The acquisition is complete: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are officially joining forces. This monumental deal creates a stronger #5 carrier in the U.S. and promises to reshape travel between the mainland and the Pacific. For millions of frequent flyers, the biggest question has been: what happens to my miles and status?

For years, members of Alaska’s Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles have navigated two very different loyalty landscapes. Now, the two have officially merged into a single, unified program called Atmos Rewards, retiring the iconic Mileage Plan name. While Alaska promises a “best of both worlds” approach, the reality is that change is here. The era of Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles as standalone programs is over.

At AwardFares, we’ve guided members through countless airline mergers. This definitive guide provides the most comprehensive analysis available, now updated with all the official Atmos Rewards details. We will answer the key questions every member is asking, compare the two legacy programs, lay out a clear timeline of what to expect, and give you an actionable roadmap to navigate this transition and maximize the value you’ve earned.

August 2025 Update

BIG NEWS: The unified program has a name: Atmos™ Rewards! Alaska Airlines has officially announced the new loyalty program that combines Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles. This guide has been fully updated with all the latest details on the new brand, what it means for your points and status, and how to navigate the transition. All the original merger information remains below for complete context.

Key Highlights

  • It’s Called Atmos Rewards: The new unified program is officially named Atmos Rewards, replacing the Mileage Plan brand and absorbing HawaiianMiles.
  • One Unified Program: HawaiianMiles will be fully absorbed into Atmos Rewards on October 1, 2025.
  • Hawaiian Joins oneworld: A huge win for members. Hawaiian Airlines will become a full oneworld alliance member, granting Atmos Rewards members access to a vast global network.
  • Points & Status Transfer: Your miles are now “points” and transfer at a confirmed 1:1 ratio. Your elite status has a new name and maps directly from the old tiers.
  • Reciprocal Benefits Are Here: You can already earn and redeem points across both airlines. Elite members get priority services, free baggage, and seat selection on both carriers.
  • Action is Required: This merger is largely positive, but you still need a strategy to CONSOLIDATE your accounts, MAXIMIZE the new opportunities, and PLAN for the new oneworld-powered reality.

In This Article

UPDATE: It’s Official! Meet Atmos Rewards

The speculation is over. Alaska has unveiled Atmos Rewards as the name and brand for the combined loyalty program. This isn’t just a simple rebranding; it comes with a host of new features and confirms the future direction for millions of members.

Key Features of the New Atmos Rewards Program

  • Choose How You Earn (Coming in 2026): In an industry first, you’ll be able to choose to earn points based on distance flown, price paid, or segments flown. This allows you to tailor the program to your unique travel style.
  • New Co-Branded Credit Cards: The existing Alaska Airlines credit cards are being rebranded as Atmos Rewards cards. A new premium card, the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite®, has also been launched, offering elite perks like a Global Companion Award and higher upgrade priority.
  • New Elite Status Names: The MVP tiers are gone, replaced by new Atmos branding: Silver, Gold, Platinum, and Titanium. Your existing status maps directly to these new tiers.
  • Higher Top-Tier Status Requirements (in 2026): While the requirements for Silver and Gold remain the same, the thresholds to qualify for Platinum and Titanium will increase in 2026.

Want Every Single Detail?

What Will Happen to My Miles & Status? Key Questions Answered

1. What will happen to my HawaiianMiles and Mileage Plan miles?

They are now Atmos Rewards points. The conversion from both legacy programs is confirmed at a 1:1 ratio. The more important change is in redemption value: you now have access to the unified Atmos Rewards award charts, which combine the networks of Alaska, Hawaiian, oneworld, and other global partners, offering significantly more opportunities for premium international travel.

2. What will happen to my Pualani or MVP elite status?

Your status has been given a new name under the Atmos Rewards program. This is a huge upgrade, especially for HawaiianMiles members, as all tiers now come with oneworld alliance status.

  • Pualani Gold & MVP match to Atmos Silver (oneworld Ruby).
  • Pualani Platinum & MVP Gold match to Atmos Gold (oneworld Sapphire).
  • MVP Gold 75K matches to Atmos Platinum (oneworld Emerald).
  • MVP Gold 100K matches to Atmos Titanium (oneworld Emerald).

