Parking at HNL Is About to Get More Expensive — Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Save)
Parking at HNL Is About to Get More Expensive — Here’s What You Need to Know (and How to Save)
Hey friends — just a quick heads-up for all my fellow Hawaii travelers. If you’ve got a trip planned this summer (or even just dropping off family at the airport), get ready: parking at Honolulu Airport (HNL) is going up starting July 1, 2025.
Let’s break it down and talk story about what’s changing, how it affects you, and a few travel hacker tips to help you avoid those rising costs.
What’s Changing at HNL?
The State Department of Transportation just announced that daily parking rates at HNL will increase for the first time in over 10 years. Here's the breakdown:
Current max daily rate: $25
New max daily rate (starting July 1): $27
Short-term hourly rates: Also going up, see chart below.
Khon2.com
So if you’re used to parking at the airport for your weekend getaways or longer interisland trips, it’s going to cost you a bit more.
Why the Increase?
Honestly, this hike has been a long time coming. The state says it’s needed to fund ongoing maintenance and upgrades to parking and airport infrastructure. Think lighting, elevators, signage, and security — all stuff we kinda take for granted until it breaks.
Still, for us locals who travel often (or fly interisland regularly), every dollar counts.
Scott’s Travel Tips: How to Save on HNL Parking
1. Get Dropped Off (if you can)
Yeah, I know this one’s obvious. But if you’ve got ʻohana or a friend willing to drop you off and pick you up, that’s a quick $40+ saved on a weekend trip.
2. Use Credit Cards With Parking Perks
Some travel credit cards (especially premium ones) come with annual travel credits that include airport parking. Capital One Venture X, Chase Sapphire Reserve, and Amex Platinum are a few examples.
3. Park at Nearby Offsite Lots
There are a few offsite lots near HNL that offer cheaper daily rates than the airport — especially for longer trips. Some even offer shuttle service. See options here.
What This Means for Hawaii-Based Travelers
For those of us flying often — whether it’s for work, family visits, or mainland trips — this is a reminder that even the “small stuff” like parking can add up. It's more important than ever to maximize points, use travel rewards smartly, and stack every savings opportunity.
If you need help building your points game, that's what I'm here for. Let's get you flying for less — and spending less before you even step on the plane.
Let’s Chat 👇
Got questions about using points for flights, hotels, or even airport parking perks? Leave a comment or reach out! And if you haven’t already, join my free Hawaii Reward Travel consultation to start stacking points smarter.
Ciao, Rome! Alaska Airlines Launches Nonstop Seattle–Rome Route, A Game-Changer for Hawaii Travelers
Ciao, Rome! Alaska Airlines Launches Nonstop Seattle–Rome Route, A Game-Changer for Hawaii Travelers
✈️ Alaska Airlines' First Transatlantic Leap
Alaska Airlines is set to make history with its first-ever transatlantic route: a nonstop flight from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to Rome's Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport (FCO), commencing in May 2026. This marks the first direct connection between Seattle and the Italian capital, fulfilling a long-standing request from Mileage Plan members and positioning Seattle as a burgeoning global gateway.
The new service will operate four times weekly aboard the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, offering departures from Seattle at 6:00 p.m. on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Sundays, arriving in Rome at 1:45 p.m. the following day. Return flights will depart Rome at 3:45 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, arriving in Seattle at 6:00 p.m.
🎥 Alaska Airlines CEO Ben Minicucci shares why launching nonstop service to Rome from Seattle is both a personal milestone and a big win for travelers across the Northwest and beyond.
🌺 What This Means for Hawaii Travelers
For travelers from Hawaii, this new route opens up streamlined access to Europe. With Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in 2024, the combined network enhances connectivity from the islands to international destinations.
Hawaii residents can now consider a one-stop journey to Rome via Seattle, eliminating the need for multiple layovers in other U.S. cities or European hubs. This is particularly advantageous for those looking to explore Italy or embark on Mediterranean cruises departing from Rome's nearby port, Civitavecchia.
💺 Enhanced Travel Experience
The Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner promises a comfortable and modern travel experience, featuring advanced cabin design, improved air quality, and reduced noise levels. Alaska Airlines aims to introduce a new global experience on this aircraft, aligning with its strategy to expand international offerings following the integration with Hawaiian Airlines.
🎯 Strategic Expansion and Future Plans
The Seattle–Rome route is part of Alaska Airlines' broader "Alaska Accelerate" strategic plan, aiming to deliver $1 billion in incremental profit post-merger. Rome becomes the third widebody international destination served from Seattle, following the launch of flights to Tokyo Narita in May 2025 and the upcoming service to Seoul Incheon in September 2025.
This expansion solidifies Seattle's role as a key hub for international travel on the U.S. West Coast, offering travelers from Hawaii and beyond more options for global exploration.
🗓️ Booking and Early Access
Tickets for the Seattle–Rome flights will be available for purchase starting in fall 2025. Travelers interested in early access can sign up on Alaska Airlines' website to receive notifications and updates.
Final Thoughts
Alaska Airlines' new nonstop service from Seattle to Rome represents a significant milestone in the airline's international expansion and offers Hawaii travelers a more convenient pathway to Europe. With enhanced connectivity, modern aircraft, and strategic growth, this route is poised to become a popular choice for those seeking to explore the rich history and culture of Italy.
-Scottie, Hawaii Reward Travel
United Airlines & JetBlue Partner Up in New Alliance called BLUE SKY
United Airlines & JetBlue Partner Up in New Alliance called BLUE SKY
Aloha, Hawaii Travelers!
Big news just dropped in the airline world — United Airlines and JetBlue are teaming up in a new partnership called Blue Sky, and it could mean more perks and travel options for kamaʻāina and frequent flyers heading to or from Hawaii.
Here’s what you need to know and why it matters for you.
What’s the United-JetBlue Partnership?
