BREAKING NEWS: Alaska and Hawaiian airlines merger finalized

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ARTICLE HIGLIGHTS:

Alaska Airlines has officially acquired Hawaiian Airlines, with both airlines retaining their distinctive brands while combining resources to offer expanded travel options and benefits to passengers.
The merger allows customers to access 141 direct destinations, including 29 international markets, and expands global reach through the oneworld Alliance.
A new program called Huaka‘i by Hawaiian will provide exclusive discounts and benefits for Hawai’i residents, including discounted interisland flights and free checked bags.

In December, Alaska Airlines made a major announcement that they were going to acquire Hawaiian Airlines. Many, myself included, weren’t too sure if the deal would be approved by the U.S. government. However, it cleared a major hurdle a couple of weeks ago and this morning was finally approved.

According to an Alaska Airlines press release: “Hawaiian Airlines has officially joined Alaska Airlines, marking the beginning of a partnership that will reshape the travel industry for years to come.” They say that, in a first for a U.S. airline, “we will maintain both beloved brands. While your experience with each airline remains the same for now, there’s a lot to look forward to in the next 18 months.”

Here’s what you need to know:

Both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines will keep their distinctive brands.

The deal enables their customers to reach 141 destinations directly, including 29 international markets, and over 1,200 destinations globally through the oneworld Alliance and global partners.

Honolulu will now be the airline’s second largest hub (behind Seattle).

Beginning soon, provides HawaiianMiles members and Mileage Plan members with the ability to transfer miles between accounts free of charge.

Later this month, you’ll be able to seamlessly transfer miles between Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles at a 1:1 ratio – for no charge. For example, if you have miles in a HawaiianMiles account and you want to redeem for a flight on Alaska or an Alaska global partner, simply transfer the miles to your Mileage Plan account at no charge and book your award travel at alaskaair.com.

Beginning soon, enables guests to purchase Hawaiian Airlines flights at alaskaair.com and Alaska Airlines flights on hawaiianairlines.com. “You’ll be able to buy tickets for most Hawaiian flights on alaskaair.com and buy tickets for Alaska flights on hawaiianairlines.com starting this month. Soon we’ll offer the option to purchase Hawaiian international flights to destinations such as Japan, South Korea and Australia on alaskaair.com.”

They’re introducing a new travel program just for those who live in Hawai‘i: Called Huaka‘i by Hawaiian, meaning voyage, it will include unique discounts and benefits exclusively for Hawai‘i residents. Huaka‘i members will enjoy exclusive benefits when traveling interisland, including 10% off one booking per quarter and a free checked bag. Huaka‘i members who are Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard cardmembers will receive even more, with 20% off one interisland booking per quarter and their existing credit card benefit of two free checked bags. Plus, members will receive access to exclusive, network-wide deals each month. In the coming weeks, Hawai‘i residents will receive an email with a link to sign up for a free membership.

Effective today, Sept. 18:
Your Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles retain their full value.
Alaska Lounge members get more access: Alaska Lounge members and guests can enjoy Alaska Lounge locations when flying on Hawaiian.

The DOT did impose conditions related to flight levels, customer service and their loyalty programs on both Hawaiian and Alaska to allow this deal to go through. According to Travel Weekly: “The agreement, which will last for six years upon closing of the merger, requires that the combined company maintain or increase service on all routes in which Hawaiian and Alaska are the only carriers, or on which they are two of the three existing carriers. Existing service levels must also be maintained on Hawaii interisland routes.

In addition, the airlines will have to continue existing interline agreements, including the agreement in place between Hawaiian and Mokulele Airlines on Hawaii regional flights. And, as the combined carrier makes new investments at Hawaiian’s hub in Honolulu, it will not be allowed to take actions that would restrict smaller competitors from accessing the new facilities.”

Both airlines are beloved

Both Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have a loyal and loving following. I’ve never met anyone who says they hate Alaska or Hawaiian Airlines. With the exception of Southwest Airlines, they’re probably the most beloved airlines in the United States.

oneworld Alliance gets stronger

Hawaiian Airlines wasn’t part of one of the three airline alliances (oneworld, SkyTeam or Star) so this merger gives oneworld elites more options and earning power. For example, I’ve always preferred flying Hawaiian to Hawaii over American because American flies narrow-body A321s from Los Angeles (where I live) while Hawaiian flies the widebody A330 and plush 787s.

Better experience

On top of having a better aircraft, customers with Hawaiian get, in my opinion, better service. I find Hawaiian’s flight attendants much nicer and the moment you step on the plane, you feel like you’re in Hawaii. They offer local food, drinks (like Mai Tais and tropical juices like POG) while on American, the experience is so generic, you could be flying to Dallas. Nothing wrong with Dallas … except when you’re flying to tropical islands.

I’ve flown Alaska and Hawaiian many times. I love them both but when I go to Hawaii, I usually choose American because of my miles. But now that this deal has gone through, you can bet I will be flying Hawaiian.

Here are some of my trip reports from both airlines. In August, I flew Horizon Air (one of Alaska Airlines’ subsidiaries to STS. In 2023, I flew both Alaska and Hawaiian which are listed below:
Trip Report: Honolulu to Los Angeles in Hawaiian Airlines Extra Comfort Seats and Exclusive Cabin
Trip Report: New York to Los Angeles on Alaska Airlines

Here’s the video message from CEO, Ben Minicucci: