Say Goodbye to Your Favorite Airline: Virgin Will Disappear in 2019

In December of last year, Alaska Air purchased Virgin America for $2.6 billion. While many feared the merger would take away the messaging screens and psychedelic lighting, it turns out Virgin may be losing something else: its name. Alaska Airlines recently released a statement detailing what the merger would mean for frequent fliers, and thankfully, the mood lighting and many other beloved features are here to stay.

The statement explained that it will upgrade every aspect of the airplanes to include Virgin's amazing features within the next two years. However, the company will retire "the Virgin America name and logo likely sometime in 2019." It will introduce a completely new cabin equipped with blue mood lighting and some new uniforms for the staff.

"Our goal from the very beginning of this merger was to become the go-to airline for people on the West Coast, with low fares, convenient flights, a premium product and genuine, caring service," said Brad Tilden, CEO of Alaska Air Group. "Three months in, we've dramatically grown our presence in California and are united behind a new purpose: Creating an airline people love."

In addition to the blue mood lighting, which is very important, Alaska Airlines has promised more premium seats, full satellite WiFi on all planes, an exceptional frequent flier program, complementary upgrades, free entertainment, West Coast-inspired food and beverage selections, and, last but not least, more lounges across the country. Alaska has taken the best elements of Virgin America and combined them with its top-rated customer service, and that's a total win for us!