The length of air journey between Phoenix, Arizona, and San Antonio, Texas, is usually between two and two and a half hours for a nonstop flight. A number of elements can affect the precise time within the air, reminiscent of wind situations, air visitors management, and the precise flight path taken. Connecting flights, which contain a layover in one other metropolis, will considerably enhance the general journey time, probably including a number of hours to the journey.
Understanding typical flight durations is important for efficient journey planning. Correct time estimations enable vacationers to create practical itineraries, reduce potential disruptions, and make knowledgeable selections about connecting flights, floor transportation, and lodging bookings. Historic flight information, whereas not a assure of future efficiency, can provide useful insights into common flight occasions and potential variations.
This data serves as a basis for exploring associated matters such because the airways that service this route, the frequency of flights, one of the best time of 12 months to e-book for optimum pricing, and the assorted facilities supplied by totally different airways. Additional investigation may additionally think about various transportation choices, like driving or taking a prepare, and evaluating their respective journey occasions and prices.
1. Distance
Distance performs an important function in figuring out flight length. The additional aside two cities are geographically, the longer the flight will sometimes take. Understanding the space between Phoenix and San Antonio supplies a foundational understanding of why the flight length falls inside a selected vary.
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Geographical Distance
The flight path between Phoenix Sky Harbor Worldwide Airport (PHX) and San Antonio Worldwide Airport (SAT) is roughly 980 miles. This represents the shortest potential distance an plane can journey between the 2 airports, ignoring elements like air visitors management routing. This geographical distance instantly correlates to the baseline flight length.
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Impression of Flight Path Variations
Whereas the geographical distance stays fixed, the precise flight path taken by an plane can differ resulting from elements like climate methods and air visitors congestion. These variations can add to the overall distance flown, thereby growing the flight length. For instance, a flight needing to deviate round a thunderstorm will cowl an extended distance than a flight on a transparent day.
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Relationship Between Distance and Gas Consumption
An extended distance necessitates higher gas consumption. Plane weight, together with gas load, impacts flight effectivity. Airways rigorously calculate gas necessities primarily based on distance and anticipated flight situations. This calculation instantly influences operational prices and, in excessive instances, may require a refueling cease, considerably impacting journey time.
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Distance In comparison with Different Modes of Transport
Understanding the space between Phoenix and San Antonio additionally permits for comparisons with different modes of transportation. The 980-mile journey interprets to a major driving time, sometimes exceeding 14 hours. This comparability highlights the time-saving benefit of air journey, particularly over longer distances.
In conclusion, distance is a basic issue influencing flight length. The 980-mile separation between Phoenix and San Antonio varieties the idea for the anticipated two to two-and-a-half-hour flight time. Recognizing the impression of flight path variations, gas consumption, and evaluating air journey to different modes of transportation supplies a extra complete understanding of how distance shapes the journey expertise.
2. Plane Kind
Plane kind considerably influences flight length between Phoenix and San Antonio. Completely different plane possess various cruising speeds, impacting journey time. As an example, a contemporary jetliner just like the Airbus A320 or Boeing 737, generally used on this route, cruises at roughly 500-550 mph. A smaller regional jet, such because the Embraer E175, sometimes cruises at a decrease pace, probably growing flight length. Whereas the space stays fixed, the plane’s pace dictates the time required to cowl that distance. Subsequently, understanding the kind of plane working a selected flight can present perception into the anticipated journey time.
The selection of plane additionally will depend on passenger demand and airline operational methods. Airways make the most of bigger plane on high-demand routes, optimizing effectivity by transporting extra passengers per flight. Conversely, smaller plane serve lower-demand routes or act as feeder flights to bigger hubs. This operational technique influences the forms of plane out there for the Phoenix to San Antonio route and consequently, the potential vary of flight durations. For instance, throughout peak journey seasons, airways may deploy bigger, sooner plane to accommodate elevated passenger quantity, probably resulting in barely shorter flight occasions.
