THE Domestic Airline For Foodies

THE Domestic Airline For Foodies
Virgin America

She started flying back in 1979 for Northwest Airlines, long before it merged with Delta. To quote a very popular award-winning flight attendant whom I’ll call DJ, “Back then we were serving caviar, now we’re selling Pringles.” Sad but oh so true. Most blame the erosion of service of domestic carriers on the Airline Deregulation Act of 1978.

A major goal of the act was to increase competition between airline carriers, leading to price decreases for the consumer. And no doubt, deregulation has opened up more markets to many more people. But unfortunately the decrease in ticket price came with its own price, namely an aging fleet, and decline in service quality and international reputation. Virgin America however seems to embrace that golden time, at least where it comes to food, when air carriers competed based on service.

In 2011, Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer wrote:

What does the industry’s history tell us? Was this effort (deregulation) worthwhile? Certainly it shows that every major reform brings about new, sometimes unforeseen, problems. No one foresaw the industry’s spectacular growth, with the number of air passengers increasing from 207 million in 1974 to 721 million in 2010.  Still, fares have come down.  In 1974 the cheapest round-trip New York – Los Angeles flight (in inflation-adjusted dollars) that regulators would allow was $1,442. Today one can fly that same route for $268. That is why the number of travelers has gone way up. So we sit in crowded planes, munch potato chips, flare up when the loudspeaker announces yet another flight delay. But how many now will vote to go back to the “good old days” of paying high, regulated prices for better service?

Menu Selections

Virgin America offers a selection of fresh meals, snacks, alcoholic, and premium non-alcoholic drinks that are available for purchase in the Main Cabin (between $2 to $10 each depending on the item), complimentary for select items in Main Cabin Select, and complimentary in First Class. Whether seated in First Class or the Main Cabin, Virgin America’s cutting-edge menu, presentation, and level of service are without rival on domestic flights.

Tapas Duo
Fava Bean with Grape Tomato, Mint, Red Onion, Lemon Vinaigrette
Tomato Basil Salad with Feta, Kalamata Olives, Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Callia Alta Pinot Grigio

Seared Salmon with Lemon Risotto
French Green Beans, Roasted Pepper Fennel Sauce, Grilled Lemon

Whimsical Airplane Salt & Pepper Shaker

My seat mate, Thomas, and I both agree.
This is the best brownie anywhere, sea level or at 35,ooo feet.
Salted Chocolate Brownie by Sweet Lady Jane.

Tapas Duo
Lebanese Hummus Habb Salad with Chick Peas, Scallion, Cilantro, Mint, Preserved Lemon
Tomato Salad with Edamame, Ginger, Ponzu, Sesame Seeds, Nori Furikake, Lemon

Exotic Lettuce Bundle
Salad Greens Rolled with European Cucumber, Spring Peach Vinaigrette, Teardrop Tomatoes

Cuban Steak Chimichurri
Grilled Beef Filet on Ropa Vieja of Chorizo, Tomato, Onion, Garlic, Pigeon Peas, Rice
Roasted Plantain, Carrot, Zucchini, Chayote Squash, Caribbean Vinaigrette

Chocolate Triad Pave
Layers of Dark Chocolate Truffle, Coffee Buttercream,
Bittersweet Chocolate Mousse, Chocolate Sponge, Cocoa Powder

Wine & Cheese
181 Merlot Lodi
Concannon Reserve Viognier
Assorted Cheeses, Fruits, Crackers

Foodie Friends Flying to LA?

Fly Virgin