The merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines is official, making it possible to share loyalty benefits between both carriers. There are several changes for travelers to know about, although they are not as drastic as previous mergers, allowing air passengers to enjoy their favorite loyalty perks.
Two Separate Airlines
While Alaska Airlines is buying Hawaiian, they remain two distinct platforms and loyalty programs during the interim period as the Biden Administration just approved the merger request.
For the next 18 months, they will operate as separate brands while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) reviews the single operating certificate application to integrate the booking system so you can still enjoy your Alaska Mileage Plan or HawaiianMiles membership.
The Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines websites and apps continue working for leisure and business travel. More program updates will become available in 2025.
Typically, airline mergers result in the acquired airline absorbing into its new parent company. Hence, why there are only a handful of U.S.-based carriers compared to a couple of decades ago.
“This is a historic day for Alaska Airlines as we officially join with Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska and Hawaiian share tremendous pride in connecting communities with award-winning service, and we look forward to inviting more guests on board to experience what makes both brands unique,” says Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group.
Other fun statistics regarding the new Alaska-Hawaiian service area include:
- Nearly 1,500 daily flights
- 141 direct destinations, including 29 international markets
- Over 1,200 destinations through oneworld and global partners
- A fleet consisting of over 350 aircraft
- Hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Portland and San Diego
Seattle and Honolulu are the most prominent hubs, which makes this alliance an excellent option for traveling to the Pacific Coast and Hawaii at a competitive cost.
Free Mileage Transfers
Until a future loyalty program is announced, Alaska and Hawaiian members can transfer miles at a 1:1 ratio between linked accounts free of charge. This transfer feature will start soon and existing members will receive more details once this capability is activated.
Elite Status Match
Later in 2024, elite members can link their loyalty accounts and enjoy a status match. People with elite status with both programs will get a status upgrade, such as getting Pualani Platinum and MVP Gold when you already have Pualani Gold and MVP status, respectively.
A status comparison chart highlights how this match will work.
Purchase Flights with Both Airlines
Another upcoming perk is the ability to purchase Hawaiian Airlines flights on alaskaair.com or Alaska Airlines flights on hawaiianairlines.com.
Travelers will also experience a better digital experience on both carriers’ websites and apps as the merger finalizes.
Shared Airport Lounge Access
For now, each airline’s lounge networks remain separate but it’s possible to enjoy reciprocal benefits when flying on the other airline.
Alaska Lounge members can access Alaska-operated lounges when flying on Hawaiian. Conversely, Hawaiian Airlines Premier Club members can purchase a single-day pass to visit an Alaska Lounge when flying on either airline.
Huaka‘i by Hawaiian
Exclusively for Hawaii residents, this brand-new program offers exclusive inter-island travel benefits, such as 10% off one booking per quarter and a free checked bag. There will also be special deals and offers just for participants.
Final Thoughts
This is an exciting merger between two of the best airlines for award travel. Maintaining two distinct brands with upcoming free point transfers and elite status matches makes maximizing this relationship easy. Look for more changes over the next 18 months.
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