Virgin America Elevate - United elites flying VA?

Hi everyone,

Just curious how many UAL elites fly VA. I've mostly flown UAL the past decade, enjoying the various upgrades for international flights / etc.

Having flown SFO>SNA, I've experienced a strong sense of calm that I rarely see with UAL, whether at check-in, bag-drop-off, security, pre-boarding, boarding, seating, and IFE. No gate lice...

VA's IFE is a zillion times better than anything I've had with UAL, whether in the new business lie-flat seats or the ps C IFE. I can't get over how much music is available with VA - and how many songs are available per artist.

I love how VA lets you just sit and enjoy the music before takeoff.

I realize that we won't get 2000 EQMs (due to UAL's promotion), but the fare was roughly 40% less so I appreciate saving cash.

I'm really stunned. I feel that everything I've known about flying has gone out the window.

Now granted I know that UAL has international flights... and I'm clueless about Virgin's transcons in Y. And our flight wasn't full.

How do other UAL elites feel???

Michael

Since UAL service is worthless as is their frequent flyer program, there is not much to loose by switching. You already discovered some of the benefits. UALO looks more and more like the PanAm of the early 21st Century.

You have to compare the two airlines and then decide whether UA's FF program makes up for their shortfall in service, price, IFE etc.

I made up my mind after my first VX flight (SFO-JFK). Whenever I am faced with a decision between the two, VX always wins. The UA FF program is not a big enough carrot for me to miss out on a better flight experience.

My wife and I currently have around 100K UA-MP miles each sitting around that are difficult to redeem... We've also dropped down to silver and may not fly UA at all this year if VA (V Australia) E- proves nicer than UA E+ ...although the extra legroom is a huge plus for UA.

This 1K will continue using the UA MP program for international travel and award redemption until such time that UA devalues the program in a manner that impacts by ability to confirm upgrades to intl C when making an advance purchase on discounted fares or further restricts intl F award inventory (UA and *A).

For transcons IAD-SFO I stopped flying UA and switched to VX. Main reason is reduction of 3 class aircraft. VX is much better in F and If its gonna be Y, the extra legroom fails to make up for the rest of UAs shortfalls on this route.

My VX experience on this route is much better than UA (seats, IFE, service, food, wine, check-in, and baggage). On a recent trip I had the opportunity to compare VX transcon F with UA transcon and transpac C (new and old config). VX food, beverage and in flight service blew UA away, not even close.

Upgrading a less expensive VX fare is more expensive than upgrading advance UA fare using 500 mile coupons. However, I find value in not standing around the UA gate watching the available seats disappear. UA upgrade inventory for Y-F on this route has been severely restricted so I chose VX rather than commit to UA non-refundable Y and wait at the gate.

Cheers,

-Cyborg

While I love VX (SFO-JFK) and used to fly them whenever and wherever I could, I am now a slave to miles and top tier elite status. Plus VX transcon F fares have jumped considerably since the first year. SFO-JFK/IAD $1,000-$1,500 RT absolutely, but $2,400-$2,700 absolutely not.

With my new AA EXP status (pending DBEQM posting) I can fly SFO-JFK or SFO-anywhere on the east coast for $100-$150 OW in F, SFO-LAX for $39 in F. Easy call and VX loses that battle for me every time.

OP may get a more animated discussion if he posted this in the UA forum.

While I love VX (SFO-JFK) and used to fly them whenever and wherever I could, I am now a slave to miles and top tier elite status. Plus VX transcon F fares have jumped considerably since the first year. SFO-JFK/IAD $1,000-$1,500 RT absolutely, but $2,400-$2,700 absolutely not.

With my new AA EXP status (pending DBEQM posting) I can fly SFO-JFK or SFO-anywhere on the east coast for $100-$150 OW in F, SFO-LAX for $39 in F. Easy call and VX loses that battle for me every time.

OP may get a more animated discussion if he posted this in the UA forum.

Count me in -- am taking my first VX flight this week (IAD / SFO). If the service really is better than UA, I may consider shifting my SFO/LAX transcons to VX.

But, I think the comment above leaves out the ability in VX to upgrade to F from a coach or MCS fare, 24 hours in advance (if seats are available, usually the case), for far less than the cost of a F fare. UA, on the other hand, is now charging a lot more for F upgrades.

I do realize that UA has the advantage of twice as many flights a day from IAD to LAX and to SFO, and more onward connections, but as I only need an evening flight and no connections, VX may work for me.

