HONOLULU, January 22, 2003 -- As people nationwide saw Monday, the Oakland Raiders arrived in San Diego for the Super Bowl traveling Hawaiian style.
Hawaiian Airlines, that is. Whenever the AFC Champion Raiders fly from Oakland, it's aboard Hawaiian Airlines. The local carrier is the official airline of the Raiders, having provided the players, coaches, and team officials with chartered nonstop air service to pre-season and regular season road games for the past three years.
Hawaiian's award-winning Mea Ho‘okipa inflight service is steeped in the traditional hospitality and warmth of Hawaii's host culture.
Not surprisingly, players enjoy special amenities while en route. Extra-large meal portions are furnished along with fresh fruits, candy baskets, and any personal requests. Up to three first-run movies are shown on transcontinental flights.
At the same time, the Raiders have carried Hawaiian's name and Pualani flower logo to cities throughout the country. This year, counting pre-season games, Hawaiian flew the team to 10 cities: Dallas, Nashville, Pittsburgh, Buffalo, St. Louis, Kansas City, Denver, Phoenix, San Diego, and Miami.
Travel has even extended beyond U.S. borders. In 2001, Hawaiian flew Oakland to Mexico City for the pre-season NFL International American Bowl against Dallas.
This Thursday, January 23, Hawaiian will make two more flights to San Diego on the Raiders' behalf. The first flight will transport the families of coaches and players, with the second bringing in VIPs and other special guests.
Next Monday, Hawaiian will make three flights to ferry the Raiders and their supporters back to Oakland. And if the Raiders win, count on the team flight carrying another passenger in first class — the Vince Lombardi Super Bowl Trophy.