Virgin America's 'Dark' A319 - How to avoid it
Apr 30, 2008 | 10:16 am
#46
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: VX, UA 2P
Posts: 968
Apr 30, 2008 | 10:37 am
#48
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: VX, UA 2P
Posts: 968
Thanks! Does it have a name painted on it yet? If not, they should call it "Darth 319". That'd make a good conversation starter in the future when it is all kitted out and in regular service. And all of us "founding" eleVAte members will know the story behind it.
Apr 30, 2008 | 10:40 am
#49
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Posts: 4,104
Probably a trademark problem there...perhaps "The inVAder"
Apr 30, 2008 | 10:46 am
#50
Original Poster
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Location: DEN & PSP
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Based on this April 2008 Photo, it would appear to not yet have a name.
Apr 30, 2008 | 11:21 am
#51
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: VX, UA 2P
Posts: 968
Lucas Valley is just up the road 
Do you think there is any chance George Lucas will give them permission?
"The inVAder" is pretty cool too.
Maybe we should start a "Name the Dark 319" thread. Do you think there is any chance VX would use what we come up with?
Do you think there is any chance George Lucas will give them permission? "The inVAder" is pretty cool too.
Maybe we should start a "Name the Dark 319" thread. Do you think there is any chance VX would use what we come up with?
Apr 30, 2008 | 8:00 pm
#52
Join Date: Jan 2007
Posts: 268
Think that's a great idea. (Why should Digg have all the fun?!) Start a thread, and we can submit it directly to VX's execs.
May 29, 2008 | 11:41 pm
#55
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 18,255
My son is flying VX from SFO-LAS-SFO with the outbound on Friday. He just got what I think is a snarky email from VX informing him he was on the dark plane -- clearly the email was intended to relieve them of any liability for sneaking the plane in. Here it is:
No mention of any alternatives, no mention of any compensation no matter how minor, and -- of course -- long after he has made plans to meet up with a friend so it's hard to change flights. Of course, I guess he can rely on VX to provide "do our best to provide some reading material," wow!
Not impressive, I'd at least offer free snacks or something, since they are charging the same as if he was on a flight WITH all those systems and didn't notify him at time of booking (presumably for the reasons stated earlier in this thread). He's not a happy camper.
Hence, no choice, no nothing, if he can't change flights?
Due to delays in the modification of our new planes, the inflight entertainment and select other in-seat services will not be available on your upcoming Virgin America flight. This includes the Red Inflight Entertainment system, which normally features satellite TV, movies, games, Google Maps and a food ordering system. In addition, the plugs at every seat for electronic gear will not be operational for the flight. Why are we sending you this message? We want you to be prepared to have your laptop or iPod fully charged, and ensure you have the latest magazines or newspapers to read while onboard your flight. We'll do our best to provide some reading material onboard in case you forget.
We make millions of dollars in high-tech modifications to each one of Virgin America's brand new planes and we appreciate your patience with us as we finalize this modification process across our brand new fleet. Thank you again for your patience and we look forward to welcoming you on Virgin America.
The Guest Services Team
We make millions of dollars in high-tech modifications to each one of Virgin America's brand new planes and we appreciate your patience with us as we finalize this modification process across our brand new fleet. Thank you again for your patience and we look forward to welcoming you on Virgin America.
The Guest Services Team
Not impressive, I'd at least offer free snacks or something, since they are charging the same as if he was on a flight WITH all those systems and didn't notify him at time of booking (presumably for the reasons stated earlier in this thread). He's not a happy camper.
Hence, no choice, no nothing, if he can't change flights?
May 30, 2008 | 7:58 am
#56
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Miami, FL, USA
Posts: 4,104
My son is flying VX from SFO-LAS-SFO with the outbound on Friday. He just got what I think is a snarky email from VX informing him he was on the dark plane -- clearly the email was intended to relieve them of any liability for sneaking the plane in. Here it is:
No mention of any alternatives, no mention of any compensation no matter how minor, and -- of course -- long after he has made plans to meet up with a friend so it's hard to change flights. Of course, I guess he can rely on VX to provide "do our best to provide some reading material," wow!
Not impressive, I'd at least offer free snacks or something, since they are charging the same as if he was on a flight WITH all those systems and didn't notify him at time of booking (presumably for the reasons stated earlier in this thread). He's not a happy camper.
Hence, no choice, no nothing, if he can't change flights?
No mention of any alternatives, no mention of any compensation no matter how minor, and -- of course -- long after he has made plans to meet up with a friend so it's hard to change flights. Of course, I guess he can rely on VX to provide "do our best to provide some reading material," wow!
Not impressive, I'd at least offer free snacks or something, since they are charging the same as if he was on a flight WITH all those systems and didn't notify him at time of booking (presumably for the reasons stated earlier in this thread). He's not a happy camper.
Hence, no choice, no nothing, if he can't change flights?
May 30, 2008 | 8:54 am
#57
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Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
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Posts: 21,286
This is the standard letter that goes out when you get the dark plane. I believe they usually hand out snacks.
May 30, 2008 | 10:51 am
#58
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
Location: Palo Alto, California,USA
Posts: 18,255
Edited to add: based on the above referenced article, it looks like his reward is that he will get a free granola bar. Not impressed.
May 30, 2008 | 11:00 am
#59
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Location: SEA, but up and down the coast a lot
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Hmmm, I thought it was his outbound today, but come to think of it, the email wasn't explicit. Of course, they could still email him in the future about the inbound!
Edited to add: based on the above referenced article, it looks like his reward is that he will get a free granola bar. Not impressed.
Edited to add: based on the above referenced article, it looks like his reward is that he will get a free granola bar. Not impressed.
"Cocktails and snacks are complementary in the Main Cabin, upon request."
May 30, 2008 | 10:53 pm
#60
Moderator: Luxury Hotels and FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Sep 2002
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Posts: 18,255
Maybe, maybe not. The first post also says that people get a $25 flight credit and subsequent posts make it clear that is gone. Maybe the snacks (other than the granola bar) are too.