Credit Cards, Hawaiian Airlines, Travel Scott Kobayashi Credit Cards, Hawaiian Airlines, Travel Scott Kobayashi

What’s Happening to HawaiianMiles? Big Changes Ahead for Hawaii Travelers

What’s Happening to HawaiianMiles? Big Changes Ahead for Hawaii Travelers

Worried about your HawaiianMiles? You're not alone.
Here at Hawaii Reward Travel, we’ve been getting flooded with questions like:

“Are my miles going to disappear?”
“Should I transfer them to someone?”
“Is it true I can’t use Amex points with Hawaiian anymore?”

Let’s clear the confusion.

HawaiianMiles will officially end in August 2025 as part of the Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines merger. But don’t panic—your miles aren’t going to disappear. They’ll convert 1:1 into Alaska Mileage Plan miles, and we’re here to walk you through how that works and what steps to take today to protect your travel goals.Big changes are coming to our local skies. HawaiianMiles, the loyalty program many of us have relied on for interisland getaways and mainland trips, is set to end in August 2025 as Hawaiian Airlines transitions into Alaska Airlines' Mileage Plan. While your miles won't disappear, the familiar perks and local touches we've come to appreciate will be replaced by a new system.

🌺 What's Changing?

  • HawaiianMiles Program Ends: Starting mid-August 2025, HawaiianMiles will no longer be active. All existing miles will automatically convert to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles at a 1:1 ratio.

  • Credit Card Transitions: Barclays-issued Hawaiian Airlines credit cards will be phased out. While a specific end date hasn't been announced, it's anticipated that current cardholders will transition to Bank of America's Alaska Airlines credit cards over time.

  • Amex Membership Rewards Transfers Ending: If you've been transferring American Express Membership Rewards points to HawaiianMiles, note that this option will cease after June 30, 2025. Alaska Airlines does not partner with Amex, so this transfer pathway will no longer be available.

✈️ What You Can Do Now

  1. Link Your Accounts: Connect your HawaiianMiles and Alaska Mileage Plan accounts to facilitate a smooth transition and manage your miles effectively.

  2. Transfer your Miles Soon: Consider transferring your HawaiianMiles before the program ends. It’s likely to expect “hiccups” in integrating the 2 programs.

  3. Plan for Credit Card Changes: If you hold a Hawaiian Airlines credit card, stay informed about the upcoming changes and consider how the transition to an Alaska Airlines card might affect your travel rewards strategy.

🤝 We're Here to Help

At Hawaii Reward Travel, we understand that these changes can be unsettling. Our mission is to assist our local community in navigating this transition smoothly. Whether you need help linking accounts, understanding the new Mileage Plan, or exploring alternative travel rewards options, we're here for you.

Feel free to reach out with your questions or concerns. Let's work together to make the most of your travel rewards in this new chapter.

Mahalo nui loa for being part of our travel ‘ohana.

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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

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

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Credit Cards, Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines Scott Kobayashi Credit Cards, Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines Scott Kobayashi

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.

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The HawaiianMiles Letdown: What Every Local Flyer Needs to Know.

The HawaiianMiles Letdown: What Every Local Flyer Needs to Know.

If you’ve been saving up your HawaiianMiles, you might want to take a closer look before planning that next trip to the mainland or beyond.

In a quiet but significant change, Hawaiian Airlines has dramatically increased the number of miles required for award flights — with some First Class redemptions now costing up to 250,000 miles roundtrip. Even economy award flights have seen sharp increases, with little to no notice given to members.

For travelers from Hawaii who rely on HawaiianMiles as their go-to option, this is frustrating and costly.

What Changed with HawaiianMiles?

Hawaiian Airlines recently adjusted its award pricing behind the scenes. While they previously operated under a more predictable chart or saver-level pricing, the new structure is completely dynamic — meaning prices fluctuate wildly based on demand, season, and route.

What used to be a 40,000–60,000-mile roundtrip to the mainland in economy can now spike to 100,000+ miles. First Class awards that used to hover around 80,000–100,000 miles are now topping 250,000 miles roundtrip in some cases.

There was no official announcement or clear communication to loyalty members. Just stealthy increases that leave many travelers feeling blindsided.

✈️ Here’s an interesting trend: As HawaiianMiles prices creep higher, many Hawaii travelers are finding that Hawaiian Airlines flights are actually cheaper when booked with Alaska Airlines miles. It almost feels like Hawaiian is nudging people toward Alaska’s program, especially since they’re merging. If you're thinking of converting your HawaiianMiles to AlaskaMiles in the future, just be aware: these changes could be strategic.