United and JetBlue announced a strategic alliance in 2025 called Blue Sky, allowing both airlines to:
Share select flight routes
Let customers book connecting flights across both airlines in one easy reservation
Offer reciprocal loyalty benefits to members of United MileagePlus and JetBlue TrueBlue
Why This Matters for Hawaii
1. More East Coast-Hawaii Flights Might Be Coming
One of the biggest developments? United could return to New York JFK, a route it had exited years ago. This opens the door for potential nonstop JFK–Honolulu flights — a huge win for Hawaii travelers visiting family or doing business on the East Coast.
2. Easier Booking Between Airlines
Planning a trip to the mainland that includes cities JetBlue serves (like Boston, Fort Lauderdale, or JFK)? You can now mix and match flights between United and JetBlue without juggling multiple websites.
3. Loyalty Perks on Both Airlines
Whether you’re a United MileagePlus or JetBlue TrueBlue member, you’ll soon be able to:
Earn and redeem points across both airlines
Enjoy elite perks like priority boarding, seat upgrades, and same-day flight changes
This gives Hawaii travelers more flexibility to earn rewards and use miles across a wider network — especially helpful when connecting to smaller cities not served by direct flights from the islands.
4. Increased Competition = Better Fares
With Alaska Airlines acquiring Hawaiian Airlines, this new partnership between United and JetBlue introduces healthy competition for routes to and from Hawaii. More competition often means:
Lower fares
Better service
More redemption options for points and miles
💡 What You Can Do Now
✍️ If you're a Hawaii-based traveler with points on either airline, watch for booking and earning updates to roll out soon.
✈️ Flying East Coast to Hawaii? Look out for new JFK–HNL options.
🎯 Consider getting a travel card that earns United MileagePlus points or JetBlue TrueBlue points to maximize the upcoming benefits.
📣 Let Us Help You Fly More, For Less
At Hawaii Reward Travel, we help local families and travelers:
Earn more miles and points through the right credit cards
Learn which routes and programs to use for the best deals
Get free consultations and 1-on-1 support with redemptions
➡️ Want help navigating these changes and planning your next trip?
Join our free client program and let us help you travel more — without spending more.
Transfer Your Amex Points to HawaiianMiles Before June 30, 2025
Last Chance: Transfer Amex Points to HawaiianMiles by June 30
Important Update for Hawaii Residents: Transfer Your Amex Points to HawaiianMiles Before June 30, 2025
If you're a Hawaii resident holding American Express Membership Rewards points, now is the time to act. Effective June 30, 2025, American Express will end its partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, discontinuing the ability to transfer Membership Rewards points to HawaiianMiles. This change also eliminates the indirect route to transfer Amex points to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan via HawaiianMiles—a valuable option for travelers seeking award flights to and from the mainland and beyond.
Why This Matters to You
As a Hawaii resident, you've had the advantage of transferring Amex points to HawaiianMiles and then moving them to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles. This two-step process opened up access to Alaska's extensive network, including affordable award flights to the mainland U.S., Asia, and Europe. For example, Alaska's Mileage Plan offers economy flights on American Airlines for just 4,500 miles and business-class flights between 1,501 and 3,500 miles starting at 45,000 miles on partners like Aer Lingus.
With the upcoming merger of HawaiianMiles into Alaska's Mileage Plan, this transfer opportunity is closing. After June 30, 2025, you won't be able to transfer Amex points to HawaiianMiles, effectively ending the indirect transfer route to Alaska Airlines miles.
How to Transfer Your Points Before the Deadline
Transfer Amex Points to HawaiianMiles: Log into your American Express account and navigate to the "Rewards & Benefits" section. From there, you can transfer Membership Rewards points to HawaiianMiles at a 1:1 ratio. Transfers are typically instant but may take up to two days.
Move HawaiianMiles to Alaska Mileage Plan: Once the points are in your HawaiianMiles account, use Hawaiian Airlines' points transfer tool to move them to your Alaska Mileage Plan account here. These transfers are generally instant.
Note: An excise tax offset fee of 0.06 cents per mile (up to $99 per transfer) applies when transferring Amex points to HawaiianMiles. You can pay this fee with an Amex card or cover it with Membership Rewards points, though using points is not recommended due to lower value.
Final Thoughts
This is a limited-time opportunity to maximize the value of your Amex Membership Rewards points by accessing Alaska Airlines' award flights through HawaiianMiles. If you have upcoming travel plans or anticipate future trips, consider transferring your points before the June 30 deadline. After this date, the transfer options will change, potentially limiting your ability to leverage these rewards for travel from Hawaii.
For personalized assistance or more information on maximizing your travel rewards, feel free to contact Hawaii Reward Travel.
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Loyalty Programs to Merge in August 2025.
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Loyalty Programs to Merge in August 2025
ALOHA! Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are set to merge their loyalty programs in August 2025. This development follows Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, completed in September 2024. The combined loyalty program aims to offer enhanced benefits and streamlined services for frequent flyers in the islands.
🛫 Key Highlights for Hawaii Travelers
Unified Loyalty Program: The new program will integrate HawaiianMiles into Alaska's Mileage Plan, providing a cohesive experience for members of both airlines.
1:1 Mile Conversion: HawaiianMiles will convert to Alaska Mileage Plan miles at a 1:1 ratio, ensuring that your existing miles retain their value.
Expanded Redemption Options: With Alaska's membership in the oneworld alliance, travelers will have access to a broader network of partner airlines, opening up more destinations for award travel.
Elite Status Recognition: Hawaiian's Pualani Elite members will see their status recognized within the new program, with details on tier mapping to be announced.
🌺 Implications for Hawaii-Based Flyers
For residents of Hawaii, especially those who frequently travel inter-island or to the mainland, this merger brings several advantages:
Enhanced Connectivity: The combined network will offer more seamless connections between the islands and various destinations across North America and beyond.
Improved Earning Potential: With a unified program, travelers can earn and redeem miles more efficiently across a wider range of flights.
Continued Local Service: Both airlines have committed to maintaining robust inter-island service, ensuring that local travel needs are met.
