SAN FRANCISCO, CA – Virgin America today took the top honors for the third year running as “Best Domestic Airline” in the prestigious Travel + Leisure Annual World’s Best Awards readers’ survey. Travel + Leisure’s World’s Best Awards highlight the results of an impartial survey that allows Travel + Leisure readers to share their opinions of their favorite travel experiences.* In the annual reader survey, airlines were rated independently by Travel + Leisure readers in four categories, including: cabin comfort, in-flight service, customer service and value.
“We’re honored to receive the highest marks from Travel + Leisure’s readers for the third year in a row,” said Virgin America President and Chief Executive Officer David Cush. “There are many surveys that attempt to rank airline quality that are paid or that exclude smaller carriers, but this award confirms that we’re continuing to lead the U.S. industry and hit the mark with savvy consumers. As we enter our fourth year of operations, the win is a testament to our unique product and the dedication of our entrepreneurial team.”
With industry-leading guest service, beautiful design and a host of high-tech amenities, Virgin America has captured a list of industry best-in-class awards since launching service in 2007. The airline offers unrivalled value with low fares and innovative features like touch-screen seatback entertainment, power outlets, mood-lighting and custom-designed leather seating with a deeper, more comfortable pitch. In May 2009, Virgin America became the first airline to offer guests in-flight internet on every flight. Virgin America is the only airline in the U.S. with a touch-screen seatback menu that allows guests to order what they want, when they want it during a flight. Virgin America offers one of the largest selections of fresh menu items, with a focus on lighter, more health-focused options in keeping with the airline’s California roots. Virgin America’s in-flight and airport staff training includes a special focus on delivering concierge-like guest care.
The complete Travel + Leisure 2010 results, including the Top 100 Hotels Overall and Top 10 Cities Overall, are featured on www.travelandleisure.com/worldsbest now and in Travel + Leisure’s August issue, available on newsstands July 23. The Travel + Leisure World’s Best Awards winners for 2010 will be honored in New York City on July 21 at an awards ceremony luncheon at the Trump SoHo New York, followed by a party that evening at the new Andaz 5th Avenue in New York City.
In addition to a Main Cabin that offers custom-designed leather seats with a deeper, more comfortable pitch, Virgin America’s First Class cabin features international-grade amenities, including plush white leather seats with 55 inches of pitch and lumbar massagers. The carrier’s Main Cabin Select service offers 38-inches of seat pitch, complimentary food and cocktails, an all-access pass to the Red entertainment platform’s countless entertainment options, dedicated overhead bin space, one free checked bag and priority check-in and boarding. Virgin America’s Elevate frequent flyer program offers guests the ability to redeem points for any unsold seat — on any flight, at any time.
Virgin America offers over 100 flights a day and flies to: San Francisco, Los Angeles, New York, Washington D.C., Seattle, Las Vegas, San Diego, Boston, Fort Lauderdale, Toronto and starting in the fall of 2010 – Orlando. Virgin America has flown more than eight million guests since its inaugural flights in August 2007.