Why This Matters for Hawaii-Based Travelers

As locals, we already face a unique challenge: we have to fly just to get anywhere outside our island home. Many of us grew up trusting HawaiianMiles as the best option — but that loyalty is now being tested.

With unpredictable pricing and poor value on redemptions, relying solely on HawaiianMiles may no longer be the smartest strategy for those of us looking to stretch our points.

A Better Way to Fly Free from Hawaii

At Hawaii Reward Travel, we teach a different path — one that’s not tied to just one airline or rewards program. The key is using flexible credit card points that can transfer to multiple airline partners, giving you way more control and better value.

Cards that earn points like Chase Ultimate Rewards, Amex Membership Rewards, or Capital One Miles allow you to transfer to airlines like United, Alaska, Singapore, Air Canada, and even ANA — which can get you roundtrip flights to the mainland or Japan for a fraction of the points Hawaiian is now charging.

We’ve helped Hawaii-based families book:

  • Roundtrip flights to Vegas for 30,000 points

  • Business Class to Japan for under 75,000 points

What You Can Do Right Now

Don’t transfer more points into HawaiianMiles without checking redemption rates first.

Think about converting your Hawaiian Miles to Alaska Miles at a 1:1 ratio, they are worth more.

Start earning flexible points that give you more options and better redemptions.

Reach out to us if you want help crafting a personalized strategy. Learn more here

You deserve to travel farther, better, and for less, even from Hawaii. Don't let one airline limit your dreams.

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Big Changes Coming: Hawaiian Airlines is Ending Several Partnerships by June 30

Aloha friends,

Scottie here, and I wanted to give you a heads-up about some important updates happening with Hawaiian Airlines, especially if you’ve been earning or redeeming miles with partner airlines or using your HawaiianMiles in other ways.

As Hawaiian Airlines gets deeper into its merger with Alaska Airlines, they’ve officially announced that several partnerships will end on June 30, 2025. This affects both travel partners (like international airlines) and non-travel partners (like local businesses we all love here in Hawai‘i).

Let’s break it down 👇

🌍 Airline Partners Being Dropped

Here’s the list of airline partners that will no longer be available starting June 30, 2025:

  • Virgin Australia

  • Virgin Atlantic

  • China Airlines

  • Japan Airlines

  • Korean Air

  • JetBlue

If you want to use your HawaiianMiles with any of these airlines, you’ll need to book your flights by June 30, 2025, for travel no later than February 28, 2026. After that, you’ll be out of luck.

This is a big deal, especially if you’ve been using HawaiianMiles for flights to Asia, Australia, or the mainland U.S. through partners like JetBlue or Japan Airlines.

🍛 Local Business Partners also saying Aloha

A few beloved local and lifestyle partners are also ending their relationship with HawaiianMiles on the same date:

  • Foodland

  • Hele Gas Stations

  • Kono’s

  • Koa Pancake House

  • The Alley

  • Maui Jim

  • Boyd Rewards (Las Vegas)

If you’ve been earning or redeeming miles while buying groceries, eating loco mocos, or filling up gas, that’s all going away after June 30, 2025.

Some of these might rejoin under Alaska’s Mileage Plan, but nothing is confirmed yet.

🔄 What About Amex Transfers?

This is a big one for many of you.

Right now, Amex Membership Rewards points can be transferred to HawaiianMiles, which some people have been using as a sneaky backdoor way to get those miles into Alaska Airlines (thanks to the new 1:1 Hawaiian → Alaska transfer).

But this door might be closing.

There’s no official date announced yet, but many are speculating this Amex → Hawaiian → Alaska route will end soon—maybe even on June 30.

If you’re planning to move points around, do it sooner than later. If you’re looking for the right Amex card sign-up bonus to work on before June 30, sign up here for our card program, and we can effectively give you the next best AMEX card to apply for.

🧭 What You Can Do Now

Here’s what I’d recommend if you’re based in Hawaii and have been using HawaiianMiles:

  1. Use your miles before June 30 if you want to book with Japan Airlines, Korean Air, etc.

  2. Consider transferring your HawaiianMiles to Alaska Mileage Plan if you’re planning future trips and want more redemption options. Transfer your miles here.

  3. Link your Hawaiian and Alaska accounts now so you're set up when the full integration hits later this year.

  4. Stay updated—these programs are evolving fast.

🌺 Final Thoughts from Scottie

I know a lot of us in Hawai‘i have trusted HawaiianMiles for years. These changes might feel like we’re saying goodbye to a familiar system, but they’re also opening up some new opportunities with Alaska’s Mileage Plan, which honestly offers some solid redemptions for West Coast and international flights.

