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VX to FLL

Old 08-11-2009, 07:47 AM
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Default VX to FLL

San FranciscoAug. 11, 2009 Virgin America, the California-based airline that is reinventing domestic travel, today announced it will serve Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport (FLL) with daily non-stop flights from the West Coast beginning Nov. 18, 2009. The South Florida region will be the tenth destination in the airline’s growing network. Virgin America will serve FLL with two daily non-stop roundtrips from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and two daily non-stop roundtrips from Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). The airline will also offer convenient connecting flights from Seattle, Orange County, San Diego and Las Vegas.

“The South Florida market has always been at the top of our list. It is a world-class destination and an important tourism and business travel market that, until today, was served by little or no non-stop competition from the West Coast,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. “Our business model is focused on population centers where our unique service and amenities resonate with travelers – and we think the South Florida region is a perfect match. With its central, convenient location and modern facilities, we’re pleased to partner with Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport to bring our low-fare, upscale service to this growing market.”

Virgin America’s new service will be the first and only non-stop service from FLL to SFO. Tickets are on sale today on Virgin America’s Web site (www.virginamerica.com) and at 1.877.FLY.VIRGIN * (1.877.359.8474). FLL-SFO and FLL-LAX fares start at $99 one way in Main Cabin, $499 one way in the carrier’s Main Cabin Select premium service, and from $849 in its international-grade First Class cabin.**

"Virgin America’s innovative service is a great match for our region and we’re proud to welcome them," said Broward County Mayor Stacy Ritter. "The move will not only drive local job growth, but is a testament to the strong tourism economy of our region even in the current climate. Linking South Florida with non-stop air service from San Francisco and Los Angeles will stimulate tourism and is a win for travelers – when more airlines compete, consumers tend to find lower fares and better service.”

Virgin America has captured a list of travel industry best-in-class awards since launching service in August 2007 – including most recently, “Best Domestic Airline” in Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards for the second consecutive year. The carrier offers unrivalled value with low fares and high-tech features that are uniquely suited to long-haul flights, including: fleetwide WiFi, power outlets, mood-lighting, custom-designed leather seating and Red™ – the most advanced entertainment system in the U.S. skies. Red allows guests to control their own experience, with a food ordering system, 25 on-demand films, seat-to-seat chat, the ability to create a play-list from thousands of MP3s, videogames, interactive Google Maps, live TV and more – all accessed via touch-screen and remote control at every seat.

"Congratulations to Virgin America, California’s only hometown airline, on expanding to a tenth destination," said San Francisco Mayor Gavin Newsom. "From its home at San Francisco International Airport’s modern International Terminal, Virgin America continues to drive economic development for the greater Bay Area, while offering travelers across the country high levels of customer service as well as high-tech amenities that reflect the very best entrepreneurial spirit of our state.”

In May, Virgin America became the first and only airline to offer guests Gogo® In-flight Internet on every flight. Virgin America is also the only airline in the U.S. with a touch-screen seatback food menu that allows guests to order what they want, when they want it during a flight. The airline offers one of the largest selections of fresh menu items, with a focus on lighter, more health-focused options – in keeping with its California roots.

“We’re thrilled that Virgin America is bringing its distinctive, low-fare service to our airport,” said Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport Director, Kent George. “While other airports are cutting capacity, we’re pleased to be growing and bringing travelers more choice. We think the service will be a great fit for our passengers and we look forward to welcoming Virgin America’s inaugural flights in November.”

In addition to a Main Cabin that offers custom-designed leather seats with a deeper, more comfortable pitch, Virgin America’s First Class cabin features international-grade amenities, including plush white leather seats with 55 inches of pitch and lumbar massagers. The carrier’s premium cabin option, Main Cabin Select, offers 38-inches of seat pitch, complimentary food and cocktails, an all-access pass to Red’s countless entertainment options, dedicated overhead bin space, and priority check-in and boarding.
"With Virgin America’s four daily flights into FLL, it just got easier for Californians to experience our Blue Wave beaches, exotic Everglades and cruises from Port Everglades. And just in time for Pro Bowl and Super Bowl 2010 in South Florida," said Nicki E. Grossman, President of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Virgin America flies to San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Orange County and as of Nov. 18, 2009 – Fort Lauderdale. The airline currently offers daily flights from: SFO to LAX, SFO to JFK, SFO to SAN, SFO to IAD, SFO to LAS, LAX to JFK, LAX to IAD, SFO to SEA, SEA to LAX, JFK to LAS, BOS to LAX, BOS to SFO and SFO to SNA. Virgin America has flown close to five million guests since its inaugural flights in August 2007 and now counts over 950,000 Elevate loyalty program members.
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Old 08-11-2009, 07:49 AM
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great for them!
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Old 08-11-2009, 08:24 AM
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They'll pull out like AA did (LAX, PAP, SJU, etc.) as soon as Spirit starts selling those $39 dollar tickets to LAX, while still making money...
Can't wait to see those weird-looking black pilot uniforms up close too. :-P

Last edited by A320Flyer; 08-11-2009 at 09:04 AM.
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Old 08-11-2009, 09:02 AM
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Coffee please, black...

