Virgin America (and Richard Branson) Arrives in Boston

The View From Coach

This is the view most people will have aboard a Virgin flight, and it's not a bad one. The seats are comfortable and roomy, despite an unspectacular 32 inches of legroom (12 Cabin Select seats have 35 inches). The seats are designed to be lower to the ground, which pulls your knees away from the seat in front of you. The onboard entertainment system is robust and fun to use, ordering meals from your seat is convenient, and the mood lighting (if that's your thing) lends a unique and soothing atmosphere to the stylish cabin.

Still, I couldn't help but think that all these bells and whistles were merely distractions from the fact that hardly anything onboard is complimentary. Meals, snacks, and drinks cost between $3 and $10, movies are a hefty $8, and in-flight Wi-Fi sets you back $9.95 for flights under three hours and $12.95 for longer trips. Of course, how much you want to purchase is up to you, and the cabin is really cool.

(Photo: SeatGuru/Erin Liszewski)

You Have Arrived: First Class

If you have the cash, Virgin's first-class service might be worth spending a little extra. The seats are as comfortable as they look, with a nearly horizontal recline and ample leg support. And with only eight seats in the forward cabin, first class has a cozy, exclusive feeling to it. My question is: How long can those white seats possibly stay so ... white?

First class on Virgin America isn't exorbitantly expensive, but it will cost you several hundred dollars more than a seat in coach. Food, beverages, and movies are free, but Wi-Fi is not.

(Photo: SeatGuru/Erin Liszewski)

Sir Richard Branson Addresses the Media

Well, what can you say? Sir Richard is nothing if not a showman. To give some background on exactly what is going on here, Branson is flanked by two members of Harvard's Hasty Pudding Theatricals as well as actress Maria Menounos (a native of nearby Medford, Massachusetts). Branson joked that he had Hasty Pudding members design his outfit for him, but maybe it was true. He also remarked that it was "really strange doing a speech like this." Trust me, it was just as strange to be listening to it.

(Photo:SeatGuru/ Erin Liszewski)