American Airlines expands mile redemption options with Hawaiian Airlines partnership

Research

Chris Nelson Associate credit cards writer | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Dec 19, 2024

American Airlines has announced that its AAdvantage members can now redeem miles for flights on Hawaiian Airlines between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. This development expands the options available to frequent American flyers looking to use their miles for travel to Hawaii.

The new arrangement allows AAdvantage members to book flights on Hawaiian Airlines through American's booking channels. For example, a flight from Boston Logan International Airport to Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport aboard a Hawaiian Airbus A330 can be redeemed for 35,000 AAdvantage miles. Another option is a one-way flight from Los Angeles International Airport to Honolulu for 22,500 miles.

Currently, only main cabin redemptions are available, which may require flexibility from those hoping to secure business-class seats on Hawaiian's Boeing 787 Dreamliner.

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The partnership between American and Hawaiian is not entirely new; previously, American loyalists could redeem miles for shorter interisland flights on Hawaiian. However, this recent move signifies a strengthening of ties as Hawaiian joins forces with Alaska Airlines in the latest industry merger. Alaska is already a partner of American through the Oneworld alliance.

AAdvantage members can now redeem their miles on all flights operated by Hawaiian when booked through American's website. Despite this expanded redemption capability, earning opportunities remain limited. Members can earn bonus miles on paid flights sold and operated by Hawaiian, but these do not contribute towards AAdvantage elite status due to the absence of Loyalty Points.

With Hawaiian set to join the Oneworld alliance as part of its integration into Alaska Air Group, it is anticipated that its relationship with American will continue to grow.

For those without substantial AAdvantage miles, accruing Hawaiian miles is possible through American Express Membership Rewards transfers at a 1:1 ratio.

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