It’s not every day that two loyalty programs pack their bags and move in together — but that’s exactly what Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles are doing, atmos 😉
Given the placeholder tier names (these will change), see below, resembling Bonvoy tiers so close I was thrown for a loop, glad these will not be the actual names.
Starting August 20, you will see the first wave of changes as Alaska’s program begins its transition, with HawaiianMiles officially joining the party on October 1. The goal? More partners, more perks, and a simpler system that trades “miles” for “points” without docking your balance.
Anticipate at least 5 million more blog posts about this, at most.
Key Dates for the Loyalty Program Transition
Here’s the official timeline of events for the Alaska Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles merger. Mark your calendars — some of these dates will affect how and when you can access your account, book flights, and earn or redeem miles.
| Date | Milestone | Details |
|---|---|---|
| June 30 | Last day to book partner award flights and earn/redeem miles with several HawaiianMiles partners | Partner availability changes after this date |
| July 24 | HawaiianMiles transition announcement | HawaiianMiles program will transition to the combined loyalty program on October 1 |
| August 20 | Launch of new combined loyalty program for Alaska Airlines members | HawaiianMiles remains unchanged until October 1; email sent to HawaiianMiles members introducing the program |
| September 3 | HawaiianMiles transition email | Members notified that account login will be unavailable for several days in late September |
| September 10 | Final HawaiianMiles mileage statement email | Reminder about upcoming account login freeze |
| 1 day prior to freeze period | Final reminder email | HawaiianMiles account login will be unavailable during migration |
| Late September (approx. 1 week) | HawaiianMiles account migration | Members unable to log in or use account services for several days |
| October 1 | HawaiianMiles transitions to the combined loyalty program | Email sent welcoming members; new account access details provided |
From Miles to Points: How the New Currency Works
One of the biggest changes coming with the merged program is the switch from “miles” to “points.” While the name changes, the math stays the same — your hard-earned rewards won’t lose value.
1 mile = 1 point — Your existing balances will transfer over without any loss.
Status points replace elite-qualifying miles — These count toward both elite status and milestone rewards.
Points never expire — You can earn and redeem at your own pace.
Earn across 30+ airline partners — Includes Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and oneworld® Alliance carriers.
This change gives travelers more flexibility to earn and redeem rewards across a wider network. It’s designed to make the program easier to understand while aligning with many other global loyalty currencies.
Elite Status Changes and New Tier Names
When the programs merge, elite status structures will align under the combined loyalty program and oneworld® Alliance tiers. Alaska Mileage Plan members will see these changes on August 20, while HawaiianMiles members will make the switch on October 1.
Here’s how existing tiers map to the new system:
| HawaiianMiles Status | Alaska Mileage Plan Status | Combined Loyalty Program Tier | oneworld® Alliance Tier |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pualani Platinum (100,000 EQMs or more) | MVP Gold 100K | Titanium | Emerald |
| Pualani Platinum (75,000–99,999 EQMs) | MVP Gold 75K | Platinum | Emerald |
| Pualani Platinum (less than 75,000 EQMs) | MVP Gold | Gold | Sapphire |
| Pualani Gold | MVP | Silver | Ruby |
New tier names will be officially revealed on August 20.
How HawaiianMiles Members Will Be Affected
HawaiianMiles members won’t fully transition until October 1, 2025, giving them more time to adjust. Here’s what to expect:
Continue earning HawaiianMiles until September 30.
Account migration in late September — login and account services will be unavailable for several days.
Miles transfer automatically at 1:1 into the new program on October 1.
Elite status matches to the equivalent combined loyalty program tier.
Huakaʻi by Hawaiian benefits continue — includes Neighbor Island bag benefits and local fare deals for Hawaiʻi residents.
Pualani Elite statuses transition into the new program on October 1.
Important: If you have both a HawaiianMiles and Alaska Mileage Plan account, linking them now ensures a seamless migration and allows you to transfer miles between programs at a 1:1 ratio before October.
What Alaska Mileage Plan Members Need to Know
For Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members, the changes begin sooner — on August 20, 2025.
Branding changes only in August — No immediate benefit changes.
Mileage Plan account numbers stay the same.
Elite status matches automatically to the equivalent combined loyalty program tier.
Earning and redemption continues across 30+ global partners, including Hawaiian Airlines.
On October 1, the new tier structure and names will take effect for all members.
Mileage Plan members who also have a HawaiianMiles account will see their Alaska account transition in August, while their HawaiianMiles account will remain active until October 1.
Lounge Access Changes for Hawaiian Airlines Members
Starting October 1, 2025, lounge access rules for Hawaiian Airlines will shift under the combined loyalty program.
Premier Club — Access will be limited to Huakaʻi members who are also Elite or First Class guests. Available at six Hawaiʻi airport locations.
The Plumeria Lounge (HNL) — No more discounted day passes for Elites. Day passes will cost $40 and are subject to availability. Gold, Platinum, and Titanium members (plus one guest) can access when ticketed on a departing international flight.
HA International Partner Lounges — Gold, Platinum, and Titanium members can access with a guest by showing their oneworld tier status when traveling on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights.
Credit Card Benefits Under the New Loyalty Program
Sorry, no additional information about the “new one”, soon. But for the existing cards..
The credit card side of things stays largely the same — with some expanded perks for Alaska Airlines flights.
Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® — Benefits remain unchanged. Miles earned will convert to points at a 1:1 ratio on October 1. Cardholders keep existing perks, plus:
Two free checked bags on Alaska Airlines-operated flights when booking with the card.
3 miles per $1 spent on Alaska Airlines flights booked via HawaiianAirlines.com.
From October 1, the 50% off and annual $100 off companion discounts can be used on Alaska Airlines-operated flights.
Alaska Airlines Credit Card — Nothing new, hang tight for updates.
Tips to Prepare Before Your Account Transitions
For most members, the transition will be automatic — but a little preparation can make it seamless.
Check if you have accounts with both programs — If yes, link them now for a smooth migration and to enable 1:1 mile transfers before October 1.
Download or print your HawaiianMiles statement — A final statement will be emailed September 10, but keeping your own copy is always smart.
Plan around the late-September account freeze — You won’t be able to log in or use your HawaiianMiles account for several days.
Familiarize yourself with the new earning and redemption rules — Especially if you plan to take advantage of the 30+ global partners in the combined network.
Elite members — Understand your new tier name and oneworld status level so you can maximize lounge access and perks from day one.
Final Thoughts
The merger between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines loyalty programs marks one of the biggest shifts in Pacific and West Coast travel in years.
Keep an eye on the key dates, link your accounts if you have both, and take advantage of expanded earning and redemption opportunities once the new program is live.
I’ll be tracking developments closely, so check back for updates as August 20 approaches and the “combined loyalty” name is finally revealed.
