Members of Virgin America’s Elevate loyalty program have a new trip on which to earn points, with the start of the airline’s daily flights from Los Angeles to Honolulu.
The Hawaiian capital is the most desired destination, according to surveys of program members, leading the airline to first establish a San Francisco-Honolulu route and now, LAX to HNL as well. Virgin America plans to expand its presence in the Aloha State once more in June, with the addition of flights to Kahului Airport (OGG) in Maui.
“Virgin America travelers have long asked for routes to Hawaii and we’re thrilled to respond with the addition of service from Los Angeles just months after our popular flights from San Francisco began,” said John MacLeod, SVP of Planning and Sales at Virgin America. “Since we first launched service to Hawaii last year, the response from guests has been extremely positive, and now we’re pleased not only to bring Los Angeles travelers a new travel option to an iconic destination, but also to open up a number connecting flights between Hawaii and Virgin cities across the country.”
Virgin America has made waves in the travel industry with its unique and luxurious customer experience: Plush leather seating, touch-screen TVs, video games, and a 3,000-song music library await passengers aboard the brand’s planes.
Hawaii is a top tourist destination for travelers, with an estimated 3.5 million people flying from the West Coast in 2015 to experience the state for themselves.
“Congratulations to Virgin America for making Hawaii easily accessible to its customers in Southern California and expanding its network for connections to major markets nationwide,” said George D. Szigeti, President and CEO of the Hawai'i Tourism Authority. “Virgin America’s in-flight hospitality is a hit with its customers and will make a trip here even more welcoming as they come to experience Hawaii’s culture, goodwill, and natural beauty.”
More than just a West Coast airline, Virgin America’s network of destinations includes eastern locations like Boston, Ft. Lauderdale, Orlando, and Chicago.