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. But for millions of frequent flyers, it raises one crucial question: 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 are on an inevitable path toward a single, unified program under the Mileage Plan brand, expected to launch in mid-2025. While Alaska promises a “best of both worlds” approach, the reality is that change is coming. The era of HawaiianMiles as a standalone program is over.

At AwardFares, we’ve guided members through countless airline mergers. This definitive guide provides the most comprehensive analysis available. We will answer the key questions every member is asking, compare the two 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.

Key Highlights

  • One Unified Program: HawaiianMiles will be fully absorbed into Alaska’s Mileage Plan by mid-2025. The HawaiianMiles brand will be retired.
  • Hawaiian Joins oneworld: A huge win for members. Hawaiian Airlines will become a full oneworld alliance member, granting Mileage Plan members access to a vast global network.
  • Miles & Status Transfer: Miles are expected to transfer at a 1:1 ratio. A generous status match program is already live, allowing elites to enjoy reciprocal benefits immediately.
  • Reciprocal Benefits Are Here: You can already earn and redeem miles across both airlines. Elite members get priority services, free baggage, and seat selection on both carriers.
  • Action is Required: While this merger is largely positive, you still need a strategy to CONSOLIDATE your accounts, MAXIMIZE the new opportunities, and PLAN for the new oneworld-powered reality.

In This Article

What Will Happen When HawaiianMiles is Merged Into Mileage Plan? Key Questions for Every Member

1. What will happen to my HawaiianMiles points?

Your HawaiianMiles will be converted into Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles. The airlines have already enabled 1:1 transfers, setting a strong precedent for the final conversion ratio. The more important change isn’t the ratio, but the redemption value. You will lose access to Hawaiian’s specific award chart and partners but gain access to Mileage Plan’s extensive list of oneworld and non-alliance partners, which offers significantly more opportunities for premium international travel.

2. What will happen to my HawaiianMiles Pualani elite status?

Your Pualani status will be mapped to an equivalent tier in Alaska’s Mileage Plan. This is a huge upgrade, as it will also grant you oneworld alliance status. The status match is already live:

  • Pualani Gold matches to Mileage Plan MVP (oneworld Ruby).
  • Pualani Platinum matches to Mileage Plan MVP Gold (oneworld Sapphire).

Members with elite miles in both programs can even combine their 2024 earnings to achieve a higher joint status.

Table showing the status match between HawaiianMiles and Alaska Mileage Plan.

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

The future of the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard issued by Barclays is uncertain. In most mergers, the acquiring airline’s co-brand partnerships (in this case, Alaska and Bank of America) eventually take precedence. While the card remains for now with new perks like two free checked bags on Alaska flights, it’s likely it will be transitioned to a Bank of America-issued Alaska Airlines card or discontinued in the long run.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines co-branded credit cards.

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

Expect a shift to Mileage Plan’s award pricing structure. For travel on Alaska’s own flights, pricing is already distance-based and somewhat dynamic. For partner airlines, Mileage Plan still uses published award charts, which contain some of the best “sweet spots” in the industry. For former HawaiianMiles members, this means more complexity but also far greater potential value, especially for international business and first-class redemptions.

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 will give all Mileage Plan members (including former HawaiianMiles members) the ability to earn and redeem miles on top-tier carriers like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, and Qatar Airways.

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

Yes. As part of the initial integration, reciprocal benefits are already in place. Your Alaska Mileage Plan elite status now entitles you to free checked bags on Hawaiian-operated flights, and vice-versa. Additionally, Alaska Airlines Visa cardholders get their first checked bag free when booking Hawaiian Airlines flights with their card.

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

Alaska has committed to keeping the Hawaiian Airlines brand and investing in its local presence. They’ve announced “Huaka’i by Hawaiian,” a new program for Hawaii residents that will offer discounts on inter-island travel. This suggests that key local benefits, a cornerstone of the Hawaiian brand, are likely to survive the merger.

Calculate the Impact: HawaiianMiles to Mileage Plan Conversion Simulator

With miles already transferable at a 1:1 ratio, the biggest question is what your new, larger Mileage Plan balance can get you. Use this tool to visualize your new mileage balance and see what a world of oneworld and other partner awards you can now access.

1.00
Pessimistic (0.75) Confirmed (1.0) Optimistic (1.25)
You would get approximately: 100,000 Alaska Mileage Plan Miles
See awards you can book with 100,000 Mileage Plan Miles

The Fundamental Differences: Mileage Plan vs. HawaiianMiles

To appreciate the scale of this change, it’s essential to understand the different philosophies behind the two programs. This isn’t just a merger; it’s a transformation of what’s possible for 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.

The Loss: Simplicity and Niche Partners

The program's simplicity will be replaced by the more complex (but powerful) world of global alliances. Unique redemption opportunities on non-oneworld partners may not survive.

