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2011 About.com Readers' Choice Awards

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Best U.S. Budget Airline Finalists - Virgin America
2011 About.com Readers' Choice Awards Justin Sullivan/Getty Images News

Virgin America official website

Vital Statistics: Virgin American is a newcomer to the U.S. low-cost market, initiating service in August 2007. It serves 14 destinations (including Toronto, Los Cabos and Cancún) with a fleet of 36 planes.

Hub Airports: Virgin America's hub is San Francisco. The airline specializes in low-cost, long-haul flights across the North American continent. Los Angeles is a focus city, and there multiple non-stop flights between coasts. View a Virgin America interactive route map

Frequent-Flier Program: Elevate

Other Distinguishing Features: Virgin America is a frequent choice for "bi-coastal" business travelers. It offers one-way, non-stop overnight flights between coasts for as little as $129 excluding tax. Virgin America is attempting to expand its list of destinations in 2011. The airline recently added cities in Mexico; according to USA Today, it also seeks gates in large airports such as Chicago-O'Hare, Atlanta, Houston and Philadelphia.

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