Virgin America is asking for your suggestions and what you would like as part of their VX eleVAte FFP. Since FT has a cadre of the most frequent flyers, I thought it would be a good idea for us to list the things we would want in a FFP. Of course, in putting down your wishes, do not get ridiculous. After all, we cannot ask for one free trip after taking two paid trips.

Here is the beginnings of my list:
1. A comprehensive lounge program.
2. Accept Priority Pass and other lounge program cards at Virgin America and partner Lounges.
3. For First Class passengers, access to an airline lounge. For right now, and the foreseeable future, the Virgin Atlantic lounge would work.
4. An Airline Alliance made up of all Virgin Airlines and Airlines partially owned by the Virgin Group.
5. A lot of travel partners, including, but not limited to, airlines, hotels, trains, limousine services, rental cars, etc. Virgin Trains and Virgin Limousines would be a natural.
6. Elite status for those who most use Virgin Transportation Companies.
7. Travel and other upgrades for eleVAte members using eleVAte points.
8. A Virgin America Credit Card affiliated with VISA, MC, AX, and / or DC, etc.
9. Simple rules for earning and burning eleVAte points.
10. Earn points when buying and using any Virgin Group product and / or service, i.e. Virgin Music, Virgin Cola, etc.
11. A dedicated 800 phone number for each of the following: A) eleVAte members, B) First Class reservations, and C) higher status eleVAte members.

This will not be all done in a day or a month. However, over time, the eleVAte Program will grow and improve.

Your ideas, suggestions, and comments are certainly welcome. :)

adding to the list:

- earn eleVAte points when spending for onboard food, drinks & media.
- earn eleVAte points when spending for upgrades & premium seats.
- iDine/Rewards network restaurants

I'm not sure how likely it is that we'll see close tie-ins to the other Virgin brands, considering how hard VX worked to convince the DOT that they are bona-fide US owned and controlled.

Access to VS Clubhouses would be fantastic, though... (though that doesn't help with LAX :( )

The title of this thread should have been "Your Opportunity to Create a Virgin America eleVAte Frequent Flyer Program: A VX FFP". I tried to change it after it was published. However, I could not do that. If it is possible to re-name the thread, maybe the moderator can do it.

The thread title, though, as is gives everyone the idea.


I'm not sure how likely it is that we'll see close tie-ins to the other Virgin brands, considering how hard VX worked to convince the DOT that they are bona-fide US owned and controlled.

Access to VS Clubhouses would be fantastic, though... (though that doesn't help with LAX :( )


A Virgin Alliance would be an alliance similar to ST, *A, and OW. It would not even be as large as any of the present big three alliances.

I believe that over time the paranoia about being too close to Sir Richard will wither away. Of course, only time will tell.

VX has to partner with an existing airline for domestic operations as they expand their route network. Since I am a US flyer (and have pretty much locked in their highest status for next year) I would jump to VX and their new partner tomorrow if they announced a good partner.

As it is, I wont split my miles between two programs. And I find it silly to spend $500 to fly United from SBP-SFO to fly VX to their few destinations. Sure, I am a huge fan of VS and would look at that link but I tend to fly VS and get miles credited to my domestic carrier.

A link between VX and Continental- that would be a dream ticket for me. Of course, I would still have to figure out how to get to SFO cheaply.

Did anyone get a Virgin America card after signing up for eleVAte?

I haven't gotten a card.

Does the OP have any connection to VX, or know any reason why VX might even notice these postings? Just curious! Thanks.

Did anyone get a Virgin America card after signing up for eleVAte?

I have not received a card or any notice about receiving a card. Maybe they are not issuing them. After all, the computer knows all. Just remember or keep your number with you when you travel or want an award.

I have not received a card or any notice about receiving a card. Maybe they are not issuing them. After all, the computer knows all. Just remember or keep your number with you when you travel or want an award.

The physical card is a great marketing tool - not sure why jetBlue and others have forsaken the issuance of cards? I know there's cost involved; but issuing them once some flight mileage has been credited seems to make sense. In fact, even issuing them at a cost - isn't a bad idea.

Just a thought.

Status levels, based on expenditure (hopefully past thresholds on a linked CC, as well as thresholds on $ spent on tickets).

