Virgin America Super Cheap Flights From Chicago

Virgin America is launching new flight routes between Chicago and the West Coast with super cheap $99 one-way flights to Los Angeles or San Francisco. If you fly between the windy city and Vegas, San Diego or Seattle, a one way flight is $119. (The low fares are for flights in either direction.) When I checked there were $99 flights everyday of the week.

The sale ends Monday, Feb. 21, 2011, but the best fares will be sold out long before that. These new flights start May 25, so think early summer vacation. Travel must be completed by Sept. 6, 2011.

Fans of Virgin America love its leather seats, WiFi, on-demand food and drinks, live TV and movies.

Caveats: Taxes and fees apply. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. Changes or cancellations cost $7-$100. If you buy your ticket over the phone, it costs an extra $20 per trip. Your can check up to 10 bags at $25 each on Virgin America.

Virgin America to Order 40 Airbus Jets Worth $3.3 Bln

U.S.-based airline Virgin America plans to order 40 narrow-bodied Airbus jets, worth $3.3 billion, as part of its strategy to offer low-fare, eco-friendly service to 30 cities by 2016, its chief executive said Thursday.

The San Francisco-based airline has also taken options for another 20 A320s, doubling its fleet to 90 by 2016. The first delivery is scheduled for 2013.

“It’s my 60th birthday this week, and I can’t think of a better 60th birthday present than getting 60 aircraft,” said Sir Richard Branson, speaking by video link from his hideaway on Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. His Virgin Group owns 25% of Virgin America.
Read more

Virgin America Adds Flights Services to Orlando, Florida and Toronto

Virgin America, the low-cost U.S. carrier that is partly controlled by British entrepreneur Richard Branson, said on Thursday that it plans to start flights to Orlando, Florida, and Toronto later this year.

The San Francisco-based airline said it will add daily nonstop flights to Orlando from Los Angeles International (LAX) and San Francisco International (SFO) airports beginning Aug. 19.

Daily service to Toronto’s Pearson International Airport from LAX and SFO could start as early as June, should the U.S. Department of Transportation approve its application, Virgin America said in a statement.

Virgin America, whose main rivals include Alaska Airlines and other low-cost carriers, said it plans to announce at least three more new destinations this year.
Read more

Virgin America Start Direct Flight From Orlando International Airport to Los Angeles and San Francisco

Virgin America announced this morning that it will start direct flights from Orlando International Airport to both Los Angeles and San Francisco starting August 19.

The two-year old airline, affiliated with Virgin Atlantic that now brings thousands of British tourists into Orlando, also announced introductory one-way air fares start start at $149 to LA and $199 to Frisco.

The new Orlando to California routes were among several changes the company announced, including new service between Toronto and California.

Currently, only United Airlines provides direct service between Orlando and San Francisco, while several carriers — United, American Airlines and Delta Air Lines — provide direct flights between Orlando and Los Angeles. Read more

Southwest Airlines And United Airlines Led The Airlines Stock

Airline stocks edged higher early Thursday, led by gains from Southwest Airlines and United Airlines.

United UAUA shares climbed 2%. Southwest LUV and American AMR and US Airways LCC rose 1%.

Tracking the sector, the NYSE Arca Airline Index rose 0.5% to 37.86 points, with nine of the benchmark index’s 13 components advancing. The index is up more than 12% so far this year.

In the energy market, oil futures fell 31 cents to $82.62 a barrel on the New York Mercantile Exchange.

In other developments, Virgin America, launched in 2007, is expanding its flight pattern. Virgin said it plans to launch non-stop flights from San Francisco and Los Angeles to Orlando and Toronto.
Read more