But I think the comment above leaves out the ability in VX to upgrade to F from a coach or MCS fare, 24 hours in advance (if seats are available, usually the case), for far less than the cost of a F fare. UA, on the other hand, is now charging a lot more for F upgrades.

For a non top-tier elite, that's a reasonable approach. But F seats need to be available and you need to hope you can pull the trigger fast enough at T-24 to beat others trying to do the same thing.

As I said, I love VX but I'm not willing to take that chance and then pay a fee for the UG. As an AA EXP, I am 98% certain to get free domestic upgrades on the lowest possible fare, usually confirmed 4 days in advance. And in that 2% of the time that my UG does not clear, I can use 15,000 miles to "buy my F seat" at the last minute or simply board and use my exit row aisle Y seat.

Having flown SFO>SNA, I've experienced a strong sense of calm that I rarely see with UAL, whether at check-in, bag-drop-off, security, pre-boarding, boarding, seating, and IFE. No gate lice...


How do other UAL elites feel???



UA gets my transcons, but Virgin gets my SFO-LAS/LAX/SEA. I'm very happy to give up what little miles I get from UA on those routes to go with a consistently pleasant airline.

I've been flying Virgin mostly for domestic - SFO/LAX/SNA or SFO/JFK. When I pay business class for SFO/LHR I take Virgin Atlantic. Otherwise I use UA. I prefer a quality service over the FF program. It's taken me a couple years to significantly shift my business, but the inconsistent service from UA was just too much.

After this weekend I will have 1k in the bag. Than it's onwards to try out VX. I have a friend in MIA and I wanted to go visit him since he's moved back to the US. I have been looking at ways to get down to MIA after arriving in IAD but man the options look thin and expensive. Still a little wary about flying in a night club as my brother put it but having international C pitch and all the bells and whistles one could ever hope for for only $250 if available is outstanding. If they had some kind of agreement with another carrier that had a strong TPAC network or if they started up Virgin Pacific it would make a very compelling case to switch. The lack of a good FF program and a TPAC network are huge draw backs.

After this weekend I will have 1k in the bag. Than it's onwards to try out VX. I have a friend in MIA and I wanted to go visit him since he's moved back to the US. I have been looking at ways to get down to MIA after arriving in IAD but man the options look thin and expensive. Still a little wary about flying in a night club as my brother put it but having international C pitch and all the bells and whistles one could ever hope for for only $250 if available is outstanding. If they had some kind of agreement with another carrier that had a strong TPAC network or if they started up Virgin Pacific it would make a very compelling case to switch. The lack of a good FF program and a TPAC network are huge draw backs.

VX is becoming less and less like a nightclub every day (and I consider that a good thing). The F product is still very nice, but it definitely has more of a business feel to it than when they first launched.

As to the OP, I flew a number of VX transcons last year when I was a UA 1P, but only after I secured the highest status level on another airline. VX is nice but frequent flyer program is important to me and VX frankly doesn't really have one. Thus, VX is now relegated to short trips that wouldn't normally generate many miles.

Thanks everyone! Always fun to read...

I agree that I'd fly UA to maintain 1P, but once that's set...

I only just discovered that buying Main Cabin Select means free snacks and free alcohol!?!?????? I'm not a plane drinker (get headaches) but seeing the food and drink menu with the price of FREE blew me away. I am also stunned with how modern and efficient their food/drink ordering system is. Wow.

We just flew SNA>SFO in MCS and on a packed plane, there were a total of 5 or so of us in MCS. Some tried to sit in MCS instead of their seat behind MCS and the FA explained why they couldn't sit there. Very polite.

But I loved the free snacks experience. Made MCS very worth it, as well as that extra leg room. It reminded me of Row 16 on 757-200. Oh and the free checked bag per MCS seat, that's also a gem.

I also love how when you do have a bag to check, the bag number is applied to your BP so that you don't need an extra sticker for that BP. it's a small simple thing, but such efficiency!

I still cannot get over the brilliance of the IFE and the huge selection of entertainment. My complaint for my SNA>SFO flight is that it arrived 24 minutes early, so 24 minutes of less music to enjoy :D

I still think that everything I knew about flying with UA has gone out the window. Yikes. But yes, of course I'm still going to prefer UA C (Y>C upgrade with miles) for transcoms/international...

Lastly I cannot really post this in UA forum since that's crossposting! And... I really am more curious about Virgin American flyers that are UA elite, as opposed to what UA flyers think about VA. Then there'd be too many posts by people who *don't*/*haven't* flown VA posting about why UA has better selection/wider seats/etc etc etc... which isn't the same :D
Michael

VX is becoming less and less like a nightclub every day (and I consider that a good thing). The F product is still very nice, but it definitely has more of a business feel to it than when they first launched.

