As an aviation journalist and a commercial pilot, I've been to scores of FBOs all across the country. From luxury resorts to ho-hum destinations, the FBO makes a huge difference in a pilot's (and their passengers') experience. There are crappy ones, good ones, and- much more rarely- great ones. Lux Air is a great one.
It's not the building. Lux is really nice, but it's no Puerto Vallarta or San Diego or Montana. But the building does NOT make the FBO. Atlantic, for example, has a really big and impressive FBO in Utah and a few other places, but their customer service is crap. If you waltz up to an Atlantic (or a Millionaire, or an ACI, or...) in a Cessna 150, you'll witness that FBO's "true colors." They'll treat you like a red-headed stepchild with a lisp. And I'll just say that most FBOs only care about jets with $3000 ramp fees and 2000 gallon fuel
Orders. Not so with Lux.
Even pulling up, literally, in a Cessna 150, they sent out a ramper, marshalled us in, carried our bags, brought a golf cart, got us a loaner car, offered us water, answered questions, took a fuel order, waited for us patiently, and even asked us about our trip and home base, all without a hint of irony. I've rarely encountered more helpful people. And they were smiling and enthusiastic, and kind. They offered us drinks and food and directions and recommendations and a million other things. I was blown away. The most incredible part: they DIDN'T charge us a ramp or an overnight fee. Even with a paltry 7-gallon fill up! We're we in the Twilight Zone?
Also, their 100 LL fuel price did not come with a tube of Vaseline and the business card of a sex-assault counselor (the way Palm Springs or Burbank should). It was only .50 cents more than the cheapest fuel at any nearby airport.
They had snacks and crew cars and flight planning rooms and sleep couches and everything the rip-off people have. But with courteous, kind, cheerful, efficient service. It's the PEOPLE that make an FBO, and these folks- shout out to Hunter and the other front desk staff- really stand out.
I can't say enough about Lux Air. I'd stop into Goodyear JUST to experience their service. What a great FBO. Thank you for showing others how it's done. read more