Virgin America today announced two new nonstop flights to Hawaii from Los Angeles with an introductory one-way rate of $169.
The new routes fly direct to Honolulu and Kahului. The introductory price is available only until 7:59 p.m. Hawaii time, according to Virgin America’s website.
Virgin America will begin daily flights from Los Angeles International Airport to Honolulu on May 5 and from Los Angeles to Kahului on June 14.
Virgin America, known for its colorful interior lighting and leather seats, made its debut in Hawaii to great fanfare on Nov. 2 with service between San Francisco and Honolulu, and then on Dec. 3 added a daily flight between San Francisco and Kahului.
Virgin Group, founded by billionaire Sir Richard Branson, is a minority investor in Virgin America.
Gov. David Ige, who was at Honolulu Airport to welcome Virgin America — with Branson aboard — in November, said he was pleased to see the airline already expanding service to the state.
“Virgin America is providing more airline choice and competition to our great state, and we could not be more pleased that they are already adding more routes to the Hawaiian Islands from Los Angeles — our largest originating travel market,” Ige said in a statement. “We look forward to Virgin America’s continued growth and success in serving travelers visiting the islands.”
Great news for Hawaii travelers to the west coast.
One flight a day on a single aisle aircraft A321 with capacity of a 130 seats, will have zero impactt on United, Delta, American or Hawaiian’s market share.
It has zero impact now with the A319 they’re flying, but give em time and we’ll see the other guys blink.
I don’t know if it was coincidence but United drop air fares to and from LAX. Perhaps it it have some effect.
Introductory price only, wonder if the regular will be competive with Hawaiian’s or much lower? Which they were leaving from Orange County/John Wayne, then may consider making another trip to Honolulu. Have not visited since 2012.
Agree! LAX is a nightmare. I’ll fly Hawaiian to San Diego and drive up the coast just to avoid flying into L.A.
great news! and please increase your routes from HI…
we need the competition!
The guv seems rather animated in the photo shot for this article. Normally, he looks kind of half asleep and inscrutable.
But I guess being around a guy Branson can get anyone jazzed up.
Any politician that smells money can perk up immediately
bwahahahahaha!!!!!
Good — maybe the competition will force United to stop using such old single-aisle 757s and 737s on this route !
VIRGIN America is using new single aisle Scarebus 321s for this flight. Total capacity 121 pax.
Scarebus 321? Oh puhleeze. Total shibai post from a rookie poster.
Here’s our chance to send the homeless back?
To Kahoolawe.
Sorry,that bill was killed.http://www.staradvertiser.com/breaking-news/lawmakers-mull-funding-program-to-fly-homeless-back-to-mainland/
Virgin America started with a $169 one way ticket to Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines, afraid of competition, immediately lowered their prices for flights from the bay area and LAX. San Diego was not included.
When Virgin’s sale was over, Hawaiian immediately raised their rates. Hmmmmm, HA is concerned about real competition.
HA lost their Aloha when the started their checked bag fees. Yes, a free meal but twice nothing is still nothing.
Agree Can’t wait till Southwest starts flying to Honolulu , then we can get some affordable fares to Vegas which is one of their hubs !
Virgin America should start concentrating on 2 flights a day to Las Vegas. If they come up with a reasonable price and allow up to 2 free luggage, the people of Hawaii will certainly welcome the relief and most likely take on Virgin America. What has Hawaiian provided for the dedicated local flyers to Vegas except brag every quarter about the $millions they’re making in baggage fees. It’s about time that another airline and not Allegiant, compete with Hawaiian Airlines for the Vegas run since Hawaiian doesn’t give the locals a break in their fees.