April 22, 2026 marks the biggest milestone yet in the Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines merger (I mean buyout)—and from a traveler’s perspective, this is where everything finally comes together.
…and for most of you, not soon enough.
With Hawaiian Airlines officially joining the Oneworld alliance and fully integrating into Alaska’s systems, here are all the perks and changes—and what it means for you.
What You Really Want to Know: Upgrades, Baggage Fees, Miles & Lounge Access
If you’re like me, this is the part that actually matters.
Forget the corporate merger talk—here’s what you’re probably trying to figure out before your next flight: Will I get upgraded? Do I get free bags? And can I get into the lounge?
Lounge access is a key change and I have that broken down further in the article with additional details.
Upgrades: What to Expect After Joining Oneworld
Dig deep into Oneworld benefits here but lets look at how the benefits relate to Hawaiian Airlines.
Upgrades are one area where expectations need to be realistic.
- Complimentary upgrades are not part of Oneworld alliance benefits
- Upgrades will still depend on the airline you’re flying and your specific elite status
- Alaska and Hawaiian may offer upgrades within their own programs, but these don’t extend across all Oneworld partners
What this means:
- Flying Hawaiian with Atmos status → upgrades possible (based on availability)
- Flying a partner airline → don’t expect free upgrades just for having Oneworld status
Bottom line: This is not where the biggest value comes from in joining Oneworld.
Quick fact
Hawaiian Airlines will officially join the Oneworld alliance as its 16th member on April 22, marking the first time in the airline’s nearly 100-year history that it has joined a global airline alliance.
Baggage Fees: Who Gets Free Bags
This is where things start to get much better—especially for frequent travelers.
- Oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members get extra baggage benefits
- Typically includes at least one additional checked bag for free
- Priority baggage handling is also included at higher tiers
- See all the Oneworld baggage benefits based on your status level here
What this means in practice:
- If you have mid- or top-tier status → you’re very likely getting free checked bags
- These benefits apply across Hawaiian, Alaska, and other Oneworld airlines
Bottom line: This is one of the biggest immediate wins for travelers.
Miles and Points: Earning and Redeeming Just Got Much Bigger
This is where the merger really delivers long-term value.
- You can now earn and redeem miles across 14–15 Oneworld airlines
- Your elite status is recognized globally
- You’ll have far more options to use your miles—especially internationally
What this means:
- More ways to earn points (even on airlines you may not have flown before)
- More redemption options beyond Hawai‘i and the mainland
- Faster path to elite status thanks to expanded earning opportunities
Bottom line: This is arguably the biggest upgrade Hawaiian Airlines flyers are getting.
The Big Picture
If I had to sum it up:
- Upgrades → Limited improvements
- Baggage → Clear, immediate benefits
- Miles → Massive long-term value increase
- Preferred Seating → Waiting for guidance on this one, stay tuned.
What Changes on April 22 for Hawaiian Airlines Travelers
System Cutover Timeline
Final Amadeus Flight
HA1164 departs Līhuʻe for Honolulu on April 21 at approximately 8:00 p.m. HT.
First Hawaiian-operated Sabre Flight
AS179 departs Seoul Incheon for Seattle at 12:35 a.m. HT / 3:35 a.m. PT.
If you’re flying Hawaiian Airlines after April 22, here are the biggest updates you’ll actually notice:
- A single reservation system powers both airlines (in place since last year), meaning smoother connections and fewer issues when flying between Alaska and Hawaiian
- One confirmation code for your entire journey, even across both airlines
- A single Alaska–Hawaiian mobile app replaces the Hawaiian Airlines app entirely, see my article here
- Flights now use the Alaska (AS) code, but still clearly show when operated as Hawaiian Airlines
- Easier check-in, baggage handling, and airport support across both airlines
Hawaiian Airlines Joins Oneworld: What It Means for Travelers
For the first time in its history, Hawaiian Airlines is officially part of the Oneworld alliance as of April 22
- Access to nearly 1,000 destinations across 170+ countries
- Seamless global connections with partner airlines
- Elite status recognition across the alliance
- Expanded international travel opportunities from Hawai‘i
This is easily the most important change—and the one that brings Hawaiian Airlines onto the global stage.
Baggage and Priority Boarding Benefits on Hawaiian Airlines
Once Hawaiian joins oneworld, baggage and boarding benefits become much more consistent—especially when connecting between airlines.
Priority Boarding
- Emerald → Priority boarding
- Sapphire → Priority boarding
- Ruby → Limited priority boarding (varies slightly by route)
| Status Level | Free Checked Bags | Weight Allowance | Priority Handling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald | +1 additional bag | Pending | Yes |
| Sapphire | +1 additional bag | Pending | Yes |
| Ruby | None | Standard | No |
Hawaiian Airlines Lounge Access Changes (Oneworld + Alaska Lounge Access)
This is where things get a little more nuanced—but also where the benefits really start to overlap.