In abstract, plane kind performs a key function in figuring out flight time. Cruising pace, instantly associated to plane design and engine efficiency, is a main issue. Airline operational selections concerning plane deployment additional affect the forms of plane serving particular routes. Contemplating these elements supplies a extra correct estimation of journey time between Phoenix and San Antonio. Understanding the interaction of plane kind and flight length empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable selections and handle expectations concerning their journey.
3. Air Visitors Management
Air visitors management (ATC) performs a vital function in figuring out flight length between Phoenix and San Antonio. ATC directs plane actions for security and effectivity, impacting flight paths and, consequently, flight occasions. Holding patterns, altitude changes, and floor delays, all directed by ATC, can add to the general length of a flight. As an example, if an plane is positioned in a holding sample resulting from congestion on the vacation spot airport, the flight time will probably be longer than anticipated. Equally, if ATC directs a much less direct flight path for spacing or climate avoidance, this provides to the space flown and will increase the general flight time. Congestion at main hubs en route, like Dallas/Fort Price, can even trigger delays that cascade to different flights, impacting arrival occasions in San Antonio.
The impression of ATC extends past airborne delays. Floor delays, issued earlier than departure, can considerably impression total journey time. These delays, usually attributable to airport congestion or opposed climate situations on the vacation spot, contribute to prolonged journey durations. For instance, if a floor delay is issued in Phoenix resulting from heavy fog in San Antonio, the flight will depart later than scheduled, instantly growing the overall journey time for passengers. Moreover, floor delays can have ripple results, inflicting delays for connecting flights and probably disrupting journey plans. Understanding the potential impression of ATC selections, each within the air and on the bottom, helps vacationers respect the complexity of air journey and the elements influencing flight length.
In abstract, ATC’s affect on flight length is substantial. Whereas usually unseen by passengers, ATC selections concerning routing, holding patterns, altitude changes, and floor delays instantly impression journey time. Recognizing this affect emphasizes the significance of ATC in sustaining secure and environment friendly air journey. Planning for potential ATC-related delays contributes to a extra practical understanding of journey time between Phoenix and San Antonio. This understanding permits vacationers to handle expectations and mitigate the impression of potential disruptions to their itineraries.
4. Climate Circumstances
Climate situations considerably affect flight length between Phoenix and San Antonio. From pre-flight planning to airborne changes, meteorological elements play an important function in figuring out precise journey time. Understanding the impression of varied climate phenomena permits for extra practical journey expectations and underscores the significance of monitoring forecasts earlier than and through journey.
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Wind
Wind pace and path considerably impression flight occasions. Headwinds, opposing the plane’s path, cut back efficient floor pace and enhance journey time. Conversely, tailwinds, pushing the plane ahead, enhance floor pace and might shorten flight length. Subsequently, even with constant plane efficiency, wind situations introduce variability in journey time between Phoenix and San Antonio. Monitoring wind forecasts supplies useful insights into potential variations in flight length.
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Storms
Thunderstorms, widespread throughout sure seasons, may cause vital flight delays and diversions. Pilots keep away from flying by means of thunderstorms as a result of threat of turbulence, hail, and lightning. These avoidance maneuvers usually necessitate longer flight paths, growing journey time. Moreover, thunderstorms on the departure or arrival airport can result in floor delays or diversions to alternate airports, additional impacting total journey length. Checking climate forecasts for storm exercise alongside the flight path permits vacationers to anticipate potential disruptions.
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Temperature
Excessive temperatures, significantly excessive warmth, can have an effect on plane efficiency. Sizzling air is much less dense, decreasing engine effectivity and raise era. This could result in longer takeoff distances and slower climb charges, impacting total flight time. Whereas the impact of temperature on flights between Phoenix and San Antonio is usually much less pronounced than the impression of wind or storms, it stays a contributing issue, particularly throughout summer time months. Understanding the potential affect of temperature supplies a extra full image of the elements affecting flight length.
