[
back to list of news & deals ]
Virgin America: Fun & Super Cheap Fares Return to U.S. Flying
Since San Francisco's hometown airline, the brand new Virgin America flew its inaugural flight last summer, it has steadily expanded routes in efforts to serve 10 cities within its first year of operation.
Fares are consistently good: one-way flights start from $39 to $169 depending on route. Families can take advantage of the airline's fast growth, however, because each new route debuts with rock bottom fares, at least for awhile. Current specials include $77 one-way fares from San Francisco to Seattle ($177 in 1st class) or $169 one-way from Washington DC to LA ($529 in 1st class). And Virgin America's service is a bargain at any time.
A most welcome change from the stress that accompanies domestic flights these days, they America offer innovation in design and service. The cabin interiors are crisp white with cool mood lighting that changes throughout the flight with settings from dawn to dusk. On my flight from SF to LA, I felt like I was flying inside an IPod. Color tinted windows that reduce glare allow you to enjoy the cutting edge entertainment from your leather seat; 9-inch seatback video touch screens are your headquarters for satellite TV, 25 pay per view movies, video games, streaming radio channels and a collection of 3,000 MP3s from which you can create your own playlist. You can even do on-screen chatting with other passengers.
You'll have a comfortable seat with a power outlet for your laptop, a pleasant environment and a variety of entertainment. What else might you need? Well, if you are hungry or thirsty, you can order directly from your seatback touch screen at any time during the flight with the handy "food button." Virgin America is the only US airline to offer this service: Place your order, swipe your credit card, and your meal or snack will be delivered shortly. Recently Yogurt, Berries and Granola, a Steak Sandwich and Chicken Caesar Salad have been added to the selection of sandwiches, snacks and sweets. No need to carry cash, or fuss with packages of food from home or the airport terminal.
So, if you're flying between San Francisco and Los Angeles, San Diego, Las Vegas, Seattle, New York or Washington, DC (and more destinations in the near future), check out Virgin America (877/FLY-VIRGIN) for a low-cost, high tech, new experience in flying.
by Fran Falkin
