Virgin AmericaVX

Virgin America ceased operations on April 24, 2018, following its acquisition by Alaska Airlines. The brand was fully retired in 2019, with all operations integrated into Alaska Airlines. This guide provides historical information about the airline that revolutionized domestic US air travel.

Virgin America Inc. was a US-based low-cost carrier headquartered in Burlingame, California, near San Francisco International Airport. The airline was known for transforming the domestic flying experience through innovative cabin design, mood lighting, touch-screen entertainment systems, and a distinct brand personality that challenged the industry's status quo.

Founded in 2004 by Sir Richard Branson's Virgin Group, the airline faced years of regulatory hurdles before launching its first flight on August 8, 2007, from San Francisco to New York JFK. Despite being majority-owned by US investors (as required by law), Virgin America maintained the playful, customer-centric ethos of the Virgin brand.

At its peak, Virgin America operated a fleet of approximately 65 Airbus aircraft and served 24 destinations across the United States and Mexico. The airline consistently won awards for best domestic airline in the US, including Conde Nast Traveler's Readers' Choice Award for 10 consecutive years.

In April 2016, Alaska Air Group announced its acquisition of Virgin America for $2.6 billion. The merger was completed in December 2016, and Virgin America operations were gradually integrated into Alaska Airlines. The final Virgin America-branded flight (VX 1948, a nod to Alaska Airlines' founding year) operated on April 24, 2018, from San Francisco to Los Angeles.