This is similar to the recent announcements by Virgin Blue in Australia.

Another nice link could be to be able to transfer miles between Virgin LCCs such as Virgin Blue (DJ) and VA; useful once DJ flies transpac to SFO.

The physical card is a great marketing tool - not sure why jetBlue and others have forsaken the issuance of cards? I know there's cost involved; but issuing them once some flight mileage has been credited seems to make sense. In fact, even issuing them at a cost - isn't a bad idea.

Just a thought.


Yes, I would like a Virgin America Card. However, I really carry to many cards. Sometimes it is a challenge just keeping track of my cards. At this point, I can live without another card. Maybe it is better not to have all these cards.

Virgin America eleVAte points can be used to buy a ticket on the airline. Buying a ticket with the points should include the possibility of buying a first class ticket.

I know that there are only eight seats in first class. However, I believe that first class travel using points is a must.

They should start by telling us how many points are required for awards. The statement on the website "as few as 4900 points" doesn't cut it for me. You get 5 pts per $ spent...fine. So give us more info so we can figure out how much the pts are worth! I've emailed eleVAte but received no response. :td:

Got an email from eleVAte today with a link to the FAQ section, which contains a few bits of news:

How many eleVAte points do I need for a free roundtrip?

Free roundtrip tickets will be available initially for as little as 4,900 points. We won't have complicated award charts - we will show you a "price" for every flight in points as well as a price in dollars. You may need more points on the most popular flights, but we'll be as quick to offer values on our awards as we will our fares. Where you see low fares, you'll be likely to find an award for fewer points too.

Will there be blackout dates or capacity controls on the use of my eleVAte points?

No blackout dates. No capacity controls. Any seat that hasn’t been sold will be available for eleVAte members to redeem their points. Yes, we really will make any unsold seat on any flight available for free travel. That means any seat, any time.

Can I earn elite status like gold or silver within eleVAte?

We don’t have silver or gold status because all of our Guests are important. We’re building a different kind of airline that delivers a better travel experience to every Guest every flight. All eleVAte Members will enjoy great rewards, benefits and cool experiences. And when you join before December 31, 2007, you’ll become a Founding Member, with access to even more exclusive benefits.

What is the relationship between eleVAte and other Virgin programs, such as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Virgin Blue Velocity?

Right now eleVAte is an independent program. It is our goal to bring eleVAte Members benefits from an exclusive group of program partners, which very well may include other Virgin programs.

Being able to earn and redeem on other virgin airlines (including status earning) would be a bare minimum. Currently my virgin x flying has to be credited to one of 3 FFPs (AFAIK no FFPs have more than 1 virgin as partner), which is hardly an incentive to increase travel on virgin.

How about no extra charge access to premium seats in the main (economy) cabin and special consideration for non-refundable fares for certain conditions, such as medical needs that were not contemplated when booking and paying for tickets?

How about no extra charge access to premium seats in the main (economy) cabin and special consideration for non-refundable fares for certain conditions, such as medical needs that were not contemplated when booking and paying for tickets?

You want VX to provide free travel insurance? I'd personally rather have VS redemption opportunities.

How about no extra charge access to premium seats in the main (economy) cabin and special consideration for non-refundable fares for certain conditions, such as medical needs that were not contemplated when booking and paying for tickets?

Are you talking refund or waiver of the change fee in the case of medical needs?

I received a fee free waiver due to medical and was quite pleased. Not sure they were supposed to do that, but it was appreciated.

Got an email from eleVAte today with a link to the FAQ section, which contains a few bits of news:

How many eleVAte points do I need for a free roundtrip?

Free roundtrip tickets will be available initially for as little as 4,900 points. We won't have complicated award charts - we will show you a "price" for every flight in points as well as a price in dollars. You may need more points on the most popular flights, but we'll be as quick to offer values on our awards as we will our fares. Where you see low fares, you'll be likely to find an award for fewer points too.

Will there be blackout dates or capacity controls on the use of my eleVAte points?

No blackout dates. No capacity controls. Any seat that hasn’t been sold will be available for eleVAte members to redeem their points. Yes, we really will make any unsold seat on any flight available for free travel. That means any seat, any time.

Can I earn elite status like gold or silver within eleVAte?

