Alaska and Hawaiian offer mutual elite status matching for frequent flyers

The status match is free and may take up to 72 hours to complete. Hawaiian's loyalty program features two levels: Pualani Gold and Pualani Platinum, while Alaska's has four tiers that correspond with these levels.

Alaska Airlines will continue offering its existing status match program to other airline frequent flyer program members. Verified members can gain equivalent Alaska Mileage Plan status for 90 days, enjoying travel benefits like complimentary seat upgrades and free checked bags.

People can only status match once, lasting for 90 days. To maintain the new status, one must fly specific base miles on Alaska Airlines-operated flights within three months. Microsoft employees have a fast track option to MVP status valid for 180 days with minimal flight requirements.

Brett Catlin, Vice President of Loyalty, Alliances, and Sales at Alaska Airlines, mentioned future developments for frequent flyers: “We’re on a multi-year journey to make the industry’s most generous loyalty program even more rewarding. In 2025, Mileage Plan members will have access to all-new, more frequent perks along with expanded ways to earn elite status, including on award travel. As we invest in a single loyalty platform with Hawaiian Airlines, there is even more to come later in the year.”

Additionally, Alaska plans to launch a premium credit card and open lounges at San Diego International Airport and Honolulu's Daniel K. Inouye International Airport by 2027.