3. What will happen to the Hawaiian Airlines credit cards?

The future of the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard issued by Barclays is still uncertain long-term. For now, it remains active with its existing benefits. The Alaska Airlines cards issued by Bank of America have been rebranded as Atmos Rewards cards, and a new premium card has been introduced. Eventually, a consolidation under the Bank of America partnership is likely.

The new Atmos Rewards co-branded credit cards from Bank of America.

4. How will my award tickets be priced in the future?

The program now uses the official Atmos Rewards award charts. For travel on Alaska and Hawaiian, pricing is distance-based. For partner airlines, the program continues to use published, distance-based award charts, preserving the “sweet spots” that made Mileage Plan so valuable.

5. Will Hawaiian Airlines join an airline alliance?

Yes, and this is one of the biggest benefits of the merger. Hawaiian Airlines will become a full member of the oneworld alliance. This gives all Atmos Rewards members the ability to earn and redeem points on top-tier carriers like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways across the full combined network.

6. Can I still get free checked bags on Hawaiian flights?

Yes. Reciprocal benefits remain in place. Your Atmos Rewards elite status (formerly MVP) entitles you to free checked bags on Hawaiian-operated flights, and vice-versa. Additionally, Atmos Rewards Visa cardholders get their first checked bag free on Hawaiian flights.

7. What about the unique inter-island perks for Hawaii residents?

These are safe. Alaska has reaffirmed its commitment to local members by officially continuing the “Huaka’i by Hawaiian” program under the new “Atmos Communities” umbrella, which will continue to offer benefits for Hawaii residents.

Calculate the Impact: Points & Status Conversion Simulators

Your New Atmos Rewards Points Balance

Use this tool to visualize your new, combined points balance. Since the transfer is a confirmed 1:1 ratio, the slider is locked, but you can see what your HawaiianMiles are now worth in the more powerful Atmos Rewards currency.

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Confirmed (1.0)
You now have: 100,000 Atmos Rewards Points
See awards you can book with 100,000 Atmos Points

Your New Atmos Rewards Status Tier

Unsure what your old status is called now? Use our interactive converter to see your new Atmos Rewards tier and oneworld status.

Your new Atmos Rewards status will be displayed here.

The Legacy Programs: Mileage Plan vs. HawaiianMiles

To understand the foundation of the new Atmos Rewards, it’s helpful to look at the philosophies of the two legacy programs it combines. This isn’t just a merger; it’s a transformation of what’s possible for former HawaiianMiles members.

Hawaiian Airlines logo

HawaiianMiles

The Currency: A Regional Powerhouse

HawaiianMiles has always been a straightforward, effective program for its core mission: travel to, from, and between the Hawaiian islands. Its strengths lie in its simplicity and deep value for inter-island flights.

Case Study: Inter-island Hop

A one-way flight between Honolulu and Maui could often be booked for a fixed, low rate of 7,500 miles. You always knew what you were getting.

The Network: Focused and Friendly

With a limited but useful list of partners like Japan Airlines and JetBlue, the program served its primary markets well. Status was simple to understand and geared toward frequent Hawaii travelers.

Alaska Airlines logo

Mileage Plan

The Currency: A Global Passport

Mileage Plan was widely regarded as one of the most valuable loyalty currencies. Its power came from published partner award charts that unlocked high-value premium cabin redemptions around the world.

Case Study: Dream Trip to Asia

A one-way Business Class flight on Japan Airlines from the US to Japan could be booked for a fixed 60,000 miles. This kind of aspirational award was out of reach for HawaiianMiles members.

The Network: oneworld and Beyond

As a oneworld member, Mileage Plan provided access to a massive global network. It also maintained unique partnerships with airlines like Icelandair and Singapore Airlines, offering unparalleled flexibility.

Updated Merger Timeline

Here is a visual breakdown of the key milestones, now updated with the official Atmos Rewards launch.

December 2023

The Proposal

Alaska Airlines announces its plan to acquire Hawaiian Airlines.

May 2024

The Deal is Done

Alaska officially completes its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines.

