Flying in Style: Virgin America A320 First Class Review
As the days of Virgin America are gradually coming to a conclusion due to the purchase by Alaska Air, it is now more important than ever to experience an airline that did an amazing job catering to the millennial generation. From the check in process of blasting music to the actual dance number the safety video demonstrates, it is disheartening to know that most of these hip features will soon vanish into high altitude thin air. Maybe we can keep hope alive and believe that Alaska Air will maintain some of these iconic activities to keep the demographic that is growing the fastest in the US.
I managed to experience a First Class flight back from Washington DC (DCA). Luckily, (Actually this was strategically planned) the flight had ViaSat! Which meant I could stream virtually anything. Since this was a Sunday afternoon flight... it means I could stream football!
This aircraft has only 8 seats for the First Class Cabin (2x4)
Upon sitting down in my window seat, I started to tinker and play with every amenity and seat function like I was a child in a make-believe rocket ship. The guy next to me probably thought I never flew first class before, and he clearly was a veteran (pulling a table from the chair like a pro)
One of the first things I noticed was that first class does not have a TV display in front of you. It is actually hidden in your arm rest. Convenient when you are in the air as the screen can be up close. The negative is that it has to be stowed away during take-off and landing.
My set up while in air was very comfortable. I relaxed laying almost flat and having the Virgin Display show the Giants game (Free) and my laptop broadcasting RedZone via ViaSat ($8)
Relaxing continued as I waited for the meal service to begin.
I have to be honest, I was a little nervous that they were going to run out of my first choice of the Moroccan Chicken because I was not a fan of how the Corn Zucchini Fritters sounded. I am actually amazed because I find that there is always one amazing option and one wtf option on my Business Class / First class meals.
I over hear the other passengers pretty much all request the Chicken and of course the attendant comes to me last and asks what I would like. As I request the Chicken, I prepare for the attendant to say they are out because you know…. It happened before.
Luckily, she walked away with no comments on inventory. I still imagined she was going to come back later and give me bad news.
After a good 45 minutes of the first person receiving their food, she brings me a tray of a meal. I am praying hardcore right now and fortunately it was indeed the chicken.
And not only did it look damn good, it tasted damn good too.
Finishing off the meal right with a Crème Brulee Berry Tart
The flight was roughly 2.5 hours of pure bliss. The best part was that it was only 14,000 Virgin America Elevate points. Virgin America points are valuable, but they are converting to Alaska Air at a 1.3 rate. So, this flight was basically worth 18,200 Alaska Air Miles.
Mileaholic gives this flight experience a 5 out of 5 martini glasses.