Riding with a Virgin America Crew

First of all, I apologize for not updating the blog lately. I have been quite busy. When I was in San Francisco for a four day layover prior to my Honolulu trip, I decided to head back to Seattle on Virgin America, a relatively new airline. Virgin America is part of the "Virgin" clan with Virgin Atlantic, Virgin Blue (in Australia), and more. They are based in San Francisco, so i figured it would be a perfect opportunity to ride with them and visit one of my favorite destinations again, Seattle. Virgin America flies only the A320 series aircraft. The trip up to Seattle was at night, but here are some shots of the return. Before boarding, I was able to get onto the ramp and snap a shot.


We boarded fairly quickly and I opted for the exit row seat that was available, over the jumpseat. I jumpseated up and got to chat with the crew. They were very friendly, and seemed very happy with Virgin. Here we are taxiing out with a United B757-200 that has vacated 16C in Seattle.

Here is another shot as an Alaska 737 rolls for takeoff on 16L.

Here is the United B777-200 beginning its takeoff roll on 16L, bound for Tokyo. We were shaking when he was rolling. I love the rumble as we taxi by departing aircraft.

Here we are crossing 16L, to takeoff on 16C. The new 16R/34L at Seattle allows the option to use the two easterly runways for departures or arrivals depending on traffic. This is very convenient in the winter, and helps expedite the flow for flight crews.

Virgin America 755 is now climbing out of Seattle on the HAROB SID. My only complaint with the A320 is that it seems like it is under-powered like its older sister the A321.

Here are two shots of us climbing out of Seattle after making our southerly turn.

Here we are now on the scenic Golden Gate 5 STAR from the north into the the Bay Area. As you can see in the left background of the picture the Golden Gate Bridge is clearly visible.

We are now just above the cloud cover about to cross over the airport, and head southeast then back to the northeast then west to land on 28L.

I ventured back onto the ramp for a few exterior shots. There was a British Airways parked on the far side of the concourse from us.

I know I enjoyed flying with the "Redwood" crew of Virgin America. I see good things in the future for Virgin America. There are some airlines like Skybus and others I knew when they opened, they wouldn't last. I certainly don't see or hope for that fate with Virgin. Stay tuned for my pictures on my first Hawaiian trip!

Joe