June 2024

Reciprocal Benefits Launch

Members can earn and redeem across both airlines and match elite status.

August 2025

Hello, Atmos Rewards!

Alaska officially launches Atmos Rewards, revealing the new name, award charts, and credit cards for the unified program.

October 1, 2025

One Unified Program

The HawaiianMiles program is fully merged into Atmos Rewards. All members now operate under a single loyalty program.

Late 2025 / Early 2026 (Expected)

Welcome to oneworld

Hawaiian Airlines is expected to formally join the oneworld alliance as a full member.

This transition is an upgrade for most members. Your strategy should be about positioning yourself to take full advantage of the new, more powerful program.

Tip for Frequent Flyers

Use AwardFares to stay on top of this transition. Get familiar with the new Atmos Rewards partners, discover award availability with your combined points balance, and set alerts to grab the best seats. This is your essential tool for executing the “Plan” phase.

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CONSOLIDATE Now

Immediate Action

Take these simple steps today to ensure a smooth transition into the Atmos Rewards ecosystem.

  • Confirm Your Account: If you were a Mileage Plan member, you're all set. If you were a HawaiianMiles member, be ready for the October 1st transition.
  • Credit Flights to Atmos: Start crediting all your Alaska and Hawaiian flights to your Atmos Rewards account to consolidate your earnings.
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MAXIMIZE Perks

Now → 2026

Take advantage of the unique benefits available during this transition phase and beyond.

  • Use Reciprocal Elite Benefits: Enjoy your status for priority boarding, lounge access, and free bags on both airlines.
  • Leverage Credit Card Perks: Use your Atmos/Alaska Visa to get free bags on Hawaiian flights, and vice versa for the Hawaiian Mastercard.
  • Plan for New Earning Methods: Think about which of the new 2026 earning methods (distance, price, or segments) will benefit you most.

PLAN for oneworld

Ongoing

The biggest change is moving from a regional to a global loyalty program. Start thinking bigger.

  • Learn the oneworld Network: Familiarize yourself with partners like JAL, Cathay Pacific, and Qatar Airways.
  • Study Atmos Award Charts: Understand the partner award charts to identify high-value "sweet spot" redemptions.
  • Re-evaluate Your Travel Goals: That trip to Europe in Business Class or First Class to Asia is now much more attainable.

Top Redemption Opportunities in the New Era of Atmos Rewards

Forget what was possible before. The unified Atmos Rewards program opens up a new world of aspirational travel.

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Japan Airlines Business to Asia

A legendary sweet spot. Fly from the U.S. to Japan in JAL's excellent Business Class starting at just 50,000-60,000 Atmos points one-way, depending on distance.

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2

Qatar Airways Qsuite to the Middle East

Experience the world's best business class. Fly from the U.S. to Doha (and beyond) in a private Qsuite starting at 85,000 points. Your old HawaiianMiles could never get you this.

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3

Cathay Pacific to Hong Kong

Fly in one of the world's best premium cabins from the U.S. to Hong Kong, starting at 50,000 points in Business or 70,000 points in First Class.

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4

Stopovers on Icelandair to Europe

Leverage one of the program's best perks: a free stopover in Iceland on award tickets to Europe. Get two destinations for the price of one, a unique benefit you now have access to.

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Mandatory Resources: Our Resource Superkit

While this guide provides the roadmap, the articles below offer the critical, in-depth details you’ll need to master the new Atmos Rewards program and its powerful network.

What’s the Impact on US Travel and Loyalty?

This merger does more than just combine two loyalty programs; it reshuffles the competitive landscape in the United States.

🏆

A Stronger #5 Carrier

The combined airline creates a more formidable competitor to the "Big 4" (American, Delta, United, Southwest), especially on the West Coast and for travel to Hawaii.

🌐

oneworld's Pacific Power

With Hawaiian's Pacific network now part of oneworld, the alliance gains a strategic hub in Honolulu, significantly improving connectivity between North America, Asia, and Oceania.

💳

Credit Card Shake-Up

The launch of new Atmos Rewards cards from Bank of America puts pressure on the Barclays-issued Hawaiian Airlines card, likely leading to its eventual transition or discontinuation.

Read More

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