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Visibility
Decreased visibility, attributable to fog, haze, or heavy precipitation, can impression each departure and arrival procedures. Low visibility situations can result in floor delays or necessitate instrument approaches, which could enhance the time required for touchdown. In extreme instances, diversions to alternate airports may be needed, considerably growing journey time. Monitoring visibility forecasts for each Phoenix and San Antonio permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays or diversions associated to visibility restrictions.
In conclusion, climate situations play an important function in figuring out the precise flight time between Phoenix and San Antonio. From wind and storms to temperature and visibility, meteorological elements introduce variability and the potential for delays. Monitoring forecasts and understanding the affect of various climate phenomena present vacationers with useful insights, selling practical expectations and knowledgeable decision-making.
5. Route
The chosen flight route considerably impacts the length of journey between Phoenix and San Antonio. Whereas the geographical distance between the 2 cities stays fixed, the precise path taken by an plane can differ resulting from a variety of things, in the end affecting the time spent within the air. Understanding these elements supplies useful context for predicting and managing journey time.
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Direct vs. Connecting Flights
Direct flights observe a steady route from Phoenix to San Antonio with out intermediate stops. This sometimes leads to the shortest journey time, usually between two and two and a half hours. Connecting flights, conversely, contain a number of stops at intermediate airports, including vital time to the general journey. The layover length, which may vary from a number of hours to a whole day, contributes considerably to the overall journey time. Selecting a direct flight, when out there, provides probably the most time-efficient journey choice.
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Air Visitors Administration
Air visitors management (ATC) dictates the exact route an plane follows. To keep up secure separation between plane and handle air visitors movement, ATC could direct flights alongside much less direct paths. These deviations from probably the most geographically environment friendly route can enhance flight length. Moreover, holding patterns, usually needed resulting from airport congestion or climate situations, add to the time spent within the air. Whereas important for security and effectivity, these ATC-directed route modifications can contribute to longer flight occasions.
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Climate Methods
Opposed climate, reminiscent of thunderstorms or vital wind patterns, can necessitate route changes. Pilots sometimes keep away from flying by means of extreme climate methods, altering their course to navigate round these areas. These deviations add to the space flown and enhance the general flight time. Monitoring climate forecasts alongside the supposed flight path supplies insights into potential weather-related route modifications and their impression on journey length.
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Airline Operational Procedures
Airways generally make use of particular routes primarily based on their operational methods. These routes may think about elements reminiscent of gas effectivity, prevailing wind patterns, or established flight corridors. Whereas these routes could not all the time characterize the shortest geographical distance, they could provide operational benefits for the airline, probably impacting flight length. Understanding an airline’s typical routing practices can present context for the anticipated flight time on a selected route.
In abstract, the chosen route considerably influences the general flight time between Phoenix and San Antonio. Direct flights usually provide the shortest journey time, whereas connecting flights, air visitors administration selections, climate methods, and airline operational procedures can contribute to elevated length. Contemplating these elements permits for extra correct journey planning and a complete understanding of the connection between route choice and flight time.
6. Airline
Airline choice instantly influences flight length between Phoenix and San Antonio. Completely different airways make use of various operational methods, impacting elements reminiscent of route choice, plane kind, and scheduling. These elements, in flip, have an effect on the general journey time. As an example, an airline prioritizing gas effectivity may go for a barely longer route with extra favorable wind situations, probably impacting flight length. Equally, an airline using a more recent, sooner plane on the route may provide shorter flight occasions in comparison with an airline utilizing older plane. Southwest Airways, a significant service serving this route, usually emphasizes direct flights, minimizing journey time in comparison with airways providing solely connecting flights by means of different hubs. American Airways, one other distinguished service, provides each direct and connecting flights, offering vacationers with choices that affect total journey length.
The airline’s scheduling practices additionally play a task in figuring out total journey time. Airways working extra frequent direct flights provide higher flexibility and probably shorter total journey occasions, as passengers can select a flight that most accurately fits their schedule, minimizing ready occasions. Conversely, airways with restricted direct flights or primarily connecting itineraries may necessitate longer journey occasions resulting from layovers and probably much less handy departure and arrival occasions. Understanding an airline’s route community, plane fleet composition, and scheduling practices is essential for precisely assessing potential flight durations and making knowledgeable journey selections.