As to the OP, I flew a number of VX transcons last year when I was a UA 1P, but only after I secured the highest status level on another airline. VX is nice but frequent flyer program is important to me and VX frankly doesn't really have one. Thus, VX is now relegated to short trips that wouldn't normally generate many miles.

sounds like you have experienced their F service. When you say they now have a more business feel what have you observed? Please share as I am sure that I am not the only one that is curious.

sounds like you have experienced their F service. When you say they now have a more business feel what have you observed? Please share as I am sure that I am not the only one that is curious.

Perhaps I have just become accustomed to the lounge music on boarding, but I don't notice it at all anymore. Plus, the last few flights I have taken did not start out with all of the shades drawn, so it felt much more like a regular boarding process, albeit with a much more friendly crew.

The other thing I really like about VX as a business traveler is the fact that they almost never interrupt the flight with announcements. The pilot comes out before departure to talk about the flight and then you hear almost nothing beyond the safety spiel (and a commercial before departure). My other recent experiences have been on DL, AS and CO, all of which involved numerous announcements throughout the flight regarding heavy carts, food for sale and affinity credit cards. The comparative quietness on VX makes it seem much more like an international F class experience than the experience on those other three airlines. It is much easier to focus on work or sleep.

After this weekend I will have 1k in the bag. Than it's onwards to try out VX. I have a friend in MIA and I wanted to go visit him since he's moved back to the US. I have been looking at ways to get down to MIA after arriving in IAD but man the options look thin and expensive. Still a little wary about flying in a night club as my brother put it but having international C pitch and all the bells and whistles one could ever hope for for only $250 if available is outstanding. If they had some kind of agreement with another carrier that had a strong TPAC network or if they started up Virgin Pacific it would make a very compelling case to switch. The lack of a good FF program and a TPAC network are huge draw backs. I just reached 2P with UA on 06/01/09 and I'm now considering trying out VX from LAX-SFO - All the good reviews I'm hearing from friends and from FT makes me wanting to try it. Heck, I might like it:cool: JG

I just reached 2P with UA on 06/01/09 and I'm now considering trying out VX from LAX-SFO - All the good reviews I'm hearing from friends and from FT makes me wanting to try it. Heck, I might like it:cool: JG

I would do it if you don't need the 1,000 EQMs for 1P and you have some schedule flexibility. VX service is a bit infrequent when compared to UA and especially WN. That means delays are much more likely to be a problem for a VX flyer than a WN flyer. Still, it's a nice experience if you have the time to kill.

Perhaps I have just become accustomed to the lounge music on boarding, but I don't notice it at all anymore. Plus, the last few flights I have taken did not start out with all of the shades drawn, so it felt much more like a regular boarding process, albeit with a much more friendly crew.

The other thing I really like about VX as a business traveler is the fact that they almost never interrupt the flight with announcements. The pilot comes out before departure to talk about the flight and then you hear almost nothing beyond the safety spiel (and a commercial before departure). My other recent experiences have been on DL, AS and CO, all of which involved numerous announcements throughout the flight regarding heavy carts, food for sale and affinity credit cards. The comparative quietness on VX makes it seem much more like an international F class experience than the experience on those other three airlines. It is much easier to focus on work or sleep.

Thanks for sharing. I am used to knocking back a few before getting on a plane so the pre-departure announcements doesn't bother me as much. It sounds nice to not have too many of those though during the flight. It is always annoying when trying to listen to ch. 9 and an announcement comes on over the system. The lack of food cart sales is also a plus. That gets annoying if you are not sitting up front. Even if you are sitting upfront I like that I can order food if I want to instead of having to worry about the FA skipping you when everyone else is eating. I will definitely give them a shot the next time I need to fly to one of their destinations.

The product on VX is far superior what you find on typical domestic UA flights sans maybe PS and routes operated by international configuration planes.

Lack of "real" FF program, however, ensures that I only consider them on short hop west coast flights.

Even if you are sitting upfront I like that I can order food if I want to instead of having to worry about the FA skipping you when everyone else is eating. I will definitely give them a shot the next time I need to fly to one of their destinations.

You can't order food from the IFE up front. You are served like on other airlines (but generally with better food).

You can't order food from the IFE up front. You are served like on other airlines (but generally with better food).

Not always better - I find the VX food in F to be inferior to that served on CO transcons and occasionally DL. That said, you can also order anything from the coach menu, which is a nice feature.

