SFO 1K

NOTE added 8/20/2008 - The DarkHorse, aka N524VA has been sent in for installation of the IFE - this aircraft is not currently flying for VX.



After careful review of VX's flight schedule, I can share some information for the benefit of all FlyerTalkers regarding VX's one "dark" A319.

For those unaware, VX has one aircraft in circulation that does not yet have operating amenities (e.g. "Red" IFE system, massage feature on F cabin seats, at seat power, etc.)

This plane is being flown on short haul trips between SFO-LAX and SFO-LAS currently.

All A319 flights can be identified in the flight schedule with a 4 digit flight number beginning with the number 1.

Guests flying on this plane can request F seats be reclined by the in-flight team members. Food and beverage service is available on the flight.

Cocktails and snacks are complementary in the Main Cabin, upon request.

First Class guests are offered a flight credit of $25 to compensate for the lack of IFE on board.

The "Dark" Plane is registration number N524VA. There are two other A319's in VX's fleet currently, N523VA and N525VA.

This is the most current information I have as of 2/25/08, based on my research. I'll update this should I discover new information.

Book your trips accordingly - should you wish to avoid this aircraft for the "VX Experience".

rjque

Is there a way to determine which 319 is the "dark" 319 or are you suggesting that people just avoid booking any flight on a 319?

vielflieger

I have already 5 (five!) vouchers from VX because of this plane...can't believe its not finished yet, I am doing the reclining (F) on my own now, no FA needed

Raindeer

One way to avoid this plane is to do what I'll be doing...avoiding VX altogether!

SFO 1K

There is only 1 A319. So any flight with a 4 digit flight number, starting with 1, is the dark plane (for now).

rjque

Thanks, this is great information. Looks like I'm scheduled to be on a 319 for a Vegas trip in May, though there are enough "1" flights on the return to lead me to suspect that there will be some new aircraft delivered before then.

SFO 1K

Agreed, by May more 319s in the schedule.
Let's hope that with the added aircraft in the fleet, the dark plane can go in for the rest of it's installation.

nermaljcat

Maybe we will hear new destinations around May then? (if the deliveries are kept on schedule).

... SEA-SFO starts mid march and SEA-LAX starts early april? maybe they will announce then (like speculated in other threads).

EIPremier

Actually SAN-SFO started about 10 days ago. I flew over Pres Day weekend. Trip report here, if you're interested. The routes they are starting mid march are LAX-SEA and SFO-SEA.

Also, regarding what the other poster said about A319 flights having 4 digit flight numbers starting in "1," I don't think that is true any more. I checked several flights in March on the san-sfo route that have A319 seat maps, but have three digit flight numbers starting with 8.


P.S. , anyone know why there always seem to be two VX planes (usually one A319 and one A320) parked on remote stands by the Int'l Terminal when I'm at SFO during the daytime. Two spares seems like a lot for a small airline.

nermaljcat

sorry my bad, I meant SEA

EIPremier

FWIW, VX now has 3 A319s in service (ships 523, 524, 525). That is in addition to the two leased out to Skybus. I have noticed A319s going to JFK, so I'm hoping at least 2 of 3 a319s have been outfitted with RED and the other bells and whistles, if not all 3. Anyone know?

SFO 1K

Yes, just one is without the goods. I believe it's 524, but won't swear to it just yet.

nermaljcat

If anyone flies/has flown the "dark" a319 and has the aircraft number, please post here? That would be pretty useful in this "how to avoid" thread

SFO 1K

It's N524VA. I've updated my original post with this information.

rjque

So this appears to be wrong and I am left to wonder whether there is any way to avoid this aircraft other than to just avoid all 319 flights. How United-like of VX to put this aircraft into service before it is fully outfitted.