📅 Timeline and Next Steps
While the exact launch date in August 2025 has not been specified, travelers can expect more detailed information on the combined loyalty program in the coming months. In the meantime, it's advisable to monitor official communications from both airlines to stay informed about upcoming changes.
This merger represents a significant shift in the travel landscape for Hawaii residents, promising enhanced benefits and greater flexibility for loyal customers of both airlines.
New Gates: Hawaiian Airlines Moves at LAX, JFK + More
Aloha Hawaii travelers!
It’s Scottie here with an important update for anyone flying Hawaiian Airlines to and from the mainland, especially if you’re planning connections or just want to avoid any last-minute airport surprises.
Hawaiian Airlines has started shifting terminals at major U.S. airports to align more closely with Alaska Airlines as part of their upcoming merger. This could mean smoother travel experiences ahead, but it’s important to know what’s changing now so you’re not caught off guard.
Here’s What You Need to Know:
LAX (Los Angeles): Hawaiian has moved from Tom Bradley to Terminal 6. This puts them right alongside Alaska Airlines and makes connections easier if you’re hopping to other U.S. cities.
JFK (New York): Hawaiian moved from Terminal 4 to Terminal 8—again, co-locating with Alaska and oneworld partners like American Airlines. If you’re flying First Class, this means better lounge access including the Admirals Club and the upgraded Flagship Lounge on long-hauls.
Already Integrated: Hawaiian and Alaska are already sharing space at San Francisco (SFO) and Phoenix (PHX).
Next Up: Expect co-locations soon in Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas by the end of 2025.
Note: Seattle is not part of this change (yet) due to gate space issues for big planes.
Why This Matters:
Faster connections
Shared check-in and baggage services
Improved lounge access (for those in premium cabins)
Overall smoother experience, especially when combining Hawaiian + Alaska or American Airlines flights
But I get it… Some of us are feeling the change. Hawaiian Airlines has always felt like home in the sky. While these updates are meant to help operations, many of us are watching closely to see how much of the “island-style” service and culture remains as they integrate further with Alaska.
I'll keep you posted with more updates as we get closer to the full merger. But for now, if you're flying out of LAX or JFK anytime soon, double-check your terminal! You don’t want to be scrambling last minute.
With Aloha,
– Scottie
ANA Adds One-Way Award Flights — But First Class Gets a Price Hike
Big news for Hawaii-based travelers and international points hackers: All Nippon Airways (ANA) is finally rolling out one-way award bookings starting June 24, 2025. 🙌
This long-awaited change gives more flexibility for island travelers—especially those looking to pair ANA with other airlines like Hawaiian, JAL, or United for open-jaw or multi-stop trips.
But heads up: Alongside this awesome new booking option, ANA is also raising award prices significantly, especially in First Class during peak season.
🔄 One-Way Awards Are Coming
Before this update, ANA only allowed round-trip award bookings, which made trip planning tricky and less flexible. Starting June 24, you can now:
Book one-way awards using half the round-trip miles
Use points on both ANA-operated and partner flights
For Hawaii travelers wanting to fly to Japan, Southeast Asia, or beyond — this opens up a ton of options for smarter, more creative redemptions.
📈 But There’s a Catch: Award Price Hikes
With this new flexibility, ANA is also raising the cost of award flights, especially for premium cabins. Here’s what’s changing for round-trip tickets between North America and Japan:
| CLASS | OLD PRICE | NEW PRICE |
|---|---|---|
| Economy | 55,000 miles | 72,000 miles |
| Premium Econ. | 77,000 miles | 101,000 miles |
| Business | 110,000 miles | 165,000 miles |
| First Class | 100,000 miles | 300,000 miles |
That’s a 50% increase for First Class during high season — which, let’s be honest, is when most people in Hawaii want to travel (summer, Golden Week, holidays).
🗓️ Peak Season Dates for 2025
If you're looking to fly ANA during these windows, expect to pay the higher mileage rates:
April 25 – May 11
July 18 – August 24
December 15 – 31
Off-peak rates will be slightly lower, but still more than before. Booking outside these ranges can save you tens of thousands of miles — so it pays to be flexible!
🗣️ What Travelers Are Saying
In the comments section of the original announcement, reactions were mixed — and rightfully so. Here are a few valid points travelers brought up:
Flexibility is a win: Being able to book one-ways makes ANA much easier to use, especially if you're connecting from Hawaii on a different airline or planning an open-jaw itinerary.
Massive First Class hike: 300,000 miles round-trip for First is a steep jump, and availability is already tough to find.
Burn now, before it gets worse: Some suggested booking under the old rates before the June 24 switch if you’ve got points ready.
Still a solid value: Even at the new prices, ANA First Class can be a great redemption compared to cash fares ($15,000–$25,000+), especially with programs like Virgin Atlantic or Amex transfer bonuses.
💡 Tips for Hawaii-Based Points Travelers
Here’s how to adapt and still win with ANA:
Book now if you’ve got travel plans before June 24 to lock in current award pricing
Stay flexible on dates and cabins to find better redemption value
Combine with partner awards (like United or Hawaiian) for creative one-way or multi-stop routes
Watch for transfer bonuses from Amex or Virgin Atlantic to offset rising prices
Use tools like Seats.Aero or ExpertFlyer to monitor First and Business Class availability
🧭 Final Thoughts
ANA finally letting us book one-way awards is a huge step forward — especially for Hawaii travelers who often need more flexibility. Yes, the mileage increases (especially in First Class) sting, but for those who plan ahead and use strategy, there’s still tremendous value to be had.
And now more than ever, using the right points strategy makes all the difference. If you’re sitting on Amex points, wondering how to get that dream First Class flight to Japan — now’s the time to act.
Alaska Companion Fare Now Works on Hawaiian Airlines — Here's Why Hawaii Travelers Should Care
If you're flying to or from Hawaii and love stacking travel perks, this one’s for you.
