Finally, It's Fun to Fly Again!
Written: Dec 16 '08
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Product Rating:
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Pros: A/C power, free checked bag, clean
Cons: MOvies cost $7.
The Bottom Line: Love it and I"ll fly Virgin whenever possible.
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| mbrenne72's Full Review: Virgin America Airlines |
I don't know about you but flying recently has become quite unpleasant over the past few years. Aside from the usual security measures we must all endure, it seems most airlines have simply tried to make the whole experience as miserable as possible. But not Virgin America and here's why.
Checkin is very modern. They have touch screen checkin that actually works! Slide your card, select your information and the boarding pass prints right there. If you don't have a bag to check, you're off to the gate. But if you do, they actually let you check a bag and it's included in the airfare price, up to 50 pounds.
Virgin does everything a little bit differently. First, they do one round of drink service with the cart down the aisle. AFter the first cart service, you can order a drink from the touch screen at your seat - then they bring it to you. The bathroom is slightly more managable and they have a bin of cold water bottles right next door so a beverage is always readily available.
Meals are still pay-per but at $7 for most, they are no more than what's available in the terminal. They have three vegetarian meal options (cereal w berries, hummus, veggies, pita and something else that is sold out) as well as sandwich options.
The seat has a touchscreen that provides live TV but channels are limited - CNN, MSNBC and other news, ESPN 2 but regular ESPN was not working, and other cable but no major networks other than FOX. The signal is good but sometimes flickers (satelite). There are also games (Doom, TextTwist, Mad Bomber), shopping, and even seat-to-seat chat (I didn't use). There is a book feature but none available yet. But the entertainment keeps people in their seat. And there isn't the usual rush to the bathroom after the movie because you can start a movie whenever you like. Unfortunately, movies are $7. They also have some TV shows that are a buck or two. But they do provide AC power and USB so you can charge your computer, phone or other electronic device on the plane. They also have Ethernet but it's pay per and you need a cable.
As I write this, we are over Bloomington, Indiana traveling 490 mph. We have 540 miles to go and are flying at 37154 feet. It is -76 degrees farenheit outside (full Google map, nav, etc). It's pretty amazing to track your progress throughout the flight!
Seats are leather and maybe a little more comfortable than regular seats but still small. First class gets all ammenities included as do the premium seats in the exit row ($100 upgrade). They will not let you sit in the exit row unless you have paid for the seat.
The planes are pretty nice and new.And they bring you blankets and pillows on request. And Virgin America gates at SFO are in the international termimal. Too bad it only goes to JFK, DC, Vegas, San Diego, LAX and Seattle. They just announced Boston for Feb 12.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
mbrenne72
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Reviews written: 16
Trusted by: 0 members
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