Virgin America Elevate - Gilt City Virgin America Deal

Hey guys,

Didn't see this posted yet, but Gilt City is offering a great deal for VX flight packages in Main Cabin Select:

http://www.giltcity.com/city/collection/national/virginamerica

Short Haul
3 RT flights for $437
5 RT flights for $673
10 RT flights for $1270

Med Haul
3 RT flights for $964
5 RT flights for $1521
10 RT flights for $2870

Long Haul
3 RT flights for $1205
5 RT flights for $1900
10 RT flights for $3585 ($358 Each to California or Vegas!)

I've been looking at a flight from JFK-SAN the 3rd weekend of October, and a Main Cabin select seat is already going for $591 one way. If you buy the longer hauls you can use them for short and med haul as well (i.e. SFO-SEA). All purchases also get Elevate Pts at 5 pts/$)

FAQ:
Do I need to use all the codes myself?
No. Codes can be shared with friends and family.

On which routes can I redeem my codes?
Long haul flight codes can be used toward any long, medium or short haul flight. Medium haul flight codes can be used toward any medium or short haul flight. Short haul flight codes can only be used toward short haul flights. Codes can be used on routes with connecting flights (ie. San Diego to Seattle), but they cannot be used towards multi-city itineraries.

Do I need to select all of my travel dates now?
No. You can plan trips at your leisure. Please note the following date restrictions: This offer is valid only for nonstop or connecting travel; offer is not valid for any multi-city itineraries. Travel must occur between August 15, 2011 and June 15, 2012. Blackout dates in 2011 are: September 2; September 5; November 25, 26, 27, and 28; December 16, 17, 23, 24, 26, and 30. Blackout dates in 2012 are: January 2; February 17 and 20; and May 28


If you don't have a giltcity account already, would appreciate a referral :)
http://www.giltcity.com/invite/robertshen

Great deal IF there is last seat availability...I can't tell from reading the information if its restricted to certain fare classes in Main Cabin Select.

It says you need to book into W or O inventory, which based upon another thread I found here is the MCS inventory.

I bought a three-fer long-haul package.

Does the 20% off first Gilt City purchase discount also apply if you have never used the service before?

I don't think the 20% applies, the fine print says "for purchases up to $250" and it won't show in my cart.

I bought a five pack and I'm a little bummed right now. You can't pick your seat, so it's entirely possible (and very likely given the number of people who upgrade to MCS) you'll be stuck in a middle seat.

I bought a five pack and I'm a little bummed right now. You can't pick your seat, so it's entirely possible (and very likely given the number of people who upgrade to MCS) you'll be stuck in a middle seat.

Agreed, if this is in fact a rule attached to the deal it should have been stated up front. I sent an email to them to clarify if this is an oversight or an intentional restriction - I'll post when I hear back.

TENTATIVE UPDATE - Gilt City reports that this is unintentional - "... the system that allows this functionality is currently down. Virgin America is looking into it. You may contact their call center for seat assignments."

Was very tempted to jump on this though if you really can't pick your seat that is sort of a deal break in my mind. Especially for the long haul options.

In for a short-haul 10 pack.

20% off code does work (max discount $50). If it doesn't show up in your cart, call Gilt City. They will manually add the coupon to your account.

Okay, so basically if you want to go NYC-California or Mexico and you think $400 is a fair price RT (for premium economy), this is a good deal. Otherwise, no. That's the deal in a nutshell.

Also, free alcohol, so the big drinkers are the big winners.

Okay, so basically if you want to go NYC-California or Mexico and you think $400 is a fair price RT (for premium economy), this is a good deal. Otherwise, no. That's the deal in a nutshell.

Also, free alcohol, so the big drinkers are the big winners.

Of course, the deal also includes the rest of the MCS perks like a free bag, priority boarding (guaranteed overhead space), priority security line (or at least this used to be the case at SFO) and free food, which I think is fairly significant since, IMHO, Virgin has some really great food.

