The length of a typical nonstop airplane journey between Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA) and Sacramento Worldwide Airport (SMF) is often between one and a half and two hours. A number of components can affect the precise length, together with climate circumstances, air site visitors management, and particular flight paths. Direct flights usually provide the quickest journey choice, whereas connecting flights add considerably extra time to the general journey. Understanding this vary empowers vacationers to estimate journey time successfully.
Figuring out the standard size of a journey between these two West Coast cities is essential for journey planning. Correct estimations permit vacationers to funds their time appropriately, whether or not for enterprise journeys or leisure journey. This information facilitates scheduling connecting flights, floor transportation, and appointments upon arrival. Traditionally, the arrival of business air journey dramatically diminished journey time between cities like Seattle and Sacramento, remodeling enterprise practices and private journey experiences.
Elements influencing journey durations, the benefits and drawbacks of direct versus connecting flights, and methods for maximizing journey effectivity are explored in better element beneath. Extra info on airport facilities and transportation choices at each SEA and SMF will even be supplied.
1. Nonstop Flights
Nonstop flights symbolize essentially the most time-efficient journey choice between Seattle and Sacramento. Minimizing complete journey time by eliminating layovers, nonstop flights provide a streamlined journey conducive to each enterprise and leisure journey.
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Airways Providing Nonstop Service
A number of main airways provide nonstop service between Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA) and Sacramento Worldwide Airport (SMF). Figuring out these airways permits vacationers to match schedules, pricing, and facilities to greatest go well with particular person wants. Airline choice typically performs a big position in general journey expertise.
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Typical Length
Nonstop flights between Seattle and Sacramento usually vary from roughly 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. This comparatively brief flight length makes it a handy choice for these in search of to attenuate journey time. Understanding the standard length empowers vacationers to plan connecting transportation or schedule actions upon arrival.
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Frequency of Flights
The frequency of nonstop flights varies relying on the time of yr and day of the week. Peak journey seasons and weekdays typically see elevated flight frequency. Vacationers ought to analysis flight schedules upfront to make sure availability and handy departure occasions. Flight frequency can considerably impression flexibility when planning a visit.
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Price Concerns
Whereas typically extra handy, nonstop flights could generally come at a premium in comparison with connecting flights. Evaluating costs throughout totally different airways and journey dates is crucial for budget-conscious vacationers. Weighing the advantages of saved time in opposition to potential price variations permits vacationers to make knowledgeable choices.
Choosing a nonstop flight for journey between Seattle and Sacramento permits for predictable and infrequently shorter journey occasions, although price concerns stay related. Cautious analysis of airline choices, typical durations, flight frequencies, and potential price variations empowers vacationers to optimize their journey primarily based on particular person priorities and constraints.
2. Connecting Flights
Connecting flights play a big position within the general journey time between Seattle and Sacramento when a nonstop choice is not chosen or out there. Whereas connecting flights can provide decrease fares, they introduce a layover at an intermediate airport, extending the whole journey length significantly. The layover length itself can fluctuate considerably, from as brief as an hour to probably spanning in a single day, relying on the chosen itinerary. This added time should be factored into journey plans, notably for time-sensitive journeys. For instance, a connecting flight by San Francisco would possibly add a number of hours to the general journey time in comparison with a nonstop flight, impacting scheduling for conferences or different engagements in Sacramento.
A number of components affect the general length of a journey involving connecting flights. The chosen airline and particular route typically dictate the situation and length of the layover. Vacationers ought to fastidiously contemplate the layover airport, as bigger hubs would possibly contain longer transit occasions between gates. Moreover, connecting flights introduce the next danger of delays. A delayed preliminary flight could cause vacationers to overlook their connecting flight, probably necessitating rebooking and additional extending the general journey time. This cascading impact can disrupt fastidiously deliberate itineraries and create logistical challenges. As an illustration, a delayed flight from Seattle to Denver, meant as a connection to Sacramento, might end in lacking the Sacramento leg and requiring an in a single day keep in Denver.
Understanding the implications of connecting flights is crucial for efficient journey planning between Seattle and Sacramento. Whereas probably providing price financial savings, the added time and elevated danger of delays require cautious consideration. Analyzing layover durations, evaluating potential connecting airports, and understanding the potential for cascading delays permits vacationers to make knowledgeable choices aligned with their journey priorities and danger tolerance. Minimizing layover time and choosing dependable airways with good on-time efficiency can mitigate a number of the inherent dangers related to connecting flights. Finally, weighing the trade-offs between price, comfort, and potential disruptions is essential for optimizing journey plans.
3. Common Length
Common length serves as a important benchmark for understanding flight time between Seattle and Sacramento. This metric represents the standard time required for an plane to traverse the space between Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport (SEA) and Sacramento Worldwide Airport (SMF), factoring in widespread circumstances and commonplace flight paths. Whereas precise flight occasions can deviate because of numerous components, the typical length supplies a worthwhile baseline for vacationers. This baseline permits for practical estimations of journey time, facilitating efficient planning of connecting transportation, conferences, and different actions contingent upon arrival time. As an illustration, understanding the typical length permits a enterprise traveler to estimate arrival time in Sacramento and schedule a gathering accordingly, minimizing unproductive ready time. Conversely, understanding potential deviations from the typical permits for contingency planning in case of sudden delays.
A number of components affect the typical length. Predominant wind patterns alongside the flight path can impression journey time, with headwinds growing length and tailwinds decreasing it. Air site visitors management performs a big position, as holding patterns or rerouting because of congestion can enhance flight time past the typical. Moreover, the kind of plane employed on the route influences common length. Totally different plane fashions have various cruising speeds, instantly affecting journey time. For instance, a flight operated with a more moderen, sooner plane may need a shorter common length in comparison with one utilizing an older mannequin. Recognizing these influencing components supplies context for deciphering the typical length and understanding potential variations.
Understanding common length supplies an important basis for efficient journey planning. This metric permits vacationers to develop practical expectations for flight time between Seattle and Sacramento, facilitating knowledgeable decision-making associated to scheduling and logistics. Acknowledging the varied components influencing common length, akin to wind patterns, air site visitors management, and plane kind, permits for a nuanced understanding of potential variations in precise flight occasions. This complete understanding empowers vacationers to anticipate potential deviations and implement contingency plans, guaranteeing clean and environment friendly journey experiences.
4. Airways
Airline choice considerably influences the expertise of touring between Seattle and Sacramento. Totally different airways working this route provide various schedules, plane varieties, and repair ranges, every impacting general journey time. The selection of airline typically dictates whether or not a nonstop or connecting flight is accessible, a important determinant of complete journey length. As an illustration, an airline specializing in budget-friendly journey would possibly provide primarily connecting flights with longer layovers, probably extending journey time considerably in comparison with an airline prioritizing direct routes. Conversely, a full-service provider could provide extra frequent nonstop flights, minimizing general journey time however probably at the next price. Airways using newer, sooner plane may affect journey time, even on related routes, providing marginally faster journeys in comparison with these utilizing older fashions. This nuanced interaction between airline alternative and length necessitates cautious consideration throughout journey planning.
Understanding the operational practices of particular airways is essential. Some airways prioritize on-time efficiency, minimizing potential delays and adhering intently to scheduled flight occasions. Others may need the next incidence of delays because of components akin to hub-and-spoke operations or fleet administration practices. These operational nuances can considerably impression the predictability and reliability of flight occasions. For instance, an airline with a robust observe report of on-time arrivals in Sacramento advantages vacationers with tight schedules, whereas one recognized for frequent delays would possibly necessitate constructing in buffer time. Moreover, airways make use of totally different routing methods. Whereas some could prioritize direct, overwater routes, others would possibly make the most of extra circuitous inland paths, probably affecting general flight time. Actual-life examples embrace Alaska Airways, typically favored for its direct flights and usually good on-time efficiency on West Coast routes, versus a funds provider that may route by a secondary hub, including important time to the journey.
