Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have merged key aspects of their frequent flyer programs, allowing members to link their accounts and unlock new benefits. This groundbreaking initiative paves the way for a unified operation in 2025.
The Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines status match lets members link their Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles accounts, matching elite statuses and awarding combined elite-qualifying miles (EQMs). This means Alaska MVP Gold members can now achieve Hawaiian Pualani Platinum status and vice versa. The integration unlocks perks like priority boarding, free checked bags, and upgraded seating.
While the integration is still evolving, it signals a shift in how Hawaii travelers benefit from loyalty programs. For those traveling to or living in Hawaii, loyalty programs are a gateway to better travel experiences. This latest move bridges gaps between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, making it easier for frequent flyers to maintain elite status.
Starting January 2025, Alaska Airlines will introduce significant changes to its MileagePlan, including new milestone rewards and updated elite benefits. The program now offers personalized perks like bonus miles, Wi-Fi passes, lounge access, and upgrade certificates at various intervals. However, there are limitations: combined EQMs won’t count toward Mileage Plan milestones, and certain benefits may be excluded for those who achieve status through the match.
The Alaska-Hawaiian Airlines merger highlights the airlines’ focus on prioritizing customer loyalty marketing as they navigate integration. This initiative showcases the rapidly changing landscape of Hawaii travel, where airlines are doubling down on loyalty programs to secure market share.
As Alaska Airlines strengthens its presence in Hawaii, frequent travelers can now maximize value while the two programs remain separate. Linking your accounts now ensures access to elite benefits ahead of the final iteration of a unified loyalty program.
Source: https://beatofhawaii.com/hawaiian-and-alaska-airlines-just-rewrote-the-rules-of-airline-benefits