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It hasn't been a quiet few months for Alaska Airlines, that's for sure. Now, the latest news is that Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines will combine. The exact logistics for how this will impact members of both loyalty programs aren't known, but we know there will be just one loyalty program going forward. We also know that Alaska is acquiring Hawaiian; however, the verbiage in the press release oscillates between references to keeping both airlines and having a single airline going forward.
Here's what we know and what we don't know about this major announcement.
Alaska and Hawaiian Merger: What We Know
We know there will be one loyalty program going forward. That's expected to be the Alaska Mileage Plan program. Thus, earning and redeeming should happen through this program.
Moreover, we know that Honolulu will become a focus hub for this new, combined airline. This will offer onward connections to Asia from Honolulu, utilizing Hawaiian Airlines' existing network, and also offer intra-Hawaii flights through Alaska Airlines. Plus, Hawaiian Airlines passengers will get access to Alaska Airlines' Oneworld network.
The press release also says both brands will be preserved and that there will be a conference call for investors at 5 p.m. Eastern Time today.
Related: The Best Points and Miles for Free Flights to Hawaii
Alaska and Hawaiian Merger: What We Don't Know
There's a lot we don't know. We don't know specific timelines on when this merger will be finalized, when earning and redeeming will start taking place in the unified program, or when the airlines will start operating jointly out of their combined headquarters in Seattle.
We also don't know how the plan to “preserve both beloved brands” will work, as the announcement also says that “Alaska Airlines will acquire Hawaiian Airlines.” When Alaska Airlines acquired Virgin America, both brands didn't keep operating. This detail needs clarified, as there's a seeming contradiction between merging and yet preserving both brands.
Lastly, we don't know what will happen to elements of Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles. This includes existing miles, elite status, and even Hawaiian Airlines co-branded credit cards. These details will need to be clarified as the acquisition moves forward.
Bottom Line
Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are merging; there remain many details to iron out, however. We know the route networks will be preserved, which is good news. And you'll be able to book through flights to more destinations with this merger. However, we don't know much else, like what will happen to HawaiianMiles or how the “preserve both airlines” vs. “acquire” will play out in reality.
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