SAN FRANCISCO,
April 8, 2008 /PRNewswire/ -- Virgin America, the new
airline aimed at reinventing air travel and making flying good again, today
launched service between
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) and Seattle
Tacoma International Airport (SEA) with three daily flights linking two of
America's great music cities. A fourth daily LAX-SEA roundtrip will be added
on
May 11, 2008.
"With more cutting-edge and eclectic music and entertainment choices at
every seat than any other U.S. airline, we wanted to kick off our first
flights between the West Coast's music capitals in true Virgin fashion by
supporting independent artists and literally bringing music to the skies,"
said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. "We hope music-minded,
tech-savvy LAX-Seattle travelers will like the technology, entertainment and
sense of fun we're bringing to the market."
Virgin America's LAX-SEA fares start at $79 one way in the Main Cabin, and
$199 one way in First Class.*
The LAX to SEA inaugural celebration begins before take-off, with a live
performance by all-American, all-girl, all rock-n-roll legends The Donnas
performing at departure Gate 67B at LAX. Guests on the inaugural flight will
enjoy the rock-n-roll, champagne-soaked send-off with Virgin America's
signature "Vir-Million" champagne cocktails. The gig continues on board with
in-flight performances by musician and bon vivant Cisco Adler, Michael Tolcher
and Bamboo Shoots.
Later that night, Virgin America will join forces with Seattle's popular
alt-rock radio station KNDD -- The End, for a "Land the Gig" concert at
Seattle music institution, the Showbox at the Market. The End and Virgin
America held a viral video competition to find the best new Seattle band, and
the finalists will compete live at the "Land the Gig" event to win their own
music video, shot by local Seattle independent filmmaker Jesse Harris, that
will later debut on Virgin America's in-flight music video library. Judges
include music luminaries Jerry Harrison of the Talking Heads, Joe Scoleri of
Hollywood Records, actor and musician Lukas Haas, MTV's Zach Papale and "stage
presence" judges Hot Lixx Hulahan and Stryker -- of U.S. Air Guitar
Championship fame.
The rocking will continue with a set by Epic recording artists Bamboo
Shoots, who also appear in Virgin America's latest ad campaign. The night
will end with a headlining performance by the godfather of indie rock,
Thurston Moore of Sonic Youth.
Launched in August 2007, Virgin America offers guests attractive fares and
a host of innovative features aimed at making flying good again. Virgin
America currently flies to seven cities with daily flights from: SFO to LAX,
SFO to JFK, SFO to SAN, SFO to IAD, SFO to LAS, LAX to JFK, LAX to IAD, SFO to
SEA and now LAX to SEA.
Media Contact: Abby Lunardini (650) 533-7576 /
abby.lunardini@virginamerica.com
About Virgin America:
Virgin America is a new U.S. airline that will serve as many as 10 cities
within a year of operation, and up to 30 cities within five years. Virgin
America's base of operations is San Francisco International Airport's
ultra-modern International Terminal. The airline's new Airbus A320-family
aircraft offer guests interactive in-flight entertainment systems, power
outlets for laptops and other electronic gear, and a host of other innovative
features aimed at making flying good again. Zagat's 2007 Airlines Survey
ranked the airline #1 among U.S. carriers for quality in First Class and #2
for quality in Coach. To learn more: http://www.virginamerica.com
*All Main Cabin fares are one way. Tickets are non-refundable and
non-transferable. Tickets must be purchased by April 16, 2008. Travel must
commence on or after May 21, 2008 and must be completed by June 11, 2008.
Fares require a 14-day advance purchase. Changes or cancellations can be made
for a $40 fee, plus any increase in fare if applicable. Tickets purchased from
Virgin America through our reservation call centers will cost an additional
$10 per passenger per itinerary. Seats are limited, subject to availability,
and may not be available on all flights. Fares, routes, and schedules are
subject to change without notice. Fares do not include Passenger Facility
Charges of up to $9 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 each
way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.50 per domestic segment. A segment is a
takeoff and landing. Fares will not be honored retroactively or in exchange
for any wholly or partially used ticket.
*All First Class fares are one way. Tickets are non-refundable and
non-transferable. All fares require a 7-day advance purchase. All travel must
be completed before June 11, 2008. Changes or cancellations can be made
without a fee, but any increase in fare will apply. Tickets purchased from
Virgin America through our reservation call centers will cost an additional
$10 per passenger per itinerary. Seats are limited, subject to availability,
and may not be available on all flights. The start dates for certain non-stop
service are as follows: Los Angeles (LAX) to Seattle (SEA) on April 8, 2008.
Fares, routes, and schedules are subject to change without notice. Fares do
not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9 each way, September 11th
Security Fees of up to $5 each way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.50 per
domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing. Fares will not be
honored retroactively or in exchange for any wholly or partially used ticket.