By Johannes Malinowski
For the first time in five years, the capital will be heading directly to the metropolis on the US west coast.
Californian dreams come true again in Berlin! Five years after the last direct flight, it’s once again non-stop to Los Angeles.
With the Air Berlin bankruptcy in 2017, the last connection from Berlin to the US west coast broke down. Since Friday, the Norwegian low-cost airline Norse has been sending a Boeing 787 Dreamliner (344 seats) three times a week on the approximately twelve-hour flight from BER to LAX Airport.
Before the flight, you have to queue: Most passengers were at check-in three hours before departure Photo: Olaf Selchow
To say goodbye to the maiden flight, the airport invited guests to the visitors’ terrace. “Finally, the capital region and the west coast of the USA are directly connected again,” said co-airport boss Thomas Hoff Andersson (45). “Business, cultural and personal relationships will be revived and many new ones will be added.”
Norse wants to bring the Berliners to the USA as cheaply as possible. The one-way route is available from 225 euros – if you book in good time. Extras such as luggage, extra legroom or food cost extra.
If you book now and want to fly to LA for two weeks at the beginning of December, you currently pay around 625 euros round trip with one piece of luggage and a meal.
Martyna Wieczorek (32), Account Manager, with her partner Gerardo Lopez Gálvez (38), Product Designer from Friedrichshain: “We are very excited, I’m five months pregnant and it’s our last big trip before giving birth. This one-stop connection is great! We actually wanted to fly earlier, but then we saw these cheap tickets. We pay 1300 euros for both of us there and back with one suitcase each. That’s a great price” Photo: Olaf Selchow
For Robert Rückel, Vice President of the IHK, the new direct connection saves time and trouble. “With direct flights, suitcases don’t get lost as easily, and it’s definitely more sustainable.”
According to Rückel, two-thirds of Berlin companies are in favor of more long-distance connections. “In particular, we would like to see more city connections from BER to the most important capitals in the world, especially to Asia.”
Marie Bernhardt (16), student from Mitte: “I’m doing a year abroad in the small town of Ojai near Los Angeles. I was there during the Easter holidays when I flew with United via New York. That took nine hours to New York and from there a few days later six hours to Los Angeles. The connection now is just great and time-saving. The first flight ever, that’s exciting! The one-way trip with three suitcases costs 800 euros” Photo: Olaf Selchow
Of course, BER wasn’t entirely without a delay on Friday either… With a one-hour delay, the Dreamliner took off at 2:29 p.m. for California.
Selma Peters (26), an employee from Prenzlauer Berg with her parents Nevin (54) and Holger (54) and the brothers Baran (19) and Sinan (16) from Frankfurt (Main): “We’re going on two-week family vacations in California. We paid 800 euros per person with suitcase and food there and back.” Father Holger: “Our daughter drew our attention to the cheap flight. A great connection!” Photo: Olaf Selchow
The very large train station with water fountains from the airport fire brigade did not come. The state of Brandenburg had banned the ceremony due to water shortages. A guard of honor made up of fire engines, 15 firefighters and an escort of follow-me vehicles had to suffice.
Brandenburg
The water fountains for the maiden flight had to fail, instead the fire brigade stands guard and escort follow-me vehicles Photo: Olaf Selchow
Since this week, Norse has also been flying daily to New York (JFK), and a regular connection to Ford Lauderdale (Florida) is also planned from winter.