Virgin America starting flights to Philly this spring

[Judge Smails]

Attached article

http://www.centreforaviation.com/analysis/virgin-america-targets-us-airways-with-launch-of-philadelphia-service-in-april-66235

 

[SparrowHawk]

Has anyone actually flown Virgin? Curious what the In Flight experience is like?

 

[Dont call me Shirley]

Has anyone actually flown Virgin? Curious what the In Flight experience is like?

Only flown them once, but very nice indeed! IFE not unlike jetBlue: TV and map display; the cool thing about the latter is that you can zoom in for a very precise location. (Sometimes the one on B6 shows the plane somewhere over three states.)

The mood lighting is kinda cool - at least the first time. Same thing for ordering food and drinks on the screen. Food is good --- somewhat reasonably priced. Options for fufu drinks, too. (Just gimme a G&T or Scotch, neat) Legroom and seats not bad, almost as good as B6 IMHO (don't know the exact pitch). Friendly, efficient crew.

If given the choice and matching fare PHL-SFO/LAX with US...no contest.

 

[nycbusdriver]

Attached article

http://www.centreforaviation.com/analysis/virgin-america-targets-us-airways-with-launch-of-philadelphia-service-in-april-66235

"They're coming to kill us!" --- Dave Siegel

 

[autofixer]

Let's run away and cancel all transcons! "The sky is falling, the sky is falling!"

 

[jimntx]

If given the choice and matching fare PHL-SFO/LAX with US...no contest.

If DFW strategy is any indication, they will not match US fares. They will enter the market with fares substantially below US and force US to match. I just talked with a friend here in Dallas last night. He just bought a DFW-LAX roundtrip on AA for $208 total--taxes and fees included. We (AA) can not afford that kind of pricing. For that matter, I don't see how Virgin can afford that pricing unless their pilots and f/as are making minimum wage.

 

[Travelpro72]

If history serves US will match fares against Virgin on flights that operate around the time that Virgin does. Maybe US will add a flight to each destination if possible but I doubt it considering aircraft are hard to come by. As nice as Virgin is and being a novelty if you will, I doubt it will put a noticable dent in US bookings. US does a lot of STAR connections with passengers from Europe through PHL to the west coast or PHL to LAX or SFO and onto Asia.

 

[cynic]

If DFW strategy is any indication, they will not match US fares. They will enter the market with fares substantially below US and force US to match. I just talked with a friend here in Dallas last night. He just bought a DFW-LAX roundtrip on AA for $208 total--taxes and fees included. We (AA) can not afford that kind of pricing. For that matter, I don't see how Virgin can afford that pricing unless their pilots and f/as are making minimum wage.

They can't afford it either. They're trying to buy market share, just like they do in every other market. Very few people choose to pay extra for the service they offer, but most are willing to choose them if it is cheaper or the same price as the legacy carriers.

 

[jimntx]

They can't afford it either. They're trying to buy market share, just like they do in every other market. Very few people choose to pay extra for the service they offer, but most are willing to choose them if it is cheaper or the same price as the legacy carriers.

Oh, I'm well aware of that, but evidently Sir Richard Branson has very deep pockets. The rest of us can go only so long selling tickets to major destinations at well below our costs.

 

[700UW]

Actually he sold majority interest to Singapore Airlines, I dont think is pockets are as deep and VX has plenty of eyes watching it, as it has to be American owned and controlled.

 

[HPearlyretiree]

If you look at Virgin's balance sheet and how they can't ever seem to not lose money, I wouldn't be worried. Take them out at their knees, they won't last 6 months in the market.

 

[BoeingBoy]

VX has plenty of eyes watching it, as it has to be American owned and controlled.

"owned and controlled"...says nothing about lending money...

Jim

 

[AAviator]

If you look at Virgin's balance sheet and how they can't ever seem to not lose money, I wouldn't be worried. Take them out at their knees, they won't last 6 months in the market.

They've managed to stay in DFW, but they're not getting the loads they need to be profitable.

PHL? Time will tell. I think the longer flight segment will tip that market in VA's favor.

 

[N924PS]

........... they won't last 6 months in the market.

I heard the same words from the CEO of PSA, Paul Barkley, back in 1983. At an all hands company meeting someone asked, "What about that new airline that's starting up over in PHX, America West?"

His answer was, "they only have a couple of old 737's....they won't last 6 months!"

 

[SparrowHawk]

If you look at Virgin's balance sheet and how they can't ever seem to not lose money, I wouldn't be worried. Take them out at their knees, they won't last 6 months in the market.

NEVER underestimate Sir Richard Branson.

1. He's a better businessman asleep than Doug is awake
2. He's a better leader of people than Doug
3. He has a successful track record
4. As a start up they are dangerously close to turning a profit.
5. Coach amenities are better (so I'm told)
6. First Class is supposed to be significantly better

Only time will tell, US has Star Alliance in their favor and a good loyalty program which should keep the higher yield business traveler around. My prediction is that VX & US will co-exist and compete heavily for market share. US's secret weapon is Mr Nocella and his ability to price competition out of markets. From a consumer perspective this will be a good thing.