We don’t have silver or gold status because all of our Guests are important. We’re building a different kind of airline that delivers a better travel experience to every Guest every flight. All eleVAte Members will enjoy great rewards, benefits and cool experiences. And when you join before December 31, 2007, you’ll become a Founding Member, with access to even more exclusive benefits.

What is the relationship between eleVAte and other Virgin programs, such as Virgin Atlantic Flying Club and Virgin Blue Velocity?

Right now eleVAte is an independent program. It is our goal to bring eleVAte Members benefits from an exclusive group of program partners, which very well may include other Virgin programs.

Anyone know what extra benefits Founding Members are eligible for??

I wonder what in the heck is taking VX so long to outline the details of their FF program. I'd like to try them out, but FF program is so important to me that I won't waste time on a carrier that doesn't have a competitive program (e.g. F9).

I wonder what in the heck is taking VX so long to outline the details of their FF program. I'd like to try them out, but FF program is so important to me that I won't waste time on a carrier that doesn't have a competitive program (e.g. F9).

If the opportunity is there to book a flight, why not at least give them a try? A quick trip to SoCal at $39 each way booked over the next 3 days - quite a steal. And then you can decide if it's worth splitting up some travel. Considering that VX only goes to a few cities now anyway, you won't abandon your existing loyalties completely.

p.s. - they're really good. And whatever they're planning for eleVAte, it will be a starter program, it will grow as the airline grows.

If the opportunity is there to book a flight, why not at least give them a try? A quick trip to SoCal at $39 each way booked over the next 3 days - quite a steal. And then you can decide if it's worth splitting up some travel. Considering that VX only goes to a few cities now anyway, you won't abandon your existing loyalties completely.

p.s. - they're really good. And whatever they're planning for eleVAte, it will be a starter program, it will grow as the airline grows.

I'm willing to give them a shot, but in order to win my regular business they need to have either (1) a great frequent flyer program (for longer trips); or (2) fantastic frequency and fleixibility (for the shorter trips). #1 is still a mystery and Southwest beats the pants off of everyone for #2, at least in the Bay Area. I would think VX would want to make a big splash in its initial launch. They apparently still seem to be testing the waters. I guess I'll just have to wait and see.

I'd say they are being prudent in not flooding the market yet, and don't think they would waste cash doing so since they don't have the brand recognition of a WN (Southwest). From what I've seen so far, loads on VX have been good, and they just added frequencies, so as the market embraces them, they are proceeding with their own expansions. Sounds like a good business plan so far.

I'd say they are being prudent in not flooding the market yet, and don't think they would waste cash doing so since they don't have the brand recognition of a WN (Southwest). From what I've seen so far, loads on VX have been good, and they just added frequencies, so as the market embraces them, they are proceeding with their own expansions. Sounds like a good business plan so far.

I hope you are right about them. I would love to see them expand enough to allow me to never have to deal with a surly UA employee ever again.

I know it's been said many times, but a separate flyertalk forum for VX.

I know it's been said many times, but a separate flyertalk forum for VX.

I 2nd the motion!^

If their not gonna mail out elVAte cards.... why not sell elVAte cards to those that wants one. You could make the elVAte card more useful to than just a card to show off to your friends. For example, we all know that soon all VX planes will have internet. On top of that, all the IFE have credit card readers... why not when you swipe your elevate card at your seat, it can pull up all your connecting flight information or arrival information. They can also make it so you can load $$$ onto the elVAte card so you can pay for food, upgrades, etc... by just a simple swipe of the card. It could be the most useful little frequent flyer card ever. :D

If their not gonna mail out elVAte cards.... why not sell elVAte cards to those that wants one. You could make the elVAte card more useful to than just a card to show off to your friends. For example, we all know that soon all VX planes will have internet. On top of that, all the IFE have credit card readers... why not when you swipe your elevate card at your seat, it can pull up all your connecting flight information or arrival information. They can also make it so you can load $$$ onto the elVAte card so you can pay for food, upgrades, etc... by just a simple swipe of the card. It could be the most useful little frequent flyer card ever. :D

VX seems to be keep things simple and not complicated. Note the FAQ about no elite levels. Even WN recognizes very frequent flyers by giving them a free companion pass. Charging for an FF card may unnecessarily make things complicated and brand is something that VX seems to care a lot about.

