Virgin America

United States Based Discount Carrier

Started in 2007 to offer affordable travel between the East and West coasts, Virgin America wanted to provide superior service and an alternative to legacy carriers. Judging by the remarkable number of positive reviews, it succeeded.

Booked in advance, fares are great (LAX-JFK $140 inc. taxes), even including $15 baggage fee. Ticket changes cost $50, and there’s frequent flyer mileage too.

But it’s on-board where Virgin America shines. Fantastic leather seats offer 32” pitch, headset ‘wings’, laptop power and RED – an interactive entertainment system. It can also order and pay for refreshments, which are delivered by friendly attendants. There’s even pay-per-flight WiFi.

However, passenger opinion is divided over VA’s ‘mood lighting’ – blue and indigo LEDs that change with time of day, turning the aircraft into a San Francisco club. In this respect, Virgin America is similar to its co-founder, Richard Branson. It’s young, flamboyant and popular, but you can’t help feeling it tries too hard! Search!