This post contains references to products from one or more of our advertisers. We may receive compensation when you click on links to those products. For an explanation of our Advertising Policy, visit this page.
Alaska Airlines just confirmed its plans to acquire Virgin America in a post on… Instagram.
According to a CNBC report, Alaska will purchase Virgin for $57 per share in a deal that’s valued at roughly $4 billion in total, including debt, beating the top offer of bidding war partner JetBlue. That’s a HUGE jump over Virgin America’s public valuation of $1.48 billion as of Friday, based on its share price of $38.90. Shares are Virgin are up nearly 35% in pre-market trading, to $52.25 per share. That’s still shy of Alaska’s purchase price, so the stock may continue to climb throughout the morning.
The all-cash deal, which was apparently signed Friday night following a bidding war that may have put Marriott/Anbang/Starwood to shame, was expected to be announced today. According to a WSJ article, JetBlue backed off once the bidding jumped too high.
Once combined, Alaska and Virgin will make up the country’s fifth most popular airline by traffic, unseating JetBlue, which currently ranks #5. Alaska would also get hubs at two key West Coast airports — Los Angeles (LAX) and San Francisco (SFO) — and a fleet of Airbus A320s (which may ultimately present a challenge for Alaska, which currently operates only Boeing 737 aircraft).
As for consumers, passengers will have fewer airline options following the merger, of course, but there’s no question that Virgin’s fleet represents an upgrade for Alaska flyers, with its high-tech cabins, comfier seats and superior catering options. Alaska, meanwhile, offers an arguably more comprehensive frequent-flyer program, giving current Virgin elites an opportunity to earn and redeem miles on a variety of US-based and international carriers.
What do you think of an Alaska/Virgin America merger?
H/T: CNBC
Alaska miles are extremely valuable because you can book awards on partners like Emirates, Icelandair, Korean Air and Japan Airlines. The current bonus of 40,000 miles can book you a roundtrip ticket on Alaska Airlines from Boston to San Diego or New York to Seattle, for example.
- Now - 40,000 Bonus Mile + Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ Offer.
- Get 40,000 bonus miles and Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 fare plus taxes and fees from $22) with this offer. To qualify, make purchases of $2,000 or more within the first 90 days of opening your account.
- Save with a free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six other guests on the same reservation.
- Get Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ every year! Each year on your account anniversary get a companion fare from $121 ($99 plus taxes and fees from $22). Valid on all Alaska flights booked on alaskaair.com with no blackout dates.
- Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases and unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases. And, your miles don't expire on active accounts.
- New! Enjoy 50% off day passes at the Alaska Lounge and 20% back on all Alaska Airlines inflight purchases when you pay with your new card.
- Redeem miles with no blackout dates on any of Alaska's 1,200 daily flights or choose from over 900+ destinations with more than a dozen global airline partners. Plus, get exclusive access to discounted redemption levels when you redeem miles for hotel stays at over 400,000 properties using Alaska Airlines Hotels.
- Plus, no foreign transaction fees and a low $75 annual fee.
Know before you go.
News and deals straight to your inbox every day.
Editorial Disclaimer: Opinions expressed here are the author’s alone, not those of any bank, credit card issuer, airlines or hotel chain, and have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by any of these entities.
Disclaimer: The responses below are not provided or commissioned by the bank advertiser. Responses have not been reviewed, approved or otherwise endorsed by the bank advertiser. It is not the bank advertiser’s responsibility to ensure all posts and/or questions are answered.
