Boing Boing Archive

A few years ago I had the chance to fly on Virgin’s Upper Class to Europe. The experience was amazing. From 10 inch tv’s to lie flat beds, the british accents to a full wet-bar and the mood lighting to in-flight beauty (I picked the massage), Virgin made the expereience something I will never forget. (and it was on miles folks, don’t think I can afford a cash fare)

When Virgin America launched here in the U.S., their billboards around NYC looked the same as those from U.K. Virgin. They seem to do everything right. Lower fares, bigger seats, more power, individual seat video, etc. The feeling is on those signs that the U.S. carriers just can’t match. And their most popular route just happens to be "Silicon Alley to Silicon Valley".

Today Virgin America announced a partnership with Boing Boing to bring Boing Boing TV to the seat back video on VA’s planes. Brilliant. From what I can tell it’s a great fit for VA and BB.

So why do I think Virgin America is smart? Easy. What did it really cost for VA to bring BB onto the planes "exclusively"? Probably not much and what happened is a buzz-event. Blogs are writing about the news, bloggers already typically like Branson/Virgin (except Liz who said the lighting sucked). It’s a great way for VA to instantly become relevant in the new media space and with their trans-continental routes that the techies need, its a smart mix. 

It’s interesting to note that the only other carrier that has individual video on all flights is JetBlue and on some flights is Delta.

As you launch your startup, think outside the blinders — the best deals lie out there.

(this also makes me wonder if we will see a Boing Boing channel on Dish Network soon – just a hunch since Virgin America uses Dish – you heard it here first :)