New Hawaiian Airlines Integration

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Starting in July 2025, Alaska Airlines credit cardholders can now use their Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights within North America.

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This includes:

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• Flights to and from Hawaii

• Hawaiian Airlines routes within the continental United States

• One-way and round-trip travel options

• Main cabin fares (not valid on first-class tickets)

Which Routes Are Eligible?

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The expanded Companion Fare benefit applies to Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America, including the state of Hawaii. Popular routes where you can now use this benefit include:

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• Las Vegas to Honolulu

• Los Angeles to Maui

• San Francisco to Kona

• Seattle to Honolulu

• Phoenix to Kahului

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The key restriction is that flights must be within North America. This means you cannot use the Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines' international routes to destinations like Seoul or Tokyo.

Implementation Challenges and What to Expect

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The rollout of Companion Fare eligibility on Hawaiian Airlines hasn't been entirely smooth, and travelers should be aware of some potential hurdles:

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Technical Glitches

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Early reports from users indicate several technical issues:

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• Mobile vs. Desktop: The Alaska Airlines mobile app and mobile browser may only show Alaska-operated flights when searching with a Companion Fare code. For Hawaiian Airlines flights, use the desktop website at alaskaair.com

• Search Configuration: Some users have found success by removing the "Upgrade type" setting and disabling "Flexible dates" during the booking process

• Checkout Problems: The website may bug out during checkout, requiring multiple attempts to complete the booking

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Route Limitations

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Not all Hawaiian Airlines routes are immediately available:

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• Some travelers report that certain departure airports (like Long Beach) may not work with the Companion Fare, particularly if Alaska Airlines doesn't serve that airport

• Route availability appears to be rolling out gradually, so check back if your preferred route isn't initially available

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Payment Method Changes

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Important Update: As of July 2025, Alaska Airlines has removed the ability to use wallet funds or gift cards toward Companion Fare bookings. The entire purchase must now be charged to your Alaska Airlines Visa card, which actually strengthens the benefit's connection to cardholders

What Makes This Benefit Valuable?

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The expansion to Hawaiian Airlines makes the Companion Fare even more attractive for several reasons:

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Fleet and Route Advantages

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Hawaiian Airlines operates a modern fleet, including Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with lie-flat seats in premium class. The airline also serves routes that Alaska doesn't, giving you more scheduling flexibility.

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Upgrade Eligibility

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Companion Fare tickets remain eligible for complimentary upgrades if you have Alaska Airlines elite status, potentially allowing you to experience Hawaiian's premium cabin offerings.

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Combined Network Benefits

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This enhancement is part of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines' broader integration following Alaska's acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, creating a more comprehensive West Coast and Pacific network.

The Broader Alaska-Hawaiian Integration Context

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This Companion Fare expansion is part of a much larger loyalty program merger that's creating both opportunities and challenges for travelers:

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What's Changing in the Loyalty Landscape

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• HawaiianMiles is ending: The standalone HawaiianMiles program will be discontinued later in 2025, with all miles converting to Alaska Mileage Plan at a 1:1 ratio

• Account linking: Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines are encouraging travelers to link their accounts now at alaskaair.com/linkaccount to ensure seamless transitions

• Elite status matching: Current Pualani Elite members can receive equivalent Alaska Mileage Plan status, but must use their Alaska account number when flying Alaska to receive benefits

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Partnership Changes

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Many HawaiianMiles partnerships ended on June 30, 2025, including:

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• Airline partners: JetBlue, Japan Airlines, China Airlines, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, and Virgin Australia

• Lifestyle partners: Foodland, Hele Gas, Boyd Rewards, and Maui Jim Sunglasses

• Baggage benefits: The HawaiianMiles baggage discount for inter-island flights will end, though Hawaii residents can still access free bags through the Huaka'i program

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Credit Card Considerations

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The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard issued by Barclays continues to function, but some cardholders are reporting issues with miles not posting properly to their accounts - a situation that both Hawaiian Airlines and Barclays are working to resolve.

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Strategic Considerations for Travelers

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For Current Alaska Airlines Cardholders

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This expansion immediately makes your Companion Fare more valuable by opening up Hawaiian Airlines' route network, which includes:

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• More flight frequency to Hawaii

• Different departure times that may better fit your schedule

• Access to Hawaiian's Boeing 787 Dreamliner aircraft with premium cabin options

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For Hawaiian Airlines Loyalists

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If you're currently a HawaiianMiles member, consider:

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• Getting an Alaska Airlines credit card now: This ensures you'll have access to the Companion Fare benefit as the programs merge

• Linking your accounts: Do this at alaskaair.com/linkaccount to ensure seamless status matching and mile transfers

• Using miles sharing features: The ability to transfer miles between HawaiianMiles accounts for free (with certain cards) may disappear when the program converts to Alaska Mileage Plan

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For Hawaii Residents

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The Huaka'i by Hawaiian program remains unchanged and continues to offer:

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• One free checked bag on inter-island flights

• Quarterly fare deals

• Regular discounts on Hawaiian's domestic and international network

• This program is unaffected by the merger and remains exclusive to Hawaii residents

Important Terms and Conditions

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Before booking, keep these key restrictions in mind:

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• Valid only on paid Saver or Main Cabin fares

• Not valid on first-class tickets

• Must be booked on the same itinerary at the same time

• Requires payment with your Alaska Airlines credit card

• Valid for one year from issue date

Looking Ahead

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This Hawaiian Airlines integration represents just the beginning of what Alaska Airlines calls their “upcoming new, combined single loyalty program.” More enhancements and shared benefits are expected as the two airlines continue to merge their operations and loyalty programs.

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The ability to use Alaska's Famous Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines flights opens up exciting new possibilities for affordable travel to Hawaii and throughout the West Coast. Whether you're planning a romantic getaway to Maui or a family vacation to the Big Island, this enhanced benefit makes it easier and more affordable to bring your favorite travel companion along.

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For current Alaska Airlines credit cardholders, this expansion immediately adds value to a benefit you're already earning. For those considering an Alaska Airlines credit card, the enhanced Companion Fare benefit provides even more reason to explore these valuable travel rewards cards.