LAX to LAS first class -- worth it?
Apr 22, 2014 | 3:50 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 258
LAX to LAS first class -- worth it?
A friend and I will be in LA on business this summer and are thinking of taking a detour to LAS on our way back to NYC. VX seems like the best option. It's $70 one way in economy but $200 for FC. Obviously a very short flight; would we get any real benefits for the extra $130 or should we just earmark that money for Vegas? 
P.S. I've only flown on VX once (to CMH, crazily enough) so any general comments about cabin differences, the airline in general, etc, would be appreciated.
Thanks!
P.S. I've only flown on VX once (to CMH, crazily enough) so any general comments about cabin differences, the airline in general, etc, would be appreciated.
Thanks!
Apr 22, 2014 | 3:59 pm
#2
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
Programs: Jumbo mas
Posts: 42,599
If you don't have any status and have bags to check, you might consider it. Otherwise, probably a waste of dough. You'll most likely have a drink on the ground (maybe 2), and a drink in the air (maybe 2), noting that summer can result in very turbulent (even in clear air) skies around LAS, meaning you could be lucky to get even one drink in the air.
Apr 22, 2014 | 9:23 pm
#3
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 258
I'm not so interested in the drinks but rather the "experience." From what I've seen and read, VX appears to truly differentiate its domestic first class (much better seats, personal service), unlike, say, Delta, where I've flown in first numerous times to find it was nothing special.
Apr 22, 2014 | 10:00 pm
#4
Join Date: Jun 2013
Programs: Virgin America Elevate Gold
Posts: 220
I have flown on FC on both Delta and Virgin America. No competition at all. The VX first class seats, etc. blow Delta's out of the water. That being said, LAX to LAS is a pretty quick flight. If you can get it cheap (at the upgrade window for instance), then it might be worth it if you really want to experience VX FC and don't have any long hauls planned.
Apr 22, 2014 | 10:31 pm
#5
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SFO
Posts: 335
I'm not so interested in the drinks but rather the "experience." From what I've seen and read, VX appears to truly differentiate its domestic first class (much better seats, personal service), unlike, say, Delta, where I've flown in first numerous times to find it was nothing special.
We have a fantastic F product. But you need to keep in mind that LAX-LAS flights are 50 mins with about 20 mins of time for service once in the air. This won't give you the full VX experience, as it is an extremely abbreviated service with a drink offering and a snack basket. I have had a couple of flights that were so turbulent, no service was offered at all. I can't tell you if it's worth it or not - different things are important to different people. But a transcon is the way you will get the real "experience". This short flight will basically give you a glimpse into our F product.
Apr 22, 2014 | 10:34 pm
#6
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
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Posts: 42,599
I'm not so interested in the drinks but rather the "experience." From what I've seen and read, VX appears to truly differentiate its domestic first class (much better seats, personal service), unlike, say, Delta, where I've flown in first numerous times to find it was nothing special.
Last edited by Eastbay1K; Apr 22, 2014 at 10:35 pm Reason: Update!
Apr 22, 2014 | 10:37 pm
#7
Join Date: Feb 2014
Location: BOS
Programs: B6/Mosaic/AF/VX/AS Gold Hertz PC HH Dia. AMEX Plat SPG/Marr Gold Nat. EE FPC Plat
Posts: 833
I'm not a gambler, so I'd rather drop my dough on a great flight experience.
My first flight on VX was F and I was sold from then on.
I'm not a fan of the food in F, but that is a matter of taste. The rest is great. I rarely sleep on planes, but enjoyed a nice cat nap on the way to LAS.
You could try and score MCS on a last minute upgrade and that is not expensive at all.
Bon voyage!
My first flight on VX was F and I was sold from then on.
I'm not a fan of the food in F, but that is a matter of taste. The rest is great. I rarely sleep on planes, but enjoyed a nice cat nap on the way to LAS.
You could try and score MCS on a last minute upgrade and that is not expensive at all.
Bon voyage!
Apr 22, 2014 | 10:46 pm
#8
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Join Date: Jul 1999
Location: Over the Bay Bridge, CA
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Posts: 42,599
We have a fantastic F product. But you need to keep in mind that LAX-LAS flights are 50 mins with about 20 mins of time for service once in the air. This won't give you the full VX experience, as it is an extremely abbreviated service with a drink offering and a snack basket. I have had a couple of flights that were so turbulent, no service was offered at all. I can't tell you if it's worth it or not - different things are important to different people. But a transcon is the way you will get the real "experience". This short flight will basically give you a glimpse into our F product.
Does MCS have an opportunity for order-from-screen service?
Apr 22, 2014 | 11:38 pm
#9
Join Date: Mar 2012
Location: SFO
Posts: 335
There is no on-demand ordering on these flights. The whole MC (including MCS) are offered complimentary beer, wine and water. Although, time-permitting, I will offer MCS guests something from the snack basket =)
Apr 23, 2014 | 11:49 am
#10
Original Poster
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 258
Thanks for the insights! This is why I love Flyertalk. Sounds like the best option is to just book a regular ticket but purchase an upgrade to FC if it happens to be available. And with my Delta loyalty probably going out the window, I'll just have to splurge on my next transcon trip and try VX FC.
Apr 23, 2014 | 12:50 pm
#11
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Mike
Apr 24, 2014 | 8:09 am
#13
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: SFO
Programs: United 1K, Marriott Platinum, SPG Platinum
Posts: 2,002
How much is main cabin select? If you have never flown main cabin select, it's kinda fun... you browse this screen of stuff... you push a button for an item, and a FA comes and delivers it. She goes away. Then you find something else you want. You push the button. She brings it. Repeat. Haha! So fun!
Apr 24, 2014 | 12:27 pm
#15
Join Date: Apr 2005
Posts: 312
I have flown LAX to LAS twice in Virgin America First Class and it is worth the extra price if you enjoy flying First Class.
Much more personalized service and choice of many snack items are offered.
The seats and the entertainment system are great.
Just so that you are aware, the upgrade charge from the main cabin to First Class within 6 hours charge is $89.00, so I would just go ahead and reserve your seats now, so that you know that you are all set.
Have a great trip on Virgin America!
soccer
P.S. I also would suggest using the Virgin America LOFT at LAX as well, it is my favorite airport lounge in the USA.
Much more personalized service and choice of many snack items are offered.
The seats and the entertainment system are great.
Just so that you are aware, the upgrade charge from the main cabin to First Class within 6 hours charge is $89.00, so I would just go ahead and reserve your seats now, so that you know that you are all set.
Have a great trip on Virgin America!
soccer
P.S. I also would suggest using the Virgin America LOFT at LAX as well, it is my favorite airport lounge in the USA.