Travelers have for quite some time been anticipating the inaugural flight between California and the Hawaiian Islands on Southwest Airlines. The low-cost carrier got flight approval from the Federal Aviation Administration in late February and began selling tickets this link opens in another tab on March 4 — with tolls as low as $49 every way.
On Sunday, Southwest Airlines flew their first plane loaded with travelers to Hawaii. Southwest Flight 6808 made the 5.5 hour nonstop journey from Oakland, California to Honolulu, Hawaii, landing at 2 p.m. local time. The flight was invited by Hawaii Governor David Ige and Southwest Airlines President Tom Nealon.
From start to end, travelers on the inaugural flightthis link opens in new tab got the Hawaiian treatment. Leis and in-flight hula moving commenced the trip, and travelers were the first to test Southwest’s new selection for Hawaii flights. The snack pack will extend the airline’s contributions past the standard red sack of pretzels to incorporate Wheat Thins, Welch’s fruit snacks, Tic Tacs, and a white cheddar spread. Locally themed drinks on Southwest’s Hawaii flights will incorporate Longboard Island Lager from Kona Brewing Company this link opens in another tab, Minute Maid pineapple sorange juice, and Blue Chair Bay coconut spiced rum.
To begin, Southwest will just fly one flight every way day by day among Oakland and Honolulu with a second flight set to start March 24. Beginning on April 7, Southwest will fly among Oakland and Maui and start between island flights. In May, Southwest will begin flying between San Jose and Honolulu, Maui, and Kona. In the long run, Southwest intends to fly nonstop to Hawaii from San Diego and Sacramento, with flights to the island of Kauai expected as well.
