VX960 SFO-SAN 7 MAR 12 (Economy)

This is a Trip Report from the Economy cabin

Ground Staff

Food & Drink

Entertainment

Seat

Cabin Crew

Having landed at SFO 30 mins early on VS19 at 12.30 we had some time to kill before our Virgin America flight at 17.15 to San Diego.

After a very quick transfer on the Airtrain to terminal 2 we checked in at the VX desk. Amazing open check in desks surrounded by red swivel chairs - felt a little like checking in at a W hotel! The staff were unbelievably friendly, so unlike the surly staff at United and Continental desks I'm used to.

We were told we could pay $35 to use the Clubhouse in the International terminal so back on the Airtrain.....only to be told we had to pay at the VX check in desk and the clubhouse was closing in 10 mins anyway (1 hour before the VS20 LHR flight!)

So back on the Airtrain, feeling glad SFO is a compact airport and getting great bay views, we were through security and enjoying cold beer and a good burger in a nice restaurant next to our boarding gate in under 20 mins.
Boarding VX960 was quick and easy - the plane seemed clean and and the purple mood lighting and black leather seats created a great atmosphere.

View from row 7
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The crew were far younger than the average US cc and were laughing and joking with the passengers. When the two guys behind found they had no room to store their bags a cheery female cc said she would have to stow the bags in the hold but would get them a cocktail each to compensate.

Just as we started to taxi the pilot came on to welcome us on board and inform us the reason the plane seemed shiny was that it was infact new, yes brand new and we were on it's first ever commercial flight!! The comment that we were on a 'test flight' focused the mind!

However the 1 hour 15 min flight was perhaps the most pleasurable short hall flight I have ever experienced......

A touch screen on the seat infront for viewing TV/films, checking journey progress on the flight map and ordering drinks and snacks (soft drinks free) was great. The flight itself was almost silent and views of California in cloudless early evening skies were superb. The views of SFO and golden gate on take off were unforgettable:

Downtown SFO and Bay bridge
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Golden gate bridge on take off
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I had read recently that if RB somehow manages to sucessfully win his BMI battle with BA he might launch a domestic Virgin UK. After this experience bring it on!!!

I encourage you all to try VX for domestic US flights. Earning tier points and miles in such a pleasant on board environment was a joy. I predict great things for VX across the pond - well done Virgin America!

Thanks for the TR, I am using VX for the first time in a few weeks from Vegas to SFO and back so hopefully its a clear day when we leave also. Great photos

Awesome TR, thanks for posting The cabin looked great in the photo and sounds like the whole VX experience was spot on

Very cool pictures of one of my favourite cities in the world as well

Thanks for the TR, amazing pictures and sounds like a great flight

I did SFO to LAS last year and was also highly impressed, with everything from check in, to the crew to the ordering of drinks via your seat back screen. Thanks for posting, nice TR.

Great TR We did SFO to LAS in Sept 2010 with Virgin America and I thought it was great. I'm a nervous flyer so when the pilot came into the cabin wearing his stetson and declared "let's get y'all to Vegas!" I was like OMG But it was a great flight and I thought the overall cabin and service was excellent, would definitely recommend them.

thanks for the TR and amazing pictures.

Thank you for the great TR and pics.