You know what would be a cool (and crazy and expensive) VX promotion? Offer to match FF miles from majors via eleVAte if those high mileagers switch or zero their major airline FF accounts. Essentially, its free flights to those who have a lot of miles on other airlines in exchange for flying VX. Its pretty crazy for an airline that hasn't made money ever but would be a neat incentive to switch.

If the opinion of this SQ Elite counts, then I've switched my regular SEA-SFO/LAX flights with VX unless when I need to depart at night when UA gives me the best connection time..

Pretty sure you won't find 1k's on VX trans-con. Too much of an opportunity cost there. I'll take them to LAS and SAN occasionally, and VX has a much better product in both cabins than any United 2-class plane, but I think they have no chance of stealing trans-con biz travelers...

Pretty sure you won't find 1k's on VX trans-con. Too much of an opportunity cost there. I'll take them to LAS and SAN occasionally, and VX has a much better product in both cabins than any United 2-class plane, but I think they have no chance of stealing trans-con biz travelers...

Maybe not many, but they stole me. I'm not 1k, but I pay full F fare.

Not always better - I find the VX food in F to be inferior to that served on CO transcons and occasionally DL. That said, you can also order anything from the coach menu, which is a nice feature.

I have found the food in F on VX to be very nice. The wine and absinthe is also first rate. They have an excellent domestic product.

I'm a UA 1K and flying VX for my transcons IAD-SFO. The fellow passengers on recent flights have the same opinion (prefer VX to UA on transcons).

Cheers,

-Cyborg

Pretty sure you won't find 1k's on VX trans-con. Too much of an opportunity cost there. I'll take them to LAS and SAN occasionally, and VX has a much better product in both cabins than any United 2-class plane, but I think they have no chance of stealing trans-con biz travelers...

this 1K (biz customer) can be found on VX in a very happy mood, having ditched UA on transcons...

Cheers,

-Cyborg

Same here - UAL 3P but have switched all transcons to NYC / BOS / IAD to VX and have loved every minute of every VX flight. In fact my whole company has switched to VX as a preferred carrier for transcons.

Praying that they survive given their cash burn and cash position...

this 1K (biz customer) can be found on VX in a very happy mood, having ditched UA on transcons...

Cheers,

-Cyborg

:) Haha... might've had a little more support on the UA message board... I guess there is a 1k out there (prob more) who flies VX transcon for business. I'm guessing you qualify for 1k with international flights...

this 1K (biz customer) can be found on VX in a very happy mood, having ditched UA on transcons...

Cheers,

-Cyborg

In that case... how come you're UA 1K for international flights instead of SQ or LH, especially in C? As I barely make UA 1P (domestic/international), I can't really "switch" to another carrier but I'll definitely fly VX in CA as much as possible, when needed.

In that case... how come you're UA 1K for international flights instead of SQ or LH, especially in C? As I barely make UA 1P (domestic/international), I can't really "switch" to another carrier but I'll definitely fly VX in CA as much as possible, when needed.

In part, because IAD is my home airport. However, I didn't say exclusively...

...so I do fly other Intl carriers when the *s are in alignment.

Cheers,

-Steve

I'm not elite on UA, but probably will be this year or next. I would love to fly VX but need extra legroom (34"+ pitch) for a reasonable price. I think Main Cabin Select is outrageously priced. That's a deal-killer for me, but if that ever gets changed to be more in line with Economy Plus, I'd fly VX in a heartbeat.

I'm not elite on UA, but probably will be this year or next. I would love to fly VX but need extra legroom (34"+ pitch) for a reasonable price. I think Main Cabin Select is outrageously priced. That's a deal-killer for me, but if that ever gets changed to be more in line with Economy Plus, I'd fly VX in a heartbeat.

If you are willing to risk it, the 24-hour upgrades are very reasonable (and F has really nice seat/pitch).

Just flew my first Virgin America transcons, and was very impressed with the service and the quality of the food -- definitely above what you get on regular UA transcons (I cannot compare with PS, however).

UA business flyers should note that there is no closet in the front of the plane, and no coat hangers on the bulkhead between first and economy, so that suit jackets either have to be worn while sitting, or folded and placed in the overhead compartment, in the hope that they won't get wrinkled up there. Given the galley/first class layout, it would not be possible to add a closet, but I think that Virgin America could and should consider coat hangers on the bulkhead between cabins.

Also, some UA frequent flyers will take offense at the free use of the first class lavatory by economy flyers, but it didn't bother me. If it does bother someone in first, they should sit in a window seat, as I did.

Again, the food in both the main cabin and first class (I upgraded on the way back), the individual entertainment units, and the service, are far above what I have experienced on UA domestic, non-PS flights. Well worth the experience!

