Alaska and Hawaiian Are Officially Joining Forces. Here’s How That Will Affect Air Travel

08.10.2024 - 14:13 / afar.com

Over the past decade, four airlines have dominated in the U.S.: United, Delta, American, and Southwest. Now, Alaska Airlines is making a run at the incumbents—by joining forces with Honolulu-based Hawaiian Airlines.

In a move first announced last December, Alaska recently completed its acquisition of Hawaiian, clearing hurdles from both the U.S. Department of Justice and the Department of Transportation. It’s the first major airline deal since 2016, when Alaska bought Virgin America. While Alaska eventually killed that brand, that’s not expected to happen with its Hawaiian purchase.

Let’s break down what the merger means for travelers, including how quickly passengers can expect to see changes.

Alaska and Hawaiian will maintain distinct brand identities, with no immediate changes in day-to-day operations. Long story short: The Hawaiian logo, along with the company’s rich island heritage, isn’t going anywhere.

“Alaska and Hawaiian share tremendous pride in connecting communities with award-winning service, and we look forward to inviting more guests on board to experience what makes both brands unique,” Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, said in a statement.

Meanwhile, Alaska will open a regional headquarters in Honolulu, which will become the airline’s second-largest hub after Seattle. The integration will also allow travelers to purchase tickets from both carriers on each of the airline’s respective websites.

In addition, Alaska lounge members can now access Alaska lounges when flying Hawaiian Airlines. However, for the time being Hawaiian lounges are exclusively for guests of Hawaiian Airlines only, as the website notes.

Together, Alaska and Hawaiian account for about 40 percent of flights (roughly 6.8 million seats a year) from the mainland to Hawai’i, according to data from travel deal tracking app Going. With less competition in the region, travelers may face higher fares.

That could mean more expensive intra-island flights, which local residents frequently use to commute to work and visit loved ones. For its part, Alaska said in a statement that it will be “fully committed to investing in the communities of Hawai’i and maintaining the Neighbor Island service [service available between the Hawaiian Islands] that Hawaiian Airlines travelers have come to expect.” The DOT will also require Alaska to maintain service to small, rural communities in both Alaska and Hawaii.

In the coming months, Alaska plans to launch a free travel program designed specifically for Hawaiian residents called Huaka‘i by Hawaiian. Perks of this program, which is the first initiative of its kind for the airline, will include benefits on inter-island flights, such as 10 percent off one booking per quarter and a free