Why did you go, Virgin America? I wanna know.

Virgin America…they were the airline dedicated to making flying fun again.

The first time feels like yesterday.

Purple and pink mood lighting guided me to my seat. I ordered not one, but two fancy drinks from your in-flight entertainment system. And three hours later I was in the lavatory…dancing to some groovy tunes as we flew over the midwest.

From that day on, I vowed only to fly on Virgin America whenever possible.

You had my heart.

And you also had my money.

In a sky where air travel sucks a lot, you were the only glimpse of hope. You embodied the spirit of transformation and innovation — the spirit of the Bay Area, where you made your home.

You made me feel like I had a choice. The choice to actually enjoy my flight versus not. I would not be a prisoner to the horrendous travel experiences of United or the other joy-sucking airlines that monopolize the American air travel industry. Nope, not a prisoner…because in my tiny 2ft. by 2ft. space, I was able to choose fun! And soul! And even a little comfort.

So when I read that you officially sold to Alaska Airlines, I couldn’t help but shed a few tears. Actually it was many tears. And there might have been a bit of panic as I wondered, who do I fly with now? Who will be the wind beneath my wings? Why did my favorite funky, fresh friend just abandon me in midair?

As the ultimate Virgin America fangirl, who sang your praises wherever I went, I am immensely saddened by this loss.

You always made me feel so fancy, even while flying in coach. And now you’ll never be the same.