SEATTLE & HONOLULU — In a move set to reshape loyalty travel, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have unveiled Atmos Rewards, a unified loyalty program merging Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles to deliver more flexibility, value, and international access for members.
A Loyalty Program Built for Today’s Traveler
Atmos Rewards offers unmatched personalization. Starting in 2026, members can choose annually how to earn points:
- Distance traveled: 1 point per mile flown
- Price paid: 5 points per US dollar spent on airfare and upgrades
- Segments flown: Flat 500 points per flight, ideal for frequent short-haul trips
This choice-driven model is a first among U.S. carriers—and it empowers travelers to tailor earning strategies to their habits.
Migration and Member Perks
- Alaska Mileage Plan members have already been transitioned to the new Atmos Rewards system with no loss of benefits.
- HawaiianMiles members will transition seamlessly on October 1, 2025, with miles converted 1:1 into Atmos Rewards points. No action is required unless members want to link accounts.
Points retain their value and do not expire. Elite members retain their status under new tier names while enjoying enhanced benefits.
Premium Card and Ultra-Fast Wi-Fi
The launch includes a new Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite premium credit card (annual fee: around $395), offering global companion awards, accelerated points earning, lounge access, and more.
Looking ahead, starting in 2026, Atmos Rewards members will receive free Starlink Wi‑Fi on equipped flights—fully installed fleetwide by 2027—in partnership with T-Mobile.
Expanded Global Reach & Partnerships
Atmos Rewards extends access to more than 1,000 destinations, incorporating Alaska, Hawaiian, and over 30 partner airlines—including members of the oneworld alliance.
Beyond flights, members can earn points through partners like Lyft and hotel stays, and participate in shared Atmos Communities tailored to interests or regional programs like Huakaʻi by Hawaiian and Club 49.
Tourism Impacts: What This Means for Travelers
- Greater Control: Members tailor how they earn rewards—ideal for varying travel patterns, whether long-haul, premium cabin, or frequent short hops.
- More Value, Same Currency: Existing miles retain value, minimizing disruption during the transition.
- International Travel Perks: With upgraded networks and elite benefits like space‑available upgrades, long-haul travelers gain major advantages.
- Tech-Savvy Convenience: Free inflight Wi‑Fi and lounges bolster the travel experience for modern tourists.
Industry Relevance
Atmos Rewards is emerging as a blueprint for post-merger loyalty programs—mimicking collaborative models seen in Europe but now scaled for U.S. domestic carriers. Its emphasis on traveler autonomy, digital perks, and expansive reach signals a new era for airline loyalty.
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