'Barack' and 'Mitt' Help Launch Virgin America Flights to DC
By: Darren Booth
Virgin America launched its inaugural flight from San Francisco to Washington's Reagan National Airport. And with some help from "Barack" and "Mitt."
In a heavily election-themed affair, the airline started daily nonstop flights on Tuesday from its home base to the nation's capital. It marks the only nonstop flight from San Francisco into Reagan National.
The route became available following the enactment of the Federal Aviation Administration's Modernization and Reform Act of 2012. It authorized new flights at the airport that exceed its normal 1,250-mile "perimeter limit."
Presidential impersonators Jim Gossett as "Mitt" and Reggie Brown as "Barack," chatted with travelers on both sides of the aisle during the flight, even passing out flags.
Virgin America's partnership with Rock the Vote also began on this flight. Passengers aboard any Virgin America flight can now use their smartphones to scan a code on the airline's seatback entertainment system to register to vote.
"We the people get to decide who will be flying to DC next year as our representatives, but no matter who you are voting for this November, you have to be registered first," Heather Smith, president of Rock the Vote, said in a press release.
The new flight, VX1, is scheduled to depart San Francisco daily at 8 a.m. PT and arrive at Reagan National at 4:05 p.m. ET. The schedule for the return flight, VX2, is a 5 p.m. ET departure from Reagan National and a 7:40 p.m. PT arrival in San Francisco.
The airline also operates four daily flights from San Francisco to nearby Washington Dulles International Airport.
Curious to know what first class service is like onboard? Check out my recent review of Virgin America's service by clicking here.
