Feel like heading off into the sunset and not looking back? Virgin America is offering a free one-way economy cabin flight when you apply for its soon-to-debut Virgin America Visa Signature rewards card by Nov. 30, 2008.

This is the first airline credit card offer I’ve mentioned on this blog - ever. I almost never write about them. Most miles-earning credit card offers entail large numbers of bonus points travelers may or may not ever be able to actually use and free “companion ticket” offers that have a boatload of restrictions and require you to travel with another person on the same itinerary, which can be unrealistic for many travelers.

The Virgin America offer stands out because it’s simple, straightforward and actually offers applicants something they can use - and, in fact, have to use before May 20, 2009. With no blackout dates, the free flight really only poses one major issue - and that’s getting back where you started. But we think most travelers are smart enough to figure that one out on their own….

The best airports, hotels and airlines for business travelers are the subject of Conde Nast Traveler’s Business Travel Awards, out in the October issue of the magazine. Among the highly-ranked picks for business travelers are:

Top-ranked hotel chain: Peninsula Hotels

Top U.S. domestic airlines, in descending order: Virgin America, Alaska Airlines, Continental

Top U.S. airport: Portland International (PDX)

Top international airport: Changi Airport, Singapore

There’s a nice little debate going on about the rankings at the Wall Street Journal’s The Middle Seat Terminal blog. What do you think?

If you aren’t already over Entourage (let’s hope the new season debuting Sept. 7th harkens back to the glory days of Bob Saget cameos…or something cooler than just being rich in L.A.), and even if you are, you may have reason to thank “the boys” during your next Virgin America flight between New York and Las Vegas. That’s because, through September, Virgin America’s Entourage Air promo is bringing travelers in its economy cabin  free episodes of the show, which would otherwise be considered premium (i.e. you have to pay for it) entertainment.

And if you’re lucky enough to be in first class, you’ll have more to love than a free 30 minutes of glitzy television viewing pleasure. First class passengers will be able to completely Vince-out with Bose noise-canceling headphones (sorry, they’ve got to stay on the plane), champagne, truffles and a travel kit from Kiehl’s.

The promo runs from Sept. 4-Oct. 1.

Would you pay $50 to $100 more for an economy class ticket to have one of the best seats in the main cabin (i.e. exit row or bulkhead), dedicated overhead space and all the same food, beverage and entertainment amenities as first class passengers? Virgin America is betting some travelers will be happy to pay the price for first class treatment in their economy class seats.

Planned for roll out this fall, the Virgin America Main Cabin Select program will offer travelers the option to pay more (exact pricing will depend on flight length, but should be in the $50-$100 range, according to our source) for seats in the main cabin with 38 inches of seat pitch, complimentary access to the full in-flight menu (yes, that means cocktails, too), free on-demand movies and premium television and dedicated overhead bin space for carry-on luggage. But wait, there’s more! Main Cabin Select passengers will also receive priority check-in, security screening and boarding privileges at the airport.

I’m always a fan of airlines figuring out ways to make more money by offering passengers new options, instead of charging them more for things they’ve traditionally gotten for free. So clearly, I’m excited to see this new program debut. Travelers will be able to purchase Main Cabin Select seats beginning Sept. 15, 2008, for travel starting in mid-October.

If you’re not already a member of Virgin America’s Elevate program, then here’s a reason to join. The airline is picking one Elevate member to join its group of VIPs for the first public viewing, scheduled for July 28, of the WhiteKnight aircraft that will launch Virgin Galactic’s commercial space ship, SpaceShipTwo, into sub-orbital space flight.

Wanna see this knight in shining, carbon composite armor? You’ll have to get creative and tell the powers that be about the first thing you’d do in a weightless environment in 50 words or less. Click the image above to get started….