In conclusion, the selection of airline considerably contributes to the general journey time between Phoenix and San Antonio. Elements reminiscent of operational methods concerning routing and plane choice, alongside scheduling practices, affect flight length. Analyzing these elements and evaluating choices from totally different airways empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable selections, optimizing for time effectivity and aligning journey preparations with particular person preferences and constraints. Recognizing the affect of airline choice reinforces the significance of complete analysis and planning for a clean and environment friendly journey expertise.
7. Direct vs. Connecting
The selection between a direct and a connecting flight considerably impacts total journey time between Phoenix and San Antonio. A direct flight travels from origin to vacation spot with out intermediate stops, providing the quickest journey choice. Typical direct flights on this route vary from two to 2 and a half hours. Connecting flights, conversely, contain a number of layovers at intermediate airports, including considerably to the general journey length. The layover time, which may vary from beneath an hour to a number of hours, considerably will increase whole journey time. For instance, a connecting flight by means of Dallas/Fort Price may add a number of hours to the general journey, relying on the layover length. This distinction represents a vital consideration for vacationers prioritizing time effectivity.
Selecting a direct flight sometimes minimizes journey time, streamlining the journey and permitting for faster arrival on the last vacation spot. This may be particularly vital for enterprise vacationers or these with tight schedules. Nonetheless, direct flights could not all the time be out there or could also be priced larger than connecting flights. Connecting flights, whereas usually inexpensive, introduce the potential for missed connections, misplaced baggage, and extra journey fatigue resulting from prolonged layovers. As an example, a delayed inbound flight to a connecting airport may result in a missed connection and subsequent delays in reaching the ultimate vacation spot. Weighing the potential value financial savings of a connecting flight towards the elevated journey time and threat of disruptions is a vital side of journey planning. Realistically assessing particular person journey priorities, reminiscent of time sensitivity and price range constraints, informs the decision-making course of concerning direct versus connecting flights.
In abstract, understanding the excellence between direct and connecting flights and their respective impression on journey time is important for efficient journey planning between Phoenix and San Antonio. Direct flights provide probably the most time-efficient choice, whereas connecting flights introduce potential value financial savings however with elevated journey length and threat of disruptions. Contemplating particular person journey priorities and circumstances permits for knowledgeable decision-making, balancing time effectivity, value concerns, and the potential for travel-related challenges. This understanding contributes to a extra knowledgeable and strategic method to journey planning, minimizing potential disruptions and optimizing the general journey expertise.
8. Time of 12 months
Time of 12 months influences flight length between Phoenix and San Antonio, primarily by means of its impression on climate patterns and air visitors quantity. Sure occasions of the 12 months expertise extra frequent or extreme climate occasions, reminiscent of thunderstorms throughout the summer time monsoon season in Arizona or occasional winter storms affecting Texas. These climate methods can result in flight delays, diversions, or necessitate longer flight paths resulting from avoidance maneuvers, growing total journey time. For instance, flights throughout the summer time months may expertise delays resulting from afternoon thunderstorms within the Phoenix space, whereas winter climate may trigger delays or cancellations in San Antonio. Peak journey seasons, reminiscent of holidays and faculty breaks, additionally contribute to elevated air visitors quantity. Greater visitors quantity can result in floor delays, longer taxi occasions, and elevated holding patterns, impacting flight length. Flights scheduled throughout Thanksgiving or Christmas, as an example, could expertise longer than common journey occasions resulting from elevated air visitors congestion.
Airways regulate schedules and plane utilization primarily based on seasonal demand and typical climate patterns. Throughout peak journey intervals, airways usually enhance flight frequency and deploy bigger plane to accommodate larger passenger volumes. This elevated capability can generally mitigate the impression of upper visitors quantity on flight length. Conversely, throughout much less busy journey intervals, airways may cut back flight frequency or make the most of smaller plane, probably resulting in fewer direct flight choices and elevated reliance on connecting flights, which may add considerably to total journey time. Understanding these seasonal differences empowers vacationers to anticipate potential challenges and make knowledgeable selections about journey dates and airline choice. Reserving flights throughout shoulder seasons, the intervals between peak and off-peak journey occasions, could provide a steadiness of favorable climate situations, manageable air visitors quantity, and probably decrease fares.