Alaska Airlines logo

Alaska Mileage Plan

The Currency: A Global Passport

Mileage Plan is widely regarded as one of the most valuable loyalty currencies. Its power comes from published partner award charts that unlock 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 can 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 provides access to a massive global network. It also maintains unique partnerships with airlines like Icelandair and Singapore Airlines, offering unparalleled flexibility.

The Gain: Global Access

HawaiianMiles members will go from a regional program to a global one overnight, with the ability to use their miles for flights on every inhabited continent.

Timeline

Airline loyalty mergers follow a predictable path. Here is a visual breakdown of the key milestones for the Alaska-Hawaiian integration, from the first announcement to the final combined program.

December 2023

The Proposal

Alaska Airlines announces its plan to acquire Hawaiian Airlines, signaling a major consolidation in the US aviation market.

May 2024

The Deal is Done

After receiving the necessary approvals, Alaska officially completes its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, beginning the operational integration process.

June 2024

Reciprocal Benefits Launch

The first tangible benefits arrive. Members can now earn and redeem miles across both airlines, match their elite status, and receive reciprocal perks like priority boarding and free bags.

Mid-2025 (Target)

One Unified Program

The HawaiianMiles program is set to be fully merged into Mileage Plan. Members will operate under a single loyalty program with one mileage balance and one status.

Late 2025 / Early 2026 (Expected)

Welcome to oneworld

Hawaiian Airlines is expected to formally join the oneworld alliance as a full member, completing its integration and unlocking the full power of the combined network for all Mileage Plan members.

Unlike mergers where value is at risk, this transition is mostly an upgrade. Your strategy shouldn’t be about “burning” points, but 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 Mileage Plan’s oneworld partners, discover award availability, and set alerts to grab the best seats as soon as they open up. This is your essential tool for executing the “Plan” phase.

1

CONSOLIDATE Now

Immediate Action

The groundwork for the new program is already laid. Take these simple steps today to ensure a smooth transition.

  • Link Your Accounts & Match Status: This is priority #1. Visit Alaska's dedicated page to match your Pualani status to Mileage Plan MVP.
  • Choose Mileage Plan: Start crediting all your Alaska and Hawaiian flights to your Mileage Plan account to consolidate your earnings.
  • Transfer Your Miles: Move your HawaiianMiles to Mileage Plan at the 1:1 ratio to have a single, more powerful currency to work with.
2

MAXIMIZE Perks

Now → Mid-2025

Take advantage of the unique benefits available during this transition phase. These are the immediate wins from the merger.

  • Use Reciprocal Elite Benefits: Enjoy your newly matched status for priority boarding, lounge access, and free bags on both airlines.
  • Leverage Credit Card Perks: Use your Alaska Visa to get free bags on Hawaiian flights. Book with your Hawaiian Mastercard for free bags on Alaska.
  • Book Hawaiian Sweet Spots: If there's a good value redemption on Hawaiian's own chart (e.g., inter-island), book it before it's gone.
3

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 Mileage Plan Charts: Understand the partner award charts to identify the 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 with your miles.

Top Redemption Opportunities in the New Era of Mileage Plan

Forget what was possible before. The unified Mileage Plan opens up a new world of aspirational travel. Here are the types of redemptions you should start planning for.

1

Japan Airlines Business to Asia

One of the best deals in travel. Fly from the U.S. to Japan or Korea in JAL's excellent Business Class for just 60,000 Mileage Plan miles one-way. This is a game-changer for former HawaiianMiles members.

Search Awards
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 for 85,000 miles. Your HawaiianMiles could never get you this before.

Search Awards
3

Cathay Pacific First Class to Hong Kong

The ultimate aspirational award. Fly in one of the most exclusive first-class cabins from the U.S. to Hong Kong for only 70,000 miles. This highlights the incredible power of the new unified program.

Search Awards
4

Stopovers on Icelandair to Europe

Leverage one of Mileage Plan'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'll now have access to.

Search Awards
5

Seamless Hawaii + International Trips

Combine an Alaska flight to Hawaii with a Hawaiian Airlines flight to Australia, Japan, or New Zealand, all booked with one mileage currency. The new network integration makes these complex itineraries simple.

Search Awards
6

Starlux Business to Taipei

Fly on one of the world's newest and most stylish airlines. Mileage Plan's unique partnership lets you book Starlux's fantastic business class from LAX or SFO to Taipei for 75,000 miles.

Search Awards

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 Mileage Plan 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 long-term future of the Barclays-issued Hawaiian Airlines card is in doubt, likely leading to a consolidation under the Alaska Airlines-Bank of America partnership.

Read More

Our guides have all the information you need to become a pro at exploring the world on points. Here are some related posts you might enjoy.