Completed OLCI around 20 hours before departing (OLCI opened at 24 hours before) - managed to secure SEQ 5 and 6 - not bad! Had to find somewhere with free wifi so ended up checking in whilst in the Venetian.
I had read about the $70 pp upgrade by checking in 6 hours before, however, as it was a 9:30 flight I didn't fancy waiting up at 3:30am so decided to check in and see at the airport.
Got a taxi from the hotel at 7:15 over to Mccarren - 15 minutes with a beautiful sunrise, dropped off right outside VX checkin - straight in and printed boarding passes using the online CI machines, no bags to check.
As I was doing a day trip, I also checked in for the return at the same time.
Security was nice and empty at this time in the morning - however, stupid me decided to forget about the suncream in my 'day' bag - this was conviscated of course - however, I was very apologetic but they were very nice about it (I paid for it later with the sunburn, lesson learnt!).
I really like the spacious feel of LAS aiport - popped to starbucks and got a nice coffee and enjoyed the free wifi whilst waiting to board. I especially liked the fact you could play slots whilst waiting for your flight - still didn't win!!
Time to board came, very well organised and a fun ground crew - lots of fresh and modern feel to it, sayings like "hope you are all looking forward to flying on virgin america today, we're here to make you day" - all the things you have to love (or hate!) about the americans.
Boarded the flight in group E, last as seated in 7 A and B. Upon entering I was excited by the fresh looking and enthusiastic crew - lovely welcome. First Class did look very nice and for $70 I had wished I'd got up at 3;30am to try and get the seats - next time!
Found our seats, all window blinds closed and mood liting on. Announced flight time of 1 hr 10 mins - off on time. The seats were so comfortable and the individual IFE screens big.
I loved the fact that the IFE worked from the point you sit down, tuned into ABC news - really weird watching live TV. Wifi signal was good, but as I'd just updated using the free wifi in airport, I decided aginst paying the $4.99, but feel this is reasonable if I had anything to do.
There were a few empty seats on the flight, but actually quite full - 90% - good to see they are filling their seats.
Once up in the air, crew did a drinks run.
Now, onto what I love most - the in seat ordering service!! They offer a selection of free drinks i.e. coke, water etc. All you do is go into the IFE, pick what you want and then it is delivered by the crew, this was great! I swiped my credit card for a $3 pot of pringles and seconds later it was here.
Before we knew it, it was time for landing and info the beautiful SFO to a partly cloudy skies.
I have to say, VX beams of being a modern and exciting airline - I hope they expand. It's a shame their JFK to LAS flight times don't fit with any of the VS flights otherwise I would definitely have paid extra to fly VX. It felt like VS in the old days when they were market leading and innovative.
Big thumbs up - now to wait for the miles and tier point!!
Luke
SF is fantastic, I have good friends there now after 15 years of visiting, there are so many parts to the city, and the people are so amazing!