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1071/...41abce14fb.jpg
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Old 08-11-2009, 09:55 AM
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You know if they are CA or FO by the pins on their collar. I thought that was pretty strange.
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Old 08-11-2009, 10:09 AM
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Johnny Cash would be so proud.....
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Old 08-11-2009, 10:30 AM
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Default Not anymore...enter JetBlue!

Originally Posted by Flyin1500 View Post

Virgin America’s new service will be the first and only non-stop service from FLL to SFO.
From the Bay to the Beach: JetBlue Adds Service Between San Francisco and Fort Lauderdale

- First nonstop service from SFO to Fort Lauderdale - - Easy connections available to the Caribbean -
  • Press Release
  • Source: JetBlue Airways
  • On Tuesday August 11, 2009, 2:18 pm EDT
SAN FRANCISCO, Aug. 11 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- JetBlue Airways (Nasdaq: JBLU - News) invites San Franciscans to trade the bay for the beach this fall as the airline begins the city's first nonstop service to sunny Fort Lauderdale, Fla. Beginning November 17, 2009, customer-focused JetBlue will offer daily service between San Francisco International Airport and its South Florida focus city at Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport. JetBlue has been offering West Coast travelers nonstop service between L.A./Long Beach and Fort Lauderdale since 2003. From Fort Lauderdale, easy connections to Caribbean destinations including Nassau, Bahamas and San Juan, Puerto Rico are a breeze.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20090217/NY71475LOGO-b )
JetBlue's new SFO-Fort Lauderdale flights will offer travelers unrivaled amenities onboard, including "people friendly" legroom -- the most in coach of any U.S. airline(a) -- the most free live entertainment of any U.S. airline(b), and unlimited free snacks and drinks -- not to mention JetBlue's sincere, personal and award-winning customer service.
San Francisco (SFO) to Fort Lauderdale (FLL) to
Fort Lauderdale (FLL) San Francisco (SFO)
---------------------- ------------------------
Depart - Arrive Depart - Arrive
--------------- ---------------
11:30 p.m. - 7:50 a.m. (next day) 7:15 p.m. - 10:35 p.m.
-------------------------------- ----------------------
-- Service begins November 17, 2009 --
--------------------------------------
"JetBlue is thrilled to be introducing our long-requested service between San Francisco and South Florida," said Robin Hayes, JetBlue's chief commercial officer. "We look forward to further expansion in these important JetBlue cities, and we're confident travelers will really appreciate JetBlue's service, in particular our legroom, on this new coast-to-coast flight. JetBlue offers at least 34-inches between seats, or for just $40 more, you can stretch out and enjoy 38-inches in a super-spacious Even More Legroom seat. Either way you can cross your legs."
Overnight flights from San Francisco and all Western U.S. destinations offer JetBlue's complimentary Shut-Eye Service, featuring a Snooze Kit that includes earplugs and eyeshades, plus unlimited free snacks and beverages and a "good morning" hot towel service. Before arrival, customers will be treated to Dunkin' Donuts coffee, fruit juice, and bottled spring water, allowing customers to land refreshed and ready to start the day -- whether that's in the boardroom or on the beach.
From San Francisco International Airport, JetBlue currently offers daily nonstop service to Austin, Tex.; Boston, L.A./Long Beach, and New York. From Fort Lauderdale, JetBlue serves 17 destinations including Austin, Tex.; Boston; Buffalo, N.Y.; Cancun, Mexico; Charlotte, N.C.; L.A./Long Beach, Calif.; Nassau, Bahamas; New York/JFK; New York/LaGuardia; Newark, N.J.; Newburgh, N.Y.; Raleigh/Durham, N.C.; Richmond, Va.; San Juan, Puerto Rico; Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic; Washington/Dulles; and White Plains, N.Y.
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Old 08-11-2009, 10:35 AM
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Let the games begin
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Old 08-11-2009, 11:08 AM
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Originally Posted by A320Flyer View Post
Can't wait to see those weird-looking black pilot uniforms up close too. :-P
I may be in the minority here but I think the uniforms are HAWT *especially on my husband*

After 10+ years at a regional many downgrades, training events, diplacement, 2 BK, being furloughed, having class CX with an airline overseas my husb has definately paid his dues (alpa dues includ). So..this type of news is exciting to us. It is a shame you do not feel the same. If I were to take a guess... I would think that 75% + of the pilot group at VA were your alpa brothers at one time. Please be happy that they have a job doing what they love most with a great airline.
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Old 08-11-2009, 11:19 AM
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Yes, and they left their ALPA carrier to make 95 bucks an hr flying a airliner that everyone else is flying at 150-180 an hr. This is part of the reason it is so hard to get good pay and work rules. We have to compete with a guy willing to make in the left seat what a guy in the right seat would make at a major. (under a concessionary contract)
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