The new airline’s fares can be low, starting at just $449 each way for transcon flights. Right now, that's $100 to $200 less than the competition. People have caught on though, and that means finding a seat on the carrier, even at its higher $699 rate, can be difficult. I had to adjust my schedule to do this story. Was it worth it? Read on.

Check-in: No line. More agents trying to point me in the right direction than passengers standing around. Nice.

Planes: Brand new Airbus A319s and A320s.

Boarding: Unhurried. First Class passengers were actually called to board first, something that’s not a given anymore.

Seat: At 21 inches, it was wider than most others on domestic routes. The 165-degree recline is also significantly more than most carriers flying domestically. Row 2 offers the most legroom.

Extras: First US airline with lighting that changes from dawn to dusk, depending on outside light; 110v power at every seat; 9-inch video touchscreens on the back of every seat; 25 pay-per-view movies on demand; meals ordered on demand from touchscreen; self-service mini-bars at the back of the cabin.

Airport lounge: They don’t have them. But it’s forgivable considering the airline's still an infant. (I’m told they are on the way.)

Crew: Delightful. Didn’t have the now common “we’re doing you a favor” attitude.

Conclusion: While the airline has only eight seats in First Class—a big disappointment—this is a Premium Service Carrier (PSC), no doubt about it. The forthcoming loyalty program doesn’t sound lucrative, but the in-flight experience should compensate, especially if you're flying one of the legacy carriers domestically.