Also, $400 is the average price for the 3 pack, but it decreases $20 per ride with the 5 pack.

Looks like it is only valid for 1 guest per itinerary:

Promo code may only be used for bookings made on virginamerica.com and is only valid on itineraries of 1 guest only.
Too bad you can't buy 5 and the entire family flies together!

Too bad you can't buy 5 and the entire family flies together!

Yes, you could -- if there is enough seats and separate PNRs.

Does not include taxes -- this is important when comparing fares (maybe a bit of advantage if you book in the next month before most taxes are re-authorized).

Rasheed

Thanks Raseehd, I could buy a 5-pack and book 5 different seats on the same itinerary?

Now that is a good deal!

Thanks Raseehd, I could buy a 5-pack and book 5 different seats on the same itinerary?

Now that is a good deal!

Yup, I bought a 10 pack and got 10 different codes. I just tried a dummy booking - enter the code on the front page, select flight dates, and it shows MCS seats as $0.

Yup, I bought a 10 pack and got 10 different codes. I just tried a dummy booking - enter the code on the front page, select flight dates, and it shows MCS seats as $0.

Are all there taxes and fees on the US flights? I know there are fees to Mexico, but wondering about US only. Thanks!

Are all there taxes and fees on the US flights? I know there are fees to Mexico, but wondering about US only. Thanks!

$7 each one-way, as of today.

TENTATIVE UPDATE - Gilt City reports that this is unintentional - "... the system that allows this functionality is currently down. Virgin America is looking into it. You may contact their call center for seat assignments."[/QUOTE]

After booking your ticket go to View Itinerary you can then choose your seats. ;)

Are there other MCS fare classes or if there is a MCS seat available can you book it?

Are there other MCS fare classes or if there is a MCS seat available can you book it?

I went onto expertflyer and saw plenty of W & O fares for the December dates I wanted. In fact, I believe they may have matched the number of MCS open on the seat map. I was able to get 4 seats on the same flights!

Excellent deal for 1st time Giltcity users - in for 3 short hauls for $377 after $50 (20%off discount).

You have to jump on this if you're SFO based and fly west coast routes b/c this deal has MAX flexibilty. Esp since those route are usually btween $140-200 r/t and only earn 1000-2000 eqm each so no point to stay on a major as not much mileage to accrue.

For basically $125 r/t you're getting food, drinks, e+,& a free bag to any of the following from SFO:

SEA,LAS,LAX,SAN. Not to mention that these are only $215 r/t in F due to t-6 $39 o/w upgrades!

Great deal!

10 Short Haul and 10 Long Haul SOLD OUT as of 3:47 pm.

10-pack medium haul, and 3-pack and 5-pack still available in all types.

Jump on these now!!

The 3-pack short sold out earlier but is back now. This is a great deal, in for 5-pack.

10 packs have just been restocked... should've held out :(

EDIT: Sold out again after 10 mins

I was freaking out & debating if I should do this all day. When I finally settle to do it, 10 trip long hauls sell out! ARGH! I signed up to be notified, so hopefully they'll get restocked!

Deleted

Deal is DEAD

Deal is DEAD

There remain the medium haul (which isn't good in very many markets/routes.)

I decided to jump the gun and purchased the 3 long haul package last night. But I still haven't received the promo codes and the long haul deal is now gone.

I saw someone got the promo code rather quickly so I wonder how long does it take to receive the promo code.

I called the rep and he told me it can take up to 24 hours... and I did check my spam box and there is no email from gilt city.

Took me about 6hrs to receive my 3pack of long haul codes.

Thank the info. I wonder why my order is taking so long..it's been almost 12 hours.

Thank the info. I wonder why my order is taking so long..it's been almost 12 hours.

I bought a long haul 3-pack also yesterday evening and I still haven't received my codes either.

