Weekend trip to Niagara Falls?

Trogdor

Pre-takeoff checklist
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Trogdor
Anyone have any experience flying into KIAG or the vicinity, parking over the weekend, getting transport etc.

I see Calspan Aviation is at KIAG. Has anyone used them before? I’m basically looking to fly in on a Friday, arrive around noon, get some transport, come back Monday morning and fly home.

Just looking for general travel advice on how best to take the fam up to the Falls.
 
I did it once a few years ago. I got a rental car through Hertz delivered and returned to the FBO— they didn’t realize at first that I was flying in privately and they only staff around the commercial flights, but once we established when and where I was going to be they had no issue leaving the car.

We stayed on the Canadian side, but I’m not sure what the border situation is these days.
 
Apparently, it’s open now I think for fully vaccinated folks. Hooray. So did you schedule the rental with the FBO or outside of the FBO?

I was thinking of staying at the Holiday Inn right across the street and use the car to bounce around the area.
 
I scheduled with Hertz directly. The Hertz office on the field called me when they saw that my pickup time didn’t correspond to any of the commercial flight arrivals and at that point we worked out them leaving it for me at the FBO.
 
We went a few years before Covid, landed at KIAG. We cabbed to the Canadian side, likely not an option now. Things were close enough, no need for a rental car. I’d check prices to see if you need a car, maybe more spread out on NY side.

As long as most is open, good choice for a short get-a-way.
 
Suggest you research flight over “ Scenic Falls”.

It was 2200 Msl and clockwise pattern AT ONE TIME.

Part of the flight is over Canada but considered US airspace.

BUF APP sort of monitors but does not control traffic.

Are you planning on Maid of the Mist and Cave of the Winds?

While they issue ponchos you may want dry clothing on hand.

Niagara Air Museum is on field and may be open. Lots of Bell stuff.

Jet port Restaurant very close and could to good with kids.

Como at the Airport is walking distance away.

Outlet Mall is nearby with typical chains.

Casino close to falls has buffet and upscale dining.

Fair amount of things to see so do homework for what you like.

Some shut down after Labor Day.

They do have a “ train “ that will save your feet to get around.
 
We went a few years before Covid, landed at KIAG. We cabbed to the Canadian side, likely not an option now. Things were close enough, no need for a rental car. I’d check prices to see if you need a car, maybe more spread out on NY side.

As long as most is open, good choice for a short get-a-way.

I believe it is open now.
 
Be careful and current with rental car arrangements. We’ve found that the rental companies have significantly reduced their fleets and their services, especially the services that GA fliers often depend on. What was a mixup and fix 2-3 years ago getting a car to a GA FBO user has turned into a “no can do” for me on a couple of occasions recently.

I’m primarily a Hertz user but will use whatever is available failing Hertz.


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