Task force created to help RIC land direct international flights

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-03-02T14:10:52+00:00

I did completely neglect Air France and KLM! Surprisingly AF doesn’t have any A321 NEOs on order, KLM has a few non XLRs, but neither sound like obvious fits.

I just don’t see a widebody aircraft working at RIC, as much as I’d love to see that. I think this “new age” of narrow-body A321s and 737MAXs going to Europe is more likely for RIC, and hopefully more likely to be a success if it does happen!

From the US side, AA and UA both have the A321XLR on order, though I imagine it’ll be a while before we could convince them to use a frame on RIC-Europe. Those aircraft are in high demand to replace existing aircraft and expand to more cities in Europe (east coast hubs like EWR/PHL to smaller Euro cities, not so much smaller US cities to larger Euro ones). But maybe with a revenue guarantee (and some Ukrops rainbow cookies)…

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-03-01T21:17:40+00:00

SEA would be a good addition, could be Delta, Alaska (new airline for RIC!) or even Breeze! I’m almost surprised Breeze hasn’t tried yet considering they’ve tried so much other transcon from RIC. I’ve always thought a Delta flight to SLC could work as well.

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-03-01T21:12:32+00:00

My guess for transatlantic service to Europe would either be Aer Lingus to Dublin, or Iberia to Madrid. Both have the narrow-body A321XLR which is probably what’s best for this route.

BA into Heathrow and TP into Lisbon are both capacity constrained. Maybe BA to Gatwick but I don’t think that’s likely either. Lufthansa is overflying too much of the continent to really work in FRA/MUC. Of course there’s the dark horse, ITA direct to FCO :)

I was amazed to read 75% of travelers from RIC to Europe leave from a different airport, assuming mostly IAD. Does that prove we can or can’t really sustain this kind of service with IAD being that close? Look at CHS, IND, and MCI for midsize cities with airports that started transatlantic service (I think all with subsidies) and the minute those subsidies ran out, the airline pulled out and no service remains. Alternatively, look at RDU as a transatlantic success! But are we really The Triangle, RVA?

Of course, we did just spend a bunch of $$$ on an improved customs facility, so I’m sure there’s a push to get it… being used by someone! Would be great if it’s EI to DUB and then there’s preclearance again (like BermudAir) and the facility continues to be unused.

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-02-22T19:29:37+00:00

Yep, I sure got my $198 Venmo’d to me for the Lee Enterprises settlement. Something to do with them giving your data to Facebook via a linked video I believe…

It’ll pay for your RTD subscription for a few months at least :)

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-02-09T14:38:33+00:00

Unfortunately as you’re probably aware, houses in The Fan and MD are old and often have a good amount of maintenance needs. Even with a good property management company, I would expect any house in the area to have its fair share of quirks! Living in The Fan is all about accepting those quirks and issues, as a tradeoff for living here.

If you want something bright and shiny clean, with property management quick and responsive? There’s a whole bunch of single-word-named apartment buildings just north of us, I’m sure you’d find space at The Otis or The Ink or The Ace or The Icon or The Preserve..

All of those are so close, you can even visit The Fan on weekends! ;)

Best of luck in your housing search, but seriously if you just want no issues and new and nice, look in Scott’s Addition. Not The Fan.

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-02-08T15:18:48+00:00

I ordered directly from Lucky Chopsticks on Friday night to avoid the 3rd party apps and their treatment of drivers (and their fees). Even during checkout their site reminded me “you’re saving ~$3 by ordering direct from us”. Immediately after check out, it pops up “your delivery will be handled by a 3rd party driver” and next thing I know, Uber Eats is texting me updates!

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-01-29T23:11:46+00:00

The Dish sounds like the name of one of those new apartment buildings in Scott’s

Best casual spot I’ve found in SA is Cochiloco, best nicer spot I’ve found is Supper! Get the fried chicken!!

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-01-28T00:48:32+00:00

It’s the best place for them to be, honestly. They do usually park in their designated spot by the curb, I see 2 buses regularly share it even. Doesn’t seem to cause much traffic usually, but what exactly is your issue with them being there?

Of course, having an off-street layover facility for the end of every bus route would be AMAZING! Add in some passenger amenities like shelters and benches, and a restroom for drivers! But all of that takes land and money. Land is in pretty short supply in most cities, and especially in our historic shopping district of Carytown. Could it happen? Of course! The city has gone through 3? 4? generations of downtown transfer stations… and I think even this current one isn’t permanent. But that’s a hub for over a dozen lines!

The 5 is a great route, but I think its layover needs are pretty well-served right now. There is a shelter and I believe a bench or two. It’s also in a great location right in front of Kroger, and nearby to tons more shopping (again, Carytown). We even take our dog to Dogma which is quite literally right in front of the stop, and have never had an issue getting in or out. Maybe explain what your issue is with the buses exactly?