If you are willing to risk it, the 24-hour upgrades are very reasonable (and F has really nice seat/pitch).

It's still much more expensive than just flying UA for E+. On UA, having 1P status means a virtually guaranteed 34"-36" pitch even on a $150 transcon. VX is going to be much more than that for MCS, whether paid in advance or as a 24-hour upgrade. As I've said many times on the UA board, Mileage Plus is designed to reward those who fly the most yet pay the least.

No. Free standby on UA is just too convenient on short LAX-SFO hops with multiple flights. Longer ones I can upgrade on UA.
But one day I'll probably try VA at least to take a look at IFE (hopefully they'll still be flying...

Flying VX for the first time. Am just United Premier but wanted to try VX for a SFO-> SAN route to see what it's like because of the rave reviews about VX I've had from friends. Unfortunately I'm flying stand-by for an earlier flight and it's delayed - not good for a first impression. Main Cabin Select was only $10 more - well worth it for a tall alcoholic.
Funny how these loyalty programs work because I also have a Mileage Plus Visa and it made it very hard to migrate away from UAL when the prices were the same

Flying VX for the first time. Am just United Premier but wanted to try VX for a SFO-> SAN route to see what it's like because of the rave reviews about VX I've had from friends. Unfortunately I'm flying stand-by for an earlier flight and it's delayed - not good for a first impression. Main Cabin Select was only $10 more - well worth it for a tall alcoholic.
Funny how these loyalty programs work because I also have a Mileage Plus Visa and it made it very hard to migrate away from UAL when the prices were the same

Don't forget that yo uget the free bag check with MCS as well as unlimited free alcohol and snacks. The free snacks themselves are worth it because they actually taste good - the Pringles, the cookies... the snack boxes are similar to the UA snack boxes. Not bad at all for an extra $10 - especially because if MCS is $10 more, then the plane will be 99% full in every seat *but* MCS, at least from my one and only VX/MCS experience! And when another PAX tried to sit in MCS, the FA shooed her away, explaining about MCS costing more. Tres excellent!

Main Cabin Select was only $10 more - well worth it for a tall alcoholic.

Strange, I flew SNA-SFO yesterday and I thought the agent said it was $25 to MCS and $50 for First. And SFO-SAN is a (slightly) longer flight. Are the prices variable?

I'm a 1K and posted my experience in VX here (http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/11917116-post63.html)

Strange, I flew SNA-SFO yesterday and I thought the agent said it was $25 to MCS and $50 for First. And SFO-SAN is a (slightly) longer flight. Are the prices variable?

I'm a 1K and posted my experience in VX trip reports (can't figure out how to link here, sorry)

You're correct... I'm guessing the $10 was the difference in fare between classes when the ticket was originally purchased. It's not uncommon on Virgin to see MCS offered cheaper than MC fares from time to time (or even to see MCS offered more expensive than First, depending on how many seats remain in each cabin)... still doesn't entice me to fly VX trans-con, though... :)

Don't forget that yo uget the free bag check with MCS as well as unlimited free alcohol and snacks. The free snacks themselves are worth it because they actually taste good - the Pringles, the cookies... the snack boxes are similar to the UA snack boxes. Not bad at all for an extra $10 - especially because if MCS is $10 more, then the plane will be 99% full in every seat *but* MCS, at least from my one and only VX/MCS experience! And when another PAX tried to sit in MCS, the FA shooed her away, explaining about MCS costing more. Tres excellent!


Got an earlier flight but MCS was full so I had to sit in MC therefore no free drinks or food.

You're correct... I'm guessing the $10 was the difference in fare between classes when the ticket was originally purchased. It's not uncommon on Virgin to see MCS offered cheaper than MC fares from time to time (or even to see MCS offered more expensive than First, depending on how many seats remain in each cabin)... still doesn't entice me to fly VX trans-con, though... :)

The $25 short-haul upgrade to MCS is a no-brainer for me if I am planning to check a bag. I would have to pay $15 anyway; paying an extra $10 for great legroom and free snacks/drinks is a great value.

I'm a current 1K (will not be requalifying for anything United for next year) defector.

Quite frankly, I'll pay full boat first class on Virgin for my LAX-SEA runs over the dirt cheapest fare on that substandard wreck of an airline UA has become.

When a relationship gets really bad you just have to walk away and go talk to the pretty girl across the room.

I'm a current 1K (will not be requalifying for anything United for next year) defector.

