In a significant shift that could reshape the travel rewards landscape for U.S. flyers heading to Hawaii, American Express (Amex) has officially ended its long-time partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, effective June 30, 2025. In its place, Amex has swiftly pivoted to a fresh collaboration with Alaska Airlines, introducing a targeted promotional offer aimed at Hawaii-bound travelers.
This move not only signals a new direction for Amex’s travel perks but also marks a potential realignment in airline loyalties and credit card benefits for those regularly flying to and from the Hawaiian Islands.
Goodbye Hawaiian Airlines, Hello Alaska: A Strategic Shift
For many years, American Express cardholders benefited from exclusive perks with Hawaiian Airlines, such as bonus points, discounted fares, and priority privileges. But with the termination of that partnership, these perks have now come to an end. In response, Amex quickly launched a new limited-time offer featuring Alaska Airlines, a carrier that is rapidly increasing its presence in Hawaii.
The new promotion gives eligible Amex cardholders a $60 statement credit when they spend $300 or more on Alaska Airlines flights. The offer, valid through September 30, 2025, is available to select Amex Gold and Platinum cardholders and must be activated through the “Amex Offers & Benefits” section of the account dashboard.
What the Alaska Airlines Offer Includes
To qualify for the promotion, travelers must:
- Add the Alaska Airlines offer to their eligible Amex card
- Spend a minimum of $300 on qualifying purchases with Alaska Airlines
- Book flights directly via Alaska Airlines (not third-party sites)
- Use the card for airfare, seat upgrades, baggage fees, or fare changes
This promotion does not apply to gift card purchases, in-flight purchases, or services like hotel bookings or car rentals.
Once the $300 threshold is met, the $60 statement credit will automatically post to the cardholder’s account.
A Strategic Realignment for Hawaii Travel
This sudden shift in Amex’s airline loyalty program aligns with broader changes in the U.S. travel industry, especially as Alaska Airlines moves forward with its planned merger with Hawaiian Airlines. As Alaska continues integrating Hawaiian’s routes and operations, this Amex partnership could be an early indicator of deeper cooperation on routes to and from Hawaii.
Alaska Airlines already offers an extensive network of flights between the U.S. mainland and the Hawaiian Islands. Its growing capacity to serve Hawaii, combined with Amex’s backing, positions it as a leading carrier for Hawaii-bound travelers looking to leverage credit card rewards.
“This is more than a short-term promotion—it’s a potential long-term shift in the way travel rewards will be structured for Hawaii,” says a Honolulu-based travel analyst.
Platinum Cardholders Gain Even More Value
For American Express Platinum cardholders, the offer carries additional appeal. In addition to the $60 credit, Platinum members earn 5X Membership Rewards points on flights booked directly with Alaska Airlines. This makes the promotion especially lucrative for frequent travelers, business flyers, and families planning a vacation to Hawaii.
How to Check If You’re Eligible
Cardholders should log in to their Amex online account or app and navigate to the Amex Offers & Benefits section. If the Alaska Airlines offer appears, simply click “Add to Card” before booking any travel. Once activated, the promotion will track qualifying purchases automatically.
Alaska Airlines: Hawaii’s New Preferred Partner?
The timing of this offer is no coincidence. With the Alaska-Hawaiian merger advancing, Amex’s pivot toward Alaska Airlines likely reflects a broader strategic alignment in the credit card and airline industry. While no official co-branded Amex-Alaska credit card has been announced, insiders suggest that more promotions, benefits, and perhaps even Membership Rewards transfer opportunities could be on the horizon.
As Alaska Airlines expands into Hawaiian’s former infrastructure and route network, Amex appears poised to maintain its influence in Hawaii travel by fostering loyalty through Alaska’s growing presence.
Hawaii Travel Loyalty Programs in Transition
The departure of Hawaiian Airlines from Amex’s partner portfolio does leave a gap for many loyal travelers. Hawaiian had been a favorite among U.S. West Coast travelers for its direct flights to Honolulu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island. While Amex still maintains partnerships with global carriers like Delta and Singapore Airlines, Alaska’s U.S.-focused reach offers new relevance for travelers who prioritize domestic leisure travel.
For many travelers, the key question remains: Will Amex introduce a deeper partnership with Alaska Airlines, possibly including point transfers or elite status perks? While nothing has been confirmed yet, the new offer may be just the beginning.
Advice for Hawaii-Bound Travelers
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii in the next few months, here’s what you need to know:
- Act now: The $60 Alaska Airlines credit is available through September 30, 2025, but offer enrollment is limited.
- Book direct: Only purchases made directly with Alaska Airlines qualify.
- Check your card: Not all Amex cards are eligible—Gold and Platinum members are more likely to see the deal.
- Stack rewards: If you’re a Platinum cardholder, combine the $60 credit with 5X points for maximum value.
- Stay informed: With the Alaska-Hawaiian merger underway, more benefits could be coming soon.
Looking Ahead: A New Chapter in Hawaii Travel
As Alaska Airlines increases its foothold in Hawaii and American Express restructures its travel offerings, a new chapter is unfolding for travelers heading to the Aloha State. The days of Hawaiian Airlines perks may be over, but the emergence of new deals—backed by a growing alliance between Amex and Alaska Airlines—offers fresh opportunities for value, savings, and smart travel.
For now, travelers should keep a close eye on their Amex account for future updates and offers. The $60 credit is a promising start, but if this partnership expands, it could redefine how credit card perks shape the way Americans travel to Hawaii for years to come.
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