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The Hawaiian-Alaska merger was finalized toward the end of 2024. Since then, the airlines have worked to integrate loyalty programs and benefits for frequent flyers. While the combined airline opens new opportunities for travelers, it has also raised several questions about what will happen to the co-branded credit cards.
Here's what you need to know ahead of the new joint loyalty program, expected to launch on October 1, 2025, and what's happening with the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®.
Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard Is Here To Stay
While there was plenty of speculation circling the blogs about whether Hawaiian credit cards would be discontinued or closed to new applicants, you have nothing to worry about. AwardWallet has confirmed with Barclays that the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® and the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Business Mastercard® cards are here to stay.
Here's what Doug Villone — Head of Cards and Partnerships, Barclays US Consumer Bank — shared with AwardWallet:
“We renewed our partnership agreement with Hawaiian Airlines in July 2024, and our consumer and small business credit card program will remain intact for the next several years. We continue to acquire new customers and service our existing customers with the enhanced benefits of the combined airlines. Cardmembers can continue to use their cards and earn valuable miles from their purchases.”
If you aren't already a cardholder, but you've been considering submitting an application, you don't need to rush. The Hawaiian Card will remain open to new applicants for the “foreseeable future.”
It's not yet clear whether the benefits will change when the new loyalty program gets announced. Cardholders of the Hawaiian Card currently earn in exchange for a $99 annual fee.
Related: Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines Awards Nearly Synced
New Joint Loyalty Program Is Coming This Fall
While the combined airline isn't getting rid of the Hawaiian-branded cards, the same can't be said for the HawaiianMiles program. The new combined airline plans to merge the HawaiianMiles and Alaska Mileage Plan programs. The program is expected to be unveiled soon, and the transition is scheduled to be complete by October 1, 2025.
In late September, your HawaiianMiles account access will be limited while accounts get migrated. As part of the terms of the Alaska-Hawaiian merger, your miles won't lose any value when the new loyalty program is live, and you will retain your level of elite status.
However, some aspects of the HawaiianMiles partnership are going away. June 30 was the last day to book partner award flights with Virgin Australia, Virgin Atlantic, China Airlines, Japan Airlines, Korean Air, and JetBlue. These HawaiianMiles airline partnerships have officially been discontinued, but you can still transfer miles to most of these programs from major credit cards.
Related: Use Your Alaska Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines
Final Thoughts
While airline mergers are exciting, they can also be stressful for loyal cardholders. Fortunately, you'll be able to enjoy all your cardholder benefits for the foreseeable future. The new loyalty program should be a great step forward for frequent flyers of Hawaiian Airlines or Alaska Airlines. Stay on the lookout throughout the fall for new information about the merger and joint loyalty program.
- Earn unlimited 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases
- Earn unlimited 2 miles for every $1 spent on eligible gas, EV charging stations, cable, streaming services and local transit (including ride share) purchases
- Earn unlimited 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other eligible purchases
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