Hawaiian-Alaska Airlines merger: What we know (and want to know) about the future loyalty program

22.08.2024 - 22:18 / thepointsguy.com / Josh Green

On Tuesday, the U.S. Department of Justice opted not to block the proposed merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The news comes just eight months after the two U.S. carriers announced the $1.9 billion deal.

"I am confident that by the joining of these two airlines, a stronger company will emerge and offer more travel options for Hawai'i residents and local businesses — and will enhance competition across the U.S. airline industry," Hawaii Gov. Josh Green said in a statement. "I appreciate the DOJ's strong consideration of Hawai'i's unique needs during its review of the proposed merger. I look forward to this merger proceeding and the overwhelming consumer, employee and community benefits that will result from it."

For Hawaiian Airlines loyalty program enthusiasts, what will the benefits of this potential merger look like? Though Alaska Airlines plans to keep Hawaiian Airlines as a separate brand, the programs will operate under one loyalty program.

So, is it safe to assume Hawaiian Airlines will adopt the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan program, or will the two carriers operate under a new name entirely?

While the merger still needs to be approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, the potential consolidation of these two programs has left us with several questions on how this merger will affect those wanting to earn and redeem miles, use elite status benefits and more.

Keep reading to find out more about what we know about the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger, as well as what we want to know if this consolidation officially goes through.

At this time, details are scant regarding how the conjoined loyalty program will operate once the consolidation is complete. According to a Securities and Exchange Commission document filed by Hawaiian in December 2023, the two airlines' loyalty programs will be combined into one shared loyalty program, and your miles will carry over.

Additionally, if you currently hold elite status with Hawaiian Airlines, your status will also be carried over. However, neither Hawaiian nor Alaska has specified how Pualani Gold or Pualani Platinum members' status will match Alaska's Mileage Plan elite status tiers.

"It is expected that [the elite tiers] will offer comparable or better benefits to what you receive today," per the SEC document.

Another benefit of the merger is Hawaiian Airlines joining the Oneworld alliance. Currently, Hawaiian is not part of any major airline alliance, unlike Alaska, which is part of Oneworld. This merger will not only provide elite status members with additional Oneworld perks, such as priority check-in and bonus miles, but Oneworld travelers will be able to earn and redeem miles when flying with the carrier.

"Once the