On the Ground: Virgin America shares the Clubhouse at SFO with Virgin Atlantic Airways, which licenses the Virgin brand. The Clubhouse — located in Concourse A, level 5, before security — was closed for my early-morning departure (hours at SFO are 1–4:15 p.m. daily), but I have used the San Francisco lounge for trans‑Atlantic flights on Virgin Atlantic and appreciated its full bar, restaurant‑style meals and bold color scheme: blue at the bar, where I enjoyed a proper martini (shaken, not stirred), and red in the swivel chairs lining the large, sound‑proofed windows overlooking the runway. When open, the lounge provides free WiFi, a juice bar and a shower. Access to the SFO Clubhouse is not complimentary; Virgin America’s first class, Main Cabin Select passengers and Elevate frequent‑flyer members can purchase entry for $35.
Pre-flight: Virgin America operates single‑aisle Airbus A319s and A320s. My round‑trip between San Francisco and Seattle was full in both directions, but cheerful, efficient flight attendants ensured passengers were seated and carry‑on bags stowed with minimal fuss. Virgin America’s business offering, Main Cabin Select, blends aspects of business class and premium economy. Main Cabin Select passengers are among the first to board. Before takeoff, the cabin’s mood lighting — shifting from indigo to shades of crimson — created a club‑like atmosphere and a pleasant sense of occasion.
In-flight: Main Cabin Select features leather seats that match economy in width (about 17 inches) but provide roughly six extra inches of pitch between rows. Complimentary headsets, food and beverages are included. On the northbound leg I enjoyed a lemon and tarragon chicken salad wrap with carrots, bell peppers and frisée; on the return I had a Caprese turkey sandwich with mozzarella and basil. Both meals were moist and well prepared. For connectivity, I paid $5.95 on the 90‑minute flights (a lower‑cost option than transcontinental service) to use Gogo for email and web browsing via the seat power outlet. During a work break I explored Red, Virgin America’s inventive inflight entertainment system, which offers many games, seat‑to‑seat messaging, movies, TV shows and music — I listened to Bach and Bob Dylan. Red also allows on‑demand food and drink orders via a handset or the seatback touchscreen. Midflight, I enjoyed a green anise‑flavored absinthe while watching the cloudscape pass below.
The Experience: Virgin America delivers a strong domestic business‑class experience. Stylish cabin design, attentive service and modern amenities make flying enjoyable and feel a bit special.
Total Score: 91/100