If you’re not sure how these changes affect your personal travel plans, or you want help figuring out the best way to use your HawaiianMiles or Amex points, I’ve got your back.

Drop a comment, DM me on IG @Hawaiirewardtravel, or shoot me a message and we’ll create a game plan to make sure you still fly free and travel smart from Hawaii.

With aloha,
Scottie

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Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Credit Cards Scott Kobayashi Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, Credit Cards Scott Kobayashi

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:

  1. Use Alaska miles to book your flight (or pay cash with your Alaska card).

  2. Apply the Companion Fare for your friend, spouse, or travel buddy.

  3. Fly Hawaiian Airlines and enjoy all the upgraded amenities — especially on longer routes.

  4. 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.

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Airlines, Credit Cards, Travel, Hawaiian Airlines Scott Kobayashi Airlines, Credit Cards, Travel, Hawaiian Airlines Scott Kobayashi

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!

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Exploring the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: What’s New and Noteworthy

Exploring the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: What’s New and Noteworthy

Exploring the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan: What’s New and Noteworthy

If you’re an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan member—or just curious about the program—there’s plenty to love, especially with the exciting changes following their acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. Alaska Mileage Plan remains one of the most rewarding airline loyalty programs, thanks to its valuable miles, strong partnerships, and unique perks.

The 2023 entry into the oneworld alliance significantly expanded Alaska’s global reach, introducing a unified award chart with excellent redemption "sweet spots." The recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines adds even more appeal, with HawaiianMiles temporarily transferable to Alaska miles on a 1:1 basis, offering new ways to combine miles.

Core benefits like generous mileage earnings and easier-to-achieve elite status continue to make the program a favorite, especially for West Coast travelers. With its evolving features and integration with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Mileage Plan is a loyalty program worth exploring. Here’s a quick overview of the Alaska Airlines Plan.

What’s New with Alaska Airlines Post-Acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines?

The acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines opens up new opportunities for Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members. Here are some of the standout updates:

  • New Transoceanic Flights: Alaska Airlines now offers flights from the U.S. to Japan and Korea, with some featuring lie-flat seats—great news for those seeking a more comfortable long-haul journey.

  • New Premium Credit Card: Expected perks include earning 3x points abroad, a companion fare (not limited to paid flights), and elite status boosts.

  • Improved Award Booking Options: Soon, members will be able to book award tickets that combine multiple partners, breaking free of the current "one non-Alaska partner" restriction.

What Makes Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Stand Out?

Even before the Hawaiian Airlines merger, Alaska’s Mileage Plan had plenty of features that appealed to frequent flyers:

  • Mileage-Based Earnings: You earn miles for paid flights based on distance flown rather than ticket cost, which is especially beneficial for domestic economy flights.

  • Elite Status Benefits: Achieving elite status is reportedly easier compared to other airline programs.

  • Free Stopovers: Add a free stopover to most one-way award tickets, essentially giving you an extra destination.

  • Flexible Award Changes: Changing award tickets is free and hassle-free.

  • Sweet Spot Awards: Alaska’s award chart includes excellent value routes, often referred to as "sweet spots" by frequent flyers.

  • Shared Miles for Awards: You can pool miles from multiple accounts to pay for an award flight.

  • Elite Qualifying Miles on Partner Awards: Even partner award bookings earn elite qualifying miles based on distance flown.

Potential Drawbacks of the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan

No mileage program is perfect, and Alaska Airlines is no exception. Here are a few limitations to consider:

  • Limited International Routes: Alaska is still building its presence outside North America, although their strong network of partners helps mitigate this.

  • First Class Critiques: Alaska’s first-class offerings don’t measure up to some competitors, though the Hawaiian Airlines acquisition may lead to improvements.

  • Fewer Transfer Options: Unlike other airlines, Alaska doesn’t have robust partnerships with bank rewards programs, except for Bilt.

  • Single Non-Alaska Partner Restriction: Currently, award bookings can only include one non-Alaska partner, though this is set to change soon.

For Hawai‘i-based travelers, these updates are especially exciting. Whether you’re booking interisland flights or dreaming of international adventures, Alaska Airlines is leveling up its offerings to meet your needs.

If you want a more in depth look into the Alaska Mileage program, the Frequent Miler wrote a comprehensive guide here.

Happy flying!

Aloha,

The Credit Hacker

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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:

  1. 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.

  2. 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.

  3. Credit Hacker Accelerated Program

    • 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!

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