In abstract, time of 12 months acts as a major issue affecting flight length between Phoenix and San Antonio. Climate patterns particular to totally different seasons, coupled with fluctuations in air visitors quantity, introduce variability in journey time. Recognizing these seasonal influences permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays, regulate journey plans accordingly, and make strategic selections concerning flight bookings. Airways reply to seasonal differences by adjusting schedules and plane utilization, offering additional concerns for vacationers searching for to optimize their journey expertise. This understanding promotes knowledgeable decision-making, minimizing potential disruptions and contributing to a smoother, extra predictable journey expertise.
9. Wind Pace
Wind pace is a vital issue influencing flight length between Phoenix and San Antonio. Whereas distance stays fixed, various wind situations alongside the flight path instantly impression an plane’s floor pace, affecting the overall time airborne. Understanding the affect of wind pace permits extra correct estimations of journey time and underscores the dynamic nature of air journey.
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Headwinds
Headwinds, blowing towards the plane’s path of journey, lower floor pace and enhance flight time. A powerful headwind necessitates elevated engine energy to take care of airspeed, leading to larger gas consumption and an extended time to cowl the space between Phoenix and San Antonio. For instance, a 50 mph headwind can add a noticeable period of time to the general flight length.
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Tailwinds
Tailwinds, blowing in the identical path because the plane’s journey, enhance floor pace and might shorten flight time. These favorable wind situations enable plane to take care of airspeed with diminished engine energy, conserving gas and probably arriving sooner than scheduled. A powerful tailwind can considerably cut back journey time, generally offsetting delays attributable to different elements.
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Jet Stream Impression
The jet stream, a high-altitude band of fast-moving air, performs a major function in transcontinental flights. Flights from Phoenix to San Antonio will be affected by the place and power of the jet stream. West-to-east flights usually profit from a tailwind increase from the jet stream, decreasing journey time. Conversely, east-to-west flights may face headwinds, growing flight length. Pilots and flight planners think about jet stream forecasts to optimize routes and flight occasions.
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Wind Shear
Wind shear, a sudden change in wind pace or path, can pose challenges throughout takeoff and touchdown. Whereas in a roundabout way impacting total flight length over lengthy distances, wind shear can necessitate changes to takeoff and touchdown procedures, probably resulting in minor delays. Pilots rigorously monitor wind shear situations to make sure secure and environment friendly plane operation.
In conclusion, wind pace is a dynamic ingredient impacting flight length between Phoenix and San Antonio. Headwinds enhance journey time, whereas tailwinds can cut back it. The jet stream and wind shear introduce additional complexity. Contemplating these elements, alongside different influences like air visitors management and climate methods, supplies a extra complete understanding of the variability in flight occasions and emphasizes the dynamic nature of air journey.
Ceaselessly Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries concerning flight durations between Phoenix and San Antonio. Offering concise and informative responses goals to make clear potential uncertainties and promote a complete understanding of the elements influencing journey time.
Query 1: What’s the common flight time for a nonstop flight between Phoenix and San Antonio?
Nonstop flights sometimes vary from two to 2 and a half hours.
Query 2: How do connecting flights have an effect on total journey time?
Connecting flights add vital time resulting from layovers, probably growing whole journey time by a number of hours relying on the connection length and airport.
Query 3: What are the first elements influencing variations in flight occasions?
Climate situations, air visitors management, routing, and plane kind all contribute to variations in precise flight occasions.
Query 4: How does wind pace have an effect on flight length?
Headwinds enhance journey time, whereas tailwinds can shorten it. The impression will depend on wind power and path alongside the flight path.
Query 5: Are flight occasions longer throughout sure occasions of the 12 months?
