Deal of the Week: Virgin America

Virgin America has received lots of buzz for stepping up the ‘cool’ factor with their fleet of airbuses that are bringing the umph back to travel. Air travel post 9/11 has seen a well-reported decline in sales, therefore forcing fleets to either downsize the warm and fuzzy creature comforts or file bankruptcy. Virgin takes a new approach and more positive outlook on the future of air travel by bringing back the bells and whistles, while still providing top-notch customer service and dare I say it (gasp, gasp) DEALS! Real deals, not the read between the lines fake you out type deals.

With the recent announcement of their new ‘Golden State to Gold Coast’ route, travelers can now enjoy service from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Florida – a major connector to the Caribbean. The twice-daily non-stop flights are being offered as low as $99 (USD). In celebration of their expansion, Virgin is having a “Go Golden” special for coast-to-coast travelers from December –March of 2010. Deals include fares from $39 (San Francisco to Los Angeles) and $99 (New York’s JFK Airport to Los Angeles).

Virgin America owner, Sir. Richard Branson alongside CEO David Cush and mayoral representatives from San Francisco and Broward County in Florida were on hand for the big announcement and Gilded Runway Reception.

“At a time when consumers are more discerning than ever about where they spend their travel dollars, we’re excited to inject competition into the market by offering Golden State to Gold Coast travelers the best of both worlds: unrivalled service and incredibly low fares,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. Broward County Mayor Ken Keechl agreed, commenting, "The decision to make Fort Lauderdale the newest destination in the airline’s network is a testament to the investments made in our airport and the strong tourism economy of our region. The move to provide new non-stop service will create jobs, stimulate tourism and improve service for local travelers.”

In addition to low fares, travelers will also be treated to free in-flight wireless service, provided by Google, through the holidays. In May, Virgin America was the first airline to offer wireless internet on every flight. Additional amenities include:

• Mood lit cabins, with lighting changes throughout the flight to encourage comfort
• Power outlets at every seat
• Red Entertainment System: live TV, a selection of 25 films, interactive Google maps, video games, music videos and an on-demand menu that allows guests to order food or snacks at any time.
• First class patrons are treated to plush white leather seats with 55 inches of pitch and lumbar massagers. They receive complimentary food and cocktails, and an all-access pass to Red’s various entertainment options, dedicated overhead bins and priority check-in/boarding.

The California based airline, established in 2007, now flies to ten destinations within the US. For more information on Virgin America and their list of fabulous deals, logon to www.virginamerica.com

Photo by Virgin America, Bob Riha, Jr.