To me, the ability to redeem awards for international F and J travel is a big perk, so an extensive partnership with a major alliance would be a great benefit. I was talking to a VX employee the other day and would you believe that even they do not get interline agreements with VS yet?

To me, the ability to redeem awards for international F and J travel is a big perk, so an extensive partnership with a major alliance would be a great benefit. I was talking to a VX employee the other day and would you believe that even they do not get interline agreements with VS yet?

YET

I 2nd the motion!^

I third it!

I'd like to see Virgin (preferably the whole group) join *A.

and/or

Match status/miles when defecting from other FF programs (ie. UA).

... and E+ seating for eleVAte members would be awesome, but that may be asking too much. I guess first class is cheap enough as it is!!

I wonder what in the heck is taking VX so long to outline the details of their FF program. I'd like to try them out, but FF program is so important to me that I won't waste time on a carrier that doesn't have a competitive program (e.g. F9).

That is the only reason i have been holding off flying them. Now i might have to because of the fare.

I wouldn't expect any word on eleVAte before 2008. Several media sources who have asked the carrier have posted that the response was that they are developing the program and will make a formal roll out in early 2008. In the meantime, we just have to enjoy the product.

I wouldn't expect any word on eleVAte before 2008. Several media sources who have asked the carrier have posted that the response was that they are developing the program and will make a formal roll out in early 2008. In the meantime, we just have to enjoy the product.

I am planning a trip on this Thanksgiving on VX, do you think the product is really better? What can one expect as far as service and features.

I am planning a trip on this Thanksgiving on VX, do you think the product is really better? What can one expect as far as service and features.

Umm.... do you know what VX is offering? Have you read the other threads in this section?

If you have no idea why VX is a better option, may I suggest you start here: http://www.virginamerica.com/va/vaDifference.do

do you think the product is really better?

Absolutely, and the TV is only part of it, especially because Google Maps had us crashing into the Pacific off Half Moon Bay when we actually on finals for 28L at SFO. But the FAs on both of my flights were far more personable than those on other lines, the seats more comfortable, and the food ordering system was a major benefit because it allows you to eat and drink when you want, not when the FAs decide to push the cart through.

I have no status with any airlines, which means I rarely connect or fly RJs, and generally refuse to do either one. But I just booked IAD-LAS with an SFO stopover so I could fly VX again.

Absolutely, and the TV is only part of it, especially because Google Maps had us crashing into the Pacific off Half Moon Bay when we actually on finals for 28L at SFO. But the FAs on both of my flights were far more personable than those on other lines, the seats more comfortable, and the food ordering system was a major benefit because it allows you to eat and drink when you want, not when the FAs decide to push the cart through.

I have no status with any airlines, which means I rarely connect or fly RJs, and generally refuse to do either one. But I just booked IAD-LAS with an SFO stopover so I could fly VX again.

Ok, I am convinced i need to give it a shot when you mentioned all the reasons and i will try them for my Thanksgiving trip. I am also Wash DC based so i need a nice alternative to UA. Since i pay all my trips out of my pocket, i have to watch the fares little more and if VX is competitive and offers good service, it might be what i am looking for. Thanks

I have no status with any airlines, which means I rarely connect or fly RJs, and generally refuse to do either one.

I am confused how these are related?

Do you mean that because you have no status with an airline, you have no allegiance to an airline and will thus fly any airline that gets you there non-stop and on a "real" plane?

Do you mean that because you have no status with an airline, you have no allegiance to an airline and will thus fly any airline that gets you there non-stop and on a "real" plane?

Yes, as long as they also offer 34"+ legroom, a plane that was built since the cold war ended, and IFE.

VX and B6 are obvious choices for these reasons. Mainline UA for E+ and channel 9, and CO for it's easy 738 exit row upgrade between DCA and IAH.

I really pity all those AA Plats flying around on ancient mad dogs with 19.5 inch wide seats in F. (not to mention the unfortunate shareholders who have to cover the fuel bills on those things) I fly newer planes with better entertainment options, more legroom, nicer FAs, and less airplane food. No status is so much better than Platinum!