Travelers flying with Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines between the continental U.S. and the cities of Sydney, Australia, or Auckland, New Zealand, are in for a unique offer. All roundtrip flights completed by December 31, 2025, will earn passengers Mileage Plan MVP elite status, valid until the end of 2026.
This opportunity is available throughout 2025 for Mileage Plan members. Once the trip is completed, the MVP status will be awarded shortly thereafter. Passengers with MVP status can enjoy several perks, including bonus miles, priority check-in and boarding, free checked bags, preferred seating, and upgrades when possible.
For those traveling from the Pacific Northwest, Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines provide the most direct routes from Seattle and Portland to Sydney and Auckland, with a layover in Honolulu. Notably, the route from Seattle to Sydney covers a distance similar to a nonstop flight. This network allows for convenient booking to these destinations, as highlighted by Alex Judson, Managing Director of Partnerships and International at Alaska Airlines: “With the combined network of Alaska and Hawaiian, it’s more convenient than ever for our guests to book a flight to Australia and New Zealand for the trip of a lifetime – and reward themselves with the benefits of MVP elite status for future flying benefits.”
In addition to the benefits of the MVP status, passengers automatically receive corresponding elite status within the oneworld Alliance, which offers various additional benefits.
Flights can depart from Seattle, Portland, San Diego, and other cities throughout the continental U.S., connecting in Honolulu for continuing service to the two cities via Hawaiian’s long-haul aircraft. Hawaiian flies year-round to Sydney five times a week and offers Auckland flights thrice a week until April 30, resuming on November 16.
Moreover, Hawaiian provides free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi and complimentary meals inspired by island cuisine on board A330 flights to Sydney and Auckland. The A330 aircraft is configured with 18 Business Class lie-flat seats, 68 Extra Comfort seats, and 192 main cabin seats.