Alaska Airlines just made a huge move that’s going to benefit locals and frequent flyers in the islands in a major way. For the first time ever, the Alaska Companion Fare will be valid on Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America — giving us way more flexibility, comfort, and value.
Let’s break it all down so you can start planning your next Hawaii getaway or mainland adventure like a pro.
✈️ What’s the Alaska Companion Fare?
If you hold the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® or Alaska Business card, you can earn a Companion Fare each year after spending $6,000. This lets you bring a travel buddy for just $99 + taxes and fees — whether you're flying from Honolulu to Los Angeles, Maui to Seattle, or anywhere else Alaska (and now Hawaiian!) flies.
Until now, you could only use it on Alaska Airlines flights. But starting this summer, you’ll be able to use it on Hawaiian Airlines routes too.
That’s a big deal for us in Hawaii. Here’s why:
🌺 Why This is a Game-Changer for Hawaii Travelers
More Routes: Hawaiian Airlines has way more nonstop flights between the islands and the mainland, including cities Alaska doesn’t serve directly.
Bigger Planes, More Comfort: Think wide-body aircraft like the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, complete with Hawaiian’s new Leihoku Suites — lie-flat seats with direct aisle access. Yes, that’s available with a Companion Fare!
More Availability: Hawaiian’s route network gives us more options to find award space, seats, and great flight times.
🎁 Extra Perks Just Announced
💼 Free Checked Bags
Alaska cardholders now get 1 free checked bag on Hawaiian Airlines for themselves and up to 6 guests on the same reservation.
Hawaiian Mastercard holders get 2 free bags on Alaska flights (but only for the primary cardholder).
💺 Free Extra Comfort Seats
Starting April 24, if you’re an Alaska MVP Gold 75K or 100K elite, you’ll get complimentary Extra Comfort seats when flying Hawaiian Airlines.
That means:
Extra legroom
Early boarding
Priority security
In-seat power
Amenity kits on select international flights
💡 The Credit Hacker Strategy
Here’s how to stack the value:
Use Alaska miles to book your flight (or pay cash with your Alaska card).
Apply the Companion Fare for your friend, spouse, or travel buddy.
Fly Hawaiian Airlines and enjoy all the upgraded amenities — especially on longer routes.
Save on baggage fees (and maybe even score Extra Comfort seats if you’ve got status).
That’s how you turn one credit card perk into hundreds of dollars in value — and a much better travel experience.
🔚 Final Thoughts
If you live in Hawaii or travel here often, this is one of the best moves we've seen in a while. Alaska and Hawaiian are slowly syncing up their benefits, and it’s giving travelers way more flexibility without sacrificing perks or comfort.
So if you’ve got the Alaska Airlines credit card, don’t sleep on that Companion Fare. Starting this summer, you’ve got way more ways to use it — and way more chances to travel smarter.
Maximizing Your Elite Perks with Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines
Maximizing Your Elite Perks with Alaska & Hawaiian Airlines
Hey folks, it's Scottie, the Credit Hacker, here to break down the latest shake-up in the airline loyalty world. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are teaming up to bring some serious perks to their frequent flyers. Let's dive into what this means for you and how you can maximize these new benefits.
Status Match: Double the Elite Perks
If you're an elite member with HawaiianMiles, you can now match your status with Alaska's Mileage Plan. This means Pualani Gold or Platinum members gain equivalent status in Alaska's program, unlocking access to the extensive Oneworld alliance. For those who racked up miles in both programs last year, Alaska is offering an enhanced status match, considering your combined mileage totals. This could bump you up to higher-tier perks like priority services and better award availability. However, if you're not currently holding elite status, the immediate benefits might be limited unless you've flown with both airlines and can combine your miles.
Redeem Alaska Miles on Hawaiian Flights
Alaska Mileage Plan members can now use their miles to book flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines. This adds more flexibility to Alaska's program, which already includes redemptions on partner airlines within the Oneworld alliance. Keep an eye on award availability, though; new redemption options can lead to increased demand, potentially making it trickier to snag those coveted seats.
Elite Benefits Across Airlines
Alaska's elite members now enjoy select perks when flying with Hawaiian Airlines. These include priority check-in and boarding, complimentary baggage, preferred seating at booking, and access to Extra Comfort seats at check-in when available. No need for a separate HawaiianMiles account—just use your Mileage Plan number when booking to enjoy these benefits. Note that these perks apply specifically to flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines and don't extend to Oneworld partners.
Reciprocal Mileage Earning
You can now earn miles in either Mileage Plan or HawaiianMiles, regardless of which airline you're flying. Just make sure to enter your preferred frequent flyer number into your reservation to ensure the miles land in the right account. It's still unclear how this will affect mileage accrual rates over time, especially with the potential full merger of HawaiianMiles into Mileage Plan later this year. Stay tuned for updates on how this might impact your earning potential.
Credit Card Changes
With these loyalty programs merging, there could be changes to co-branded credit cards. Currently, Bank of America issues Alaska Airlines Visa credit cards, while Barclays handles the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard. As the programs integrate, it's possible that Barclays may stop offering new Hawaiian Airlines cards, and Bank of America could become the sole issuer of co-branded cards.
What's Next?
These changes are paving the way for a single, unified loyalty program expected to launch later this year. While the exact details are still under wraps, the goal is to deliver some of the most generous benefits in the industry. As always, I'll keep you updated on the latest developments and how to hack these new perks to your advantage.
Stay savvy, travelers! ALOHA!
Unlock the Potential of Alaska Airlines Miles with the Hawaiian Airlines Merger
Unlock the Potential of Alaska Airlines Miles with the Hawaiian Airlines Merger
Exciting news for points and miles enthusiasts! The much-anticipated merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines is progressing, with significant benefits already emerging for travelers and loyalty program fans. While the Department of Transportation has yet to finalize the merger, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines have started laying the groundwork for a seamless integration.
