Alaska Air Group, Inc. has officially announced the successful completion of its acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. This strategic merger enhances travelers’ access to a wide array of domestic and international destinations, facilitated by the oneworld Alliance and an extensive network of global partners. Furthermore, it promises an exceptional guest experience through the collaboration of two well-established brands with rich histories dedicated to serving local communities.
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have commenced efforts to obtain a unified operating certificate from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). This certification will enable the two airlines to function as a single entity with a cohesive passenger service system. In the meantime, both airlines will maintain their operations as distinct carriers, with no immediate alterations to their services. They will continue to operate separate websites, reservation systems, and loyalty programs until further along in the integration process. Passengers can confidently book and travel, assured that their journeys will proceed as scheduled with the respective airline.
Although there are no immediate changes to the guest experience, travelers will soon begin to enjoy significant advantages from this partnership. The integration of our domestic, international, and cargo networks will enhance options for guests and businesses on the West Coast and across the Hawaiian Islands. This development will lead to an increase in destinations, improved global connectivity through oneworld partners, and access to the industry’s most generous loyalty program.
As we proceed with the integration, guests can anticipate these advantages to be introduced gradually. Here are the key updates:
Effective today, September 18:
Your Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles maintain their full value: The miles you have earned in both loyalty programs are safe and more valuable than ever.
Alaska Lounge members gain additional access: Members of the Alaska Lounge, along with their guests, can utilize Alaska Lounge facilities when traveling with Hawaiian.
We are honoring Hawaiian Million Milers: Numerous travelers have achieved over one million miles with Hawaiian Airlines. We are expressing our gratitude for their loyalty by offering new benefits.
In the upcoming weeks:
You will soon have the opportunity to transfer miles between Alaska and Hawaiian loyalty accounts for award travel redemption. Later this month, you will be able to transfer miles between Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles at a 1:1 ratio without any fees. For instance, if you possess miles in a HawaiianMiles account and wish to redeem them for a flight on Alaska or one of its global partners, you can easily transfer those miles to your Mileage Plan account at no cost and proceed to book your award travel at alaskaair.com.
Purchase tickets for flights on both airlines through their respective websites: Starting this month, you will be able to purchase tickets for most Hawaiian flights on alaskaair.com and for Alaska flights on hawaiianairlines.com. Additionally, we will soon provide the option to buy tickets for Hawaiian international flights to destinations such as Japan, South Korea, and Australia on alaskaair.com.
We are launching a new travel program specifically designed for residents of Hawai‘i:
Named Huaka‘i by Hawaiian, which translates to voyage, this program will offer unique discounts and benefits exclusively for residents of Hawai‘i. Members of Huaka‘i will enjoy special advantages when traveling interisland, including a 10% discount on one booking per quarter and a complimentary checked bag. Furthermore, Huaka‘i members who hold the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard will benefit even more, receiving a 20% discount on one interisland booking per quarter along with their existing credit card benefit of two free checked bags. Additionally, members will gain access to exclusive deals across the network each month. In the coming weeks, residents of Hawai‘i will receive an email containing a link to enroll for a complimentary membership.
In the upcoming months:
Accumulate miles with both airlines: You will have the opportunity to earn Mileage Plan miles or HawaiianMiles when traveling with either airline.
We will provide enhanced redemption options: Beginning in early 2025, you will be able to redeem your Mileage Plan miles for all Hawaiian flights, including those to international destinations. Additionally, you will have the option to combine Hawaiian flights with Alaska or partner flights when utilizing your miles for redemption.
Align your status across programs:
If you hold elite status with either Alaska or Hawaiian, you will be able to connect your accounts to automatically receive equivalent status on the other airline. Should you possess elite-qualifying miles (EQMs) in both programs, your status will be determined by the highest tier you qualify for based on your total combined EQMs.
