Vans and Fiji Airways Staged the Ultimate Trip

Seven athletes, four lucky superfans, and one flight takeover.

Last Wednesday night in California passengers on the Fiji Airways flight from Los Angeles to Nadi were in for a surprise — Vans had taken over the airplane. Conceived as a celebration of the airline’s 75th anniversary, the two teamed up on an immersive experience designed to make the 11 hour journey to paradise feel extra special. Whether customers had economy or business class tickets gone were the herringbone striped blankets and standard amenities. Instead on each seat was a cozy blanket that featured the brand’s signature checkerboard print alongside a matching eye mask and a custom t-shirt in honor of the occasion. Even the flight attendants were outfitted for the occasion, forgoing their usual footwear in favor of special slip-on sneakers that included graphics reflecting the partnership.

That was just the beginning for a few lucky individuals on the flight. As a part of the anniversary celebration, Vans and Fiji Airways also staged a giveaway. Four superfans (plus a guest each!) were selected to come aboard and spend four days in Fiji, all expenses paid. Joining them were the brand’s ambassadors and athletes including legendary skateboarders Tony Alva, Steve Caballero, Christian Hosoi, Ray Barbee, and Lizzie Armanto, acclaimed artist Robert Vargas, champion surfer Nathan Florence, and award-winning BMX rider Alex Jumelin. Rounding out the group was Steve Van Doren, whose father founded Vans, as well as a handful of content creators and editors. The plan for the long weekend? Take advantage of what the islands had to offer and also give back to the Fijian community while doing so.

From left: Fiji Airways flight attendants in their slip-ons, Alex Jumelin performs for the crowd, Steve Van Doren on the flight, coral restoration, Robert Vargas paints for the students.

Following a warm welcome from musicians and dancers at the airport, complete with a giant rendition of the slip on sneakers, the group headed to Champs International School where local students performed dances and gave speeches. In return, Jumelin performed BMX stunts to cheers of delight while Vargas painted portraits. Athletes handed out merch, posed for selfies, and signed t-shirts. Hearts full, it proved that the best cure for jet lag was time spent with smiling kids and teens, exchanging stories. In that same spirit of service two days later at Cloud 9, a legendary floating bar located on a lagoon in Ro Ro Reef, the group joined in coral restoration efforts, helping collect and replant clippings.

From left: From left: Lizzie Armanto and Nathan Florence catch a wave, Peyton Sharkey flips off a balcony.

Of course it wasn’t all work. In between, there was plenty of opportunity for surfing, snorkeling, and flipping off balconies into Fiji’s legendary crystal clear water. After all, if the universe offers you a chance to get a mini lesson with a world class surfer, you take it. Talk about a trip of a lifetime.