Successfully evaluating airline choices requires cautious consideration of a number of components. Evaluating schedules throughout totally different airways permits vacationers to establish essentially the most handy departure and arrival occasions. Analyzing the frequency of flights provided by every airline supplies insights into flexibility and choices in case of schedule modifications. Contemplating the historic on-time efficiency information for particular airways on the Seattle-Sacramento route can provide a practical expectation of potential delays. Moreover, researching the sorts of plane usually employed by every airline on this route supplies insights into potential consolation and pace variations. Finally, integrating these insights permits vacationers to pick the airline greatest suited to their particular person wants and priorities, optimizing each journey time and general journey expertise.
5. Time of Day
Departure time considerably influences the general journey expertise between Seattle and Sacramento. Analyzing flight schedules reveals patterns in arrival occasions and potential delays, essential components for vacationers with time-sensitive itineraries. Particular occasions of day typically correlate with increased air site visitors quantity, probably resulting in elevated taxiing time and potential delays. Conversely, much less congested durations could provide smoother and probably faster journeys. Understanding these patterns empowers vacationers to optimize their schedules for better effectivity.
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Early Morning Flights
Flights departing early within the morning typically expertise much less air site visitors congestion. This will translate to shorter taxi occasions and a diminished probability of delays because of air site visitors management. Nonetheless, early morning flights require vacationers to reach on the airport nicely earlier than dawn, probably necessitating pre-arranged transportation or in a single day stays close to the airport. As an illustration, a 6:00 AM departure from Seattle would possibly provide a faster journey to Sacramento in comparison with a later flight, however requires important pre-dawn preparation.
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Mid-Day Flights
Mid-day flights ceaselessly coincide with peak air site visitors, notably throughout fashionable journey seasons. This elevated congestion can result in longer taxi occasions, potential delays, and the next probability of encountering holding patterns. Whereas typically handy for scheduling, vacationers choosing mid-day departures ought to anticipate potential delays and alter their plans accordingly. Reserving a mid-day flight would possibly provide flexibility within the departure metropolis however might end in a delayed arrival in Sacramento.
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Night Flights
Night flights current a trade-off between potential delays and arrival occasions. Whereas night air site visitors tends to be much less congested than mid-day, delays originating earlier within the day can cascade into night schedules. Arriving late at evening in Sacramento would possibly restrict floor transportation choices or necessitate in a single day stays close to the airport. A night flight would possibly keep away from daytime congestion however might result in late-night arrival challenges in Sacramento.
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Pink-Eye Flights
Pink-eye flights, departing late at evening and arriving early morning, typically provide decrease fares and fewer air site visitors congestion. Nonetheless, these flights disrupt sleep patterns and will require further time for relaxation and restoration upon arrival. Selecting a red-eye flight between Seattle and Sacramento would possibly save on airfare however impression productiveness the next day because of sleep deprivation.
Strategic choice of departure time permits vacationers to optimize their journey between Seattle and Sacramento. Evaluating potential trade-offs between price, comfort, and potential delays empowers knowledgeable decision-making. Contemplating private preferences relating to early morning journey versus late-night arrivals, alongside potential impacts on schedules and productiveness, permits vacationers to tailor their flight selections successfully. Understanding the standard patterns related to totally different occasions of day empowers vacationers to attenuate potential disruptions and maximize journey effectivity.
6. Seasonal Variations
Differences due to the season exert a substantial affect on flight occasions between Seattle and Sacramento. Climate patterns, air site visitors quantity, and airline scheduling practices shift all year long, creating fluctuations in typical journey durations. Understanding these seasonal influences permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays and alter journey plans accordingly. For instance, winter storms within the Pacific Northwest or Sierra Nevada mountains could cause flight delays or cancellations, impacting journey time considerably. Conversely, favorable climate circumstances in the course of the shoulder seasons would possibly result in shorter flight occasions because of extra environment friendly routing and fewer weather-related disruptions. Peak journey seasons, akin to summer time and main holidays, typically expertise elevated air site visitors, resulting in potential delays because of congestion each within the air and on the bottom. This elevated quantity can impression flight occasions by longer taxiing durations, holding patterns, and elevated competitors for gate availability.
