Alaska and Hawaiian offer reciprocal elite membership benefits

Research

Christine Gallipeau Senior editor | The Points Guy

By Sky Industry News

Dec 23, 2024

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have launched a reciprocal status match program, fulfilling a promise made during Alaska's acquisition of Hawaiian. This initiative allows elite members from both airlines to match their status with the other carrier.

Gary Leff at View from the Wing first reported the launch of this status match. The two airlines plan to merge their loyalty programs eventually, but for now, members can enjoy reciprocal elite benefits.

To participate in the status match, members need to visit a dedicated landing page and log into both their Alaska Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles accounts. Those with Alaska Mileage Plan MVP status can receive HawaiianMiles Pualani Gold status, while those with higher Alaska statuses like MVP Gold or MVP Gold 75K can obtain Pualani Platinum status. Similarly, HawaiianMiles Pualani Gold and Platinum members can gain corresponding statuses within the Alaska Mileage Plan.

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Members without current elite status still have an opportunity to combine miles earned across both programs into one account level. For instance, accumulating 20,000 miles each from both airlines could result in achieving Alaska Airlines MVP Gold status.

The collaboration between the two airlines extends beyond just matching statuses. Members will soon be able to transfer miles between accounts at a 1:1 ratio and earn miles on flights operated by either airline. Additional redemption options and select elite benefits are also anticipated as part of this partnership.

As part of operational changes due to the merger, some flights previously operated by Alaska will now be handled by Hawaiian Airlines. This transition has already affected flight schedules for some travelers.

For those interested in expanding their airline affiliations further, Alaska continues to offer a separate status challenge for individuals holding elite statuses with other carriers.

Alaska Airlines is making strides in its loyalty program offerings. Starting January 1, 2025, holders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card will earn one elite qualifying mile per $3 spent on eligible purchases, aiding them toward achieving top-tier 100K status.

While these developments unfold, Hawaiian Airlines remains a transfer partner of American Express Membership Rewards.