Virgin America Selling Exit Row and Bulkhead Seats

The surcharge is $50-$100 depending on the route. Seats go on sale Sept. 15 for flights from mid-October on. The lure is more legroom (38 vs. 32 inches for regular economy seats), but the carrier has thrown in some other pretty good perks: dedicated bin space; priority check-in, security screening, and boarding; and complimentary food, cocktails, and beverages from the full in-flight menu via the airline’s unique touch-screen food ordering system.


Information: http://www.virginamerica.com/va/press/2008/Jul/Offers_Main_Cabin_Select.html

British Airways All-Business Class Service, New York to London

BA is all-Business from New York/JFK to London City airport (six miles from the financial district) starting next year. BA will use two new Airbus A318 aircraft with 32 seats that recline to a flat bed, and will offer check-in up to 15 minutes before departure at both airports. Eastbound flights will be non-stop, and westbound flights will have a refueling stop in Shannon. During the stop, passengers will be able to complete the USA arrival check.

Continental Going to Shanghai

It now flies daily from New York/Newark to Beijing and Hong Kong. Starting next March, it will also offer Shanghai-Newark service on a B777-200. Flight 87 will depart at 11:20 a.m., arriving in Shanghai the following day at 1:45 p.m. The return flight (86) will depart Shanghai at 3:45 p.m. and arrive in Newark the same day at 6:20 p.m. Flight time is about 14 hours, 30 minutes in each direction.

American Goes Broadband

As of August 20, the carrier’s 767-200s on non-stop flights from New York to San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Miami have access to the mobile broadband service, Gogo, provided by Aircell, once the airliner has reached 10,000 feet. It is the first and only US airline to offer full in-flight Internet connectivity. (And we thought this interfered with the navigation.) Cost is $12.95. Cell phone and Voice over Internet Protocol (VOIP) services are not available.