Back in September, Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines joined forces in a merger that’s set to revolutionize miles and points programs. With Hawaiian Miles and Alaska Miles transferable at a 1:1 ratio, travelers gain a powerful way to maximize redemptions across both networks. Even better, there are no extra fees for transferring miles between the two airlines, making this merger a game-changer for frequent flyers.

This article will walk you through the benefits of the merger, why Alaska Miles outshine Hawaiian Miles for redemptions, and how to unlock high-value opportunities with your points.

How the Merger Benefits Miles and Points Enthusiasts

Transferability of Miles

The 1:1 transfer ratio between Hawaiian Miles and Alaska Miles is the cornerstone of this merger. It allows travelers to combine the best of both programs, opening up greater flexibility for redemption.

Using Amex Points for More Redemption Options

One of the biggest opportunities is the ability to use your American Express Membership Rewards points to boost your opportunities. As of now, you cannot directly transfer your Amex MR points to Alaska Airlines. In addition, you can only get Alaska Airlines miles from one of their co-branded credit cards. But with this merger, you can do make this happen with your Amex MR points, but with a few extra steps:

• Transfer Amex points to Hawaiian Airlines (you have a Hawaiian Airlines and Alaskan Airlines accounts, right).

• Then, use this link to start the transfer. Move those Hawaiian Miles to Alaska Airlines for premium redemptions.

While Amex charges a small fee for transfers (e.g., $60 for 100,000 points), the value you’ll unlock by using Alaska Miles for long-haul redemptions makes it worthwhile.

Why Transfer Hawaiian Miles to Alaska Miles

Hawaiian Miles are great for trips to Hawaii, and that’s about it. But Alaska Miles offer more value for international travel and premium experiences. And that’s why this merger is so exciting.

• Hawaiian Miles’ Strengths: Perfect for flights to and from Hawaii, such as 40,000 miles for a lie-flat seat from the U.S. mainland.

• Alaska Miles’ Advantages: Access to OneWorld Alliance partners like Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and Finnair, along with non-alliance options like Starlux Airlines.

• Higher Value Per Mile: Alaska Miles provide better redemption rates for international and premium cabin travel.

If you’re planning a trip besides Hawaii, transferring Hawaiian Miles to Alaska Airlines is the way to go.

High-Value Redemption Options with Alaska Miles

OneWorld and Non-Alliance Partners

Alaska’s partnerships include both OneWorld Alliance members and unique carriers like Starlux, providing a world of options:

• Asia: Fly with Starlux (Taipei), Korean Air (Seoul), or Japan Airlines (Tokyo).

• Europe: Enjoy Finnair (Helsinki), Condor Airlines (Frankfurt), Aer Lingus (Dublin), and Iberia (Madrid)

• South America: Explore Brazil with LATAM Airlines.

Award Chart Highlights

Alaska Miles redemptions are distance-based and often more economical than other programs:

• Economy: 37,500 miles for U.S. to Asia.

• Business: 50,000–70,000 miles, depending on the partner airline.

With no fuel surcharges on partner flights, Alaska Miles are a top-tier currency for award travel.

How to Search for Award Availability

Using Alaska Airlines’ Website

The Alaska Airlines website is an excellent starting point:

1. Use the award search tool and check the "Flexible Dates" feature for a calendar view of availability.

2. Filter results by cabin class and preferred partner airlines.

Seats.Aero Paid Tool

For quicker, more detailed searches, the Seats.Aero tool is invaluable:

• Find availability across airlines, including partners like Starlux and Condor.

• Sort by destination and class to locate premium options faster.

By combining these tools, you can ensure you’re getting the most out of your Alaska Miles.

Maximizing the Hawaiian and Alaska Miles Transfer

Hawaiian Airlines Credit Card Benefits

The Hawaiian Airlines credit card enhances the value of your miles with perks like:

• Welcome Bonuses: Earn thousands of miles after meeting initial spending thresholds.

• Account Consolidation: Combine miles from multiple accounts for easier transfers to Alaska Airlines.

Strategic Transfers

• Consolidate Hawaiian Miles into a single account to simplify transfers.

• Watch for transfer bonuses.

• Plan ahead to maximize Alaska Airlines’ premium redemption opportunities, such as long-haul flights with partner airlines.

• Warning - With the new merger, I’m sure that this card could be eliminated. So if you can, get this card now and bank those miles for a future transfer to Alaskan Airlines.

Additional Benefits of Alaska Airlines Miles

Stopover Program

One of Alaska Airlines’ standout features is its free stopover program:

• Add a stopover to a one-way award ticket at no extra cost.

• Example: Fly Seattle → Taipei → Tokyo, with a stopover in Taipei.

This program is available on both outbound and return flights, allowing you to visit multiple cities on one award ticket. It’s a simple yet powerful way to stretch the value of your Alaska Miles.

Conclusion

The Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines merger is a golden opportunity for miles enthusiasts. With the ability to transfer miles 1:1, travelers can unlock incredible redemption opportunities, especially with Alaska’s partnerships and stopover program. Combine this with strategic use of Amex points and credit card benefits, and you have all the tools to maximize your travel rewards.

Whether you’re flying to Hawaii, exploring Asia, or enjoying a multi-city adventure, this merger gives you the flexibility and value to make it happen. Start planning your next journey today!

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