As part of the transition, you can now transfer miles between the two airlines at a 1:1 ratio, unlocking exciting opportunities to maximize Alaska Airlines miles. If you're serious about boosting your miles game, this is your chance—and with our Credit Hacker Accelerated Program, you can capitalize on it like a pro.
Why This Merger Is a Game-Changer
According to Hawaiian Airlines, the two airlines plan to merge loyalty programs once the merger is complete. While the new program won’t launch immediately, the ability to transfer miles now is already a big win for travelers.
This development allows you to leverage Hawaiian Airlines’ unique partnerships and transfer points to Alaska Airlines, opening up new avenues for earning miles—especially valuable for booking Alaska’s sweet-spot redemptions.
How to Earn More Alaska Airlines Miles
Here’s where things get interesting for credit card users and points enthusiasts:
Hawaiian Airlines Cards
Both the Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard® and the personal version offer excellent opportunities to rack up miles. These cards will be discontinued post-merger, so now is the time to act. I don’t recommend holding this card long term, but it’s worth it just to get the signup bonus and pay the annual fee for one year only.
Bonus Tip: Business cards don’t count toward Chase’s 5/24 rule, making the business version particularly appealing for savvy earners.
American Express Membership Rewards
If you’re like every other person with a Hawaiian Miles credit card, you can instead move towards the AMEX credit cards. You can transfer AMEX Membership Rewards points to Hawaiian Airlines at a 1:1 ratio, and then to Alaska Airlines. This indirect route to earning Alaska miles may not last forever, so it’s worth exploring while it’s still available.
Don’t miss out on our program to help you strategically sign up for credit cards, maximize bonuses, and dominate the points and miles game.
With our guidance, you can make the most of cards like the AMEX Platinum, Gold, or Green for lucrative Membership Rewards points, which can fuel your Alaska Airlines account.
Alaska Airlines Sweet Spots
Alaska Airlines has a reputation for offering some of the best value for miles. Here are some examples:
I found non stop flights as low as 9,000 points from HNL → SFO
Domestic Flights: Fly within the U.S. starting at just 4,000 miles one way.
International Flights: Book a round trip from Seattle to Tokyo for just 60,000 miles plus minimal fees.
Stopovers: Alaska’s free stopover policy adds even more value, letting you explore two destinations on one ticket.
I found non-stop one way business class seats on JAL (Alaska’s Partner) for 60,000 miles.
What to Do Next
DO:
Transfer AMEX points to Hawaiian Airlines if you have an immediate Alaska Airlines redemption in mind.
Use the Credit Hacker Accelerated Program to strategically choose your next cards for earning miles. We include Amiercan express cards in our strategy.
DON’T:
Transfer miles speculatively. Only transfer when you have a specific redemption in mind, as points stuck in one program can limit flexibility.
What Happens After the Merger?
There’s still uncertainty about how things will shake out post-merger, but here’s what we know:
Hawaiian Airlines cards will transition to Alaska Airlines cards.
Alaska’s award chart may see changes (possibly less favorable).
Hawaiian may stop being an AMEX transfer partner.
By acting now, you can lock in today’s benefits before potential devaluations.
Why Sign Up Through the Credit Hacker Accelerated Program?
Navigating the points and miles world can be overwhelming, but with our program, you’ll learn how to:
Maximize your rewards across multiple credit cards.
Avoid common pitfalls, like applying for cards in the wrong order.
Accumulate miles faster than ever to book your dream trips.
Sign up now and let’s make the most of this Alaska-Hawaiian merger opportunity!
The Complete Points & Miles Breakdown of our Japan Trip 2024
How to book a 2024 Japan trip using Points & Miles.
Scott Kobayashi • June 5, 2024
Our originally projected expense for our Japan journey totaled $16,357.34. However, we managed to cover the entire cost using points and miles, with just a $408 expenditure on taxes. Intrigued? Allow me to unravel the process in three phases:
Flight from Honolulu (HNL) to Tokyo Narita (NRT)
Accommodation at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Return flight from Tokyo Haneda (HND) to Honolulu (HNL)
I'll dive into both our point redemption strategy and the methods we employed to accumulate these points at an accelerated pace."
1. Flying Business Class on Hawaiian Airlines from Honolulu, Hawaii to Narita, Japan - 65,000 Hawaiian Miles + 52,500 American Airlines Miles
Hawaiian Airlines Business class product to Japan
On our first flight, we booked two business class tickets on Hawaiian Airlines (H821) from Honolulu to Narita, Japan. This flight was on Hawaiian’s A330 aircraft and left Honolulu at 12:40pm on May 20 and arrived in Narita at 4:00pm on May 21st.
I booked my ticket using 52,500 American Airlines miles to book a Hawaiian Airlines award flight through my American American account. You can use America Airlines miles to book Hawaiian Airlines and Japan Airlines flights when available. Those flight awards are hard to come by these days, but I was able to find one on the dates I was looking at.
The only way to earn these miles from credit cards is by applying for Citi American Airlines branded credit cards that earn American Airlines Miles.
Hawaiian Airlines Business class flight for 52,500 AA Miles.
For my wife, I transferred 65,000 BILT Rewards points to her Hawaiian airlines account to book her business class ticket for 65,000 Hawaiian miles which are 50% the regular price of 130,000 Hawaiian miles.
At the time of booking, a one-way business class ticket on Hawaiian Airlines costed $2439.15. Discovering dates with a 50% discount for business class flights on Hawaiian Airlines equates to a redemption value of 2.8 cents per Hawaiian mile, which is exceptionally favorable! I regularly share these 50% off deals on my Instagram page @thecredithacker.
2. A 4 Night Stay at the The Prince Park Tower Tokyo - 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points
ザ・プリンス パークタワー東京 4 Chome-8-1 Shibakoen, Minato City, Tokyo 105-8563, Japan
Our view from our room on floor 31
Our stay at this luxurious 5-star hotel marked the most significant expense of our entire trip. I had meticulously researched this property months in advance, and it was a must-stay for me. Without a doubt, it ranks as my favorite hotel experience to date. Room prices are decent, but I paid for a special room with a tower view and Premium club floor access.
