Hidden Gem: Virgin America
Greetings from the skies somewhere over Canada! 
I splurged and purchased WiFi for the 5.5 hour flight. Might as well, right? I’m on vacation! Or am I working?
So, I’ve decided that Virgin America is the hidden gem of airlines! I’ve had such a great experience so far. I feel like I just uncovered a big secret!
The Virgin America terminal is actually sort of hidden at Logan airport. But, after walking by the looonnggg security lines at US Airways and American Airlines, I didn’t care that I had to walk a little ways to get to Virgin.
I checked-in online last night, so I already had my boarding pass. All I needed to do was go through security, which as you know usually takes some time. But, at Virgin America’s security, there were just 3 people in line ahead of me– and they were traveling together. The whole process (taking off shoes, etc.) took maybe 5 minutes.
Inside the terminal, I grabbed some much-needed coffee from Cosi. I didn’t sleep at all last night (wine country excitement!?!), so the caffeine was a big help!
I grabbed a Pro Bar from home for breakfast.
I still can’t believe these babies have close to 400 calories in them, but a bar that calls itself the “Whole Food Meal” is perfect for a breakfast on-the-go.
I loved this flavor! Dried berries, nuts, and gooey oats– delish!
I brought my Vega waterbottle along for the trip and filled it with H20 when I arrived at the airport. The BlogHer people actually suggested bringing reusable dishes and utensils to the conference to help minimize waste (environmentally speaking).
On the plane…
Check out the “9″ portal to flying nirvana” sitting in front of me!
“Red” is Virgin’s in-flight entertainment system that allows you to on-demand just about anything you want.
Including TV shows and movies, video games, 3,500 songs (you can even make a playlist)…
You can even shop and make donations!
And you can order meals, snacks, and beverages right to your seat. Of course, I think this is the coolest part! 
What should I order for lunch?
Fresh Veggie and Cheese Box?
Or Chatpata Chana and Raita?
Perhaps a glass of wine too?
I have some work to do on the flight. See ya in SAN FRANCISCO! 
Posted by: Tina 63 comments
Posted in: Uncategorized
Tags: Virgin America
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:04 am
What cool features! Looks like you’re already enjoying your trip. That bar does look tasty but at 400 calories, I might prefer a big ol’ breakfast! The veggie & cheese box sounds yummy for lunch, too. Be sure to snap some pics.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:05 am
That looks so fun! I love to travel, so I’ll have to check Virgin out next time I fly. I vote for meal #2 since it comes with Stacy’s pita chips.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:09 am
Wow!!! How cool is that! You did find a little gem! I always just book the cheapest airfare I kind find and don’t even worry about the airline. lol.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:10 am
That’s awesome. Looks like flying of the future!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:11 am
what a fantastic airline! The food doesn’t only look edible, but actually looks GOOD!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:12 am
Are you on a plane or in a luxury motel? Because that’s twenty times better than a plane I’ve been on
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:12 am
we are flying on virgin for our trip to london!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:13 am
Wow, Virgin Atlantic does seem like a hidden gem! It makes flying and traveling more fun than a hassle
I vote for the Chatpana Chana and Raita lunch box – love that it comes with Stacy’s pita chips. I’m obsessed with them!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:14 am
That airline looks great! I can’t believe how far technology has come!!
I would for sure choose the veggie and cheese tray!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Wow, that is a hidden gem. Are the employees actually nice??? I am tied to Northwest/Delta because I have status but they are always so mean, flights are late and the planes are smelly and old.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:14 am
Wow!!! I can’t wait to fly to Foodbuzz in November! I’m so excited because I don’t actually have to take a day off from work when I fly there on Friday; I can work on the plane! And the food isn’t crazy expensive on there either; very impressive!
Have SO much fun in San Fran!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:15 am
I have been dying to fly VA. I can’t wait. And how great is wifi in the air? Definitely get the Wente – I love Wente wines. Have fun with the girlies. Bummed I am going to miss you!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:15 am
yum!! get the second option with the hummus
sounds more filling and awesome!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:17 am
OH wow that seems so cool! I have never flown them either.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:18 am
Oh my gosh! How fun!! Now if all flights could be like that, I wouldn’t hate flying so much
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:18 am
that’s fantastic!
horizon serves FREE beer and wine-I love flying with them!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:23 am
@Amanda (modernation): It’s actually REALLY good! I was surprised!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:24 am
You really have discovered a hidden gem. I just went to check out their page and I wish they came to Dallas. I would love to fly by them! Have a great time on your trip.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:24 am
Wow! What a wonderful airline! I would pick the veggie and cheese box to go with the obligatory glass of wine. You are headed to wine country, a glass of wine on the flight is necessary!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:24 am
What an awesome airline! And their prices don’t look bad either
I’ve never had a probar, but they sound yummy… I’m just nervous that it’s small and 400 calories and I would rather have oat bran!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:31 am
I’ve never flown Virgin but I’ve heard good things- like that they give manicures in upper class on transatlantic flights!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:31 am
i am a HUGE fan of virgin, i’ve taken them 2 or 3 times now, the only thing that sucks it that they basically only fly between the east and west coasts. i want to be able to book a dc-boston flight on virgin!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:34 am
Your airline is so fancy! Looks like fun
I’d definitely go with the Chatpata Chana and Raita!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:34 am
I’d totally go for the cheese plate. Such a yummy selection at a great price.
