See what it’s like to be on the inside of a Virgin America launch event.
Full interview with Richard Branson in the video below.
Inside Virgin America’s “Stay Golden” launch event (photos)
I looked around and tried to absorb what was unfolding before me.
VIP’s and Virgin employees mingled on the patio of the beachfront W Fort Lauderdale. Nearby, a reality TV crew set up a shot for a new series about the lives of Virgin America flight attendants. Lights and loud music infiltrated the senses. It was a perfect backdrop for television, even though it didn’t quite feel like reality.
And in a sense, it wasn’t reality; but merely a splash of Richard Branson’s reality.
Then, somewhere between the gold-suited synchronized swimmers, the beverages sprinkled with gold, and the musical performance from Santigold, it hit me: Virgin America is dedicated to (and very good at) one thing. They design brilliant experiences… and in their world, there’s no such thing as overindulgence.
The morning started with an early but high-energy flight out of San Francisco with press, contest winners, and CEO David Cush all onboard. I stepped into the cabin of the A319 and immediately appreciated the attention to detail in the environment.
Stylish mood lighting. Glossy white plastic seatbacks. Bright touchscreens. AC outlets at every seat. Fast (and temporarily free) wifi. I think I even overheard someone say “It’s like flying inside of an iPod!”.
Even the safety video was creative and entertaining; and apparently so different from the standard that the FAA had a hard time approving it. To me, that says it all. Virgin America knew from the beginning what type of experience they wanted to offer, and has executed that vision despite strict regulations and an unfavorable market.
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As the day went on, it soon became clear that the favorite buzzword was “startup”. Anybody from the company speaking about the airline referred to it as a startup, because it’s truly their advantage over the competition. They’ve been able to execute this vision by being nimble, building from the ground up, and yet staying in line with the ethos of the Virgin brand.
Many other airlines have fallen short with the in-flight experience because of a lack of vision or a reluctance to invest in overhauling their cabins. VX has done it right, and offers fares at the right price. Which is fine until you go wild with your credit card on the in-flight payment system; all on demand movies, food, and snacks cost a small fee, though live satellite TV and gaming is free.
Upon landing in Fort Lauderdale, our plane was met by Richard Branson and his billion dollar smile, calmly waving from the top of a water-spraying fire truck. It was a completely appropriate reception – why wouldn’t Richard Branson be on top of a fire truck to kick off the launch of two new routes?
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The disembarking was followed by speeches from the CEO, Branson, and FLL Airport authorities expressing their pleasure with Virgin America’s arrival. The tarmac was lined with music, models, press, a large crowd of spectators… and enough Patron for everyone. Nothing but fun.
The energy from the tarmac eventually transferred to the main event, where I had my moment of realization about Virgin America’s brilliance. I almost laughed at the thought of it. Had I ever heard of Jet Blue throwing elaborate parties to celebrate the launch of a new route? No. Is there anyone that could even try to pull this off like Branson could? Not with the same style.
Virgin has the sex appeal that few other corporations can match, and has certainly succeeded at bringing a unique and enjoyable experience to the low-cost domestic market.
jetBlue announces non stop service from San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale
In a way, airlines are like kids on their first week of school.
When one kid shows up with a Dawson’s Creek Trapper Keeper, all the other kids head out to the local school supply store to get their own (bonus points if you get that reference).
Kids compete with school supplies and cool backpacks, airlines compete with fares and route networks.
Earlier today, Grant reported some great news from Virgin America – the announcement of their new Los Angeles and San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale route (forgive the giddiness, but anytime Virgin America expands its route network, I smile a little more, secretly hoping they’ll be heading to Chicago soon).
The day isn’t even over, and the next airline has decided they want to play along. Starting November 17th, jetBlue will be flying the San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale route as well.
The airline will be flying one flight each way every day. The San Francisco to Fort Lauderdale flight departs SFO at 11:30 pm and arrives the next morning at 7:30 am. The other way around departs Fort Lauderdale at 7:15 pm and arrives at 10:35 pm. Pretty convenient schedules if you ask me. In fact, with a little creativity, you’ll be able to fly up and down for a day on the beach in under 24 hours. Fort Lauderdale also means passengers can transfer to another jetBlue flight and head towards the Bahamas and Puerto Rico.
A flight on jetBlue means free live satellite TV, free drinks and snacks and of course their $40 “Even More Legroom” upgrade option. The service on the overnight flight even includes their “Shut-Eye” service, featuring earplugs, an eyeshade and a hot towel service when you wake up.
Virgin America announces service to Fort Lauderdale!
Florida, your time has come. This morning, Travel & Leisure’s favorite domestic carrier announced that it was commencing service to Ft. Lauderdale, FL later this year. Beginning November 18, the beach city will offer two flights daily to Los Angeles and San Francisco respectively, with connections onward to Seattle, Orange County, San Diego and Vegas.
Logistically, expansion into Florida marks the first foray out of the “Northeast to West Coast” formula that has prevailed for so long — but it suits Virgin America‘s style well. Ft Lauderdale is one of the trendiest, most active cities in the south, a perfect compliment to VA’s model.
Further competition in the saturated south Florida market will also be good for travelers. As Virgin tries to woo away passengers from the legacy carriers in the area, prices will surely drop and promotion will be heavy in the area.
Tickets are already available on virginamerica.com starting at $99 one way. All aircraft are fitted with seatback entertainment, wifi and the legendary mood-lighting. Let the competition begin!
W Fort Lauderdale saves turtles from suicide
The W Fort Lauderdale had a little problem — turtles kept crossing the road in front of their hotel. To get to the other side. And getting hit by cars on the way.
The issue was the hotel lights. Apparently, when choosing between their current side of the road and the certain death of crossing the street, turtles have a habit of “going towards the light.” What this says about the psychological situation of turtles is beyond our realm of expertise, but we do know what The W did to stop turtles from killing themselves just to visit their hotel.
We want to take a moment to add that the internationally protected loggerhead sea turtles (once aggressively hunted for their meat, eggs, fat and shells) are actually an attraction of this Florida area. It’s only a short drive from Fort Lauderdale to Dania Beach where you can walk the sands at sunset and watch the loggerheads (pictured) in action — and even take a look at their nests, a great activity for couples and families. Remember the turtles in “Finding Nemo”? Those were loggerheads. As Crush said to Marlin: “Oh, it’s awesome, Jellyman. The little dudes are just eggs, we leave ’em on a beach to hatch, and then, coo-coo-cachoo, they find their way back to the big ol’ blue.” Well, many turtles think it’s a good idea to cross the street to make a nest for their eggs. And if they do happen to make it, and those eggs hatch? Baby turtle road-carnage.
I know, it’s not nice to think about.
Anyway, according to Tonic.com, The W Hotel, “with the blessings of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Commission,” installed “long wavelength lighting” pointed toward the ground. “The hotel is able to keep everything bright enough for evening swims and dinner outdoors without luring in one gatecrashing turtle.”
The hotel also features energy efficient LED lighting, carpets made with sustainable materials, and even bamboo flooring in some rooms. Not too shabby. We commend W for their creativity and for helping save the turtles!
[via Tonic]