Entertainment on Virgin America
If you’ve flown recently, you’re no doubt aware that air travel is less enjoyable than it used to be. Plane tickets cost more than they did last year. And because many airlines reduced the size of their fleet to save money, there’s rarely an empty seat.
To avoid paying the checked baggage fee, nearly everyone carries on their travel bag. Which means the overhead bins are packed. If you don’t board early, yours may be full by the time you get to your seat. And if you don’t fly often, it’s unlikely that you’ll get a good seat. Airlines are charging extra for exit rows or saving them for their best passengers. And if you want to eat, you’ll be charged for that too.
But if you’re willing to pay extra – or you’re traveling for business and can expense it – some aspects of air travel are actually more enjoyable than they were back in the good old days.
Air travel entertainment.
Jet Blue was the first U.S. domestic airline to offer individual TV monitors with satellite television service in coach. Today, Jet Blue and Virgin America offer plenty of free TV channels, on-demand TV shows, pay-per-view, first-run movies, music videos, satellite radio, games, and more.
Travelers flying across the country now have more ways than ever to pass the time.
Road warriors on Virgin America can stay connected with in-flight WiFi. For $12.95 for flights of three hours or more, you can check your email, surf the web, or make the plane your virtual office. United offers the same service on their Premium Service transcontinental flights. And both have power outlets available at every seat.
Football fans will be pleased to know that Jet Blue is now showing NFL Sunday Ticket games live on Sunday flights. You can follow all the action for free, right from your seat. Norwegian Cruise Line is also making this available on their cruise ships.
In-flight dining options.
Although you’d never want to pay for a conventional airline meal, some of the food available for purchase these days isn’t too bad. And on some airlines, it’s easier to get.
On Virgin America, you use the video monitor to order the items you want and pay for them with a swipe of your credit card. No more waiting in vein for the beverage cart to return or the flight attendant to find change.
Jet Blue at JFK
With deli-style sandwiches, hummus, cheese, fruit, and a variety of snacks, you won’t go hungry. Although you can probably buy a better meal in the airport and carry it on.
Travelers who don’t want to be crammed into a middle seat with no leg room can upgrade to a premium coach class seat. Jet Blue’s Even More Legroom Seats and Virgin’s Main Cabin Select have 38” pitch – 6” more than regular coach. United’s Economy Plus section adds 5” of legroom.
Choose your airline and upgrade your services wisely, and you just might enjoy your flight now more than in the past.
Read our tips for making air travel easier.
Entertainment on Virgin America Image Flickr: Binder.donedat
Jet Blue at JFK Image Flickr: Seth W.