Japanese Style breakfast at SHIBAZAKURA
Some extra perks that came with our stay were:
Access to the Premium Club, floor 32 which had appetizers, snacks and drinks all throughout the day
Daily Breakfast credit ($38 USD each)
Access to private driver for one drive a day up to 10km from the hotel (only if you stay at least 3 nights)
Free Access to the Hotel Onsen, Spa, & Gym
24/7 Concierge service for floors 29-31 (premium club floors)
I paid a total of 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points through Chase’s Travel portal. I currently hold the Chase Sapphire Reserve card so I get a 50% bonus value on my points when I redeem through the portal. The costs of our hotel stay would have been $2,203.04.
3. Flying Business Class on All Nippon Airways (ANA) from Haneda, Japan to Honolulu, Hawaii - 70,000 Chase Ultimate Rewards Points
As of 23rd May 2024, VIRGIN has raised prices to 75,000 miles round trip, it previously was 70,000 miles.
I was eagerly anticipating this flight, primarily because we secured business class seats for just 35,000 points each, but also because we could finally enjoy some much-needed rest on lie-flat seats as we headed back home to Honolulu.
Securing these seats wasn't simple, as most award seats had already been claimed. However, ANA releases four seats daily, ten days prior to departure. Admittedly, it's a risky endeavor, but the payoff is substantial considering the retail cost of each seat exceeded $4,000! Utilizing Seats.aero, I managed to locate two business class seats for May 25th. Having already transferred my Chase points to Virgin Airlines miles, I promptly used them to book the ANA seats. For a step-by-step guide on using Chase points to book ANA flights through Virgin Atlantic, check out "HOW TO FLY TO JAPAN."
After confirming the availability of award seats, I immediately contacted Virgin Atlantic to secure our booking on May 16th, just nine days prior to departure. Throughout the year, I've closely monitored this flight on Seats.aero and observed that ANA typically releases 4 Business class seats every nine out of ten days leading up to departure. Hence, I estimate there's about a 90% chance of securing a seat. If you're apprehensive about the risk involved, I recommend:
Booking a refundable flight using cash. If award flights become available, simply cancel your cash booking and switch to the rewards flight.
Maintaining flexibility and ensuring you have a two-day window prior to departure to increase your chances of finding business class availability.
Leveraging Chase points to book a last-minute economy flight through the portal if business class seats don't open up on your preferred date.
High risk, High Reward! Retail value of each seat was $4,638.00 x 2 = $9,276.00, bring our cost per point to an astonishing 13.2 cents!
Final Costs Breakdown
Hawaiian Airlines Business class from HNL -> NRT
Dollar Cost Total: $4,878.30
What we paid in Points: 52,500 AA Miles + 65,000 HA Miles = 117,500 miles
Hotel stay at the The Prince Park Tower Tokyo
Dollar Cost Total: $2,203.04.
What we paid in Points: 146,869 Chase Ultimate Reward Points
All Nippon Airways Business class from HND -> HNL
Dollar Cost Total:$9,276.00
What we paid in Points: 70,000 Chase Ultimate Reward Points + $408 tax
Total cost of the trip = $16,357.34
We paid = 334,369 Points + Miles + $408 in taxes
Points Breakdown: 52,500 AA Miles + 65,000 HA miles + 216,869 Chase Points
*Want to earn 415,000 chase points in a year?
We have a 5-card strategy that we will walk you through to earn those points for a combined credit card annual fee of $190.
If you are interested, click here to learn more!
"Unlocking Value: The Top 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners for Maximum Benefits"
"Unlocking Value: 5 Chase Ultimate Rewards Transfer Partners for Maximum Benefits"
One of the best ways to redeem Chase Ultimate Reward points for travel is by transferring them to one of Chase's 14 Transfer Partners. If you're unsure how to transfer Chase points, check our how to guide here. Remember, you'll need a Chase Sapphire Preferred, Chase Sapphire Reserve, or Ink Business Preferred card to transfer points. Some transfer partners are better than others, so let's explore five of my favorites.
1. Hyatt: Optimal Hotel Redemption
When it comes to hotel redemptions, Hyatt is the shining star among Chase's transfer partners. With a 1:1 transfer ratio, your Chase points go a long way with Hyatt. What sets Hyatt apart is its fixed award chart, providing predictability and transparency in redemption rates. Whether it's an off-peak getaway or a peak season retreat, you'll always know how many points you need for your stay, ensuring excellent value for your Chase points.
12,000 Hyatt points per night at Hyatt Regency Tokyo Bay
15,000 points for Hyatt House at Anaheim for hotels near Disneyland.
2. Iberia: Affordable Business Class Flights
Iberia offers some of the most affordable rates for international business class flights, making it an attractive option for travelers seeking luxury without breaking the bank. With just 34,000 points one way from the East Coast and Midwest to Madrid during off-peak periods, Iberia provides a full business class experience at an economy price. Add in frequent transfer bonuses, and you've got yourself a winning strategy for maximizing your Chase points.
17,000 Avios for Economy & 34,000 Avios for Business Class
3. British Airways: Access to OneWorld Alliance
While you can't transfer Chase points directly to American Airlines, you can transfer them to British Airways, a member of the OneWorld Alliance. This opens up opportunities to book flights with American Airlines and other OneWorld partners using British Airways Avios. With competitive redemption rates and access to a vast network of airlines, including Qatar Airways and Japan Airlines, British Airways offers flexibility and value for your Chase points.
Economy flights on Japan Airlines starting at 25,750 miles + fees from HNL to Nagoya, Japan.
4. Flying Blue: Flexible Redemption Options
Flying Blue, the loyalty program for Air France and KLM, offers flexibility and value for Chase Ultimate Reward Points. With competitive redemption rates for both economy and business class flights, Flying Blue is a versatile option for travelers. Take advantage of monthly promo rewards and occasional transfer bonuses to score excellent deals on award flights to Europe and beyond. With diligent search efforts, you can unlock hidden gems and maximize your travel experience.
