Since Alaska Airlines’ acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has been introducing enhanced benefits for its loyalty program members. In addition to new checked baggage perks for cardholders of both airlines, complimentary upgrades, and milestone rewards for elite members, a particularly exciting update is the enhancement of Alaska’s renowned Companion Fare.
As Alaska Airlines continues its commitment to expand benefits for members, here’s what you need to know about the latest announcement and how to take advantage of the new offerings.
Related: Alaska Airlines overhaul: New Asia routes from Seattle, an upgraded credit card, and more
Using the Alaska Companion Fare on Hawaiian Flights
As per a press release, starting in mid-summer, Mileage Plan members will be able to redeem their Companion Fare certificate on any Hawaiian Airlines flight within North America. The Companion Fare allows one companion to travel with you on a round-trip flight for just $99 (plus taxes and fees starting at $23). It’s important to note that this certificate is valid only for coach travel, though upgrades are available for companion fares.
You can earn this certificate each year on your account anniversary by holding the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® credit card or the Alaska Airlines Visa® Business card, provided you spend $6,000 during the year preceding your anniversary.
Previously limited to Alaska Airlines flights, the merger now enables cardholders to use their Companion Fare on Hawaiian Airlines flights as well. Hawaiian’s expansive route network and wide-body fleet, including the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner with lie-flat seats and direct aisle access in the Leihoku premium class, present exciting opportunities to maximize this benefit.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan assures that more details regarding this new benefit will be released in the upcoming months.
Related: Hawaiian Airlines introduces its flagship jet to New York, with some drawbacks
More Benefits for Alaska Airlines Loyalty Members
While Mileage Plan members will need to wait until summer for the Companion Fare benefit, several other perks are now available or set to launch by the end of April.
Free Checked Bags for Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Cardholders
Cardholders of the Alaska Airlines Visa Signature and Alaska Airlines Visa Business cards can now enjoy one free checked bag for themselves and up to six guests when booking Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights with their cobranded credit card.
If you hold the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®, you’ll receive two free checked bags when using your card for Alaska Airlines-operated flights, applicable only to the primary cardholder.
The information regarding the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard has been independently collected by The Points Guy. The details on this page have not been reviewed or provided by the card issuer.
Expanded Seating Options for Elite Members
Beginning 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 certain Hawaiian aircraft, Extra Comfort seats offer increased legroom, early boarding, priority security screening at select airports, personal in-seat power charging on select planes, and amenity kits on specific international flights.
Related: A review of Hawaiian Airlines first class on the route from Hawaii to Seattle
New Elite Milestone Perks
As announced in October 2024, Mileage Plan members can now select from a range of milestone perks upon reaching 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 vary for each milestone and can include benefits such as bonus miles, upgrade certificates, Wi-Fi passes, gifting MVP status, lounge passes, and the ability to roll over EQMs.
Final Thoughts
The ongoing integration between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines is proving to be beneficial for members of both airlines’ loyalty programs. New baggage benefits aim to incentivize Alaska Airlines cobranded cardholders to choose Hawaiian Airlines for their travel needs, while the Mileage Plan continues to enhance and diversify its offerings for elite members.
Though exact details are still to come, being able to utilize the Alaska Airlines Companion Fare for Hawaiian Airlines’ long-haul flights, including the Boeing 787 Dreamliner services, could significantly enhance the value of this partnership.
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