Merger Milestones: A Local View on the Alaska-Hawaiian Combine
A recent flight in the Leihoku Suites on the 787 Dreamliner using Atmos Points to book.
Alaska + Hawaiian Merger Hits a Technical Milestone
If you’ve been hearing all the chatter about the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger, you’ve probably noticed, the national coverage has been rough. Words like “loss of identity,” “fare hikes,” and “sellout” have been thrown around a lot.
At Hawaii Reward Travel, we try to keep things neutral and local. The truth is, this merger does change a lot, but it’s not all bad news for Hawai‘i travelers. Let’s unpack what’s actually happening, what’s just noise, and how it affects your travel (and your Atmos Rewards account).
What Just Happened: The Technical Milestone
Alaska recently announced a big behind the scenes step: they’ve now connected the technical systems of both airlines.
Here’s what that means:
By April 2026, bookings for both Hawaiian and Alaska flights will appear in one system.
Travelers might start to see Alaska flight numbers instead of “HA” codes, even when flying on a Hawaiian plane.
Seats, bookings, and miles already earned won’t disappear. If you had a HawaiianMiles number, that’s now part of your new Atmos Rewards account.
This integration is what airlines call a “passenger service system merge”, the backbone that runs everything from ticket sales to check-ins. It’s a massive technical milestone that allows both airlines to finally operate as one network.
What’s Changing for Hawai‘i Travelers
1. Flight Numbers + Codes
Starting October 29, 2025, Hawaiian will begin switching its “HA” callsign to “Alaska.” Over time, expect all Hawaiian flights to carry Alaska codes (AS) in search results and on boarding passes.
✈️ Example: HA445 → becomes AS845
Even though the number changes, the plane, crew, and service on board will often remain the same — at least for now.
2. Loyalty Programs = One Unified System
This is where Atmos Rewards comes in. It’s the new joint program replacing HawaiianMiles and Alaska’s Mileage Plan.
If you linked your HawaiianMiles and Alaska Mileage Plan accounts before September 26, your miles automatically transferred into your Atmos Rewards profile on October 1, 2025.
With Atmos, you can now:
Earn and redeem across both airlines
Access expanded partners (Japan Airlines, British Airways, etc.)
Choose how you earn points in 2026 by miles flown, price paid, or segments (a first for a U.S. airline)
Get 50% bonus points + status points for Neighbor Island flights through Huaka‘i by Hawaiian
If you didn’t merge your accounts, don’t panic, a separate account was created for you, and you can merge them anytime inside Atmos Rewards.
3. What About Interisland Flights?
DOT approval of the merger came with conditions to protect local routes. That means Alaska must continue serving Hawai‘i’s Neighbor Islands at similar levels for several years after the merger.
So far, flights between HNL–OGG–LIH–KOA are staying steady, with minor schedule adjustments. Over time, we may even see more consistent aircraft and better connections to the mainland.
4. Will Prices Go Up?
That’s the biggest fear, and it’s valid. Anytime competition shrinks, fares can creep higher.
However, Alaska committed (as part of the approval deal) to maintain affordable pricing on key interisland and mainland routes through at least 2030. Regulators are watching this closely. So, if prices jump too far, you’ll likely hear about it fast.
5. What’s Staying the Same (For Now)
Hawaiian’s A330s and A321neos will continue flying under Hawaiian branding into 2026.
The “Aloha Spirit” in service and culture is something both airlines say they’re determined to preserve.
The Honolulu hub remains critical. Alaska has said HNL will stay a “gateway to Asia-Pacific,” not a downsized outpost.
Why This Might Actually Help Local Travelers
Let’s be honest: we’ve had limited flight options from Hawai‘i for years. Fewer airlines, higher costs, and inconsistent redemption value. With this merger:
You’ll get access to a wider mainland and international network (especially via Alaska’s Seattle and Portland hubs).
Atmos Rewards will make it easier to mix and match redemptions across both airlines.
Huaka‘i by Hawaiian will reward kama‘āina flyers with those 50% bonus miles for island travel.
If Alaska keeps its promises, this could actually open doors for more travel opportunities out of Hawai‘i.
How To Protect Yourself During the Transition
Keep screenshots of your miles and reservations — especially if traveling between now and April 2026.
Double-check flight codes and times when you fly late 2025 into 2026.
Update your Atmos Rewards login info if you haven’t merged accounts yet.
Book through official airline sites instead of OTAs to avoid confusion with the new flight numbers.
Scottie’s Take
Yeah, there’s been a lot of noise, and honestly, I get why. Hawaiian Airlines means something to people here. It’s not just a logo or livery; it’s the airline that’s carried our families for generations.
But if we zoom out: this merger doesn’t have to mean the “end” of Hawaiian Airlines, it could be an evolution. If Atmos Rewards delivers on its promises, locals could benefit more than before: better connections, more flexibility, and still a touch of aloha in the sky.
At the end of the day, I am a Hawaii resident, generations born and raised here. I will continue to help Locals find the best prices and strategies to travel from and to Hawaii, regardless of mergers and airline changes.
Time will tell if Alaska truly keeps the Hawaiian heart alive in this merger. Until then, my goal is to help you navigate the changes, without losing sight of what makes flying from Hawai‘i special.
