What the Hawaiian Airlines-Alaska Airlines Merger Means For Travelers
Don’t count on reduced fares.
Booked a flight to Hawaiʻi on Hawaiian Airlines next summer and worried about your trip?
Don’t be.
The news that Seattle-based Alaska Airlines acquired the state’s largest carrier on Sunday for $1.9 billion isn’t going to affect travelers all that much. At least right now.
In a message to those enrolled in its milage program, Hawaiian Airlines stated it’s business as usual for the time being.
“While there is a lot to be excited about, today is just day one,” the email read. “There are approvals that are required to complete this combination, which we expect to occur in the next 12 to 18 months. Until then, it’s business as usual, and Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines will continue to operate as independent airlines.“
Photo: Courtesy of Alaska Airlines
What this means for travelers:
- Existing reservations and new ones made with each airline before the deal officially closes (in the next 12 to 18 months) will be honored.
- Both Alaska and Hawaiian airlines’ loyalty programs rules and policies remain independent, and travelers can still earn and redeem miles with each airline. When the two airlines merge, the loyal program will, too.
- Alaska Airlines will maintain Hawaiian’s strong brand—something flyers have come to love about the kamaʻāina airlines.
- Don’t expect lower ticket fares; the merger will mean less competition. Southwest, which entered the Hawaiʻi market in March 2019, will still be the only other carrier to offer both domestic and interisland flights. And there will be no price war anymore between Hawaiian and Alaska airlines.
- Hawaiʻi residents will have access to triple the number of North American destinations that can be reached nonstop or one stop from the Islands.
- Travelers on the West Coast will have more choices and increased connectivity, with service to 138 destinations including nonstop service to 29 international locales.
Bottom line: If you’ve booked a flight on Hawaiian Airlines, don’t worry. Your vacation will happen.
