Alaska Airlines offers more loyalty benefits after merging with Hawaiian Airlines

Following the acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines, new benefits are rolling out for Alaska Airlines' loyalty program members. Among these are changes to the Companion Fare, which members can use for Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America starting this summer. This allows a travel companion to join a round-trip flight for $99, plus additional taxes and fees.

Loyalty members can earn this fare annually with either the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature credit card or the Alaska Airlines Visa Business card by spending at least $6,000 in the previous year. The expanded benefit will be detailed further in the coming months.

Other benefits are being introduced in April. Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and Business cardholders can now check one bag for free for themselves and up to six guests when using their credit card for Hawaiian Airlines tickets. Meanwhile, Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard holders get two free bags when booking Alaska Airlines flights, applicable only to the primary cardholder.