Yesterday I 'chronicled' my experience on a (back then) brand new American Airlines DC-10 flying from LAX to Chicago O'Hare complete with a lounge and bar.
If you read it you'll know I don't remember squat about it (I was 6) but I'm assured it did happen through a process of intense and time-consuming research and analysis (I asked my brother).
Fast forward to 2010 and my first flight on Virgin America (DFW to LAX).
Freaking wow! This is what it was like to fly back in the 70's when flying was 'special'. Impeccably dressed and attentive staff, awesome mood lighting in the cabin, good food (nary a piece of rubber chicken or stale nuts to be found) and just a great overall experience. (NOTE: They were the first to have WIFI on every flight)
Here's the kicker: Their fares were certainly competitive, but even if they weren't, I was flying with them anyway (you don't hear that anymore).
It was then I declared I would not use any other carrier, THAT'S how much I loved flying with them. I now had my 'flying partner'...so anything in the Western part of the U.S. was Virgin America for me.
Then it All Came to an End
Virgin America was acquired by Alaska Airlines, who coveted their route network.
And I was out of luck.
Maybe VA wasn't profitable. They were bought for around $4 Billion so that likely was a factor.
Today's reality is airlines operate on razor-thin margins. So carriers like Virgin are not likely to crop up anytime soon. But we can hope. Did you ever fly them?