Alaska Airlines Announces New Hawaiian Service

Image: PHOTO: Alaska Airlines jets will soon be in contact with the control tower at Kailua-Kona International Airport in Hawaii after flying from San Francisco. (photo via Flickr/Elliott Plack)
Image: PHOTO: Alaska Airlines jets will soon be in contact with the control tower at Kailua-Kona International Airport in Hawaii after flying from San Francisco. (photo via Flickr/Elliott Plack)
Donald Wood
by Donald Wood
Last updated: 1:20 PM ET, Thu December 14, 2017

Alaska Airlines is making it easier for you to get to Hawaii: The airlines announced daily non-stop service between San Francisco and Hawaii Thursday.

The flights to and from San Francisco International Airport and Kailua-Kona International Airport mark Alaska's 31st new route launched from California this year.

To operate the route, Alaska will utilize Virgin America's A320 family of aircraft, which feature three classes of service, power outlets throughout the cabin, custom leather seats with adjustable headrests, plus a selection of food and beverages inspired by local chefs.

"Bay Area guests now have the option to fly from any of the region's major airports to the Island of Hawaii," Alaska Airlines vice president of the Bay Area Annabel Chang said in a statement. "Kona-bound guests traveling from San Francisco today will be treated to a Hawaiian-themed breakfast and prizes at the departure gate, and upon arrival, will be greeted with flower leis, hula entertainment and goodie bags with Island of Hawaii products.

"This surprise-and-delight is part of our dedicated approach to bring low fares and award-winning service across our Alaska Airlines and Virgin America network."

"We are honored and thankful to be a part of Virgin America's expanded service to the Hawaiian Islands," Island of Hawaii Visitors Bureau executive director Ross Birch said in a statement.

"The Kona route provides yet another option for vacationers traveling to Hawaii, making it easier for Bay Area guests to experience all that makes our island special; from diverse landscapes, rich culture and history, outdoor adventures, and Hawaii's unique attractions, such as the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park."

Alaska Airlines, Virgin America and the company's regional partners fly around 40 million passengers a year to more than 115 destinations. The carrier boasts an average of 1,200 daily flights across the United States and to Mexico, Canada and Costa Rica.

Alaska provided a summary of the new service to and from Hawaii:

Start DateCity PairDepartsArrivesAircraftFrequency
December 14San Francisco-Kona11:30 a.m.3:15 p.m.A320 familyDaily
December 14Kona-San Francisco4:15 p.m.11:17 p.m.A320 familyDaily

*Flight times based on local time zones.


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