Direct Business class seats from JFK - AMS (Amsterdam)
5. Aeroplan: Comprehensive Star Alliance Access
Aeroplan, the loyalty program for Air Canada, provides comprehensive access to the Star Alliance network, making it an ideal choice for travelers seeking diverse redemption options. With a wide range of partner airlines, including United, Singapore Airlines, and Lufthansa, Aeroplan offers flexibility and convenience in booking award flights. Compare redemption rates and availability across different programs to make the most out of your Chase Ultimate Reward Points.
Direct United flights from HNL to SFO for 12,500 Aeroplan Points
Conclusion
Your Chase Ultimate Reward Points offer endless possibilities for unforgettable travel experiences. By leveraging transfer partners like Hyatt, Iberia, Flying Blue, British Airways, and Aeroplan, you can maximize the value of your points and unlock premium rewards. Whether you're dreaming of luxury hotel stays or business class flights, these strategies provide achievable and rewarding options for travelers of all kinds.
Unlocking Value: Amex Offers 30% Bonus on Transfers to Virgin Atlantic until May 31, 2024.
Unlocking Value: Amex Offers 30% Bonus on Transfers to Virgin Atlantic
American Express Membership Rewards has launched an enticing promotion, offering a 30% bonus on transfers to Virgin Atlantic Flying Club. This offer is available starting on April 21 and extends through May 31, 2024.
Here are the key details:
Eligibility: To take advantage of this offer, you must be an eligible Membership Rewards® Card Member enrolled in Virgin Atlantic Flying Club.
Minimum Transfer: The minimum transfer requirement is 1,000 Membership Rewards points.
Redemption Period: The exclusive offer is redeemable from 12:00 a.m. MT on April 21, 2024, to 11:59 p.m. MT on May 31, 2024.
Bonus Points: Enjoy an additional 30% Virgin Points added to your transfer at the time of completion.
Transfer Time: While transfers are generally immediate, please allow up to 72 hours for the points to reflect in your Virgin Atlantic Flying Club account.
Our Take:
Todd (@Hawaiiaward travel) redeeming his Virgin Atlantic Miles for ANA First Class “The Suite” from HNL to Narita.
This promotion presents a valuable opportunity for travelers who can find suitable award availability with Virgin Atlantic or its partner airlines. Virgin Atlantic Flying Club boasts several attractive redemption options, including the renowned Delta One to Europe for just 50,000 Virgin Atlantic Flying Club points and ANA first class to Japan for just a little more, a considerable saving compared to Delta's SkyMiles pricing.
While Virgin Atlantic flights often entail high surcharges, particularly on their own flights, this offer can still make sense for individuals who would otherwise pay for a Virgin Atlantic flight. It's worth noting that surcharges tend to be more affordable when departing from certain foreign destinations.
In summary, with its 30% bonus offer, Amex provides a compelling incentive for card members to explore the possibilities within Virgin Atlantic Flying Club's redemption options.
Our Favortie American Express Cards:
The American Express Gold Card
The American Express® Gold Card is a fantastic choice for anyone who enjoys dining out and shopping for groceries. With 4 points per dollar on both dining purchases and U.S. supermarket spending, you'll quickly rack up rewards on everyday purchases.
Plus, new cardholders can take advantage of a generous welcome bonus of 60,000 Membership Rewards® points after spending $6,000 on eligible purchases within the first 6 months.
While the card does have an annual fee of $250, the benefits more than make up for it. Monthly dining credits and Uber Cash help offset the cost, making this card a great value for those who love to indulge in good food and earn rewards while doing so.
The American Express Platinum Card
The Platinum Card® is a top-tier luxury card with a $695 annual fee. But for that price, you get some incredible benefits. You'll earn 5 points per dollar when booking flights with airlines or through AmEx Travel (up to $500,000 annually) and on prepaid hotel reservations through AmEx Travel.
Plus, there's a hefty welcome bonus of 80,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $8,000 in the first 6 months. You'll also enjoy fee credits for Global Entry or TSA PreCheck, up to $500 in annual Uber credits, $200 in airline fee credits, $200 in credits for Fine Hotels + Resorts® or The Hotel Collection bookings, $300 for Equinox, $240 for entertainment purchases, and $100 at Saks Fifth Avenue. You even get automatic Gold elite status with Hilton and Marriott. Terms apply for enrollment and benefits.
The American Express Business Gold Card
The American Express® Business Gold Card is designed to match your spending patterns, making it a valuable option for many businesses. You'll earn 4x Membership Rewards points on two categories where you spend the most each month, with options like advertising, gas stations, and restaurants.
Plus, you'll get 3x points on flights and prepaid hotels booked through AmEx Travel. Another standout feature is the 25% rebate on airline redemptions when using Pay With Points, potentially giving you a higher value per point compared to other cards. With a welcome offer worth up to $930 in value, this card is definitely worth considering for businesses looking to maximize their rewards. Terms apply.
3 Best Ways to Redeem Points in Hawaii
3 Easy Ways to Redeem Points in Hawaii
I was recently interviewed by Julia Menez from Geobreeze Travel to discuss credit and travel hacks to Hawaii. Click here to listen to the Podcast.
My Credit & Travel Hacking Journey
I was born and raised here in Hawaii and grew up around the travel business. My grandfather & father were in the travel business, both owning a travel booking service and tour bus company.
I started to travel and credit hack in early 2016 because I was eager to find a cheaper & more efficient way to travel, while still saving up for financial investments. So I got my first credit card, the Barclay Arrival+ card. The 80,000 points sign-up bonus is what attracted me to the card, but I later realized that after redeeming the points earned from the sign-up bonus, points were hard to earn afterward and that Barclay’s points weren’t valuable, each point only worth 1 cent.