My dad bought the same deal 3-4 hours after I did and he already received his codes this morning. :confused:

I received my initial confirmation at 10.39am yesterday. The codes were delivered to me at 11.06am. Today I used my first code. It couldn't have been easier to redeem. As detailed in previous posts, you cannot select seats during the booking process. But, once you are booked you can go into the manage flights page and select seats from there. Overall, extremely satisfied with this promotion!!!

The promo code email finally arrived, after 13 hours I purchased last night. Now let's hope it's not too difficult to find these seats.

I hope they do it again, and sell packages of 2 and 4... a girl can dream.

Yay! Glad I got in on this, got 3 long hauls.

The promo code can only be entered on the first, flight search screen. (or, I couldn't find a place to put it after).

The promo code is ONLY good for a round trip. You must select an outbound and return. You can't break it up and use it as two one ways to different cities.

I couldn't select seats in the purchase flow, but after 'purchasing" for $14 ($7 in taxes each way), I could go to my reservation and select.

I emailed my voucher email to Virgin Elevate to request the elevate points for dollars spent.

hi i was wondering if this is possible.
I have a long haul promo code from this promotion
I want to fly
JFK-SFO
spend five hours then fly
SFO-LAS
then fly LAS-JFK a few days later
i can book a ticket this way now because jfk-las flights fly through sfo for most of their flights, however i can only get a two hour layover this way. Any way to stretch that out?

Has anyone gotten their 5x EleVAte points for purchasing this and forwarding them the confirmation email yet?

Has anyone gotten their 5x EleVAte points for purchasing this and forwarding them the confirmation email yet?

Not yet. Still waiting for them!

I emailed virgin american about this and they said it could take up to 4-6 weeks for the points to post.

Appears as though you need to book at least six days in advance. Even if there are MCS seats available on flights before then, I see no availability until the 31st, for example. Bummer.

I emailed virgin american about this and they said it could take up to 4-6 weeks for the points to post.

With an 8/3 purchase date, this Wednesday (9/14) will be 6 weeks. Looks like they're pushing the posting of the points right to the wall!

With an 8/3 purchase date, this Wednesday (9/14) will be 6 weeks. Looks like they're pushing the posting of the points right to the wall!

My points showed up today! :)

Appears as though you need to book at least six days in advance. Even if there are MCS seats available on flights before then, I see no availability until the 31st, for example. Bummer.

I had no issues booking 2 days in advance :)

A select few flights seem to have blackouts. Keep in mind though with MCS, you can actually chance your flights with no penalty fees- sometimes I've found I can book one, and change it to a flight that previous was 'unavailable'.

Wish I bought more of these things. :\

A select few flights seem to have blackouts. Keep in mind though with MCS, you can actually chance your flights with no penalty fees- sometimes I've found I can book one, and change it to a flight that previous was 'unavailable'.

Wish I bought more of these things. :\

Isn't there a $20 fee as you have to make changes via the call center, and can't do it online?

you can make these changes online.

A select few flights seem to have blackouts. Keep in mind though with MCS, you can actually chance your flights with no penalty fees- sometimes I've found I can book one, and change it to a flight that previous was 'unavailable'.

Wish I bought more of these things. :\

There are two MCS fare classes, one has no fee to make a change (and is refundable) and one does.

There are two MCS fare classes, one has no fee to make a change (and is refundable) and one does.

Gilt City tickets are Main Cabin Select tickets, not Instant Upgrade to Main Cabin Select (which is merely a Main Cabin Ticket w/ an Upgraded seat and the other perks).

For anyone who is thinking about changing or cancelling flights booked using these vouchers, please keep in mind that the only way to change these tickets is by calling the service center and paying a $20 fee. If you try to change the tickets online, the system shows a $75 change fee. We had to pay this fee to change a ticket today. the $20 fee is per itinerary that needs to be changed.

Further, my understanding is that you may lose the value of the voucher if you book and then cancel a flight (versus rescheduling).

