Virgin America is expanding its routes in the US as it pursues the goal of being the carrier that offers the lowest First Class domestic fares. As you can see in the chart below, Virgin’s fares are 31% to 49% below the competition and, as I can attest, its service is better than most. The fares are especially good—up to 57% less than the competition—when booking on short notice.

Online, it’s hard to find

For a variety of reasons, Virgin America has a limited number of distribution channels. In other words, you won’t find them on Expedia or Travelocity. Virgin’s lone online booking partner is Orbitz.

In the air, few compare

First Class seats are 21 inches wide, which beats most domestic carriers, and recline 165 degrees, also more than most (see my trip report in the December 2007 FCF). Row 2 offers the most legroom.

But demand is sky high

There are only eight seats in First Class. Short-notice booking is a long shot.

Airline expansion

In early February, the carrier launched flights from San Diego to San Francisco, with connecting service to Washington/Dulles and New York/JFK. Seattle-San Francisco starts March 18, and Seattle-Los Angeles, April 8. The carrier is reportedly looking at flights to Mexico and many others.

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