Hawaiian Airlines Exit: This Is What Comes Next When Alaska Takes Over

As Alaska Airlines integrates Hawaiian Airlines into its operations, Hawaii travelers are in for significant changes, including a mile transfer end point, credit card changes, potential new lounges and more. Here's what these next changes mean for loyal Hawaiian Air travelers and what else you can expect in the future.

Alaska is moving in, Hawaiian is moving out.

Big changes are coming for Hawaii frequent flyers and branded credit card holders as Alaska Airlines continues to integrate Hawaiian Airlines into its operations. With the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines, the first impacts on travelers are beginning to be felt.

Perhaps the most significant of these is the consolidation of different loyalty programs and the shift in credit card offerings. Let's take a closer look at what we've learned so far, what's disappearing, and what the future might hold for Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines customers.

The end of Hawaiian Airlines credit cards.

Hawaiian Airlines has long offered its branded credit cards through Barclays, allowing many Hawaii travelers to earn miles, transfer points between members, and enjoy upgrades and mileage tickets, among other benefits.

However, these cards are expected to disappear next year when the merger between the Alaska and Hawaiian loyalty programs is expected to be completed. We wouldn't rely on a specific date as there are too many variables. We recommend doing everything you can to use the different “currencies” while you still can.

It's unclear whether current Hawaiian Airlines credit card holders will be converted to Alaska Airlines credit cards issued by Bank of America or whether they will need to apply for the card.

Once this transition occurs, the ability to transfer HawaiianMiles will also end. We've previously written about transferring American Express Membership Rewards to HawaiianMiles, a popular option for years that will soon no longer be possible. This marks the closing of the so-called “transfer door”. However, Alaska may reintroduce a version of current MileagePlan sharing that may allow primary cardholders to transfer miles between accounts, although this is not guaranteed.

What does this mean for Hawaiian cardholders? With the Alaska Airlines card, new earning structures, benefits and requirements for elite status and reward redemption are available. As previously mentioned, travelers like us who have used our Hawaii card to consolidate miles between accounts should prepare now for upcoming changes, as Alaska may or may not offer the same flexibility.

Two old loyalty programs become one.

One of the most significant changes will be the merger of HawaiianMiles with Alaska's Mileage Plan, also scheduled to occur next year. Currently, the Alaska Airlines mileage plan is very popular in many ways, including a variety of partner airlines with which you can fly, earn and redeem miles. In contrast, HawaiianMiles had few partner options while offering flexibility for travelers looking to earn and redeem miles for Hawaii flights.

In merging the two programs, Alaska has stated from the outset that it is committed to maintaining a fair and transparent shared loyalty system. Alaska has proposed a combination of fixed and variable award pricing for miles, while highlighting ways to make last-minute, low-occupancy flights more affordable through miles.

What does this mean for Hawaii frequent flyers? Today, travelers can continue to earn and redeem miles through both loyalty programs. Once the merger is complete, an exact date has not yet been determined, HawaiianMiles is expected to transition into Alaska's new program, giving Hawaii-based travelers automatic access to a broader range of international partners and rewards options.

However, travelers should anticipate possible changes in mileage value, especially as dynamic awards become an increasingly common standard feature. We also expect the new program to have a new name instead of MileagePlan.

The “transfer door” closes.

A key aspect of this transition will be the loss of flexible credit card transfers. Previously, Hawaiian Airlines cardholders could transfer points between HawaiianMiles accounts and from American Express Membership Rewards to HawaiianMiles. Since the “merger”, it has also been possible to later transfer all of these points to the Alaska Mileage Plan. As we have previously indicated, Alaska Airlines has made it clear that it does not intend to continue allowing these flexible currency transfers.

While current Hawaii cardholders may have several months to take advantage of these transfer options, this flexibility could soon disappear. This is one of the merger's first major impacts on travelers who rely on pooling miles or consolidating points across multiple accounts.

What does this mean for cardholders? If you've transferred miles between Hawaiian Airlines accounts or through Amex Rewards programs, it's time to plan accordingly. The ability to transfer points between accounts may return, but travelers should now be prepared for this “transfer door” to close at any time.

Possible Alaska Lounge in Honolulu.

As Alaska continues its Hawaiian integration, the addition of an Alaska Lounge at Honolulu Airport is an exciting opportunity for premium travelers. Alaska currently operates nine lounges at its West Coast hubs, but has none in Hawaii. With its significant new hub in Honolulu, Alaska Airlines is considering establishing a lounge on the islands to reflect its commitment here.

It's worth noting that Hawaiian also offers lounge access with its first class tickets. At the same time, Alaska Airlines has different rules and, for example, does not allow passengers who have been upgraded to first class access to the lounge.

Future of credit cards and premium perks.

As we move forward, Alaska Airlines may also introduce additional premium credit cards, similar to those offered by major U.S. airlines such as Delta and United. High-end credit cards typically have a higher annual fee and more benefits, including lounge access and other travel benefits.

What does this mean for Hawaii travelers? If Alaska launches a premium card, it could provide even greater value for frequent travelers between the mainland and Hawaii.

The last flight for the independent Hawaiians.

As Alaska continues to take over Hawaiian's operations and loyalty programs, Hawaii travelers must prepare for significant changes. From the end of Hawaiian credit cards to the closing of the transfer door and more, this transition represents both a loss of familiar features and the opportunities that come with change.

Full integration won't be complete until next year, giving travelers some time to plan. However, we continue to say that those who want to take advantage of all of HawaiianMiles' unique benefits should act very soon. With the arrival of Alaska Airlines, new advantages and opportunities will arise – but with change inevitably come advantages and disadvantages.

We would like to hear your opinion. What do you think about the changes that come with Alaska's adoption of Hawaiian's loyalty programs? Share your comments below.