Virgin America has been named the ‘Best Premium Class’ airline among domestic airlines in the US, in the Conde Nast Traveller’s 2012 Business Travel Poll.
The survey is an annual, independent event that polls the magazine’s business travellers. This year, the poll ranked Virgin America as the top US airline for Premium Class service, and this is the fifth year that the company has achieved the award. The ranking has been reported in the October issue of Conde Nast Traveller, which should be available now.
An independent firm that conducted the survey asked over 46,000 Conde Nast Traveller readers to rate hotels, airports and airlines. The readers, identified as business travellers, had to make their ratings based on a variety of criteria.
After collating the results of the survey, it was found that Virgin America’s unique flight experience was ranked first among all domestic carriers. The firm attracted an overall score of 87.9 out of 100.
The airline, which was launched in 2007, claims that it has been able to attract customers with its service, design and a variety of high-tech amenities such as an ‘office in the sky’ service for business travellers that features fleet wide WiFi, power outlets and personal entertainment at every seat. The service also offers live TV, including CNBC and CNN. It claims to offer more legroom for business travellers, and also offers custom-designed leather seats with a deeper pitch. Other attractions include unlimited complimentary cocktails and snacks from the airline’s award-winning menu, an all-access pass to in-flight media content, priority security access/boarding, dedicated overhead bin space and one free checked bag.
This summer, Virgin America launched enhancements to its Elevate frequent flyer programme that offer services such as priority check-in, security clearance and boarding.