Virgin America Launches SFO-Orlando October 6th

In a press release Tuesday Virgin America announced new service between San Francisco and Orlando, Florida. The launch, previously slated for August 19th, was postponed to October 6 due to a delay in its leased aircraft deliveries. The airline will initially offer one daily flight between the two cities. Tickets can now be purchased at virginamerica.com.

Virgin America to Launch San Francisco to Orlando, Toronto

Hot off the press is word Virgin America plans to launch daily service between San Francisco and Orlando, Florida beginning August 19th. In a statement, the airline also announced plans to start a Los Angeles to Orlando flight as well. The new service effectively allows passengers from other Virgin America west coast cities (San Diego and Seattle) to connect in SFO enroute to Orlando.

The airline also said service planned between SFO and Toronto is pending government approval, but is tentatively set for launch in June 2010.

In a bit of unfortunate news, the airline reports it will end service to Orange County airport effective May 26th.

SFO-Fort Lauderdale $99 Each Way

Virgin America begins service to sunny Fort Lauderdale is just a few days. To celebrate, they are offering $99 introductory one-way fares ($198 round-trip) from the West Coast. Purchase by November 30th, for travel November 18 to December 16, and January 6 to February 10, 2010. 3-day advance purchase required.

Free Wi-Fi on Virgin America Flights for a Limited Time

Google and Virgin America have partnered up to offer a holiday treat to upcoming flyers. Between November 10 and January 15, 2010, enjoy complimentary web surfing on all Virgin America flights throughout the country. Details here.

Virgin America Introduces Additional Fare Options

San Francisco based Virgin America announced announced Wednesday additional fare options to provide flexibility to its passengers. In addition to Main Cabin and First Class fares, customers can now purchase fully refundable fares in the Main Cabin and Main Cabin Select. The fares allow one to make changes to flights and check a bag in at no additional charge. For those who desire to ride up in the front, the airline also offers Instant Upgrades to to Main Cabin Select; a premium seat at discounted rates. Visit www.virginamerica.com

$29 West Coast and $89 East Coast Fares from Virgin America

Virgin America launched a pretty incredible deal this morning for those of you thinking of traveling later this month. Fares of $29 each way are available to cities throughout the west coast, including Seattle, and $89 each way to cities along the east coast, including New York and Boston. Some great first class airfares are available as well! Book by 7am Tuesday morning for travel September 22-September 30, 2009.

Virgin America Follows Trend to Charge for Checked Baggage

Virgin America finally joined with most of the other carriers in charging a fee for a single piece of checked luggage. According to their website, passengers who book travel commencing after May 4, 2009 will be subject to a first bag fee of $15. Previously there was no charge to check one bag.  

The first bag fee does not apply to passengers flying first class or main cabin select, or those who purchased a fully refundable economy class ticket. 

When oil prices surged last year, many of the mainline carriers began instituting fees for all checked bags. Oil prices dropped, but the fees never went away. The move by Virgin America reflects the current norm for airlines to charge fees for checked bags.

Virgin America 5-day Pre-Valentines Sale in progress
(example fares)
San Francisco - San Diego $39+ each way
San Francisco - New York $134+ each way
San Francisco - Washington (IAD) $124+ each way
San Francisco - Seattle $77+ each way
Book by February 9th, complete travel by May 9th. Click here for more information.

Virgin America begins Seattle flights in March

Virgin America announced today that flights will commence from San Francisco to Seattle beginning March 18, 2008. This will mark the 7th city Virgin America provides air service, including San Diego which begins in February. 3 daily departures are currently scheduled.

Visit http://www.virginamerica.com/ for more information.

Virgin America: Buy 1 Get 1 Free Offer

H O T T E S T airfare deal of the year! (thanks FW)
Virgin America has a promo code Buy 1 Get 1 Free valid system wide.

For example: San Francisco-New York is $169+ tax ROUNDtrip when 2 people fly together on the same reservation.
For Example2: San Francisco-Los Angeles $50+tax ROUNDtrip when 2 people fly together on the same reservation.
The source of this promo code is a blog called DIGGNation - diggnation.com, and apparently the code was given to some of their subscribers, but seems to work for everyone.
Book at: Virginamerica.com enter code: DIGGNATION on the start page where it asks "have a promo code?"
T&C
*Digg Promotion: Promo Code discount is only valid for two guests traveling on the same itinerary. Offer ends at 11:59pm Pacific Time on December 7, 2007. Promo Code is valid for travel in the Main Cabin between November 26, 2007 and March 19, 2008. Blackouts are December 19, 2007 through January 6, 2008, February 14, 15 and 18, 2008. If travel is changed to a date outside of this window, or if itinerary is modified so that there are not two guests traveling on the same flights, Promo Code discount will become inapplicable, and guest will be responsible for any increase in air fare. The Promo Code may be used only towards newly-booked travel and may not be applied to prior bookings. Promo Code discount will be deducted off of base fare. Promo Code may not be redeemed for cash. Offer may not be combined with any other sale or promotion.

HOT deal! 25% off your next Virgin America flight.
Book book before December 7, 2007 for travel through March 19, 2008. Click on the Redeem button or enter this promo code when you book your travel online at http://www.virginamerica.com/: ELEVATE25

Virgin America announces new San Diego service

Virgin America announced today ticket sales has begun for daily flights between its home base of San Francisco International Airport and San Diego International Airport. The service will begin on Feb 12, 2008 with three daily flights and will expand to five daily flights on March 9, 2008. Prices are available as low as $39 each way in economy and $149 each way in First Class. San Diego will be the 6th destination served by the airline.

Virgin America's brand new planes feature moodlighting, custom-designed leather seats and the Red Inflight Entertainment system which allows guests to order food, watch one of 25 movies, satellite TV, play a videogame, create a personal playlist from over 3,000 MP3 music tracks onboard or instant message with other guests -- all from a 9" video touch-screen and keyboard at every seat

Virgin America begins SFO-Las Vegas service today

With 5 daily non-stops, Virgin America will commence service to Las Vegas from SFO later this morning. The airline will be flying in congested skies however as Southwest has over 20 daily flights from SFO&OAK and United 8 from its SFO hub. Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson will be at SFO for the launch of this new route.

Virgin America begins SFO-IAD service today

Virgin America debuts San Francisco to Washington-Dulles Airport today and continues to offer intro fares as low as $129 each way for this market.

A few good fare finds this morning:
San Francisco to Los Angeles $78/roundtrip + tax on Virgin America
San Francisco to Cleveland, OH $144/roundtrip +tax on United Airlines
Both fares available 7 days a week including weekends.
virgin america sale and farecompare