For the third consecutive year, Virgin America, the California-based airline that is reinventing domestic travel, took the top honors in the 2010 Zagat Global Airline Survey. Virgin America received the highest overall scores of any U.S. airline in the survey of over 8000 frequent flyers. The airline took top honors for the third consecutive year (since its 2007 launch) for best service in the “Midsize Domestic Premium Class” and “Midsize Domestic Economy Class” categories. The survey, conducted on ZAGAT.com covered 16 domestic and 74 international airlines. The results are based on over 8,000 frequent flyers who collectively took 139,300 flights in the past year.
Virgin America was not only rated best overall airline in its category, but earned a survey-leading score of 21.14 points for its Main Cabin service – beating all U.S. carriers across all size categories. On the 30 point Zagat scale, Virgin America earned 21.14 points for its Main Cabin service, followed by JetBlue with 19.01 points and Hawaiian Airlines with 16.19 points, as its nearest competitors. With one of the youngest and most fuel efficient fleets in the U.S., the airline also earned top marks for its sustainable practices. In addition, the carrier received praise for the quality and usability of its Web site.
“We are honored to again receive the top rating from more than 8000 of Zagat’s discerning critics for our unique in-flight experience and service,” said Virgin America President and CEO David Cush. “In addition to an industry-leading product with touch-screen entertainment at every seat and beautifully designed cabins – this award is a testament to the hard work of our teammates. Our team remains focused on reinventing the guest experience for the better – everyday.”
The airlines were rated on four aspects of their performance: (1) Comfort, (2) Service, (3) Food and (4) Website. Other categories such as Value, Timeliness, Check-in and Luggage Policy and In-Flight Entertainment were also considered.
With outstanding service, beautiful design and a host of high-tech amenities, Virgin America has captured a list of industry best-in-class awards since its 2007 launch. The airline offers mood-lit cabins, power outlets near every seat and the Red™ platform — the most advanced in-flight entertainment system in the skies. The Red touch-screen platform offers 30 films, live and premium TV, Google Maps, music videos, videogames, seat-to-seat chat, a 3000 MP3 library, a first-of-its-kind digital Shop section and an on-demand menu — so guests can order a cocktail or meal from their seatback any time during a flight. In May of 2009, Virgin America became the first airline to offer in-flight internet on every flight.
In Zagat’s 2009 survey of over 5,000 flyers Virgin America also received top honors for the same categories. Since launching in August 2007, Virgin America has captured a list of travel industry best-in-class awards, including “Best Domestic Airline” in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2008, 2009 and 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards and Travel + Leisure’s 2008, 2009 and 2010 World’s Best Awards.
Earlier today, the airline launched a “Cool Flights, Subzero Fares” sale to celebrate Cyber Monday, featuring low fares from $39 SFO-LA; $109 JFK-LAS; and $109 SFO-MCO, restrictions, taxes and fees apply.*
