Virgin America’s Nerd Bird Flight from Austin to San Francisco

Virgin America this month launched a new daily roundtrip service from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to San Jose.
To keep the high tech travelers happy, Virgin America offers WiFi on every flight and has other features like power outlets and personal touch-screen entertainment platforms at every seat.
The addition of the direct route shows the growing ties between the Austin region and San Francisco and Silicon Valley.
Fares between San Francisco and Austin start from $79. Southwest Airlines also offers a daily roundtrip direct service between Austin and San Jose, and the flight has affectionately become known as the “nerd bird,” for all the technology workers who travel the route.
Virgin America celebrated its first flight to touch down in Austin on Tuesday with a red carpet welcome for its customers. Austin-based psychedelic rock band, The Bright Light Social Hour also entertained the passengers on the plane in route to Austin.
“Austin and San Francisco share deep cultural and economic ties, so it made perfect sense for us to expand our network into this area that deserves not only increased flight options, but a better brand of service,” Virgin America President and CEO David Cush said in a news release. “As the only airline serving Austin with WiFi and power outlets at every seat, Virgin America allows business travelers flying between Silicon Valley and the Silicon Hills to stay connected and productive at 35,000 feet. And for those who prefer to tune out in-flight, we offer the largest and most advanced entertainment library in the skies, with on-demand music, live television, video games, interactive Google maps and more than 25 films, all available at their seatback touch-screen.”