Alaska Airlines and Virgin America Team Up, Here’s What It Means to You
Alaska Airlines and Virgin America merge to become the fifth largest US airline, and if you fly any of these airlines frequently, their merger means a few changes for you. Here’s what to expect.
Virgin America and Alaska Airlines will continue to operate under their own brands in the near future, but your options for flying with either airline will expand as they gain access to each other’s routes and partner networks.
- Since December 19, 2016 : Members of both airline loyalty programs will be able to earn rewards for flights to Alaska or Virgin America. Top-tier members will also be able to use their status for priority check-in and boarding on any of the airlines.
- Effective January 9, 2017 : Virgin America’s Elevate members will upgrade to Alaska Airlines. Alaska Airlines Rewards can be used when booking Virgin America flights.
- Alaska Airlines Reservations : You will be able to book Virgin America flights through the Alaska Airlines website.
- Hubs located on the west coast. The hubs of both airlines will continue to be located mainly on the west coast. Their centers are Seattle, Portland, Anchorage, San Francisco and Los Angeles.
Expect more changes as the two airlines merge, especially in January when they announce more details on how their loyalty programs will be combined .