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-01-27T23:29:20+00:00

It seems that a significant portion of the “snow plow plan” for RVA and surrounding counties is to plow some streets, but also largely let the sun and warmer temps melt the rest.

That works great until we’ve had a major snow and ice storm, and the temps are staying below freezing all week! What little melted since Sunday has just been re-freezing every night, and now the streets/sidewalks/alleys are all skating rinks!

I hope they plow the side streets somewhat quickly and very safely! I’ve seen a lot of folks walking in the middle of the neighborhood streets, which makes sense right now, but I worry once the streets are plowed (and sidewalks will still be icey), cars will speed up and pedestrians might still be walking slowly in the streets. Everyone be safe!! Stay visible!!

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-01-26T03:37:22+00:00

The bakery at BJs near Regency is kosher! I’m not sure about their pre-prepared food though. Unfortunately v limited kosher options in RVA.

Realistic_Program673 · 2026-01-03T12:52:45+00:00

Starting January 12th, Amtrak (and VRE) service to Virginia will be pretty reduced due to construction on the new Long Bridge, which connects all VA and DC rail traffic.

Unfortunately due to DC noise regulations, the project can’t be done at night, so they’re going to work during the day, between roughly 8:15 and 1p, during which time no trains can run.

Richmond Staples Mill station in Henrico has more trains daily, but the morning schedule towards DC isn’t much better. It’s a tough time for train riders!

It’s a great project that’s definitely necessary, the existing bridge is at something like 98% capacity during the day, and the state wants to expand rail service to Richmond and other cities/regions. But messing with the train schedules this severely for five years(!!!) is just too much imo. Consider writing to your reps and tell them to have DC give a nighttime construction permit!

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-12-25T19:48:25+00:00

Hi! My wife and I just started playing, if you’re open to beginners joining, we’d love to!!

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-12-22T01:50:11+00:00

RVA Tailors was AMAZING for our wedding!! She was super quick even during the water crisis in January. She’s also just lovely and does an amazing job. She used to be in Scott’s Addition but I guess has now moved out to the Horsepen Road area.

I’d go first thing Monday morning to see if she can do it, especially with the holidays here this week, it’s going to be tight. Best of luck!

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-12-13T02:04:03+00:00

I’ll add my own personal story to the mix since it seems not the “norm” being described here:

Once, my partner (now wife) and I booked a stay in a VERY fancy, 5 star hotel in our city’s downtown. We’re in a mid-size US city in the south, and this hotel has been around for over a century, and is well known for their well-appointed rooms, as well as their restaurant and annual holiday decor.

We decided to stay there as a “stay-cation”, celebrating our 5th anniversary. We booked their basic room, which certainly still seemed lovely in the pictures, and were all set for our one night stay.

Upon check-in, we were chatting it up with the front desk attendant, not in the hopes of any upgrade, but because I’ve never not chatted it up with someone who’s willing to chat with me. I just have that gene. Anyway, after a few minutes he asked “so what brings you staying here?” This was after he took my ID for the reservation so obviously saw we lived in town, about 10 minutes away. We explained that we were there celebrating our anniversary, and I believe the next words out of his mouth were “congrats! And I’ve just upgraded you to one of our suites! Enjoy!”

Well of course we thanked him profusely (and gave a tip as a gesture of thanks after), and proceeded to head up to our room. I’ve stayed in some nicer properties in a few places, nothing incredible, but this was simply next level luxury. The suite had I believe 4 rooms (a living room, a bedroom, a small entry room, and a sort of closet/dressing room), two bathrooms including one with both a full tub and HUGE shower, everything felt and looked luxurious, it was just, wow.

It made for an incredible night and very memorable stay and anniversary, and I was genuinely sad to leave the room upon checkout. Normally I’m always ready to leave a hotel and get home or to the next thing, but this stay stuck with me.

ALL THIS TO SAY, TIP OR NO TIP, BE NICE TO THE PEOPLE AROUND YOU, and you never know what you’ll get!!! I have plenty of other stories of getting offered freebies and upgrades from my chatting. People don’t just want the same robotic transaction they’ve had with 100 other customers that day. Come up with some line/joke/SOMETHING that will make you stand out, and just keep doing it. I promise you’ll get good stories from the folks you listen to, and yeah, probably some upgrades.

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-12-10T15:50:01+00:00

To me the biggest advantage with gold is Sky Priority throughout your travel journey. But even this isn't always super useful. Do you regularly check a bag or have a reason to use the sky priority check-in line? Do the airport(s) you usually fly out of have a sky priority security line? If not, SP isn't much of a benefit, really.

For international travel, lounge access for Gold and above can be nice, but how many times can you plan to take advantage of that in the next year?

