Virgin America airlines?

[Anonymous]

We are flying to San Francisco and have a choice between Virgin America and United; both are the same price and close in schedule. We've heard good things about Virgin America but never flown them--are they truly better than other airlines? If so, in what way? We'll be flying as a family of four. Thanks.

[Anonymous]

One obvious difference is that Virgin America does not charge you to check in a bag. Virgin America also has your own TV/Entertainment console at each seat - which you can use to watch movies, play video games, order food, etc. The service also tends to be better than United. If given the choice between those 2 airlines, I'd choose Virgin in a heartbeat. I have come to loathe United, despite the fact that I have tons of frequent flyer miles with them.

[Anonymous]

OP again; thanks. Virgin does charge for a bag, unfortunately; I just checked.

[Anonymous]

That's a bummer about the checked bag fees on Virgin America. It must be a recent change in policy, since I just flew with them a week ago and there was no fee.

[Anonymous]

I would fly VA over United in a heartbeat, even with a checked bag fee (which I've never had, and I've flown with them a couple times). The seats are more comfortable, you can order food and drinks anytime, the personnel are more pleasant, the in-flight entertainment is better, and the restrooms on the plane are better. They have also been completely family friendly, from check-in to the gate to on the plane itself.