One-Day Virgin America Sale: 50% Off Main Cabin Select and First Class - Cheaper Than Coach!

Virgin America just launched a one-day sale valid until 11:59pm PT where you can score Main Cabin Select and First Class seats for up to 50% off on travel between December 23, 2013 - January 4, 2014. I did a quick search of a few flights and the good news is that there seems to be plenty of availability for these sales seats and in some cases both Main Cabin Select and First Class seats are actually cheaper than non-refundable Main Cabin seats! Granted, prices are still a bit above normal because it's the holidays, but there are some deals to be had. Just be sure to use the promo code 50BEST when pricing out itineraries.

For example, I did a search of roundtrip flights from San Francisco to Seattle over Christmas.

As you can see, regular coach fares were $272 on the outbound, but Main Cabin Select seats were just $180 and first class is just $230 - cheaper than coach!

On the return, there weren't even any cheaper non-refundable Main Cabin seats available and you would have to buy refundable $398 Main Cabin tickets, but the Main Cabin Select seats were pricing out at just $180 as well - meaning your roundtrip would be less expensive in a higher service class (same seats, just more legroom and free food and drinks and entertainment) than just one way of your regular Main Cabin fare would be - and First Class was again just $230.

Even on less frequented routes, you can still save some money by booking at least one of your legs taking advantage of this promo, even if you still have to buy a regular Main Cabin fare on the outbound or return. For instance, flying from LAX to Cancun the day after Christmas would cost you $370 in Main Cabin, but only $272 in Main Cabin Select.

You're just going to have a harder time finding a cheap return, unfortunately. Still, the cheap fare on at least one side of your trip might mean booking a more expensive return is still worth it - especially if you were thinking of booking a last-minute holiday vacation.

I wouldn't wait too long since on many of the flights I saw, Main Cabin was already sold out and there were only a few Main Cabin Select seats left, so if you can take advantage of these, do so as soon as possible. And don't forget to look at the First Class fares because there are definitely some bargains to be had. For more on Main Cabin Select, check out TPG Managing Editor Eric Rosen's review of it here.

Update: Virgin also just launched a winter sale where you can take up to 10% off airfares including Main Cabin Select and First Class tickets when you book by December 19 for flights from December 25-March 5. Use the code ELLEN10 or WINTER10 when booking.

Here are the rest of the terms and conditions:

This offer ends at 11:59pm PT on December 18, 2013. This offer is valid only for nonstop travel; offer is not valid for any connect or multi-city itineraries. Promo code is valid for Instant Upgrade to Main Cabin Select and non-refundable First Class tickets only. Promo code is not valid for Main Cabin Select or First Class Refundable tickets. The discount will apply for travel between December 23, 2013 and January 4, 2014. Promo code may be used only towards newly booked travel and may not be applied to prior bookings. Promo code discount will be deducted off of base fare. Base fares do not include Passenger Facility Charges of up to $9 each way, September 11th Security Fees of up to $5 each way and a Federal Segment Tax of $3.90 per domestic segment. A segment is a takeoff and landing. For service to/from Mexico, base fares do not include the U.S. Immigration User Fee of $7, the U.S. APHIS fee of $5, the U.S. Customs processing fee of $5.50, a U.S. International Arrival/Departure Tax of $17.20 each way and additional taxes/fees of up to $70, including: Mexico International Departure Tax and Mexico Tourism Tax. Promo code may not be redeemed for cash. Promotion code is not eligible for Elevate points redemption bookings. Promo code may only be used for bookings made on virginamerica.com and is only valid on itineraries of 4 or less. Offer cannot be combined with any other offers. Seats are limited, subject to availability, and may not be available on all flights. If travel is changed or cancelled, promo code discount will become invalid. For Instant Upgrade to Main Cabin Select, changes or cancellations can be made for a $100 fee per guest through all channels, plus any difference in fare, if applicable. For First Class, changes or cancellations can be made without a fee; an increase in fare will be collected if applicable. Any remaining balance will be placed in a guest's travel bank, good for travel on Virgin America for one year from date of issue. Tickets purchased through Virgin America's reservation call center will cost an additional $20 per itinerary guest; this amount is non refundable if travel is changed or cancelled. Fares will not be honored retroactively or in exchange for any wholly or partially used ticket. Fares, routes, fees and schedules are subject to change without notice. For Instant Upgrade to Main Cabin Select, Virgin America will accept one (1) piece of checked baggage up to 50 pounds free of charge for each ticketed guest. The fee per guest for each additional checked bag up to 50 pounds from the second (2) to the tenth (10) is $25. For First Class, Virgin America will accept two (2) pieces of checked baggage up to 50 pounds for free of charge for each ticketed guest. The fee per guest for each additional checked bag up to 50 pounds from the third (3) to the tenth (10) is $25. Additional fees apply to baggage exceeding these weight limitations, and other baggage restrictions may apply.
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