From the Gilt T&Cs: Travel may not be cancelled once booked, however booking may be changed by contacting Virgin America’s reservation call center at a cost of $20 per guest per itinerary.

This is confusing because the Virgin T&Cs indicate that there is no change fee and that the fare is fully refundable.

Anyone figure out the complex T&C of changes?

$75 online, or $20 on the phone?

Also despite being R/T's... it appears they don't have to be booked that way via changes.

I am half way through a long haul from LAX to JFK, I can online change the ticket to another LAX to JFK but I'd eat the change fee. I wonder if that can happen via phone center too.

Strange, I wonder if I can book from SFO to LAS, then fly home somewhere else then go SFO to LAX.

Although you cannot book 2 on the same reservation, these certs are transferable. Is it possible to book 2 on the same flight (assuming fare class availability) on 2 separate PNRs?

Although you cannot book 2 on the same reservation, these certs are transferable. Is it possible to book 2 on the same flight (assuming fare class availability) on 2 separate PNRs?

I did that a few months back.

For anyone who is thinking about changing or cancelling flights booked using these vouchers, please keep in mind that the only way to change these tickets is by calling the service center and paying a $20 fee. If you try to change the tickets online, the system shows a $75 change fee. We had to pay this fee to change a ticket today. the $20 fee is per itinerary that needs to be changed.

Further, my understanding is that you may lose the value of the voucher if you book and then cancel a flight (versus rescheduling).

From the Gilt T&Cs: Travel may not be cancelled once booked, however booking may be changed by contacting Virgin America’s reservation call center at a cost of $20 per guest per itinerary.

This is confusing because the Virgin T&Cs indicate that there is no change fee and that the fare is fully refundable.

Does any one know if you do reschedule the return leg, does the return date have to be no later than June 15, 2012? The reason I ask is because the original Gilt T&C for these vouchers says travel must occur between August 15, 2011 and June 15, 2012.

Does any one know if you do reschedule the return leg, does the return date have to be no later than June 15, 2012? The reason I ask is because the original Gilt T&C for these vouchers says travel must occur between August 15, 2011 and June 15, 2012.

I would imagine you would have to follow the T&C.
I'd imagine an exception -could- be made, as I have a feeling a stockpile of these things are about to start getting used up, and this will cause massive overcrowding in MCS, and thus a lot of vouchers unable to be used strictly on account of the limited availability of seats left.

You'd have to ask VX booking services to be certain.

edited...nevermind!

Everyone,

Please note that it is against the site guidelines to buy or sell coupons here. I have deleted some posts as a result.

Thanks for your understanding.

Aviators99
Moderator
Virgin America Elevate Forum

I think I asked where I could do this. Can you tell me?

Thanks

Everyone,

Please note that it is against the site guidelines to buy or sell coupons here. I have deleted some posts as a result.

Thanks for your understanding.

Aviators99
Moderator
Virgin America Elevate Forum

Please PM because I missed the chance to buy these on Gilt City.

And if she passes, PM me or email me (mike@wbodystore.com) and I'll take them.

Everyone,

Please note that it is against the site guidelines to buy or sell coupons here. I have deleted some posts as a result.


Nice to see that someone is here to take some action. I just got enough info about my next flight. Previously there were all booking without proper planning that leads to unnecessary huge expenses and also some sort of disturbance with the whole schedule.

I think the problem is to have enough information about the whole trip and you should schedule the whole trip in advance.

I would tell you about my previous routine:

7 days left in trip and I went to search online for different stores and sites for
getting any offer for the cheap trip and often found ezcouponsearch (http://www.ezcouponsearch.com/) and couponmom (http://www.couponmom.com/) for cheap discounted travels. Then I book the cheapest offer and went for it. Then I have to made my whole schedule according to that trip offer but that was sometime very unpleasant experience because of less time and improper schedule.

So, now I decide to go for the business class and make my trip according to my desire rather depending on these discounts. It will lead to relax mind with a better experience.