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The timeline of the merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines continues to progress. Late 2024 saw the merger between the two airlines approved. Earlier this year, we saw the creation of Atmos Rewards, the joint loyalty program of the merged airlines.
Back in 2021, Alaska joined the Oneworld alliance, fortifying it as a top-tier program due to the number of both alliance and non-alliance partners it has. Now, Hawaiian Airlines — previously not a member of any alliance — will be following suit in 2026.
According to reports, Hawaiian will become the newest Oneworld member effective April 22, 2026. Hawaiian would become the 16th airline, after recent additions of Fiji Airways and Oman Air in 2025. Here's what to know and why it matters.
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What Does Hawaiian Airlines Joining Oneworld Mean For Travelers?
Oneworld currently has 15 member airlines, and Hawaiian Airlines’ addition is a meaningful expansion of the alliance’s global footprint.
This move also makes sense for Hawaiian. Now that the airline is part of the Alaska Air Group and will adopt the AS (Alaska) airline code in April (replacing its long-held “HA” code), joining Oneworld is a natural next step.
With that in mind, let’s take a look at the benefits travelers can expect.
Related: Beginner's Guide to Airline Alliances & Partnerships
Hawaiian Airlines elite status holders
Now that Atmos Rewards exists, previous Hawaiian elites members now have Atmos Gold, Silver, Platinum, or Titanium status — depending on the status held with Hawaiian. This can translate into Oneworld status, with even mid-tier Sapphire allowing access to business-class lounges.
Here is an overview of some Oneworld Sapphire perks, for example:
Other Oneworld status holders
Where this really matters is for elites that have earned status through another Oneworld partner.
For example, someone with elite status from another Oneworld airline, such as British Airways or American Airlines, or who earned status through a match like Royal Air Maroc’s, would be able to use their Oneworld Sapphire benefits on Hawaiian Airlines flights once the airline officially joins the alliance.
Related: How to Access Oneworld Lounges: Rules, Exceptions, and Membership Options
Booking Hawaiian Airlines flights with partner miles
We can reasonably assume that Hawaiian joining Oneworld will unlock new ways to redeem partner miles on Hawaiian flights. That means travelers with miles in programs like Cathay Pacific Asia Miles or the various Avios programs should eventually be able to book award flights to Hawaii.
Cathay Pacific Asia Miles, for example, has some well-known sweet spots for short-haul partner flights. How those pricing bands will translate to Hawaiian flights remains to be seen, but more redemption options are always a good thing. This addition certainly won’t hurt.
Bottom Line
Although this seemed inevitable, it is still good news that Hawaiian Airlines will be joining the Oneworld alliance on April 22, 2026. As more details emerge we will get a better sense of the specifics. The ability to use Oneworld status and book flights with partner airlines will be ideal for those looking to visit the sand and sun of Hawaii.
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