Following Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, the carrier’s loyalty program — Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan — continues to roll out new benefits for loyalty program members. Aside from new checked bag benefits for cobranded cardholders of each airline, complimentary upgrades and milestone rewards for Mileage Plan elite members, the most interesting addition for loyalty program members is a tantalizing improvement to Alaska’s famous Companion Fare.
With the airline continuing its promise to expand member benefits, here’s what you need to know about Alaska’s latest announcement — and how you can capitalize on the new perks.
Related: Alaska Airlines makeover: Asia flights coming to Seattle hub, premium credit card and more
Redeeming Alaska Companion Fares on Hawaiian flights
According to a press release, starting midsummer, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members will be able to use their Alaska Airlines Companion Fare certificate on any Hawaiian Airlines flight within North America. The noteworthy Companion Fare lets you bring one travel companion on a round-trip Alaska Airlines flight (which will now include Hawaiian Airlines) for just $99 (plus taxes and fees from $23). Note that the certificate is only valid for coach travel; however, companion fares are eligible for upgrades.
You can earn the companion fare each account anniversary with the following cobranded credit cards: the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card and the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card after spending $6,000 on purchases in your previous anniversary year.
Though the companion fare was previously limited to Alaska Airlines flights, because of the merger, cardholders will be able to use their certificate on Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America. Hawaiian’s unique route network and wide-body fleet, including its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft with lie-flat seats and direct aisle access in Leihoku premium class, could potentially open up all sorts of ways to maximize the benefit of flying Alaska or Hawaiian.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan promises that further details regarding this expanded benefit will be provided in the coming months.
Related: Hawaiian Airlines is bringing its flagship jet to New York, but it’s not all good news
Alaska Airlines announces more loyalty program benefits
While Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members will have to wait until the summer for the companion fare benefit, some other perks are now available or will be introduced by the end of April.
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Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines cardholders receive free checked bags
Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and Alaska Airlines Visa Business cardholders now receive one free checked bag for themselves and up to six guests on the same reservation when using their cobranded credit card to book Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights.
If you are a Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® holder, you will receive two free checked bags when using your card to book Alaska Airlines-operated flights; however, this benefit only applies to the primary cardmember.
The information for the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard has been collected independently by The Points Guy. The card details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Expanded seat selection options for Alaska elite members
Starting April 24, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan MVP Gold 75K and MVP Gold 100K elite members can select a complimentary Extra Comfort seat when booking a main cabin fare on Hawaiian Airlines.
Currently available on Hawaiian’s Airbus A330 and A321neo and Boeing 717 and 787 aircraft, the Extra Comfort seats provide additional legroom, early boarding, priority security screening at select airports, personal in-seat power charging on select aircraft and amenity kits on select international flights.
Related: A review of Hawaiian Airlines first class between Hawaii and Seattle
New elite perk milestones
As announced in October 2024, Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan members can now choose to pick from a menu of milestone perks when they hit the following elite qualifying miles:
- 10,000 EQMs
- 30,000 EQMs
- 55,000 EQMs
- 85,000 EQMs
- 150,000 EQMs
- 200,000 EQMs
- 250,000 EQMs
The perks differ for each milestone but include benefits like bonus miles, upgrade certificates, Wi-Fi passes, gifting MVP status, lounge passes and the ability to roll over EQMs.
Bottom line
The continued integration between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines is great for members of both airlines’ loyalty programs. The new luggage benefits are a perk to encourage Alaska Airlines cobranded cardholders to book with Hawaiian and vice versa, while Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan continues to improve and expand benefits for elite members.
While exact details have not yet been revealed, the ability to use the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines’ long-haul services, such as its Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights, is a potentially game-changing addition to the new partnership.
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