Back in December, Alaska Airlines formally acquired Virgin America and while some were excited, others were worried about what it would mean for the much-loved California-based airline.
According to Conde Nast Traveler, it’s meant good news so far.
One good thing about the merger is the contract Alaska Airlines already has with award-winning chef Tom Douglas. This means that loyal Virgin America passengers will have the opportunity to try things like Douglas’ smoky BBQ chicken sandwich, roast turkey with veggie hash, miso chicken, and more.
Alaska’s drink menu is also getting a more crafty upgrade, with choices like Woodford Reserve bourbon, Fremont’s Interurban IPA, and Chateau Ste. Michelle’s chardonnay. And if you’re flying the new premium class, you’ll have access to free snacks, early boarding, and the alcoholic beverages above.
In addition, passengers on Gogo-equipped flights will have access to iMessage, Facebook Messenger, and WhatsApp free of charge so they can stay in contact with friends and family while in the air. If you’re a Virgin America Elevate passenger, you can also up your miles (at a ratio of 1:1.3) if you transfer your Elevate miles to Alaska’s Mileage Plan. You’ll also receive 10,000 free miles or $100 towards airfare if you do it by the end of February.
If you travel via Alaska through the month of March, you’ll also enjoy a selection of free movies and television shows including The Revenant, Trolls, The Big Bang Theory, Scandal, and others - all while enjoying the most first-class legroom of any airline.
The airline is also working to expand the amount of room in their overhead bins so that passengers with carry-on baggage will have plenty of space to store their belongings.