Virgin America launches nonstop San Francisco-New Orleans flights

Virgin America along with Alaska Airlines together launched nonstop flights between San Francisco and New Orleans on September 21, 2017. The newly introduced service between Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport and San Francisco International Airport would be conducted daily offering seamless connecting the Bay Area to the “Big Easy”. The launching of this new route is so far the largest expansion of the network ever since 85-year-old Alaska Airlines acquired Virgin America. The new route is also among the 33 to be launched in California this year.

The customers on inaugural flight from San Francisco to New Orleans were treated to a thrilling live jazz band performance and also got opportunity to savour New Orleans-themed breakfast items. They were also offered Mardi Gras masks and beads on board their flights. Media reports said that the flights will depart from San Francisco at 8:48 am and arrive in New Orleans at 3:03 pm. The return flight will take off from New Orleans at 4 pm and reach San Francisco at 6:30 pm. Virgin America will be serving the new San Francisco-New Orleans route with the help of an Airbus A320 aircraft, configured with three classes of service. Among other amenities to be offered include luxurious custom leather seats with adjustable headrests, power outlets and a wide choice of food and beverages.

Annabel Chang, Alaska Airlines’ Vice President of the Bay Area, said, “We consider New Orleans to be a truly crucial business market for the Bay Area, in addition to a top destination for members holding Mileage Plan reward travel frequent flyer program. We are also extremely happy to bring low fares to our customers and provide them with the award-winning service to this hugely popular, exciting destination, and look forward to strengthening our Bay Area footprint by launching flights services to 18 new markets. We are confident that the combined network of Virgin America and Alaska Airlines will grow to offer seamless connectivity to 42 destinations from three major airports in the Bay Area.”