Business/Economy

FORT LAUDERDALE (CBS4) ― South Florida travelers have two new options when it comes to flying non-stop between California and Fort Lauderdale.

On Wednesday, November 18th, Virgin America begins its non-stop flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles International Airports to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. Fares start at $104 each way.

"We're pleased to make the world-class South Florida market the newest destination in our growing network," said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. "At a time when consumers are more discerning than ever about where they spend their travel dollars, we're excited to inject competition into the market by offering Golden State to Gold Coast travelers the best of both worlds: unrivalled service and incredibly low fares."

To help celebrate the event, Virgin America is holding a 24-hour "Go Golden" fare sale from Nov. 21 – March 10, 2010. Fares start at $39 from SFO-LAX and $99 from JFK-LAS and BOS-SFO. For more Go Golden fares: www.virginamerica.com.

"We're proud to welcome Virgin America's new low-fare, innovative service. The decision to make Fort Lauderdale the newest destination in the airline's network is a testament to the investments made in our airport and the strong tourism economy of our region," said Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl. "The move to provide new non-stop service will create jobs, stimulate tourism and improve service for local travelers."

Virgin America will celebrate the launch of its new upscale, low fare service to Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport with a red carpet runway welcome for its first flight guests. Upon touchdown of Virgin Americas two Airbus A319 aircraft arriving from LAX and SFO, flight guests will receive a Gold Coast welcome with a Virgin twist - a champagne-soaked reception on the arrival tarmac at FLL. Virgin America CEO David Cush and other inaugural guests will be greeted upon arrival by Broward County elected officials, the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention & Visitors Bureau, FLL leadership and Virgins own Golden Boy - Sir Richard Branson.

The airline offers innovative amenities like touch-screen entertainment, mood lighting, food and drinks when you want; and in May, Virgin America became the first to offer in-flight internet on every flight and in October it joined forces with Google to make Wi-Fi free for the holidays.

"We're thrilled that coast will meet coast when Virgin America begins this new service. Greater Fort Lauderdale invites our new California friends to immerse themselves in the many surprises that await them here," said Nicki E. Grossman, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau. "Whether cruising or dining, shopping, visiting a spa or museum, Virgin America has opened so many doors to a great personal travel experience."
 
Virgin America will have some competition on the non-stop route between San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale because JetBlue Airways also kicks off its daily non-stop flight between the two cities on Wednesday.

The daily flights depart Fort Lauderdale at 7:15 p.m., arriving in San Francisco at 10:24 p.m., with return flights departing San Francisco at 11:30 p.m.and arriving in Fort Lauderdale at 07:40 a.m. the following day.

To promote the new service, JetBlue is offering a special one-way fare of $79 for travel on the route between December 1, 2009 and February 28, February 2010. These tickets must be booked by the end of today, Wednesday, November 18th, 2009.

For more fare information, go to www.jetblue.com.

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