Following this discovery, a friend turned me onto the Chase Trifecta, which is the trio of these 3 Chase credit cards the CHASE SAPPHIRE PREFERRED, CHASE FREEDOM UNLIMITED, & the CHASE FREEDOM FLEX. With these three cards, I built a more sustainable model to earn points and my points are worth more when redeeming them through the Chase travel portal at 1.25-1.5 cents per point.
After mastering the Chase trifecta, I then opened a dozen more credit cards, using my own strategies as well as tips from other travel hackers, while still maintaining a credit score over 800. This is only a short summary of my journey, but I did want to share some deals with you all as a credit hacker and resident of Hawaii.
Look for these Deals when traveling to Hawaii
1.WEST COAST TO HAWAII UNDER $60 or 10,000 points on Southwest Airlines.
In March 2019, Southwest Airlines announced it would begin routes from the west coast to Hawaii. Prior to their arrival, Hawaiian airlines held the majority of the interisland travel and west coast travel, but Southwest Airlines has come in and taken the majority of those routes. Their cheap prices, customer service & unique boarding style have made it the preferred choice of travel to and from the islands.
On low travel seasons, direct flights can be purchased at under 10,000 southwest points. Not enough Southwest points? Apply for the Southwest Rapid Rewards® Plus Credit Card for an extra 40,000 southwest points or transfer your points directly from your Chase account at a 1 to 1 transfer ratio.
2. INTER-ISLAND TRAVEL UNDER $30 or 2,000 Points on Southwest Airlines.
Along with the cheap west coast flights, Southwest started routes in between the islands of Hawaii. Those routes include flights between the Big Island (Hawaii), Maui, Kauai, & Oahu. Prices average between $39-59 (2500 - 5000 points) one way, but on occasion, prices have dropped below $29 (2,000 points ) during off-seasons. Do your research and look for these deals on inter-island flights.
3. LUXURY STAY at the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort at 30,000 points a night.
Hyatt is regarded as the best hotel transfer with Chase, with The Points Guy valuing one Hyatt point at 1.7 cents (April 2021). This is an incredible redemption rate, but the Andaz Maui at Wailea Resort is part of the Hyatt Collection boasts an even higher value for your points at over 3 cents per Hyatt point. At the time of this article, booking a standard room costs $1097.00 per night. Hyatt’s category point system allows this Category 7 resort to be priced no more than 30,000 Hyatt points a night! If you do the math, that’s 3.65 cents per Hyatt point. To top this amazing deal off, Chase transfers points to Hyatt at a 1:1 ratio. Chase also has a co-branded Hyatt Visa credit card that you can get for a 60,000 point sign-up bonus, a free anniversary night, and other travel benefits.
Updated Nov 2023: As a Category 8 Hyatt, the Andaz Maui at Wailea will cost you 35,000-45,000 World of Hyatt points per night.
There are many other travel deals when traveling to Hawaii, but these 3 will bring the most value to your points. If you would like to get started with your credit/travel journey, you can support our channel by applying for your cards HERE.
Can I get from International Terminal G to Terminal 3 at SFO without going through security?
Can I get from International Terminal G to Terminal 3 at SFO without going through security?
Airside connector between Terminal 3 & International Terminal G
I recently was on a trip to San Francisco, flying from HNL to SFO on Hawaiian airlines and trying to figure out If I could access Terminal 3 without going through security. Our flight attendants and check-in personal said we would have to re-clear security again and online blogs were vague, but we suspected otherwise. Terminal 3 has the American Express Centurion Lounge and 2 restaurants (San Francisco Giants Clubhouse, Yankee Pier) that Priority Pass members & their one other guest can receive $28 of dining credit each.
So can you access TERMINAL 3 from International TERMINAL G?
The answer is: YES, via the Airside Connector
Directions: Upon landing in International Terminal G, proceed toward the end of the terminal, walking along the left side. DO NOT go outside security or else you will have to re-clear security again, instead make a left and you will see the United Polaris Lounge.
Keep walking and you will eventually come to the Terminal 3 airside connector, a small enclosed walkway that connects both terminals. Continue walking through it and follow the signs that lead to Gate F and you eventually find gate F1 which is Terminal 3.
It’s important to not pass any “No Re-entry Signs” or else you will have to re-clear security again.
More info on SFO Terminals
There are 4 main terminal areas that you can commute to without having to go through security again. Those areas are:
International Terminal A (Gates A1-A12)
International Terminal G (Gates G91-G102) connects to Domestic Terminal 3 (Gates 60-90)
Domestic Terminal 1 (Gates 40-48) connects to Domestic Terminal 2 (Gates 50-59)
Domestic Terminal 1 (Gates 20-28)
Below is a list of Airlines operating from their terminals at SFO:
International Terminal A
AeroMexico
Avianca
British Airways
Cathay Pacific
China Airlines
China Eastern
China Southern
El Al
Emirates
Finnair
French Bee
Hawaiian Airlines
Iberia
Icelandair
Interjet
Japan Airlines
JetBlue
KLM
Korean Air
Level
Norwegian
Philippine Airlines
Qantas
Sun Country Airlines
Virgin Atlantic
WestJet
International Terminal G
Aer Lingus
Air Canada
Air China
Air France
Air India
Air New Zealand
Asiana Airlines
Copa Airlines
Eva Air
Fiji Airways
Lufthansa
SAS
Singapore Airlines
Swiss International Air Lines
TAP Air Portugal
Turkish Airlines
United Airlines
Terminal 1
Delta Air Lines
Frontier Airlines
Southwest Airlines
Terminal 2
Alaska Airlines
American Airlines
Terminal 3
United Airlines
Before you plan your trip to SFO, make sure to map out the locations of the lounges you want to visit. The 2 restaurants give you a total of $56 dining credit to use. If you want to take full advantage of this, dine at one restaurant and order take out/have a drink at the other. If you are full, maximize your credit by ordering premium water bottles for your travels.