"While I appreciate your independent streak, why hasn't Virgin Atlantic pulled the trigger and joined one of the big three airline alliances...or, better yet, why haven't you spearheaded a fourth alliance (think Etihad Airways, Malaysia Airlines, Alaska Airlines, El Al, and cherrypicking some incumbent alliance airlines)."  Beaubo

I'm not the only one who liked this question, submitted to the "Dream Up Your Best Question for Richard Branson" Contest by reader "Beaubo." Sir Richard liked it too. Watch the video to hear his answer, in which he explains why Virgin Atlantic has avoided international alliances up till now ("We believe it's much better that airlines compete") but also promises that he'll "seriously consider" creating a new alliance and thanks Beaubo very much for the idea.

Since I happen to know who Beaubo is, I'm going to blow his cover. It's Steve Belkin, mileage junkie and founder of Competitours. (Beaubo's the handle he uses on FlyerTalk.) Congrats, Steve, on achieving runner-up status in our contest and asking a question that Branson says he'll "follow up on."

Tune in Monday, when we'll reveal the final runner-up, and Tuesday, when we'll announce the contest winner!

Watch more from the Richard Branson interview:
If Richard Branson Were to Launch Virgin Time Travel...
Branson Says He'll "Seriously Consider" Launching a Fourth Airline Alliance
Branson Wants Virgin America to Fly to the Caribbean
Bigger Isn't Always Better, Says Richard Branson
Is it Possible to Own Airlines and Save the Environment at the Same Time?
Imagine There's No Carbon Footprint
Richard Branson Plans to Make Planes Go at Rocket Speed
Can Airlines That Cut Service and Amenities Survive?