Are Alaska Airlines And Hawaiian Airlines Partners? | Your Guide

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are not currently direct airline partners in the traditional sense for mileage accrual or redemption, though their relationship is evolving.

Navigating airline partnerships can often feel like solving a puzzle, especially when planning trips to destinations as beloved as Hawaii or the rugged beauty of Alaska. Understanding how airlines work together, or don’t, directly impacts your travel experience, from earning miles to checking bags.

The Current Partnership Status: A Clear Picture

At present, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines operate as independent carriers. This means they maintain separate flight networks, loyalty programs, and operational procedures. Travelers should consider them distinct airlines when planning itineraries or expecting reciprocal benefits.

This independent status is important for travelers to recognize. It impacts how you book flights, manage connections, and utilize any accumulated loyalty points. Until any formal integration occurs, their services remain separate.

Codesharing and Interline Agreements: What They Mean

A codeshare agreement allows one airline to sell seats on another airline’s flights under its own flight number. This deeper partnership typically includes benefits like unified mileage earning and redemption, and streamlined baggage handling. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines do not have a codeshare agreement.

Interline agreements are simpler arrangements. They permit airlines to issue tickets that involve flights on another carrier, mainly for baggage transfers and re-accommodation during irregular operations. While some basic interline capabilities might exist for specific operational needs, they do not extend to mileage benefits or general partnership perks between Alaska and Hawaiian.

Mileage Programs: Earning and Redeeming

Both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines operate their own distinct frequent flyer programs. Alaska Airlines has Mileage Plan, a program known for its valuable redemption options on various global partners. Hawaiian Airlines offers HawaiianMiles, which focuses on travel to, from, and within the Hawaiian Islands.

Travelers cannot earn Mileage Plan miles when flying on Hawaiian Airlines, nor can they earn HawaiianMiles when flying on Alaska Airlines. Similarly, you cannot redeem miles from one program for flights on the other airline. Each program functions independently, requiring you to book and fly with their respective partners to earn or use miles.

Baggage Policies for Connecting Travel

When flying on separate tickets with different airlines, even if they connect, baggage policies are crucial. Since Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines are not codeshare partners, your luggage will generally not be checked through from one airline to the other. This applies even if you have a tight connection.

Travelers flying on separate tickets must retrieve their checked bags after the first flight and then re-check them with the second airline. This process involves collecting bags from the carousel, proceeding through security again, and dropping them at the second airline’s check-in counter. Each airline will apply its own baggage fees according to its published policy for your specific fare class and loyalty status.

According to the TSA, specific rules apply to what items are permitted in carry-on versus checked luggage, such as aerosols, certain electronics, and liquids. Always ensure your bags comply with these regulations for both segments of your journey, especially when re-checking.

Baggage Policy Overview (Separate Tickets)

When booking separate tickets, expect to pay standard baggage fees for each leg of your journey. These fees are subject to change and may vary based on your elite status or co-branded credit card benefits.

Airline	First Checked Bag Fee (Main Cabin)	Second Checked Bag Fee (Main Cabin)	Max Weight
Alaska Airlines	$35 (online/kiosk) / $40 (airport)	$45	50 lbs
Hawaiian Airlines	$35 (North America flights)	$45	50 lbs

Navigating Travel to Hawaii and Alaska

Planning trips to the unique destinations served by these airlines requires careful thought. Alaska Airlines has a strong presence along the West Coast and within Alaska, with its primary hub in Seattle. Hawaiian Airlines specializes in flights to and from the Hawaiian Islands, with its main hub in Honolulu.

If your itinerary involves both regions, you will likely need to book two distinct flights. Consider major connecting airports like Seattle (SEA), Portland (PDX), or Los Angeles (LAX) for transitions. Allow ample time between flights, especially if you need to re-check luggage or change terminals. A minimum of 3-4 hours is advisable for self-transfers to account for potential delays and the baggage process.

The Proposed Acquisition: What to Know

Alaska Airlines has announced a proposed acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines. This development, if approved, would significantly alter the relationship between the two carriers. The acquisition is subject to regulatory review and approval by various government bodies, a process that can take a considerable amount of time.

Should the acquisition be finalized, travelers could expect a gradual integration of services. This would likely include a unified loyalty program, codesharing across the combined network, and streamlined operations. For now, it remains a future possibility, and travelers should plan based on their current, independent status.

Loyalty Program Snapshot

Each airline’s loyalty program offers distinct benefits and earning structures. Understanding these differences is key when choosing which airline to fly, especially if you are aiming for elite status or specific redemption goals.

Feature	Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan	Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles
Earning Miles	Fly Alaska, Oneworld Alliance, & global partners	Fly Hawaiian & select partners
Redeeming Miles	Alaska flights & partner flights	Hawaiian flights & select partner flights
Elite Status Tiers	MVP, MVP Gold, MVP Gold 75K	Pualani Gold, Pualani Platinum

Booking Strategy: Independent Airlines

When booking travel that involves both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, the most straightforward approach is to book each segment directly with the respective airline. This allows you to manage each reservation independently and ensures you are aware of each carrier’s specific terms and conditions.

Always compare flight times, prices, and policies for each airline separately. Pay close attention to baggage allowances, seat selection options, and change/cancellation policies. Booking directly also simplifies communication if you need to make adjustments to your reservation or if there are flight disruptions.

Operational Aspects and Customer Service

As separate entities, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines maintain distinct operational centers and customer service teams. If you experience a delay, cancellation, or need assistance with your booking, you will interact directly with the airline operating that specific flight segment. For example, a delay on your Alaska Airlines flight would be handled by Alaska’s customer service, even if you have a subsequent Hawaiian Airlines flight.

Each airline has its own fleet, cabin configurations, and in-flight service standards. Familiarizing yourself with these aspects for both carriers can help set expectations for your journey. Their unique service cultures reflect their primary operational regions and customer bases.