Peak journey seasons and intervals with extra frequent opposed climate, reminiscent of summer time thunderstorms or winter storms, can lead to longer journey occasions resulting from elevated air visitors and potential delays.
Query 6: The place can vacationers discover real-time flight data for this route?
Actual-time flight monitoring web sites and apps, together with airline web sites and airport data methods, present up-to-date flight standing and potential delays.
Correct estimations of journey time necessitate contemplating a number of elements, together with climate situations, air visitors, and chosen route. Consulting real-time flight data sources enhances journey preparedness and promotes a smoother journey expertise.
This data supplies a basis for knowledgeable journey planning. The next sections will delve into particular points of journey between Phoenix and San Antonio, providing additional steerage and sensible concerns.
Ideas for Managing Journey Time Between Phoenix and San Antonio
Efficient time administration is essential for a clean journey expertise. The following tips present sensible steerage for navigating potential challenges and optimizing journey time between Phoenix and San Antonio.
Tip 1: Ebook Direct Flights When Doable: Direct flights remove layover occasions, considerably decreasing total journey length. Whereas probably dearer, the time saved usually outweighs the associated fee distinction, particularly for time-sensitive journey.
Tip 2: Contemplate Journey Time to and from Airports: Consider journey time to and from airports in each Phoenix and San Antonio. Account for visitors congestion, parking, and safety checkpoint procedures. Including buffer time minimizes the chance of missed flights and reduces travel-related stress.
Tip 3: Monitor Climate Forecasts: Keep knowledgeable about climate situations in each departure and arrival cities. Anticipating potential weather-related delays permits for proactive changes to journey plans and manages expectations concerning potential disruptions.
Tip 4: Verify Flight Standing Repeatedly: Make the most of real-time flight monitoring instruments and airline web sites to observe flight standing for potential delays or gate modifications. Staying knowledgeable minimizes uncertainty and facilitates immediate responses to surprising modifications.
Tip 5: Pack Mild and Effectively: Streamlining baggage reduces time spent at check-in and baggage declare. Packing solely important gadgets minimizes baggage dealing with and expedites airport procedures.
Tip 6: Make the most of Airport Facilities Effectively: Familiarize oneself with airport layouts and out there facilities, reminiscent of airport lounges or expedited safety lanes, to optimize time spent inside the airport surroundings. Pre-downloading leisure or studying materials can even make journey time extra productive and pleasurable.
Tip 7: Consider Time Zone Variations: Account for the one-hour time distinction between Phoenix and San Antonio when planning schedules and coordinating floor transportation or lodging preparations. This prevents confusion and ensures correct scheduling.
Implementing these time administration methods enhances journey effectivity and reduces potential stress related to air journey. Proactive planning and knowledgeable decision-making contribute to a smoother and extra predictable journey expertise.
By understanding the elements influencing flight length and implementing these sensible suggestions, vacationers can optimize their journey between Phoenix and San Antonio, guaranteeing a extra environment friendly and pleasurable journey expertise. The concluding part will summarize key takeaways and provide last concerns for planning journey on this route.
Conclusion
A number of elements affect the length of flights between Phoenix and San Antonio. Whereas the everyday nonstop flight averages two to 2 and a half hours, variables reminiscent of climate patterns, air visitors management, plane kind, chosen route, and the precise airline all contribute to potential deviations from this common. Direct flights usually provide the quickest journey choice, whereas connecting flights introduce extra time resulting from layovers. Differences due to the season in climate and passenger quantity additional impression flight occasions, as do prevailing wind situations alongside the route. Knowledgeable decision-making, contemplating these elements, facilitates practical expectations and proactive journey planning. Understanding the interaction of those parts provides vacationers useful insights for managing journey time successfully.
Cautious consideration of those elements empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable selections, optimizing journey time and mitigating potential disruptions. Planning for potential variability in flight durations contributes to a extra practical and manageable journey expertise between Phoenix and San Antonio. This understanding fosters a extra proactive and adaptable method to air journey, minimizing potential stress and maximizing the effectivity of journeys undertaken on this route.
