Virgin America Elevate - Move the DC flights from IAD to DCA?

As discussed in other threads, a bunch of new slots are opening up at DCA for transcons. Anyone think VX will try to move its IAD operations to DCA? It would seem to make a lot of sense to me. I would think that the vast majority of VX's passengers on this route would prefer DCA -- a much greater percentage than for United, since UA surely has lots of connecting passengers at IAD.

If you read this forum, VX, I sure hope you do this. I love going to DC, but I could do without the long cab rides to/from IAD into the District. Hopping on the Metro at DCA would be so much nicer.

Eastbay1K likes this.

With the exception of FLL, VX has tried to co-locate with VS stations. I don't know why they do this, but it seems to have some importance to them. That's the only reason I can see why they wouldn't want to switch to DCA.

With the exception of FLL, VX has tried to co-locate with VS stations. I don't know why they do this, but it seems to have some importance to them. That's the only reason I can see why they wouldn't want to switch to DCA.

It doesn't need to be a switch. This route will be extremely valuable for whoever gets it. Worth a dedicated aircraft.

It doesn't need to be a switch. This route will be extremely valuable for whoever gets it. Worth a dedicated aircraft.

I agree that it would be extremely valuable. So much so that nobody would fly their IAD route anymore! ;-)

With the exception of FLL, VX has tried to co-locate with VS stations. I don't know why they do this, but it seems to have some importance to them. That's the only reason I can see why they wouldn't want to switch to DCA.

I can understand that generally, but why would either airline want to route London-bound passengers from SFO through Dulles? There is already an SFO-LHR nonstop in VS.

I agree that it would be extremely valuable. So much so that nobody would fly their IAD route anymore! ;-)

I didn't understand why VX want switch from IAD to DCA? I didn't think so. Because it was too many aircraft due to the congestions. That is problems lots of the aircraft who came into DCA for everyday. There is no such things about the slots controlled. I think VX is still belongings to IAD is more convenient. That won't be necessary to come into DCA due to perimeter rule from DOT.

Id imagine the cost of relocating airports would be quite expensive, perhaps we would see additional flights from that airport. Here in Australia, we have scheduled flights out of both Melbourne Tullamarine and Avalon, works quite well.

I didn't understand why VX want switch from IAD to DCA? I didn't think so. Because it was too many aircraft due to the congestions. That is problems lots of the aircraft who came into DCA for everyday. There is no such things about the slots controlled. I think VX is still belongings to IAD is more convenient. That won't be necessary to come into DCA due to perimeter rule from DOT.

Most times of the day, at DCA you can be from parking garage to gate in under 30 minutes. Try doing that at IAD. More importantly, you can be from downtown DC, Arlington, or Alexandria to your gate in under an hour. IAD is convenient for those working in the Dulles corridor, but not for the rest of us.

What about VX adding routes to DCA and not giving up IAD? Besides co-locating with VS at IAD, why should they give up a prime location at the better Concourse B at IAD, having gates positioned closest to the Aerotrain, access to the VS Clubhouse and the best food retailers at Concourse B? I can understand about the convenience of accessing DCA, but VX can take care of that by adding routes to DCA. IAD still attracts a wide market and VX is doing well there. Why ruin a good thing going by completely relocating from one airport to another? What if VX ends up with gates at lousy Terminal A at DCA? Wouldn't that ruin their product?

As discussed in other threads, a bunch of new slots are opening up at DCA for transcons. Anyone think VX will try to move its IAD operations to DCA? It would seem to make a lot of sense to me. I would think that the vast majority of VX's passengers on this route would prefer DCA -- a much greater percentage than for United, since UA surely has lots of connecting passengers at IAD.

If you read this forum, VX, I sure hope you do this. I love going to DC, but I could do without the long cab rides to/from IAD into the District. Hopping on the Metro at DCA would be so much nicer.

If VX could secure enough slots and route authorities, I think they would go ahead and do this. That's a big if though. I suspect UA would have first dibs on the initial SFO-DCA frequency or two.

IMO: VX adding routes to DCA is a maybe. Completely relocating all operations from IAD to DCA does not make any sense at all.

IMO: VX adding routes to DCA is a maybe. Completely relocating all operations from IAD to DCA does not make any sense at all.

That won't be any problems at all. Lets wait to see if DOT or DOJ is an approves.

I hope one of the transcon slots opening is SAN-DCA...

Regardless of the carrier, whoever gets it is going to be stoked. DCA is right next to the Pentagon and San Diego has big time military business. That route would be operating in the black as soon as it opens.

What other threads are discussing new slots at DCA?