Airways alter their flight schedules seasonally to accommodate fluctuating demand. Throughout peak seasons, airways typically enhance the frequency of flights between Seattle and Sacramento to accommodate the surge in vacationers. This elevated frequency, whereas providing extra journey choices, may contribute to airport congestion and probably impression flight occasions. Conversely, throughout much less fashionable journey durations, airways would possibly scale 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 significantly to general journey time. As an illustration, in the course of the summer time months, airways would possibly provide a number of each day nonstop flights between Seattle and Sacramento, whereas in the course of the winter, these choices is likely to be diminished, requiring vacationers to attach by one other hub, including a number of hours to their journey.
Planning successfully requires consciousness of those seasonal influences. Consulting historic flight information for the Seattle-Sacramento route throughout particular occasions of the yr supplies insights into typical delays and potential variations in flight length. Vacationers must also contemplate the potential impression of climate patterns prevalent throughout their deliberate journey interval. As an illustration, reserving flights in the course of the winter months necessitates accounting for potential delays because of snowstorms. Flexibility in journey dates, the place potential, may mitigate the impression of seasonal differences. Shifting journey plans by just a few days to keep away from peak journey durations or anticipated storms can considerably enhance the probability of on-time arrivals and decrease potential disruptions to journey itineraries. Finally, anticipating seasonal differences empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable choices, optimize journey plans, and mitigate potential disruptions.
7. Air Visitors Management
Air site visitors management (ATC) performs an important position in figuring out flight occasions between Seattle and Sacramento. ATC manages the circulate of plane throughout the Nationwide Airspace System (NAS), guaranteeing protected separation and environment friendly routing. Its choices instantly impression flight durations, notably in periods of excessive site visitors quantity or adversarial climate circumstances. Understanding the affect of ATC is crucial for anticipating potential variations in flight occasions and managing journey expectations.
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Holding Patterns
ATC typically implements holding patterns to handle plane circulate in periods of congestion or inclement climate close to airports. These holding patterns require plane to circle a chosen airspace at a prescribed altitude, successfully including time to the general flight length. As an illustration, in periods of heavy fog in Sacramento, arriving plane from Seattle is likely to be positioned in a holding sample till circumstances enhance sufficient for protected touchdown. The length spent in a holding sample is variable, relying on the severity of the disruption, including wherever from a couple of minutes to probably an hour or extra to the whole flight time.
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Floor Delays and Taxi Occasions
Floor delays, issued by ATC because of airport congestion or ground-level operational constraints, instantly impression departure occasions and contribute to prolonged general journey durations. Taxi time, the interval between gate departure and takeoff, and the time between touchdown and arrival on the gate, will be considerably influenced by ATC directions and airport congestion. In busy durations at Seattle-Tacoma Worldwide Airport, plane would possibly expertise prolonged taxi occasions, including to the general journey length even earlier than the flight formally commences. Equally, upon arrival in Sacramento, taxi occasions will be influenced by gate availability and floor site visitors circulate, additional affecting complete journey time.
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Rerouting because of Climate
Adversarial climate circumstances, akin to thunderstorms or heavy snow, typically necessitate rerouting by ATC. These reroutes, whereas guaranteeing security, can lengthen flight paths and enhance general journey time. A flight from Seattle to Sacramento would possibly usually comply with a direct route over the Cascade Vary. Nonetheless, extreme climate over the mountains might necessitate a reroute alongside the shoreline, including distance and time to the journey. The extent of the added time relies on the severity and placement of the climate system, probably impacting flight time by as much as half-hour or extra in some circumstances.
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Air Visitors Congestion Administration
ATC actively manages air site visitors circulate to keep up protected separation between plane and maximize effectivity. Throughout peak hours or durations of excessive site visitors quantity, ATC could implement circulate management procedures, which may contain assigning particular departure occasions or adjusting plane speeds. These measures, whereas essential for protected and environment friendly operations, can impression particular person flight occasions. For instance, a flight scheduled to depart Seattle at a particular time would possibly expertise a floor delay because of circulate management measures applied by ATC to handle arrivals into Sacramento, including to the whole journey length.