Quite frankly, I'll pay full boat first class on Virgin for my LAX-SEA runs over the dirt cheapest fare on that substandard wreck of an airline UA has become.

When a relationship gets really bad you just have to walk away and go talk to the pretty girl across the room.

Please continue to pay those full First fares. I haven't been able to get on a VX flight and try out their first seats because they haven't flown anywhere I needed to go. Hopefully they will still be around when I finally get to it. Thanks!

Please continue to pay those full First fares. I haven't been able to get on a VX flight and try out their first seats because they haven't flown anywhere I needed to go. Hopefully they will still be around when I finally get to it. Thanks!

I'll be back to 1p by the end of this year, and this weekend I actually have a split itin sfo-sea RT...way there on UA in 1st on a qup fare, on way back on virgin on an F fare...will compare and share although can imagine VX will be much better. Reason not all UA is that UA's latest flt out of SEA on Sunday is like 6pm on Sunday, and I can't get out till later so VX saved me...so they do go at least some places I want to go! Will report back with my experience.

P.S. Anyone know if there is food served on SEA-SFO on VX? Even snacks? Or just ETOH?

I flew VX for the first time this weekend. It was a split ticket with United. I flew UA SFO-IAD and VX IAD-SFO. Here's my assessment as a UA 1K:

Price: I bought my tix just over 2 weeks in advance. VX was 10-20% cheaper than UA. If I could have committed a little farther in advance, the prices would have been equal.

Upgrade: My free upgrade (CR1) on UA cleared over a week in advance. On VX I could have paid $250 each way to upgrade.

Seat room: As a 1K I have always been able to get good E+ seats when I'm not upgraded to C or F. VX's coach seats are only acceptable if I can reserve an aisle, and even then they're only marginally acceptable.

IFE: VX wins this category, no contest.

FF Program: UA's program isn't as good as it used to be but it wins by default.

Overall: I don't see myself switching to VX anytime soon. Add a real FF program and build out the route structure, and I'll reconsider.

I flew VX for the first time this weekend. It was a split ticket with United. I flew UA SFO-IAD and VX IAD-SFO. Here's my assessment as a UA 1K:

Price: I bought my tix just over 2 weeks in advance. VX was 10-20% cheaper than UA. If I could have committed a little farther in advance, the prices would have been equal.

Upgrade: My free upgrade (CR1) on UA cleared over a week in advance. On VX I could have paid $250 each way to upgrade.

Seat room: As a 1K I have always been able to get good E+ seats when I'm not upgraded to C or F. VX's coach seats are only acceptable if I can reserve an aisle, and even then they're only marginally acceptable.

IFE: VX wins this category, no contest.

FF Program: UA's program isn't as good as it used to be but it wins by default.

Overall: I don't see myself switching to VX anytime soon. Add a real FF program and build out the route structure, and I'll reconsider.

The extra legroom in UA E+ is enticing - it would be great if VX had more legroom in MC (or a more reasonably priced MCS).

MP is good for upgrades - if they clear (1P with e500s :(). I wonder how long it will be until we can upgrade on VX using elevate points. I'm surprised they haven't done so already.

Were you comparing UA domestic F with VX MC/Y? Have you tried VX F? How did the check-in and security lines compare? - I guess you would have been using the red carpet :D

Were you comparing UA domestic F with VX MC/Y? Have you tried VX F? How did the check-in and security lines compare? - I guess you would have been using the red carpet :D

I'm comparing UA F to VX Y only in the sense that with all the free upgrade instruments I earn as a UA 1K on I can almost always fly in F there. Take those upgrades out of the picture and I'd probably still fly UA over VX. The decisive issue is E+. With E+ plus all the upgrades, it's a total no-brainer.

P.S. Anyone know if there is food served on SEA-SFO on VX? Even snacks? Or just ETOH?

On my SFO/SNA flight of an hour, there were snackboxes and snacks. No actual food. But the snackbox was better than the UAL snackbox in terms of selection and quantity. So you'll at least get the snackboxes. Individual snacks include Pringles and chocolate chip cookies. Both delish.

Alas I can't answer about food and I hope someone else can do so... but even UAL wouldn't have food or snackboxes on SFO/SEA!

What is ETOH, I can't figure it out :D

Sorry I can't be more helpful. But I just realized you're in VX F and I'm sure that would include food and not just the snackboxes.

On my SFO/SNA flight of an hour, there were snackboxes and snacks. No actual food. But the snackbox was better than the UAL snackbox in terms of selection and quantity. So you'll at least get the snackboxes. Individual snacks include Pringles and chocolate chip cookies. Both delish.

