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! 
Tags: Virgin America
Julie @ Peanut Butter Fingers — September 25, 2009 @ 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.
Shawna — September 25, 2009 @ 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.
Leah @ L4L — September 25, 2009 @ 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.
Nicole (dishin') — September 25, 2009 @ 10:10 am
That’s awesome. Looks like flying of the future!
Shannon (The Daily Balance) — September 25, 2009 @ 10:11 am
what a fantastic airline! The food doesn’t only look edible, but actually looks GOOD!
Food Makes Fun Fuel — September 25, 2009 @ 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
caitlin — September 25, 2009 @ 10:12 am
we are flying on virgin for our trip to london!
Megan (The Runner's Kitchen) — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
christie, honoring health — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Mellissa — September 25, 2009 @ 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.
Sues — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Amanda (modernation) — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Anne P — September 25, 2009 @ 10:15 am
yum!! get the second option with the hummus
sounds more filling and awesome!
Jessica @ How Sweet It Is — September 25, 2009 @ 10:17 am
OH wow that seems so cool! I have never flown them either.
K — September 25, 2009 @ 10:18 am
Oh my gosh! How fun!! Now if all flights could be like that, I wouldn’t hate flying so much
kay (eating machine) — September 25, 2009 @ 10:18 am
that’s fantastic!
horizon serves FREE beer and wine-I love flying with them!
Tina — September 25, 2009 @ 10:23 am
@Amanda (modernation): It’s actually REALLY good! I was surprised!
Nicci@NiftyEats — September 25, 2009 @ 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.
Sarah R — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Maggie — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
kirsten — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Sarah — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Steph — September 25, 2009 @ 10:34 am
Your airline is so fancy! Looks like fun
I’d definitely go with the Chatpata Chana and Raita!
Cynthia (It All Changes) — September 25, 2009 @ 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
Amanda@lessonsinmoderation — September 25, 2009 @ 10:41 am
wow! Great info on Virgin. I never think to even check them out when I fly. Have fun on your trip!
Rebecca — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
natalie — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
skinnyrunner — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Annamarina (Running Tails) — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Lizzy — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
jenna — September 25, 2009 @ 10:58 am
wow who would have thought?? that looks like a great airline!! have a safe trip.
Jamie — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Sarah @ The Foodie Diaries — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Lindsay — September 25, 2009 @ 11:03 am
Very cool! I love that you can order food right to your seat!
Julie @savvyeats — September 25, 2009 @ 11:05 am
I vote for the Indian food.
Have you tried the Cherry Pretzel Probar? Soooo good.
Nicole — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
maria — September 25, 2009 @ 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!!!
amanda (Two Boos Who Eat) — September 25, 2009 @ 11:14 am
I’m flying to the foodbuzz festival on Virgin America and I am so excited!
Naomi (onefitfoodie) — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Melissa (Melissa Likes To Eat) — September 25, 2009 @ 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!!
Ali (food, fitness, fashion) — September 25, 2009 @ 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
Maria — September 25, 2009 @ 11:21 am
Have a safe trip! I can’t wait to meet you. We are already in CA! Enjoy the plane ride
Morgan (lifeafterbagels) — September 25, 2009 @ 11:24 am
Tina – is it just me, or did you fly like royalty! I can’t wait to hear about your conference.
Barbara(Blood, Sweat and Heels) — September 25, 2009 @ 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!!!!
Madeline @ Greens and Jeans — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Sarah — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Runeatrepeat — September 25, 2009 @ 11:36 am
I love VA
Have fun ordering lunch right to your seat!
Kat (Kat's Daily Plate) — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
Erin — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
emily — September 25, 2009 @ 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.
joan — September 25, 2009 @ 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!!
Julie — September 25, 2009 @ 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.
Dawn (HealthySDLiving) — September 25, 2009 @ 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!
shawna — September 25, 2009 @ 12:14 pm
Wow, that airline looks awesome! Wish I traveled more!
Jon — September 25, 2009 @ 12:36 pm
Ain’t nothing wrong with a ProBar for breakfast!
Kathy — September 25, 2009 @ 12:40 pm
WOW…VA looks so cool. I am almost tempted to book a trip just to fly with them
Denise — September 25, 2009 @ 12:51 pm
Oh my word! I have a sudden urge to fly somewhere! Where will Virgin take me???
(I have never flown before!)
Lynn (The Actors Diet) — September 25, 2009 @ 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.
Leah — September 25, 2009 @ 2:48 pm
I’m jealous I really want to fly on VA but I can’t afford it yet. Maybe next year?
Pam (Highway to Health) — September 25, 2009 @ 4:48 pm
How awesome – I will definitely have to look into VA next time I fly!
elizabeth — September 25, 2009 @ 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!!!
Janice — September 28, 2009 @ 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.
Britt - Runnerbelle — November 6, 2009 @ 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!