Virgin America: triple competition between LAX and SeaTac

There are now three nonstop players in the Los Angeles (LAX) to Seattle/Tacoma (SEA) market. High-frills, low-fare Virgin America joins incumbents Alaska Airlines and United Airlines on the classic West Coast route. Discount airline Southwest offers one-stop service.

VX (that’s Virgin America’s airline code) has launched three daily nonstops, and plans to add a fourth on May 11. To underscore the fact, the carrier is offering introductory one-way discount airfares of $79 for coach, and $199 for First Class on LAX–SEA nonstops.

Nonstops are being flown with new twinjet Airbus aircraft, fitted for both First Class and economy service. Virgin is counting on the in-flight accoutrements of those airplanes to lure tech-savvy Seattle flyers on board. The airline, arguably, has one of the most sophisticated, user-friendly in-flight entertainment systems (IFE) aloft. You can text from seat to seat, even order food from the seat-back system. Things like that, hopes Virgin America, will viscerally connect with Seattle sojourners.

Introductory discount airfares have to be purchased by April 16, and travel runs May 21 through June 11 at these rates. These discount airfares entail a 14-day advance purchase. To get the lowest fare go to Virgin America’s Web site. What the reduced rates don’t require is a round-trip purchase. Taxes and fees are extra.

© Cheapflights Ltd Jerry Chandler