Live From Virgin America 317!

[Matt Molnar]

Scheduled pushback time: 7:05
Actual pushback: 7:15

As of right now (8:10), we're FINALLY making the left turn into the longest takeoff queue I've ever seen (I believe runway 4L is in use). Pilot estimated "at least an hour" taxi time. This will easily be at least another hour of taxiing. :x

[Matt Molnar]

First impressions:

Seats are awesome (though I don't know how I'll feel about that after a total of 7 or 8 hours).
IFE is amazing.
Staff is upbeat.
Their gate area at Terminal 4 is a bit awkwardly shaped...the SFO flight which was 30 mins ahead of ours was late, causing a big backup. T4 is great though, I'd never been in it.

[Matt Molnar]

Pilot just told us probably another 40 minutes, and that this is the longest line he's ever seen at JFK.

[T-Bird76]

I know your pain Matt, I know your pain....hey didn't someone on this site write a story or something about the delays at the NYC area airports?? Hmm I wonder who that could be?? hehe ;)

[mirrodie]

looking forward to your trip report and more details. especially looking to hear what class you flew. I've heard MANY F class reports but no real feedback regarding the coach seats. Hoping maybe you flew coach at least one way.


also, what of the mood lighting? its it changed with the outside ambient light, etc?


MAtt, you always shell out great reports. Loking forward to hearing it.

[Matt Molnar]

Despite a wheels up time of 9:05 pm (two hours after our scheduled departure), we made it to LAX only 55 minutes late. The "mood lighting" didn't change at all, maybe just because it was dark the entire time I was on board. I will provide a full report after I get back on the redeye Wednesday morning.

[Winglets747]

Their gate area at Terminal 4 is a bit awkwardly shaped...the SFO flight which was 30 mins ahead of ours was late, causing a big backup. T4 is great though, I'd never been in it.

They don't own the gate area, do they? I thought all of the T4 gates had to be interchangeable.

[Matt Molnar]

I don't think they own it but I'm pretty sure it is the only gate they use...I always see them parked there, the first gate on the side closest to Terminal 3, right next to the street. Air India is always parked at the next gate. Gate 20 actually fits two planes, and has A and B jetways.

[PhilDernerJr]

I've seen Virgin America at other gates, but that's the one that they usually use, Gate 20. There is an "A" and "B", which was recently made, as said, for two planes at once, but only smaller ones like the Airbus' used by Virgin America, and also by Taca. But they do not own the gate.

[mirrodie]

Matt, sorry to see you were on the wrong VA flight 317

We're hosting the first-ever in-flight Victoria’s Secret Supermodel PJ Party… and you could be there!
It all happens November 28th on Virgin America Flight 317. The flight travels from NY to LA - but the real destination will be in the clouds. Victoria's Secret will bring supermodels Selita Ebanks and Miranda Kerr, PJs, prizes and more.

An event this exciting will of course have media on board to capture all the fun, so be ready for your cameo when the cameras roll.

We have limited space so grab your seat now, click to our booking page and secure your spot on flight 317 on November 28. Don’t miss the party!

See you onboard,

[Matt Molnar]

I was thinking the same thing when I got that email yesterday, Mario. :)