4 min read · As of November 2026 · By Scottie Kobayashi
Editorial news, no affiliate links in this story. Program details come from the Alaska Airlines newsroom announcement dated November 10, 2026.
Quick overviewTap to expand
- Atmos Rewards added GOL, one of Brazil's largest airlines, as a global partner on November 10, 2026.
- You can book select GOL flights on alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com right now and earn Atmos points on them.
- Using Atmos points on GOL flights is planned for early 2027. Award prices have not been published yet.
- Alaska is also expanding its American Airlines partnership so you can connect to Brazil on American, with more South America destinations coming in 2027.
Big one for my Atmos ʻohana. Atmos Rewards now partners with GOL, so you can book GOL flights through Alaska or Hawaiian and earn Atmos points on them, starting today. Points redemptions on GOL come in early 2027. For anyone in Hawaiʻi who has had Brazil on the bucket list, South America just got a lot more reachable on one loyalty program.
What did Atmos Rewards announce with GOL?
Atmos Rewards announced on November 10, 2026 that GOL Linhas Aéreas is its newest global partner. GOL runs about 675 daily flights to more than 80 airports, including over 60 cities in Brazil, according to Alaska's newsroom. Atmos members can book select GOL flights on alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com and earn Atmos points on those bookings.
Alaska's Alex Judson called GOL "an exciting new gateway to South America." The best part for travelers: Alaska, Hawaiian and GOL flights can go on one ticket, with your bags checked through to your final stop.
- Earn: Atmos points on GOL flights booked through alaskaair.com or hawaiianairlines.com, live now.
- Redeem: Atmos points for GOL flights, planned for early 2027.
- One ticket: Alaska, Hawaiian and GOL segments together, bags checked through.
- Reach: From Rio, GOL connects to more than 35 cities, including São Paulo and Buenos Aires.
What can Atmos members do now, and what comes later?
Earning Atmos points on GOL works today, but spending points on GOL does not yet. Alaska says GOL award bookings arrive in early 2027, and new partner earning choices roll out during 2027. Here is the timeline so you know what is live versus coming.
| When | What happens | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Nov 10, 2026 | Book select GOL flights on alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com, earn Atmos points | Live now |
| Early 2027 | Redeem Atmos points on GOL flights | Coming |
| Mar 28, 2027 | GOL nonstops between New York JFK and Rio (GIG) resume, three times a week, connecting with Alaska and Hawaiian at JFK | Scheduled |
| 2027 | Choose to earn on partner flights by distance, price paid or segments; eligible partner flights count toward Atmos status | Coming |
| 2027 | More South America destinations on American Airlines, after Brazil | Coming |
Alaska has not announced GOL award prices, elite perks on GOL, or lounge access with GOL yet. Do not count on status benefits on GOL flights until Alaska confirms them. I will update this post when award pricing drops.
How do you get from Hawaiʻi to Brazil with Atmos?
From Hawaiʻi, the GOL route works as a mainland connection: fly Hawaiian or Alaska to the mainland, connect to New York JFK, then ride GOL nonstop to Rio de Janeiro. Alaska's example routing has GOL connections at JFK starting March 28, 2027. From Rio, GOL fans out to São Paulo, Buenos Aires and 35-plus more cities.
Real talk: this is a long haul from the islands. Think of it as a "big trip" itinerary, the kind you plan around a stopover in New York to break up the flying. That one-ticket, checked-through setup matters a lot when you are connecting twice.
What changed with American Airlines to South America?
Alaska is also expanding its American Airlines partnership so Atmos members can soon connect Alaska or Hawaiian flights to South America on American. It starts with Brazil, with Rio (GIG) and São Paulo (GRU) via New York, Dallas or Miami, and more destinations come in 2027. You earn Atmos points on all American flights.
Atmos status holders also keep their usual perks on American, like extra-legroom seats and complimentary upgrades when available. So you will have two ways into Brazil: GOL through JFK, or American through its hubs.
How do you book GOL with Atmos points earning?
Book GOL through Alaska or Hawaiian, not GOL's own site, if you want Atmos points. Alaska says earning applies to GOL flights booked directly through alaskaair.com or hawaiianairlines.com.
- Log in to your Atmos Rewards account on alaskaair.com or hawaiianairlines.com so your number is on the booking.
- Search your Hawaiʻi departure to Rio (GIG) or another Brazil city and look for GOL-operated segments.
- Keep it on one ticket so your bags are checked through to your final destination.
- Build your points balance now so you are ready when GOL awards open in early 2027. My Atmos Rewards guide covers how to earn faster.
New to how Atmos works since the merger? Start with my HawaiianMiles to Atmos Rewards guide, and check what your points are worth before you burn them. If you want to stack more Atmos points from everyday spending, see the best credit cards for Hawaiʻi residents.
Scottie's Take
I love seeing Atmos go global like this. For years, South America felt out of reach for us here in Hawaiʻi unless you were juggling three different programs. Now it is one account, one ticket, and your bags go all the way through.
My move: if Brazil is on your list for 2027, start stacking Atmos points now and keep an eye out for GOL award pricing early next year. I would not book a paid GOL ticket just for the points unless you were going anyway, but if you are, book it through Alaska or Hawaiian and get credit.
Anyone dreaming about Rio or Buenos Aires? Drop a comment or DM me. I want to hear where you would go first. Aloha!
FAQ
Is GOL an Atmos Rewards partner?
Yes. Atmos Rewards added GOL Linhas Aéreas as a global partner on November 10, 2026. Atmos members can book select GOL flights on alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com and earn Atmos points on those bookings, with point redemptions on GOL planned for early 2027.
Can I use Atmos points on GOL flights?
Not yet. Alaska says Atmos members will be able to redeem points on GOL starting in early 2027. Award prices have not been announced as of November 2026, so hold off on planning around a specific point cost until Alaska publishes the award chart or pricing.
Do I earn Atmos points if I book on GOL's website?
Alaska's announcement says Atmos points are earned on GOL flights booked directly through alaskaair.com or hawaiianairlines.com. To be safe, book through one of those two sites with your Atmos number attached rather than booking on GOL's own website.
How do I fly from Hawaiʻi to Rio on Atmos partners?
Fly Hawaiian or Alaska from Hawaiʻi to the mainland, connect to New York JFK, then take GOL nonstop to Rio de Janeiro. GOL's JFK to Rio service resumes March 28, 2027, three times a week. American Airlines is another option through New York, Dallas or Miami.
Do Atmos elite members get perks on GOL?
Alaska has not announced elite benefits or lounge access on GOL as of November 2026. Atmos status holders do keep their usual benefits on American Airlines, including extra-legroom seats and complimentary upgrades when available. Starting in 2027, eligible partner flights can count toward Atmos status.
What is changing with Atmos partner earning in 2027?
Starting in 2027, Atmos members can choose how they earn on partner flights, including GOL and American: by distance flown, by price paid, or by segments flown. Eligible partner flights will also count toward earning Atmos status, according to Alaska's November 2026 announcement.
