Sniff, sniff. My favorite airline just got purchased

Virgin America has been purchased by Alaska Airlines.

I've had the opportunity of flying Virgin America in first class for many trips to Boston and back. The airline had the purplish lighting. It had a funny recording for the seat belt and emergency exit spiel. The food was wonderful.

On the other hand I've flown Alaska Airlines twice. It is the only airline where I got bumped from first class back to coach. I'm over 6'5". The seat room would have been squished for a 5'8" person.

I hope Alaska Airlines doesn't screw it up, but I'm guessing they will change the name and try to squeeze a few more rows in.

Neither airline services my city, but I doubt you will see the same service you've been used to with Virgin America, since Alaska will have the say-so, probably.

I hope I'm wrong and things work out well.
Being bumped from first to coach...ouch! Not good.

Southwest was always unmatched in customer service, employee friendliness, etc.
I saw a difference after they brought on Air Tran.

Not huge, but perceptible. It may be my imagination, but, especially at first, I would think to myself, "that one [cranky] probably came over from Air Tran".

Mostly occurred with the folks at the counters, and seems to be improving now.
Maybe they've been undergoing some SWA customer service training, the culture of putting customers first, making customers feel valued.
But it will never be the same. Change never is.