Now that regional jets are servicing Pangborn Memorial Airport in East Wenatchee, going to and from Seattle has gotten just a little bit faster (once a day at least ;-).
Soon enough, however, there will come a day when Horizon Air's Embraer 175s and other aircraft will be flying non-stop from Pangborn to other destinations throughout the Western United States.
The Chelan-Douglas Regional Port Authority, who operates the aerodrome, has been in consistent talks with other carriers for several years now regarding the potential for service from Pangborn to places like San Francisco, Portland (OR), Boise, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Las Vegas; and with the way the Wenatchee Valley continues to grow,
it's inevitable that cities like these will one day be accessible by hopping a jet out of little ol' East Wenatchee.
But why stop there? Let's dream big by exploring what it would be like to catch a plane at Pangborn and fly the friendliest of skies to some of the world's most popular destinations.
Now, we're talking non-stop service here, which in literal terms this would require Pangborn's runway and infrastructure to be greatly enlarged to accommodate the industry's biggest airplanes, or a magic wand that could charm the current E175s to somehow fly well beyond their standard range of 1,700 miles.
But in any event, our list is only a dream at this point, so let's allow the future to work out all of the particulars and just have some fun, shall we?!
Alright, before we board for takeoff there's just a few things you need to know about our itinerary. Firstly, our seven destinations were all inspired by Tripadvisor users who names the same seven places as their favorites for globetrotting by air. And secondly, that each one comes complete with a straight-line distance, approximate flight time, and a few bonus pieces of in-flight detail just for fun!
Okay! Our baggage has been checked and stowed, the engines are running, and that pantomimed safety demonstration by the cabin crew about the event of a water landing that no one ever pays any attention to is underway...so let's start going places!
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1st Stop: DUBAI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
The UAE has become increasingly popular with travelers in recent years, and it's easy to see why!
Dubai is a modern oasis rising high above the desert sands...very high, actually! Since it features the world's tallest building - Burj Khalifa - which is an astonishing 2,717 feet high!
The UAE's largest city (3.5 million) also features world class shopping and dining, as well as plenty of culture and history.
So how about it, future fliers? What do you think about Pangborn Memorial to Dubai International Airport?
Straight Line Distance: 7,406 mi.
Flight Time: 15h 03m
Suggested In-Flight Movie: Ishtar (c'mon, you know you wanna give it another chance;-)
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2nd Stop: BALI, INDONESIA
When it comes to exotic travel destinations around the globe, it's hard to top Bali.
Described by Tripadvisor users as a 'living postcard', we can clearly see why.
White sand beaches? Lush tropical jungles? Bountiful coral reefs? Crystal blue ocean waters?
Check, check, check, and check!
And it doesn't stop there! Bali also features a wealth of ancient stone temples and ruins, tons of culture and history, and even puckish monkeys everywhere to pal around with for a while!
Alright, what'd ya say? Pangborn Memorial to Ngurah Rai International Airport...it's on!
Straight Line Distance: 8,226 mi.
Flight Time: 16h 27m
Suggested In-Flight Beverage: Kopi Tubruk (coffee mixed with sugar and hot water poured straight into a glass without separating the coffee residue)
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3rd Stop: LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM
Since being founded in 47 AD, London has been sacked, invaded, and blitzkreiged numerous times...but it hasn't fallen down and awaits to offer trippers a wide array of fun times and great memories.
From Big Ben and Buckingham Palace to the Tower Bridge and its famous Underground, London is one iconic experience after another. And best of all perhaps...everyone speaks English! Albeit with a bit of an accent that will force you to fine tune your ears. Oh, and speaking of ears, don't forget all the Corgi dogs too!
Oh boy! I just know you're there! Pangborn Memorial to Heathrow Airport, here we come!
Straight Line Distance: 4,738 mi.
Flight Time: 10h 05m
Suggested In-Flight Earbud Music: The Beatles, The Rolling Stones, Queen, David Bowie, Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Phil Collins, Rod Stewart, Adele, Harry Styles, and Sting. Just hit shuffle already!
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4th Stop: ROME, ITALY
Just like London, Rome has been making globe trekkers happy for centuries.
Open-air markets, vibrant culture, al fresco dining featuring some of the finest food on the planet, and all surrounded by nearly 2,800 years of history - much of which is still standing and waiting to be explored!
Rome may not have been built in a day, but in this fantasy, you can certainly get there from Pangborn Memorial in just one! So what are you waiting for?!
Straight Line Distance: 5,620 mi.
Flight Time: 11h 46m
Suggested In-Flight Meal: Lasagna...just to remind you how bad the airlines' version is once you get there and have the real thing!
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5th Stop: PARIS, FRANCE
Say, "bonjour" to what is still considered the most romantic city on Earth.
For lovers and livers of life of all kinds alike, Paris delivers an unparalleled travel experience.
The French capital is teeming with some of the world's finest art, music, and cuisine., along with iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Arc de Triomphe, and the Cathedral of Notre Dame.
If you can hear Paris calling, it's time to answer by jet-setting from Pangborn Memorial to Charles de Gaulle International Airport.
Straight Line Distance: 4,950 mi.
Flight Time: 10h 29m
Suggested In-Flight Snack: Chocolate croissant
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6th Stop: CANCUN, MEXICO
From party-hungry spring breakers to sun-loving families, Cancun is a surefire hit for just about anyone.
Of course there's plenty of sandy beaches, the warm waters of the Caribbean, and lots of nightlife and other fun. But Mexico's Yucatan Peninsula also features layer after layer of history and culture, including some of the most significant Mayan ruins to be found anywhere in Central America.
Alright, I know you're sold. So grab your shades and let's board the next flight from Pangborn Memorial to Cancun International Airport!
Straight Line Distance: 2,334 mi.
Flight Time: 6h 05m
Suggested Carry On Items: Snorkel, sunscreen, and a squeeze of lime!
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7th Stop: CRETE, GREECE
When trying to decide on where to go for vacation, it's kinda hard to argue with the place where Zeus himself was born.
Crete has not only been attracting international leisure seekers since the 20th Century, but has also been an enchanting draw for travelers going back to ancient times.
This sun-soaked island in the Mediterranean imbues its mythology into every one of its guests with a bevy of ancient ruins and an indigenous population whose roots trace back to the pantheon of gods that gave our modern world its namesakes for the very months and days we live and breathe on Planet Earth.
If you cherish being human in any way, shape or form, then you can't miss Crete. It's often said that nearly everyone who goes there feels like they've truly gone home again.
Straight Line Distance: 6,327 mi.
Flight Time: 13h 05m
Suggested In-Flight Book: Zorba the Greek

 

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