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Last Chance: Transfer Amex Points to Alaska Airlines Through Hawaiian - Deadline June 30, 2025
December 12, 2024
American Express Membership Rewards cardholders have just days left to take advantage of a unique transfer opportunity that's ending forever. On June 30, 2025, Amex will permanently discontinue point transfers to Hawaiian Airlines, cutting off the only indirect route to transfer Membership Rewards points to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan.
This backdoor method has been available since Alaska Airlines acquired Hawaiian Airlines, allowing the two frequent flyer programs to share points. For points and miles enthusiasts, this represents the end of accessing one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs through Amex points.
Why Alaska Airlines Miles Are So Valuable
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan consistently ranks among the most valuable airline loyalty currencies due to its exceptional award rates and extensive partner network. Here's what makes Alaska miles special:
Unbeatable Domestic Award Rates
- Short-haul flights under 700 miles: Just 4,500 Alaska miles in economy
- Transcontinental flights: Starting at 12,500 miles one-way
- No fuel surcharges on most partner awards
Premium International Travel Deals
- Transatlantic business class: 45,000 miles on partners like Aer Lingus
- Asia business class: Starting at 50,000 miles one-way
- First class awards: Available on multiple partners at competitive rates
Extensive Partner Network
Alaska Airlines partners with airlines across multiple alliances and independent carriers:
- Oneworld partners: American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific
- Non-alliance partners: Emirates, Icelandair, Condor
- Unique redemptions: Access to carriers unavailable through other programs
How to Transfer Amex Points to Alaska Airlines (Before June 30)
The process requires two steps and must be completed by June 30, 2025:
Step 1: Transfer Membership Rewards to Hawaiian Airlines
- Log into your American Express account
- Navigate to "Rewards & Benefits"
- Select Hawaiian Airlines as your transfer partner
- Transfer up to 999,000 points per day (1:1 ratio)
- Pay the excise tax: 0.06 cents per mile (maximum $99 per transfer)
Important: Pay the tax fee with cash, not points. Using points only gives you 0.5 cents per point in value.
Step 2: Transfer Hawaiian Miles to Alaska Airlines
- Use Hawaiian Airlines' points transfer tool
- Move points from your HawaiianMiles account to Alaska Mileage Plan
- Transfers typically process instantly
Should You Make Speculative Transfers?
Generally, transferring credit card points speculatively isn't recommended because you lose flexibility. However, this situation presents unique circumstances:
Reasons to Consider Transferring
✅ Limited time opportunity - This route disappears forever after June 30
✅ Alaska miles are exceptionally valuable - Among the best redemption rates available
✅ Oneworld access - Great for American Airlines and international partners
✅ No future transfer option - Amex likely won't add Alaska as a direct partner
Reasons to Hold Off
❌ Loss of flexibility - Points become locked in Alaska's program
❌ Devaluation risk - Alaska could change award rates
❌ Transfer fees - Up to $99 per transfer adds cost
❌ Alternative options exist - Bilt Points transfer directly to Alaska
Strategic Transfer Considerations
How Many Points Should You Transfer?
Consider your travel plans over the next 1-2 years:
- Domestic travelers: 25,000-50,000 points covers several short-haul flights
- International business class: 90,000-130,000 points for roundtrip tickets
- Flexible travelers: 75,000-100,000 points provides good coverage
Best Alaska Airlines Sweet Spots to Target
Domestic Economy Awards:
- West Coast to Hawaii: 20,000 miles
- East Coast short-haul: 4,500 miles
- Transcontinental: 12,500 miles
International Business Class:
- East Coast to Europe: 45,000 miles on Aer Lingus
- West Coast to Asia: 50,000 miles on multiple partners
- Unique routes on Emirates and other partners
First Class Options:
- Domestic first on American: 15,000 miles
- International first on select partners
Alternative Ways to Earn Alaska Miles
If you miss the June 30 deadline, other options remain:
Direct Credit Card Earning
- Alaska Airlines Visa cards: Earn miles directly
- Bank of America Alaska cards: Multiple options available
Other Transfer Partners
- Bilt Points: Transfer 1:1 to Alaska Airlines
- Marriott Bonvoy: Transfer at 3:1 ratio (with bonuses)
Shopping and Dining Portals
- Alaska Airlines shopping portal
- Dining rewards programs
- Hotel and car rental partnerships
The Bottom Line: Act Fast or Lose This Opportunity
This unique Amex-to-Alaska transfer route ends permanently on June 30, 2025. For travelers who value Alaska Airlines' exceptional award rates and extensive partner network, this represents the last chance to move Membership Rewards points into one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs.
Key action items before June 30:
- Evaluate your travel plans for the next 12-24 months
- Calculate potential Alaska Airlines redemptions you might book
- Consider the $99 transfer fee in your decision
- Transfer conservatively - don't move more points than you can realistically use
Remember, while losing flexibility is always a concern with speculative transfers, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan offers some of the best value in the points and miles world. For frequent travelers, especially those who fly American Airlines domestically or need access to unique international partners, this final opportunity might be worth taking.
The clock is ticking - you have just days left to take advantage of this transfer route before it disappears forever.
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