Lounge Access Update
Plumeria Lounge Access Expands
oneworld Sapphire and Emerald members now have access to the Plumeria Lounge when traveling on Hawaiian Airlines.
Alaska Lounge Members
Alaska Lounge and Alaska Lounge+ members can also access the Plumeria Lounge when flying Alaska or Hawaiian, adding another way to enter Hawaii’s primary premium lounge.
Premier Club Remains Separate
Premier Club access is not included with oneworld status or Alaska Lounge membership and remains limited to eligible Hawaiian programs to help manage crowding.
If you want a full breakdown of Hawaiian’s lounge setup and eligibility, I have a guide to Hawaiian Airlines lounges that I update frequently.
What This Means for Travelers
- oneworld Sapphire and Emerald → Access to the Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu
- oneworld Ruby → No lounge access
- Hawaiian Premier Club → Still separate (not part of oneworld)
Alaska Lounge and Lounge+ Members
If you’re coming from the Alaska side, this is where things get interesting.
- Alaska Lounge members → Access to the Plumeria Lounge when flying Alaska or Hawaiian
- Alaska Lounge+ members → Also included, along with broader partner lounge access
Lounge Access by Oneworld Status
| Status Level | Lounge Access | Hawaiian Lounge Access | Guest Policy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emerald | First + Business lounges worldwide | Plumeria Lounge | 1 guest |
| Sapphire | Business lounges | Plumeria Lounge | 1 guest |
| Ruby | No access | None | N/A |
Earning and Redeeming Points with Hawaiian Airlines and Oneworld
This is where the buyout really starts to shine.
| Action | Allowed | Where | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Earn Points | Yes | All Oneworld airlines | Based on fare + partner rules |
| Redeem Points | Yes | Across alliance | Availability varies |
| Status Credit | Yes | Oneworld network | Counts toward elite status |
- Earn and redeem across 14–15 airlines
- Faster path to elite status
- Global recognition of benefits
What Stays the Same with Hawaiian Airlines After the Alaska Buyout
Despite all these changes, one thing is very clear: Hawaiian Airlines isn’t going anywhere.
- The Hawaiian Airlines brand remains intact
- The onboard experience and cultural identity stay the same
- Aircraft branding (including Pualani) continues
Alaska Airlines’ Investment in Hawai‘i: Lounges, Terminals, and Future Plans
Looking ahead, Alaska Airlines is making it clear that Hawai‘i is a major focus.
- A brand-new premium lounge in Honolulu, expected to be five times larger than the current space
- Potential upgrades to existing lounges across the islands
- Continued improvements to the airport and overall travel experience
I covered the new lounge in detail here.
Final Thoughts: Is the Alaska–Hawaiian Integration Good for Travelers?
The biggest potential wins are clear:
- Global connectivity through oneworld
- Stronger loyalty benefits
- A smoother, unified travel experience
- Improved financial stability
- Access to technology and network infrastructure
FAQ: Hawaiian Airlines Alaska Merger and Oneworld Changes
Will Hawaiian Airlines still exist?
Yes. Hawaiian Airlines will continue operating as a distinct brand under Alaska Airlines.
Can I use Alaska miles on Hawaiian flights?
Yes. You can earn and redeem points across both airlines and Oneworld partners.
Do Oneworld elites get lounge access on Hawaiian Airlines?
Yes. Sapphire and Emerald members can access eligible lounges, including the Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu.
Are Hawaiian Premier Clubs part of Oneworld?
No. Premier Clubs are not included in the Oneworld lounge network.
What happens to HawaiianMiles?
HawaiianMiles has transitioned into the broader Atmos Rewards ecosystem, which integrates with Oneworld benefits.
I’m guessing AA executive card holders will get access too since they are now fully integrated with Alaska?
This is a great question, as of right now Admirals Club membership, which you get with the AA executive card, does NOT specifically get you access to the Plumeria Lounge. Alaska Lounge and Alaska Lounge+ does get you access. Honestly the Admirals Club lounge in Honolulu has better food and the angels are amazing. When the new lounge is built in Terminal 1, look for new access rules. With the close alignment that AA and Alaska have I wouldn’t be surprised if we see an option. Of course, will Atmos elites and/or those traveling in First/Business now have access to the Admirals Club in Honolulu? With its small size I don’t see this happening, will be interesting to watch.
Pretty sure they are opening elite complimentary upgrades on long-haul international flights as well, on their own metal ofc.
Yep, for those with Atmos Titanium status level, you will be eligible for complimentary upgrades on international flights to business class. I don’t know of any other airline loyalty program offering this at the moment. It will be interesting to see if others follow.