The multifaceted affect of ATC on flight occasions between Seattle and Sacramento underscores its important position in aviation. Understanding the varied methods ATC impacts flight durationsfrom holding patterns and floor delays to rerouting and site visitors circulate managementallows vacationers to higher anticipate potential variations in journey time and adapt accordingly. Integrating these concerns into journey planning promotes practical expectations and facilitates knowledgeable decision-making, particularly in periods of anticipated disruptions.
8. Climate Situations
Climate circumstances symbolize a big issue influencing flight occasions between Seattle and Sacramento. Atmospheric circumstances alongside the flight path and at each departure and arrival airports can impression flight durations by a wide range of mechanisms. Understanding the affect of climate permits vacationers to anticipate potential delays and alter expectations accordingly. Important climate occasions typically necessitate changes to flight schedules, impacting each departure and arrival occasions.
Particular climate phenomena ceaselessly impression flights on this route. Heavy fog, widespread in each Seattle and Sacramento, can scale back visibility and necessitate delays or diversions. Flights scheduled to depart Seattle throughout dense fog would possibly expertise floor stops, delaying departure till circumstances enhance. Equally, heavy fog in Sacramento can forestall arriving plane from touchdown, probably resulting in holding patterns or diversions to alternate airports. Winter storms, bringing snow and ice, create hazardous circumstances for each floor operations and in-flight journey. Flights scheduled throughout winter storms typically expertise delays or cancellations because of de-icing procedures, runway closures, or unsafe flying circumstances. Thunderstorms, prevalent throughout sure occasions of the yr, pose important dangers to plane and infrequently necessitate rerouting or delays. Turbulence related to thunderstorms could make flying uncomfortable and, in extreme circumstances, unsafe. Wind circumstances, notably sturdy headwinds or crosswinds, can impression flight occasions and create difficult touchdown circumstances. Headwinds enhance flight length by requiring plane to work more durable in opposition to the wind, whereas crosswinds could make touchdown harder and probably necessitate a number of touchdown makes an attempt.
Sensible implications for vacationers are quite a few. Consulting climate forecasts earlier than and through journey permits for proactive changes to plans. Vacationers ought to stay conscious of potential delays or cancellations because of adversarial climate and contemplate versatile journey dates the place potential. Airways typically provide journey waivers throughout important climate occasions, permitting passengers to reschedule flights with out penalty. Understanding these insurance policies permits vacationers to mitigate disruptions and decrease inconvenience. Monitoring flight standing by airline web sites or cell functions supplies real-time updates on potential delays or cancellations. This info empowers vacationers to make knowledgeable choices relating to floor transportation and connecting flights. Finally, recognizing the affect of climate circumstances on flight occasions between Seattle and Sacramento and taking proactive steps to mitigate potential disruptions is essential for a smoother and extra predictable journey expertise.
Often Requested Questions
This part addresses widespread inquiries relating to flight durations between Seattle and Sacramento, offering concise and informative responses to facilitate knowledgeable journey planning.
Query 1: What’s the typical flight time for a nonstop flight between Seattle and Sacramento?
Nonstop flights usually vary from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours.
Query 2: How do connecting flights impression general journey time?
Connecting flights introduce layovers, extending journey time considerably, generally by a number of hours, relying on the layover length and connection metropolis.
Query 3: Which airways provide nonstop service between Seattle and Sacramento?
A number of main airways, together with Alaska Airways, Southwest Airways, and Delta Air Traces, usually provide nonstop service on this route. Checking particular person airline schedules is really useful, as choices can change seasonally.
Query 4: How do climate circumstances have an effect on flight occasions?
Adversarial climate, akin to fog, winter storms, or thunderstorms, could cause delays or necessitate rerouting, growing general journey time. Checking climate forecasts is advisable earlier than and through journey.
Query 5: What position does air site visitors management play in flight length?
Air site visitors management manages plane circulate and might implement holding patterns, floor delays, or rerouting because of congestion or climate, impacting general flight occasions.
