Budget airlines launch new flights to San Francisco, from Orange County and Boston
Posted by admin on Feb 24, 2009
Times are tough and wallets lean, but it doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice your spring or summer getaway. With budget airlines JetBlue, Southwest, and Virgin America adding new services to San Francisco, and plenty of Hostelling International hostels to choose from, you can craft a low-cost vacation that will keep you smiling through the seasons.
To/From Orange County, California
On April 30, Virgin America launches five daily round-trip flights between John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County and San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Fares begin at $59 one-way for main cabin seats.
Southwest Airlines is also introducing five daily round-trip flights between SNA and SFO, beginning on May 9. Introductory fares start at $69 one-way, through June 26, 2009.
Los Angeles Hostels
If you need a place to rest your head before heading out to the beaches or braving the crowds at Orange County’s famous tourist attractions, check into one of Hostelling International’s three L.A. hostels, most an easy airport shuttle ride away from SNA (sorry, nobody walks in L.A.).
HI-Los Angeles, Fullerton is only six miles from Disneyland/Disney’s California Adventure and other popular tourist hotspots. HI-Los Angeles, South Bay, located in the sunny seaside town of San Pedro, is a summer beachfront getaway, open mid-June through mid-September annually. HI-Los Angeles, Santa Monica, the largest of the L.A. hostels, is located adjacent to the famed Santa Monica Pier, just two blocks from the beach and smack-dab in a neighborhood teeming with cafes, trendy shops, and interesting people.
To/From Boston, Massachusetts
In February, Virgin America began serving Boston Logan International Airport (BOS) with two daily round-trip flights to San Francisco International Airport (SFO). Fares begin at $105 one-way for main cabin seats.
As of May 1, JetBlue Airways resumes seasonal service from BOS to the Bay Area, including one daily round-trip to SFO, and two daily round-trips to Oakland International Airport (OAK).
For travelers headed outbound to Boston, JetBlue also offers connecting service to some of New England’s most beautiful destinations, including Hyannis, Martha’s Vineyard, Nantucket, Provincetown, and Rutland/Killington in Vermont.
Boston and Cape Cod Hostels
Whether you’re staying in big-city "Beantown" or traveling on to the Cape, Hostelling International is ready to greet you with several hostels along the Massachusetts coast.
Open year-round, HI-Boston is located in downtown Boston, within easy walking distance to some of the best museums and nightlife in the city. The seasonal HI-Boston Fenway — open June 1 - August 16 — is located just 2 blocks from legendary Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox and the oldest Major League Baseball stadium still in use.
If you’re looking for a slower pace and a more small-town vibe, head out to one of the four seasonal Cape Cod hostels: HI-Mid Cape Eastham (open May 22 - September 13), HI-Truro (June 19 - September 7), HI-Martha’s Vineyard (May 15 - October 12), and HI-Nantucket (May 15 - September 20).