Alas I can't answer about food and I hope someone else can do so... but even UAL wouldn't have food or snackboxes on SFO/SEA!

What is ETOH, I can't figure it out :D

Sorry I can't be more helpful. But I just realized you're in VX F and I'm sure that would include food and not just the snackboxes.

SFO-LAS recently had the trio of tapas in F - a much nicer snack than what is offered on any other airline on that route. Some of the parts of the tapas were inedible but there was still some good stuff in there (duck, I think?)

I'm not a United elite, although I was a lowly 2P a few years ago. Still, I fly United more than any other airline -- until Virgin America, that is. Now it's a simple procedure for me: check if premium cabin award/mileage upgrade is available on United; if not, book a coach seat with Virgin and try the $250 F upgrade 24 hours before departure. VX is so much better than United that I'll always choose it over UA, unless I can lock into an upgrade at the time of booking on UA.

It seems that the upgrade opportunities for 1Ks are much greater than for 1Ps or 2Ps and somewhat make up for the generally shoddy experience of flying UA. That said, I know quite a few SFO-based FFs who could make 1K on UA but choose Plat on another airline, even though there are much fewer nonstops. And plenty of FFs who reluctantly stick with UA but are always looking to jump ship.

As darthbimmer said, the thing (aside from upgrades) that keeps lots of people with UA is E+. It is a HUGE benefit, not only for tall people but also for people who need to get work done on the flight. There is simply no chance of me getting a laptop open in standard Y.

I think a great way forward for VX is to go directly after the disgruntled UA elites, particularly in SF. I would love to see them revamp MCS to make it more like E+ or JetBlue's "Even More Legroom" (i.e., multiple rows, relatively modest charge at booking). Also, an elite tier that gives occasional upgrades to F and free MCS access would be key.

Also, an elite tier that gives occasional upgrades to F and free MCS access would be key.

I'm pretty much opposed to this. Most domestic F isn't all that good in the US because most people get it for free instead of actually paying for it (please note that for the F services VX is most often compared to, UA p.s. F and AA 762 F, both flying the CA-JFK routes, that neither of these are a free upgrade for a coach passenger on UA/AA- the free upgrade or mileage upgrade from Y is into J, not F).

If you are basically having to hand out something for free to your elites and it doesn't create a lot of revenue for you (and WN demonstrates that people are pretty fine with taking 2-3 hour flights without F if the price is right), the temptation to water it down as a way to cut expenses is pretty heavy (and if you look in the UA/AA forums, you'll see threads complaining that even the F service on 3-class is pretty watered down from where it was some time ago). My feeling is the way to avoid that problem is to never, EVER give it away. If you want F, pay for it.

Now, if VX was to allow you to burn Elevate points for day-of-flight upgrades... well, OK, you're still not "giving" it away (and that turns it into a de facto loyalty inducement, since it's likely the only people who can afford to do this will have healthy Elevate balances).

(please note that for the F services VX is most often compared to, UA p.s. F and AA 762 F, both flying the CA-JFK routes, that neither of these are a free upgrade for a coach passenger on UA/AA- the free upgrade or mileage upgrade from Y is into J, not F).


I think VX C is more like the business cabin, at least on UA's PS. The problem with PS is that there isn't much differentiation between C and F. Still, F gets a flat bed (albeit at an angle) and, since sleep is often the primary reason for choosing F in a three cabin flight, UA's product is not really comparable to VX's F product. Plus, for a while VX's transcon F meals were not really competitive with any major carrier except perhaps Delta. I think things have gotten better but I haven't had any personal experience with that.

Service attitude, of course, is almost always better on VX than any cabin in UA and likely on AA.

What is ETOH, I can't figure it out :D

I think you were joking, but just in case, ALCOHOL! :-)
Thx for your reply re SFO/SNA

SFO-LAS recently had the trio of tapas in F - a much nicer snack than what is offered on any other airline on that route. Some of the parts of the tapas were inedible but there was still some good stuff in there (duck, I think?)

Muchas Gracias, i hope that we get something similar coming back from SEA-SFO. Will report back!

I think you were joking, but just in case, ALCOHOL! :-)

Aah the friendly dog molecule (C2H5OH):

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b0/Ethanol-3D-balls.png/120px-Ethanol-3D-balls.png

w00f! :D

I also would much rather continue to pay for a VX F product that is worth the money than I would get a devalued one for free.

I like VX so much precisely because they are so much different (better) than the other airlines, especially in F.

It seems that the upgrade opportunities for 1Ks are much greater than for 1Ps or 2Ps and somewhat make up for the generally shoddy experience of flying UA.

