Airline mergers and partnerships continue to shape the travel landscape, and recent moves by Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have garnered significant attention for what they could mean by 2025. Both carriers have strong presences on the U.S. West Coast and in the Pacific region, making any alliance or closer collaboration a notable development for travelers seeking convenient routes and competitive fares.
Alaska Airlines is known for its expanding network across the West Coast and robust frequent flyer program, Mileage Plan, which has retained a unique distance-based mileage-earning model. The airline has also been investing heavily in fleet modernization and has positioned itself as a customer-friendly carrier with a strong operational record.
Hawaiian Airlines brings extensive expertise in inter-island flights, trans-Pacific routes, and a brand deeply tied to the aloha spirit. It operates out of hubs such as Honolulu (HNL) and Kahului (OGG), serving a mixture of mainland U.S. and international destinations. For travelers heading to or from Hawaii, the airline offers numerous direct flights and a distinct island-inspired in-flight experience.
In 2024, talk of a deeper partnership—potentially a code-share expansion or a strategic alliance—between Alaska and Hawaiian gained momentum. While the exact terms of an agreement are yet to be fully disclosed, here’s what such a relationship could mean going into 2025:
Greater Route Coverage
Each airline covers a different but complementary set of routes. Alaska’s strong presence up and down the West Coast and into the Midwest could pair well with Hawaiian’s dedicated routes to the Islands. A closer partnership might create seamless travel options between smaller West Coast cities and Hawaiian islands, reducing the need for multiple layovers and allowing travelers to book more convenient single-ticket itineraries.
Frequent Flyer Benefits
Alaska’s Mileage Plan is a favorite among savvy travelers for its generous earning structure, and Hawaiian’s HawaiianMiles has carved out its own loyal base, especially among inter-island flyers. A partnership could introduce reciprocal mileage earnings and redemptions, enabling passengers to enjoy expanded rewards. For instance, an Alaska flyer could earn Mileage Plan miles on Hawaiian’s inter-island or mainland-to-Hawaii routes, and vice versa. This synergy might also include status recognition, lounge access, and other perks for elite members.
Potential Fleet and Service Upgrades
By working together to align schedules and services, both airlines could optimize aircraft use. This might result in additional flights during peak travel seasons, like the summer months or holiday periods, giving customers more flexibility. Additionally, each airline may adopt certain service best practices from the other, potentially leading to an improved in-flight experience. Hawaiian’s laid-back, island-themed service culture could blend nicely with Alaska’s Northwest flair, offering a distinctive atmosphere on certain shared routes.
Competitive Fares and Overall Cost
When two carriers deepen ties, there can be concerns about reduced competition. However, in the case of Alaska and Hawaiian—both relatively smaller national players—the collaboration could instead bolster competition against larger legacy carriers on certain trans-Pacific routes. Lower operating costs, coordinated schedules, and increased load factors might lead to more attractive fares, though it remains to be seen whether prices will drop in the long run.
Regulatory Hurdles and Approval
Closer alliances or mergers typically face scrutiny from regulators to ensure consumer interests are protected. By 2025, if Alaska and Hawaiian formalize a deeper partnership, regulators may attach conditions to maintain route competition or limit fare increases. While neither airline commands the market share of the largest U.S. carriers, authorities will still watch closely to prevent regional monopolies.
Looking Ahead
Industry insiders are speculating on various partnership models, from an expanded code-share agreement to a partial merger or joint venture. By 2025, we’re likely to see more clearly whether these discussions become a reality. For travelers, potential benefits lie in more comprehensive route networks, integrated frequent flyer perks, and possibly improved in-flight experiences. As with any airline partnership, the key for consumers is to stay informed on changes to loyalty programs, schedules, and fare structures—especially if traveling between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii is on the itinerary.
Alaska and Hawaiian each bring their own strengths to the table. If they can merge them effectively, 2025 could mark an era of streamlined travel for leisure seekers, island-hoppers, and business travelers alike. In the meantime, those planning vacations or trips to Hawaii should keep an eye on announcements from both airlines, watching for potential deals, newly launched routes, and any shifts in how miles or points can be earned and redeemed.