CRAWLEY, England, June 3, 2011 /PRNewswire/ --

British Airways is launching new daily flights to San Diego - its latest Californian holiday hotspot, from June 1st. As the only airline flying directly from Europe, the new route offers greater access to local markets for business, as well as a popular leisure destination.

Richard Tams, British Airways' head of UK and Ireland sales, said: "San Diego is very hip right now - it's often rated as the best place in America to live and it's easy to see why. It offers beautiful beaches, a bustling nightlife and a chilled out scene that make it very appealing all year round."

The new route will provide a welcome opportunity for European holidaymakers who are looking for holidays to San Diego ( http://www.britishairways.com/travel/holidays-in-san-diego/public/en_gb) with its surfing and golf through to shopping and sightseeing as there are activities for everyone.

In addition to the new flights, British Airways also offers a variety of hotels in San Diego ( http://www.britishairways.com/travel/hotels-in-san-diego/public/en_gb) like the 3* Mission Valley Resort which provides a wide range of facilities for families, as does the 4* Sheraton San Diego Hotel and Marina which is part of a $35 million renovation. Situated within San Diego's historic Gaslamp Quarter, the 4* Hotel Solamar provides space to 'relax and create' with its minibars stocked with art supplies. The 5* Grand Del Mar with its championship golf course is a AAA Five Diamond resort which was named by Conde Nast Traveller as one of The Worlds Best Places to Stay.

San Diego is famed for its 112 kilometres of sunny shores, abundant outdoor recreational activities and average daily weather of 22 degrees. There are many opportunities for travellers to go sightseeing in San Diego (http://www.britishairways.com/travel/sightseeing/public/en_gb) with animal encounters at San Diego Zoo and SeaWorld or museums and attractions at Balboa Park and a family holiday wouldn't be complete without a trip to Legoland.

Car hire in San Diego ( http://www.britishairways.com/travel/car-rental-san-diego/public/en_gb) is easy with British Airways' partnership with Avis, which means the new route will open up further opportunities for fly-drives, being ideally located for day trips to nearby Anaheim, home of Disneyland, as well as connections to Los Angeles. Palm Springs is around two hours from San Diego by car. Alternatively travellers can make a day trip to the breath taking Joshua Tree National Park, or the picturesque mountain town of Idyllwild.

The new route comes as a result of the recent joint business agreement with American Airlines and Iberia, enabling the airline to add more frequencies to its network. Flights to San Diego ( http://www.britishairways.com/travel/flights-to-san-diego/public/en_gb) will depart daily from London Heathrow Terminal 5 on a three-class Boeing 777 offering Club World, World Traveller Plus and World Traveller.

About British Airways:

British Airways offers a wide range of holiday experiences around the world to complement its flight network - with city breaks and beach holidays, including hotels from value two star through to luxury five star resorts, Avis car hire, and a wide range of tours.

Customers can save time and money with ba.com when booking ATOL (number 5985) protected holiday packages utilising flight+hotel or flight+car. Passengers are offered added peace of mind to their holiday plans and the security of travelling with British Airways. British Airways plc constantly seeks to exceed customers' expectations, both in terms of the value for money and quality of the service provided.

For further British Airways / British Airways Holidays Ltd media information please contact:

    
    Charlotte Lawrence
    Astral Towers
    Betts Way
    London Road
    Crawley
    RH10 9XA
    +44(0)1293-722513

http://www.ba.com

SOURCE British Airways