The Only Way to Fly
Flying Virgin America has truly changed the game with the domestic carriers in the USA. The amenities, the people and the plane itself sets Virgin America apart from any other carrier. When I first stepped on-board my first Virgin America flight, I was absolutely shocked. We were on our way to New York to attend the Victoria’s Secret Supermodel PJ Party the following day. The pictures and stories that I initially saw the day I signed up as a founding Elevate member was just a sneak peak. The check-in process was seamless and very efficient -- especially since it was in the International Terminal at SFO. Upon stepping onboard the plane, it became apparent that Virgin America had created a new flying experience. They had obsessed about every last detail: leather seats, seat-back touch screens, seat-to-seat chat, WiFi, live TV, AC power, USB power for electronics, and on-demand food and beverage service. With Virgin America, flying is much more than getting from point A to point B.
The 5 hour flight from SFO to JFK flew by! I could not believe the flying experience could be this entertaining. The VS PJ Party flight was a great way to spend time aboard Virgin America, celebrating their new partnership with Victoria Secret. When I returned home to Santa Clara and had some time to reminisce about my memorable experience, I knew I was hooked. I could not wait to start flying VA all the time! Living in San Diego and attending college in Santa Clara, I make frequent trips to and from home. When I read the announcement of service to San Diego last February I knew I needed to celebrate this new route by attending the inaugural flight. Meeting Richard Branson upon arriving to the gate area in San Francisco blew away my expectations. How could such a busy guy have time to celebrate a new route for a US-based airline? Work hard and play hard as Branson puts it!
Being surrounded by like minded people proved to me that this airline will prosper throughout the years to come. I have since made an effort to fly Virgin America when I go home to San Diego, even though I have to make the extra effort to take the CalTrain and BART to SFO. The most recent addition of Orange County has proven that VA can prosper. Virgin America has figured it out with their marketing efforts focused on the demographic yearning for this first-class service. The OC-to-SFO route will provide a service that no other legacy carrier can compete with.
My recent flight in the first class cabin exceeded my expectations. It was better than any first class seat I have ever experienced, even internationally. The customer service in-flight and on the ground will continue to build customer loyalty, and customers from other legacy carriers will be flocking to Virgin America.
Keep up the great work!
-Matthew Roeckel
