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Save/ShareThe new low-cost carrier Virgin America takes flight tomorrow (Tuesday), and I dropped by JFK airport this morning to receive a tour of one of its new planes.
My guide was Adam Wells, the man most responsible for designing what's in the hulls of Virgin America's aircraft. We walked through a plane sitting on the tarmac. Adam pointed to the tinted windows, which filter out harsh sunlight. He said that the glare-reducing windows combine with soft interior lighting to help passengers appear healthier. Once he pointed this out, it became obvious: There was no harsh yellow and green light, which makes passengers in many standard airplane cabins appear washed out. "The goal is to make passengers feel more relaxed," he said. And his theory is that passengers will relax more if they look around and see other people looking relaxed.
Adam was quick to point out another of the features he championed: A sleek mini-bar at the back of the coach class cabin from which passengers can fetch waters and sodas in mid-flight. If you want food, you press the button marked "food" on the remote control that is hidden in your armrest, place an order using a touchscreen TV, and then swipe your credit card through the bottom of your seatback screen to pay.
My favorite unique service is that you can use the "Qwerty" keyboard on the back of your seat's remote control to sound off about your experience. When was the last time you heard of coach class passengers being encouraged to email a customer satisfaction survey to corporate headquarters in mid-flight?
Earlier: Virgin America has sparked a price war.
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Where does Virgin America airlines fly from and to. I live in Michigan.
Posted By Sharon Cooper-Bussell on August 9, 2007, 10:19 AM
Really nice to see an airline that is trying to make flying more comfortable and convenient for the customer .Most US airlines still follow the old USA car model eg. we will build something that our accountants approve and you ,the consumer ,can take it or leave it .Maybe AA ,Delta , United ,etc. will learn from Virgin as GM and Ford have finally learned from Toyota and Honda . A great product will always draw a crowd .
Posted By Jim Richards on August 9, 2007, 10:39 AM
It's about time! Maybe Virgin's innovative approach to air travel will shake up the airline industry in the U.S. and put a little civility back in the "friendly skies".
Posted By Greg Johnson on August 9, 2007, 12:14 PM
As a traveler, I welcome Virgin America's maverick entrepreneurial approach to turning customers into raving fans.
Posted By Sylvia Warren on August 9, 2007, 4:18 PM
Very happy with the way Virgin catered to my son, age 7, while we were flying back from London. I have been travelling with this young man since he was two years old, and have had many a complaint with other airlines and their lack of understanding the needs of passengers travelling alone with children. Virgin gave him a cap and a backpack containing little gifts and treats. I got a few nice things too-an eyemask, socks, toothpaste and toothbrush, etc. The little things mean so much!
Posted By Alicia Diozzi on August 9, 2007, 4:56 PM
I'd have to see and experence it for myself before becoming a "cheerleader"
Posted By Denny Turpin on August 9, 2007, 5:13 PM
I am a disabled traveler that is treated like dirt generally by United and US Air and just will not fly with them any more and have lost alot of money with United and so much rudeness that I want to cry so I have not traveled in one year due to my feelings and poor health and the airlines make it worse. I look forward to your airline but I live in Delaware and usually fly out of PHL but would be willing to drive to DC to get some decent service and intelligent ride and kindness. Thank you. Susana Quinn My children live on the west coast so I never get to see them anymore.
Posted By Susana Quinn on August 10, 2007, 9:52 AM
I have to say that this is another good sign that a company like Virgin America can indeed provide a product that is marketable and an experience that is pleasurable for not a lot of money. My only concern is that they would open up some hub in the Midwest (I live in Lincoln, Nebraska).
Only one other flight have I truly enjoyed and that was my experience on a KLM flight from JFK to Amsterdam. Not only were the seats comfortable but I could use the personal screen in front of my to text message my friends and family and let them know my location and how I was doing. Little things really go a long way and being able to stay connected helps on long flights.
Posted By David R Marlborough on August 16, 2007, 3:36 AM