V-Flyer

My excitement for this flight had been building for sometime, in fact from the day I booked it which was the day that VX released this flight for sale. I knew it would likely be a special event what with it being the inaugural flight from SFO-PDX by VX but I really hadn't anticipated just how special. I'd received an email, which I posted on the forum, pointing out it would be a "festive affair" and they weren't kidding.

I awoke in SF with much anticipation but then was mildly horror stricken when I realised I'd left my id at home and was sat at work, but in in all I was calm, that swiftly changed when my car I'd booked for a ride to the airport was late and at the time unaware of my need to make a stop.....obviously you know the rest of the story which is to say I made it just fine.

There already seemed a buzz upon arriving at the airport, the curbside check-in agent commenting with a "awesome! Inaugural!" when I said my destination. As ever, SFO's T2 was a delight and I was through security in sub 10 mins and I arrived at the gate just as the speeches were commencing. First up was VX CEO David Cush who gave the usual spiel about the affect VX has on markets it enters (claim is they reduce fares by avg 30%) and how they're proud to serve PDX and give an alternative, a word used heavily given the 'alternative' lifestyle enjoyed by many in PDX. Second up was the mayor of Portland, who pretty much echoed David's sentiment. Actor Kyle Maclachlan stood there smiling from ear to ear but didn't speak, back to David Cush for him to announce (after cutting the ribbon with Portland's Mayor Sam Adams) "Let's have some fun!"


The ride, incidentally, was being flown by Virgin America's "mt hoodie" A320 which was named in a competition following the announcement of the launch to PDX. mt hoodie being a play on the nearby impressive volcano and the fact the residents of Portland enjoy wearing a hoodie or two. It's worth noting that every single member of the VX team bought into this occasion and that made it all the more special, to the point that when it came to disembarking my 'row-mate' insisted I deplane first because I was a paying guest! Little touches, greatly appreciated.

Each guest was given a commemorative lanyard with "Official Guest" on it and "Lets put it in ink" on the back. After the safety briefing was finished the whole plane was treated to an extremely funny episode of Portlandia which obviously featured Kyle Machlachlan in his role of Mayor but also a cameo by the actual Mayor - after a beautiful departure over the city of SF from runway 1R we were then into the festivities! Free drinks and food available to all!! A quick trivia session about Portlandia ensued and everyone was in jubilant mood, clapping after take-off, clapping each time Portland was mentioned, clapping for just about everything! Honestly though, I felt like thanking them.

In flight I got chatting to the other person in my row who was guest relations for VX, amazed by my knowledge of the Virgin group of airlines she promised to introduce me to the VX royalty at the party and she didn't fail to deliver - I was introduced to David Cush (CEO), their head of guest loyalty (who had joined vx just 5 days prior), their head of pr and their head of marketing - all of whom were amazed and grateful that I'd chosen to be on the inaugural!

The flight literally flew by and before you knew it we were riding through a water cannon salute courtesy of PDX's fire service, it was then I caught a glimpse of the hangar where the party was to be held and my jaw dropped! I'll do my best to upload a pic(s)(In the meantime, here are VX's and photo 18 of 38 features my head poking out the door and photo 8 see's me in the window seat enjoying a comp cocktail: http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10150938857374411&set=a.10150935808719411.438235.5832584410&type=1&permPage=1. I stepped off the aircraft onto a red carpet lined with VX staff and the Royal Rosarians of Portland! Amazing! Less than 30 seconds later and I was sipping on Champagne enjoying a very funny speech by Kyle Maclachlan, one of his best lines being "I declined the chicken, but was assured it was locally sourced and in fact was vegetarian and no chickens were harmed which is what we like in Portland!"

The party was a brilliant occasion, guests were invited to dj a song with the djs AndrewAndrew, there was excellent food and drinks available and spray/tattoo painting - at one point I had a plane spray painted to my forehead and on the back of my head.

As the party wound down, I rode back to the terminal with a bunch of VX employees and it felt like I'd made a bunch of new friends. It's fair to say that VX suffered with their switch to Sabre, which I discussed openly with them, but credit where credit is due = http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SaV-6qerkqI

I genuinely hope this route does well for VX, this first inaugural flight for me will always hold a special memory! VX will continue to have my business for a long long time to come;

Great TR from an evidently memorable flight.

Now, how could I have missed Voodoo Doughnuts when in Portland ? Well, perhaps diverted by the beer

Cheers! Yep, them Voodoo doughnuts are pretty awesome!

VX certainly know how to party. I had the pleasure of visiting them in SFO in 2009 to present them with a V-Flyer award. I arrived off the VS19 and presented a VF award to Claire in the SFO Clubhouse - a legend - and met a VX representative who gave me a tour of the their facility. The following day I arrived with their award and even though it was low key by inaugural route standards, it was great. David Cush was there and the whole VS team and they really appreciated the award that had come from Olde England to acknowledge their efforts.

Heck, even when I was severely delayed they were fun.

I love Virgin America

What a great trip....I was on a VS inaugural flight once and it was special but not that much fun.

If only every flight could be like that..........

So glad you were on it and able to report back
Thanks
Sunshine

Wow Not only being on an inaugural flight, but being treated to all the party atmosphere

Fantastic TR and I am sure those memories will live you you for a long time to come

Any chance you can go back to the usual Economy now ??

buns

I can feel the fun in your TR, brilliant and thanks for sharing.

buns wrote:Wow Not only being on an inaugural flight, but being treated to all the party atmosphere

Fantastic TR and I am sure those memories will live you you for a long time to come

Any chance you can go back to the usual Economy now ??

buns

Not sure I can Buns! I did make the return in First...I was the only one, a bunch of VX staff were on including David Cush (they all sat in Economy) and a bunch of them came to talk to me on the flight having recognised me from the party. Good times.

Great TR, thanks for sharing! Looks like mucho fun was had by all