pat-down — not the experience I’m used to at much larger airports.
More: Why you should get TSA PreCheck and Clear — and how you can save on both
There were four TSA officers working the checkpoint that day. Remember, the Metroliner (the only airline service at AIA) holds nine passengers. Most days, there are two departures from Alliance — and some days just one departure. TSA has minimum staffing requirements for its checkpoints, but four officers for a maximum of nine passengers at a time is an impressive ratio!
The friendly agent working the ID-check station was so excited when she noticed I had TSA PreCheck. There are so few passengers that there was no confusion about which bags got PreCheck and which didn't, so this was the real deal, full PreCheck experience. "PreCheck Lite" — when TSA requires you to sometimes take liquids and/or electronics out of your bag — was not required in Alliance!
It all happened in a relatively small room. With a full load of nine passengers on the return flight to Denver (we were also full on the way to Alliance), four TSA officers and the standard-issue bulky screening equipment that you'd find at any major airport, space was tight.
Soon it was time to board. As you'd imagine, no boarding groups here — or even boarding pass scanners. Just a quick tear of our boarding pass and we were good to go. The first officer checked our boarding pass again at the plane, and soon we were off.
It was a surprisingly long taxi to Runway 30 at AIA for departure. For its low number of passengers, Alliance Municipal is actually a surprisingly large airport — a former Army airfield that was used during World War II.
I sat closer to the front on the return to Denver, allowing for some neat flight deck views. Denver Approach Control routed us over the airport, so we also got some great AvGeek views of an actually large airport.
But now my time riding the only Metroliner route in the U.S. had come to an end. I enjoyed every minute of it. From the unique plane to the unique TSA experience in Alliance, I'll be talking about this trip for a long time.
If you'd like to experience this flight as well, tickets are $49 each way, bookable on Denver Air Connection's website. Connecting itineraries can be purchased on United.com.
From June 1, the Metroliner gets a second Nebraska EAS route. That's when Denver Air Connection will begin service from Denver to McCook Ben Nelson Regional Airport (MCK). It's a route that's 38 miles longer than Alliance. The more time in the Metroliner, the better ... right?
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
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- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
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- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
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Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.