That's what the website says. Now March 4 is less than 5 months away, does that mean the money runs out if they don't do well by that time? Curious!

Equally curious: My flight from 6 days ago hasn't shown up on "Virgin Advantage," maybe it won't until I've done the return? Might be since awards are based on spend and they somehow think you haven't spent anything until you've fully used up the ticket?

I guess it doesn't really matter since I can't find anyplace yet telling exactly what awards I'd qualify for at what levels anyhow!

Southwest has always had a "less than usual" reservation period. Lan (in Chile) recently even went to 6 months out max on their domestic flights.

I, too, have noticed that VX doesn't seem to be acting like a carrier that expects to be around for the long term. That said, I really did enjoy my flight with them.

They are just using a Southwest strategy. Lower costs by avoiding the need to change schedules.

They are just using a Southwest strategy. Lower costs by avoiding the need to change schedules.

Indeed, WN's website says "Accepting reservations through March 7, 2008".

They are in it for the long haul, they just have a lot of growing to do in the next few quarters and schedule changes will occur.

My flight from 6 days ago hasn't shown up on "Virgin Advantage," maybe it won't until I've done the return? Might be since awards are based on spend and they somehow think you haven't spent anything until you've fully used up the ticket?

Not sure what "Virgin Advantage" is??

I checked my eleVAte account and I can see my past flight activity. The rewards program is still being developed so for now, there's no redemption offers available.

Now March 4 is less than 5 months away, does that mean the money runs out if they don't do well by that time? Curious!


They're very well-capitalized for a startup, and are expanding much more slowly than B6 did. Also don't think SRB is a quitter.

I, too, have noticed that VX doesn't seem to be acting like a carrier that expects to be around for the long term. That said, I really did enjoy my flight with them.

As has been pointed out by others, releasing seats only a few months ahead is in line with Southwest practice. WN has been one of the most consistently profitable airlines.

What other actions of VX do you see as those of a carrier that does not expect to be around for the long term?

What did you enjoy about their flight?

I checked my eleVAte account and I can see my past flight activity. The rewards program is still being developed so for now, there's no redemption offers available.

I flew the SFO-JFK inagural trip (in First :p ). But the points never posted on the website.

I e-mailed them about 2 weeks later about the missing points and requested a press kit/publicity material (was a little disappointed that such wasn't available during all the inagural celebrations that day).

VX responded to each item separately...in summary...
1) You can't see your points on the website yet. The program is new, give us time. I see where your account was credited.
2) A press kit is on the way

However...
1) Still no points posted on the web. I'm ok with the excuse that the "program is new, give us time" ... but you claim you can see your points.
2) No press kit has arrived. Oh well, I tried. I have my boarding pass as a momento of the flight.

Steve

I'm ok with the excuse that the "program is new, give us time" ... but you claim you can see your points.


Hi Steve.

I guess I wasn't clear in my original comments. I don't see 'points' when I access my eleVAte account. I do however see the flight activity. To do this, from the VX home page, log in to eleVAte on the far right. Then when you are logged in, click the HOME button right in the same spot, and you'll see 4 tabs, one is Past Flights. There you should see your old PNR (clickable link) plus Flight Dates and Route. The PNR link will take you to your Itinerary and Receipt.

If you can see all that stuff, then you just need to hang in there until they start posting points to match the dollars spent. Since you can't do anything with the points now anyway, just lay low - it'll be fine soon.

Hi SFO 1K,

Thanks for the clarification.
Now that I re-read your post, I interpret it as you meant.

I guess I was being a little paranoid about not being able to see eleVAte credit. I was very impressed with the flight and the quick "can do" attitude responses to my e-mail. While their initial route structure doesn't help me much, I think they do have potential in the cut-throat airline enviornment and want to make sure sure I'm recognized as being there from the beginning ;)

Steve