Stars of the CBS television show "NCIS" and the Disney Pixar film "Brave," along with World War II veterans, were some celebrities who inaugurated the first flight from Los Angeles to Washington.
"We are thrilled to begin nonstop service between Los Angeles and the Nation's Capital," Will Ris, American's senior vice president, government and Regulatory Affairs reportedly said, in a press release. "Reagan National's proximity to federal government offices, national monuments and popular tourist attractions will make American's new flight highly convenient for West Coast customers when flying for business or pleasure.
"Conversely, D.C.-area residents now have more travel options from both Reagan National and Washington Dulles International Airport to use when traveling to our nation's second-largest city. We thank members of Congress and President Obama for helping to make this flight possible by passing and signing legislation that eased flight restrictions at Reagan National."
The new flight to Reagan National adds to the existing three daily round-trip flights between Washington Dulles International Airport and Southern California. The new flights boast of American's Boeing 757 aircraft with 22 First Class and 166 Main Cabin seats. The airline is currently improving its Boeing 757 aircraft used on domestic routes to add more style and luxury, said a press release.
The new features to be added are new Main Cabin and First Class seats, new sidewalls that give the interior a leaner look, and new LCD monitors to boost in-flight entertainment of the travelers.
Military Veterans honored
Some eminent personalities like actors Brian Dietzen, who plays "Jimmy Palmer" on the hit television drama series "NCIS," and John Ratzenberger, who played "Cliff Clavin" on the award-winning sitcom "Cheers" helped welcome a group of American heroes as the first customers on the inaugural flight.
Nine World War II veterans from Los Angeles traveled on the inaugural flight to bolster American's relationship with the Honor Flight Network.
These notable veterans will receive a VIP tour of the World War II Memorial that is dedicated to their bravery. Dietzen and Ratzenberger spent time with these heroes on the flight.
American Airlines was a founding member of the oneworld® alliance. It boasts of a long history of supporting the U.S. armed forces.
With 60 percent of American's pilots and 10 percent of all American and American Eagle® employees serving as active military or veterans, the company has much to offer like special military fares, supporting nonprofit organizations, providing employee-funded sponsorships at various events, and participating in activities at the local, state and national levels.
Brand New Flagship Check-in at LAX
Recently, American Airlines introduced Flagship Check-in at LAX, an elite check-in area for the airline's high-value customers.
Flagship Check-in offers an separate entrance leading to a separate facility with counters staffed by customer service representatives who can personally assist with individual travel needs.
The customers can even avail separate security line. It also has self-service kiosks managed by nearby American agents. Luggage is now taken at the self-service kiosks, which allows travelers to have a true "one-stop" check-in experience with a direct line to the security checkpoint.
American Airlines at LAX
LAX is one of American's five hubs and one of the top five markets in the world for premium customers.
Together, American and American Eagle fly more than 9.5 million customers annually through LAX on more than 150 daily flights to 42 destinations throughout Asia, Mexico, Europe and North America.
American also operates joint business agreements with Japan Airlines, Qantas, British Airways and Iberia Airlines that offer customers more price and schedule flexibility to many more destinations in Asia, Australia and Europe.
For grabbing a ticket in the new service, flight details:
Los Angeles Washington Reagan
Flight 240 Departs: 8:00 a.m. Arrives: 4:00 p.m.
Washington Reagan Los Angeles
Flight 245 Departs: 5:10 p.m. Arrives: 7:40 p.m.
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