Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Announce Benefits for Their Program Members

Now that the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines looks like a sure thing — awaiting final approval from the FAA — the airlines are moving forward with plans. Of interest to travelers, the airlines are now talking about loyalty program benefits.

What elite status will you get in the other program if you already have elite status? Will there be any lounge perks? Anything special for residents of Hawaii?

The airlines have information to answer all of these questions and more, though some benefits are clearer than others. Here’s the latest.

Near-Term Benefits for Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines

Without detailing the entire history, United Airlines expressed some concerns, but the merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines is going forward. That’s thanks to some enforceable concessions the airlines made with the Department of Transportation (DOT) to get approval.

Unlike when Alaska Airlines acquired Virgin America in 2016, Hawaiian Airlines won’t be totally absorbed into Alaska Airlines. The 2 brands will be preserved, which is unique among airline mergers.

Additionally, the airlines are outlining benefits here, separating them into those coming soon and those further into the future. Let’s start with those happening soonest.

First, Alaska Airlines customers will gain access to the Hawaiian Airlines route network. Hawaiian Airlines customers will get access to Alaska’s network, as well as its Oneworld connections.

Over time, the airlines will work to gain operating approval from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), letting them operate as a single carrier. Until then, nothing about routes should change. And even after approval, the airlines have expressed plans to keep as much of their route networks as possible — especially the base in Honolulu (HNL).

As of September 18, 2024, reciprocal benefits from Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles are starting to roll out. First, miles in both programs are retaining their value and won’t be devalued, as the airlines promised the DOT.

And miles transfers between the programs will come “later this month.” Given that we’re already in late September, that should happen in less than 2 weeks.

Additionally, Alaska Lounge members can access these lounges when flying on Hawaiian Airlines. Hawaiian’s Million Milers will also enjoy elevated perks when flying with Alaska Airlines.

Another benefit is coming by the end of September: You’ll find flights for sale on the other airline’s website. That will help with seamless bookings.

Huaka‘i by Hawaiian

Alaska Airlines offers special perks for residents of Alaska, and there’s a similar benefit coming for residents of Hawaii. Club 49 offers 2 free checked bags, discounts, and savings on freight shipments within Alaska.

Soon, Hawaii residents will enjoy perks with Huaka‘i by Hawaiian. Residents will receive an email to join this program “in the coming weeks,” and they’ll get 10% off an interisland booking every quarter plus a free checked bag. Moreover, those with the Hawaiian Airlines^® World Elite Mastercard^® will receive 20% off an interisland booking each quarter plus 2 free checked bags.

Huaka‘i by Hawaiian members will also “receive access to exclusive, network-wide deals each month.”

Long-Term Benefits for Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines

Other benefits aren’t launching this month, and these may take time to roll out. This includes the ability to earn miles on paid flights with the other airline, starting “in the coming months.”

In 2025, the airlines plan to merge their loyalty programs into a single, unified program. What that will look like — as they preserve the value of miles, among other concessions to the DOT — is unknown at this time.

We’ll also see the ability to redeem Alaska Airlines miles for Hawaiian Airlines flights or combined Hawaiian-Alaska itineraries. At an unknown date, we should also see promised elite benefits across both airlines and additional redemption options.

The airlines will also offer elite benefits reciprocity and status matching between the programs. These matches will come over the next few months. Here’s how status matching from Hawaiian to Alaska will look:

Status matching will also take into account your elite-qualifying miles (EQM) balance to “award you the highest possible status.” That will look like this:

The exact timing of these benefits is unknown at this time, but we’ll provide updates as soon as possible.

Final Thoughts

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines aren’t wasting any time waiting for final approval from the FAA for their merger. Instead, they’re proactively announcing plans for reciprocal elite benefits, new benefits for Hawaii residents, and other perks that should come in later months.