V-Flyer

I live in San Francisco and as I was watching the local news this morning I heard again that SFO was experiencing delays of over 1-hour due to bad weather.

For those who know SFO well you will know that this is a common occurence and it got me thinking that this could be a major problem for Virgin America when it does finally start to operate. I can foresee flights across the system being affected if the aircraft is unable to leave homebase and the on-time record taking an immediate hit.

Don't get me wrong I am VERY excited to have an alternative to UAL at my hometown airport but I am worried for the prospects of an airline basing itself at such a problematic place.

Anyone else have thoughts?

SFO-Marc

P.S. - Our company switched from UAL (SFO to LAX) to to SWA (OAK to LAX/BUR) for our regular trips to SoCal since UAL were forever cancelling and delaying flights often due to weather.

Marc,

I understand this was a consideration for Virgin America, and one that can't be underestimated; but at the same time as I understand it they will have more than just SFO as a hub. Obviously there are going to occassional delays, but those will affect all operators out of SFO.

That said, the proof of the pudding...

Actually, I have a feeling today's (yesterday's) delays were more to do with the fact they have dug up the western taxiway that runs parallel with the 28 runways. As a result, they're using 28L as a taxiway to get to 28R.

That's slowed a LOT of departures up, I know - I was sat on it... [ii]