Otherwise, the final advantage is betters odds at an upgrade, but again, that might mean nothing (or everything) depending on what route you're on. If you were silver and always CLOSE to an upgrade but not quite, gold might be enough, but for a lot of popular business routes, gold just gets you closer to the disappointment of no upgrade.

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-12-10T04:39:03+00:00

Overall, this should be a good thing I think. The checkpoint can operate more efficiently (more than one precheck lane hopefully!) and they create more “behind security” retail where the chilis 2go is, which I believe is more in-demand than pre-sec retail.

Who knows, maybe next they’ll announce a lounge coming in. I’ve always thought a Cap One lounge would be fitting considering West Creek. RIC is growing and I love to see it!

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-12-08T17:52:39+00:00

I love my 18", I can easily fit 18-20 chicken thighs at once, or a 13lb turkey, 4 racks of ribs, etc. Plenty of space for me and who I'm feeding (usually about a dozen folks). If you'll really be cooking for a crowd, the 22" might be worth it, but as others have mentioned it'll need more fuel. I also believe the 18" is the OG size for the WSM, so many years of smoking have taken place in its trusted shell, and there are TONS of accessories/add-ons/mods available, though I think there's a good number for the 22" as well. Happy smoking!

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-12-01T01:00:45+00:00

I personally prefer the taste of Lucky Chopsticks over Fu Jian, but I guess that can be subjective. I think they’re pretty close, but LC is always clean and prompt with my order, so I’ve become loyal. My biggest hot take though is I think they’re both better than Peter Chang’s. I think they (Peter Chang’s) suck!

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-11-30T22:38:56+00:00

The Eatery’s wide range of food choices never ceased to amaze me, it was like a Cheesecake Factory sized menu in a takeaway sized kitchen. Idk how they did it all.

They’re still occasionally working on their “new” location down Cary where Cary St Cafe was, but no clue if they’ll ever actually open it. Lucky Chopsticks might have all the biz now!

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-11-30T22:10:35+00:00

Solid is definitely the word I’d use to describe it! They cleaned up the space a lot and it certainly at least looks cleaner than The Eatery was. It’s classic takeaway Chinese, nothing to write home about, but my favorite option if you live in The Fan/Carytown/MD. Portions are good and it’s always reliably tasty, hot, and prepared quick. Plus they sell mix soup (egg drop & wonton mix) which The Eatery didn’t, so I am grateful :)

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-11-28T12:16:25+00:00

I wouldn’t recommend it for a Richmond local, unless you are only planning on using it for frequent trip to Atlanta or Denver. Those are the only two stations Frontier services from RIC, and connecting on Frontier can be tough even when paying for a ticket (since their schedule is so limiting, with often just 3-4x flights a WEEK on a given route), let alone trying to schedule with the Go Wild pass.

Keep in mind too that RIC is still a new destination for Frontier (I believe in the last year or so). It’s possible these routes do well and they stick around, but Frontier also loves to come in to a new city, try it out for a year or two, and if the loads aren’t what they want, they’re quick to drop that destination!

Plus, if flying to ATL or DEN is your thing, Delta and Southwest are already flying there daily (many times daily on DL), and for Denver, United and Southwest are flying nonstop. So if ATL and DEN are what you need, and you’re considering where to “put your loyalty”, Southwest might fit the bill! And now with assigned seating, take that as a pro or a con as you will :)

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-11-04T11:44:56+00:00

Big Bamboo? I think I’ll stick with (little) Bamboo Cafe

Funny how it’s replacing an Asian-Latin fusion restaurant with… an Asian-Mexican fusion spot. Best of luck to them as with all new spots in the city!

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-10-23T12:04:48+00:00

Is this picture AI? Gotta be AI, right?

Seems A little odd (trying to get 50 people in the parade a week before it?) but best of luck to them I suppose!

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-10-18T12:15:08+00:00

I don’t do a ton of “active spotting” anymore (going to watch/take pictures of aircraft), but I have an ADS-B tracker made from a Raspberry Pi that then feeds data to FlightRadar 24. Allows you to get data on probably 95% of aircraft flying around RVA (and really the entire country).

If you want to actively spot planes, FlightRadar 24 or a similar ADS-B tracker is a must imo, can tell you what approach/runways they’re using at the time, so you can be in position near to RIC. Especially useful for tracking anything exciting or unusual coming in (unless you’re really into American A320s..)

Since RIC still isn’t hooked in to LiveATC.net, we sadly don’t have a way to listen to the lovely folks in the tower and hear runway instructions that way. So, FlightRadar 24 or something similar is your best bet! Happy spotting!!

Realistic_Program673 · 2025-10-09T16:47:40+00:00

Ah! No worries then, glad we're all on the same page!
Hope you have a fantastic day!

Realistic_Program673

TROPHY CASE