As a UA 1K (100,000 miles) you not only earn significantly more upgrade instruments than a 1P (50,000 miles) but you also have a higher rate of success in applying them. Since becoming a 1K I have been upgraded on approximately 75% of all flights with UA.

I think a great way forward for VX is to go directly after the disgruntled UA elites, particularly in SF. I would love to see them revamp MCS to make it more like E+ or JetBlue's "Even More Legroom" (i.e., multiple rows, relatively modest charge at booking). Also, an elite tier that gives occasional upgrades to F and free MCS access would be key.

Offering something to match E+ would be a great start toward encouraging UA FFs to defect. As a 1K, though, I'd need something more. I understand eponymous_coward's point above about diluting F class by giving it out for free to elites. It's just that F upgrades on United, diluted in value as they are, are still valuable. Now, if I were a 1P or 2P, having something equivalent to E+ would be enough to bring me over to VX. The value of relatively infrequent upgrades at that level can be balanced out by VX's superior in-flight experience.

Flew for the first time on VX this weekend, comparing F products with UA

SFO-SEA on UA in F on a qup fare and SEA-SFO on VX in paid F, same price for each flight.

UA Flight: On a 757-200. First class seats are soft and comfortable, fully adjustable headrest but there is no foot rest. Crew was one of the better ones I've had recently from UA, motivated and friendly. Channel 9 a plus but lacking good IFE otherwise. No meal or snack except for the bag of pretzel mix. On time arrival.

VX Flight: On an A320. First class cabin seats are on the harder side and the headrest only adjusts on the sides, but the pitch is much greater and the legrest is nice. Overall comfortable but less so than PS C seats (which I compare it to only for those of you considering going VX cross country). AVOD IFE was great, loved that I could watch the mets vs yankees game live on ESPN although the result of the game was unfortunate. Good movie selection too although I didn't quite make it to watch any. Flight crew was responsive although the F crew member could have refilled drinks a little more frequently. Like the glassware. The meal was good for plane food although small and had to ask one of the team members to get me some pringles from the back, which she did after making sure the economy pax got served (seems fair enough to me). Loved the captain...although he looked like BARF (John Candy) from Spaceballs, he was genial, friendly and came up to the F pax and said hello and wanted to thank us for our patronage and if there was anything he could do to make it a better flt, etc...The whole crew was VERY friendly and I have never had that experience at UA with all of my miles there. They ACTUALLY seemed to enjoy their jobs and working for VX...new experience!

So, my final thoughts...I would certainly think about taking VX again and in the future if they were to expand their route system and improve their rewards program, I would consider an all out switch, especially if they continue to maintain their service at this level. Would be nice if they had made their seats a little softer though. I've heard that complaint from friends about seats in the main cabin as well.

Flew for the first time on VX this weekend, comparing F products with UA

SFO-SEA on UA in F on a qup fare and SEA-SFO on VX in paid F, same price for each flight.

UA Flight: On a 757-200. First class seats are soft and comfortable, fully adjustable headrest but there is no foot rest. Crew was one of the better ones I've had recently from UA, motivated and friendly. Channel 9 a plus but lacking good IFE otherwise. No meal or snack except for the bag of pretzel mix. On time arrival.

VX Flight: On an A320. First class cabin seats are on the harder side and the headrest only adjusts on the sides, but the pitch is much greater and the legrest is nice. Overall comfortable but less so than PS C seats (which I compare it to only for those of you considering going VX cross country). AVOD IFE was great, loved that I could watch the mets vs yankees game live on ESPN although the result of the game was unfortunate. Good movie selection too although I didn't quite make it to watch any. Flight crew was responsive although the F crew member could have refilled drinks a little more frequently. Like the glassware. The meal was good for plane food although small and had to ask one of the team members to get me some pringles from the back, which she did after making sure the economy pax got served (seems fair enough to me). Loved the captain...although he looked like BARF (John Candy) from Spaceballs, he was genial, friendly and came up to the F pax and said hello and wanted to thank us for our patronage and if there was anything he could do to make it a better flt, etc...The whole crew was VERY friendly and I have never had that experience at UA with all of my miles there. They ACTUALLY seemed to enjoy their jobs and working for VX...new experience!

So, my final thoughts...I would certainly think about taking VX again and in the future if they were to expand their route system and improve their rewards program, I would consider an all out switch, especially if they continue to maintain their service at this level. Would be nice if they had made their seats a little softer though. I've heard that complaint from friends about seats in the main cabin as well. I enjoyed your feature. Thanks for the review!!! ^ JG