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Today we’re reading across multiple media outlets how Alaska Airlines is completing the assimilation of Virgin America. The latter has disappeared from reservation systems and the Virgin signature “Redwood” used by air traffic controllers has been replaced by “Alaska”. The purchase of Virgin took place two years and $2.6 billion ago. The merging into one cohesive group of 23,000-plus employees, airport presence and introducing Airbus planes into the fleet,has taken some time. Alaska Airline Group, a Seattle mainstay, is no longer an all Boeing fleet.
Alaska and Virgin were both located at 29 airports, going forward, only the Alaska kiosks and check-in counters remain at those airports.
Virgin America had a ten-year run before being acquired by Alaska Airlines. Of particularly note was the unhappiness by Sir Richard Branson with the acquisition and dismantlement of the Virgin America brand name by Alaska Airlines as the headline of this Points Guy piece so aptly describes “Richard Branson says Alaska Airlines ‘Castrated’ Virgin America.”
What does this mean for you the traveler?
Let’s turn to Alaska Airlines FAQ for some of these answers.
- Who do I call to make reservations? The Virgin America reservation system is now shuttered, the Alaska Airlines reservation line (1-800-252-7522 (1-800-ALASKAAIR)) and online website will be your point of contact to handle your reservations.
- What happened to Virgin Elevate frequent flyer program? The program has been merged with Alaska’s Mileage Plan program.
What’s next for Alaska Airlines?
The last step, according to Alaska is repainting the aircraft.
| Fall 2018 | First Airbus retrofitted with Alaska’s new cabin design featuring streaming entertainment, satellite Wi-Fi, seatback tablet holders, mood-lighting and conveniently located power outlets. The launch of service from Paine Field in Everett, with 13 daily departures to 8 West Coast markets |
|---|---|
| 2019 | One airline |