Query 6: How does time of day affect potential delays?
Peak journey occasions, usually mid-day, typically expertise better air site visitors congestion, growing the probability of delays. Early morning or late night flights could expertise much less congestion.
Understanding the components influencing flight occasions permits for practical planning. Consulting airline schedules and climate forecasts earlier than journey ensures knowledgeable decision-making and minimizes potential disruptions.
For additional info relating to particular flight choices and real-time updates, please seek the advice of particular person airline web sites or journey reserving platforms.
Ideas for Managing Seattle to Sacramento Flight Time
Optimizing journey time between Seattle and Sacramento requires a strategic method. The next suggestions present sensible steerage for navigating flight choices and minimizing potential disruptions.
Tip 1: E book Nonstop Flights When Doable: Nonstop flights provide essentially the most environment friendly journey choice, eliminating layover time and minimizing general journey length. Prioritizing nonstop itineraries streamlines journey, notably for time-sensitive journeys.
Tip 2: Contemplate Different Airports: Whereas much less widespread, exploring close by airports like Oakland Worldwide Airport (OAK) or San Jose Worldwide Airport (SJC) would possibly provide different flight choices with probably shorter journey occasions or extra handy schedules.
Tip 3: Fly Throughout Off-Peak Hours: Choosing early morning or late night flights typically reduces the probability of encountering air site visitors congestion, probably resulting in smoother journeys and minimizing delays.
Tip 4: Examine Historic Flight Knowledge: Consulting historic flight information for the chosen route and airways supplies insights into typical on-time efficiency and potential delays, permitting for knowledgeable decision-making and practical expectations.
Tip 5: Monitor Climate Forecasts: Climate circumstances considerably affect flight occasions. Staying knowledgeable about climate forecasts for each departure and arrival cities permits for proactive changes to journey plans and mitigates potential disruptions.
Tip 6: Signal Up for Flight Alerts: Subscribing to flight alerts by airline web sites or cell functions supplies real-time updates on flight standing, gate modifications, and potential delays, empowering vacationers to adapt rapidly to altering circumstances.
Tip 7: Consider Airport Transit Time: Account for transit time inside airports, together with safety checkpoints, baggage declare, and potential inter-terminal transfers, notably when connecting flights are concerned. Realistically estimating transit time ensures smoother connections and reduces stress.
Tip 8: Construct Buffer Time into Schedules: Incorporating buffer time into journey itineraries, particularly for connecting flights or time-sensitive engagements, permits flexibility in case of sudden delays and minimizes the impression of disruptions.
Using these methods enhances journey effectivity and minimizes potential disruptions. Knowledgeable decision-making, proactive planning, and real-time monitoring contribute to a smoother and extra predictable journey expertise between Seattle and Sacramento.
By understanding the nuances of flight occasions and implementing these sensible suggestions, vacationers can optimize their journeys and arrive in Sacramento as effectively as potential. The concluding part will summarize key takeaways and provide remaining suggestions for seamless journey.
Conclusion
Length of journey between Seattle and Sacramento hinges upon a fancy interaction of things. Nonstop flights provide essentially the most environment friendly choice, usually starting from 1 hour and 45 minutes to 2 hours. Connecting flights, whereas probably providing price financial savings, introduce layovers and elevated danger of delays, considerably extending general journey time. Airline choice performs an important position, influencing schedule availability, plane kind, and potential service disruptions. Time of day, seasonal differences, air site visitors management choices, and prevailing climate circumstances all contribute to potential fluctuations in precise flight occasions.
Efficient administration of journey time necessitates a proactive method. Cautious consideration of those influencing components, coupled with strategic planning and real-time monitoring of flight standing, empowers vacationers to attenuate potential disruptions and optimize journey effectivity. Knowledgeable decision-making relating to flight choice, departure occasions, and contingency planning contributes considerably to a smoother and extra predictable journey expertise between Seattle and Sacramento. This understanding transforms potential journey challenges into alternatives for enhanced effectivity and preparedness.