I once flew British Airways from Newark to London and it was worth every penny. In fact it was the cheapest flight but I got a real meal, had my own TV and plenty of leg room for the long flight. And some of the movies were in spanish and french which excited me because I was on my way to study in Spain
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:41 am
wow! Great info on Virgin. I never think to even check them out when I fly. Have fun on your trip!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:44 am
Wow! That seems like an awesome airline! I don’t fly often. My first time on a plane was the summer of 2001 and needless to say, I was pretty scared to fly for a while after. My second time was to California last summer and I freaked out the whole time. I’m really afraid of heights. I’d rather drive than fly. But that’s awesome that they have so many things to accommodate you. I’d go with the second choice for lunch!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:45 am
wow! that looks like a fancy airline, purple seats and all. I have never flown on it, but I MUST look into. Just wanted to let you know i moved from wordpress to self host so i’m now at http://www.nono2yoyo.com.
have a fun trip!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:49 am
i love virgin. i just flew on it about a month ago for the first time and there was no lines for anything and the whole vibe of the airline is kinda “clubby” with the bright neon lights and hot pink and purple. fun!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:51 am
I’m so excited to hear how great Virgin America is! I am flying VA to NYC for the marathon in about 5 weeks. We got really cheap fares ($99 one way from LA!!!) so I figured we would try it. I’m really looking forward to it! Enjoy your trip!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:56 am
wow what a wonderful airline!
When i went to Cali back in March i went on an airline that had the On Demand feature as well, i think its pretty awesome! can’t wait to see u in San Fran!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:58 am
wow who would have thought?? that looks like a great airline!! have a safe trip.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:00 am
WOW how cool. I think these featuers would take my mind off of how scared I am to fly. What an awesome airline!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:01 am
That bar is packing a lot of cals, but it looks great! Does it keep you full long?
Have a great time!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:03 am
Very cool! I love that you can order food right to your seat!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:05 am
I vote for the Indian food.
Have you tried the Cherry Pretzel Probar? Soooo good.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:06 am
That is so cool! I consider myself an “international” traveler, but I’ve never seen anything like that! I’m going to have to try that airlines once we move back to the states!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:13 am
My flight to Japan had a similar screen on the back of the seats, but not nearly as nifty. I spent most of the flight staring at our flight plan, since I could not sleep! Ugh. It was quite miserable!!!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:14 am
I’m flying to the foodbuzz festival on Virgin America and I am so excited!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:17 am
now thats flying with class! looks awesome! what did you end up getting for lunch?? cosi is awesome too!! their sandwiches and salads hit the spot!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:17 am
I’ve never flown Virgin but my hubby has and he loved it!!!! At this point, airlines don’t have to do too much to make them seem better than the others. Traveling isn’t as fun/nice as it used to be on airplanes for sure!!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:18 am
Oh wow! I have never flown VA! Hum…I’ll look into them for my next flight! Have fun in CA, I am sure it will be a blast!
My vote the the veggie and cheese box for lunch, that is what I would get
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:21 am
Have a safe trip! I can’t wait to meet you. We are already in CA! Enjoy the plane ride
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:24 am
Tina – is it just me, or did you fly like royalty! I can’t wait to hear about your conference.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:27 am
Holy smokes…I had no idea Virgin was like that. Here I’ve been thinking Jet Blue was chock full of ammenities.
Have a wonderful time in San Fran!!!!! BTW..Taylors Refresher has the most amazing ahi Tuna burger EVER!!!!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:28 am
I flew VA to London once, and seriously, what a great experience! Maybe it’s because I fly Southwest 99.9% of the time? I think my vote is for the veggie and cheese box and DEFINITELY for the wine! Have a safe trip!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:30 am
Wow, I am totally going to check out that airline next time I fly! I hate American Airlines after my last few disasters with them.
I say get the Chatpata Chana and Raita! Sounds great
Have fun!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:36 am
I love VA
Have fun ordering lunch right to your seat!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:36 am
I flew Virgin America the last time I wen to San Fran and I also loooved it! Don’t you like the mood lighting on the plane, too?
Have sooo much fun. SF is my favorite city on Earth!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:44 am
Very cool, I like the being able to order from your seat! I will check out Virgin America for my next flight!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:45 am
Oooh! Coool! I would totally go for the wine and cheese. And you deserve to splurge on wifi, last time I flew we bought all the extras and I realized it made the flight much more fun.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 11:57 am
It looks great. I saw the “donate to CA parks”. They do need the help! They are proposing to close 100 state parks here. A HUGE shame! CA has beautiful parks. Enjoy your stay in San Francisco. My favorite city!!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 12:07 pm
I am so jealous! What an amazing airline!! Get the second choice for lunch, you can’t beat hummus and pits chips.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 12:13 pm
WOW and I thought JetBlue was great for just showing TV in front of every seat! That’ll definitely make for a wonderful flight!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 12:14 pm
Wow, that airline looks awesome! Wish I traveled more!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 12:36 pm
Ain’t nothing wrong with a ProBar for breakfast!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 12:40 pm
WOW…VA looks so cool. I am almost tempted to book a trip just to fly with them
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 12:51 pm
Oh my word! I have a sudden urge to fly somewhere! Where will Virgin take me???
(I have never flown before!)
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 2:15 pm
virgin’s the best. i remember i flew with them as a teenager going to england and i couldn’t sleep the entire ride, i kept playing nintendo.
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 2:48 pm
I’m jealous I really want to fly on VA but I can’t afford it yet. Maybe next year?
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 4:48 pm
How awesome – I will definitely have to look into VA next time I fly!
on Sep 25th, 2009 at 10:34 pm
yay i’m so glad virgin america rocks!! i’m flying with them next month to sf for my marathon-can’t wait!!!
on Sep 28th, 2009 at 3:48 pm
I flew Virgin America to LA last spring and I agree, it’s the best! I’m going online to book my flight to Napa in November and will start with VA.
on Nov 6th, 2009 at 11:01 am
I have yet to fly Virgin, but it definitely seems like it could surpass my love of Jet Blue. Gotta love those extras!
Safe travels!