How does seating work
 

How does seating work?

Right now I have middle seats, is there a chance that an aisle/window would open up or do you have to pay for those? Should I just keep randomly checking, or is there a strategy?

I see there is no iphone app for Virgin America.

So I assume you have to checkin old school at the gate or online?

This will be my first time flying Virgin America and I am very excited about it, thank you all so much for your advice.

It's not really any different than any other airline. If there were no window or aisle seats available when you chose to buy a middle seat, that's because other passengers already took those seats. They don't cost more, and will only open up if someone cancels or upgrades (if available) to a higher class. I would check at a little after 24 hours before take-off, when Gold Elevate members are auto-upgraded to MCS or can pay-upgrade to F.

I generally check in online on my phone and then save the boarding pass to Apple Wallet.

Yep. Check 23 hours plus before departure, after the Elevate Golds have been upgraded to Main Cabin Select. Their old seats, which are probably aisle seats, will open up. If nothing is open, check in at the airport and ask if there are any open seats. My experience is they keep the last row or two open for special seating (families etc) and crew use, and those are not available on line, but are available at the airport or at the gate.

You can check in on their website on your phone and add your boarding pass to Apple wallet - not exactly old school.