Why Alaska Airlines Miles Are More Valuable Than Ever
Understanding Alaska Mileage Plan miles and the expanded benefits from the Hawaiian Airlines merger is crucial. Here are the top reasons why:
Strategic Partnerships Beyond OneWorld
Alaska Airlines’ partnerships extend beyond the OneWorld Alliance, providing access to carriers like Korean Air, Starlux Airlines, and Iberia Airlines.
Example: Book a business class flight on Korean Air from Dallas to Seoul for just 75,000 miles—one of the best redemption rates available.
Award rate
Cash rate
Stopover Policy on One-Way Flights
Alaska allows you to add a stopover to one-way awards, allowing you to visit two destinations for the price of one.
Example: Los Angeles to Singapore with a Tokyo stopover in business class for only 85,000 miles.
Expanded Redemption Options with Hawaiian Airlines
The Hawaiian Airlines partnership allows you to redeem Alaska miles on more routes.
Expect smoother flights between Hawaiian islands and mainland U.S. destinations with redemptions across both airlines.
Indirect Transfer of Amex Membership Rewards to Alaska Airlines Miles
The Alaska-Hawaiian merger offers a unique chance to transfer Amex points to Alaska Mileage Plan miles indirectly:
How to Transfer Amex Points to Alaska Airlines Miles
Transfer Amex Membership Rewards points to Hawaiian Airlines, then convert those miles to Alaska miles at a 1:1 ratio.
Example: Moving 100,000 Amex points gives you 100,000 Hawaiian miles, which can become 100,000 Alaska miles, unlocking premium redemptions on partners like Japan Airlines and Qatar Airways.
Timing is Key
This indirect transfer could be temporary, so take advantage of it if you have specific redemptions.
While transferring points, avoid speculative moves and ensure you have confirmed travel plans to avoid potential devaluations.
Ways to Use Alaska Miles
Iberia Airlines: 45,000 miles for business class from Boston Madrid.
Award rate
Cash rate
Starlux Airlines: 75,000 miles from San Francisco to Taipei in business class.
Award rate
Cash rate
Qatar Airways Qsuites: 70,000 miles for a business class flight from New York to Doha.
Quick Tips & Resources - Maximizing the Merger’s Benefits
The Alaska-Hawaiian merger offers multiple new ways to maximize your points. Here’s how to take full advantage:
Free Mileage Transfers and Elite Status Matches
Soon, you can transfer miles between Alaska and Hawaiian at a 1:1 ratio and match elite statuses.
Pro Tip: Link accounts early to ensure Alaska MVP or Hawaiian Pualani Platinum status across both programs.
Shared Airport Lounge Access
Alaska Lounge access will be available for Hawaiian travelers and vice versa.
Tip: Maximize this reciprocal benefit if you have a lounge membership, especially for long-haul trips.
Speculative Bookings with Alaska Miles
Lock in high-value redemptions before potential devaluations, particularly on international partner flights.
Book now on Cathay Pacific or Qatar Airways for optimal redemption rates. Alaska’s generous cancellation policy offers flexibility.
Final Thoughts: Why This Merger is a Win for Savvy Travelers
The Alaska-Hawaiian merger opens doors for expanded routes, enhanced redemption options, and greater flexibility. With the possibility of indirect Amex point transfers to Alaska, there’s no better time to capitalize on these opportunities for premium travel. At Freemium Traveler, we’re dedicated to helping you get the most from your points and miles. If you're ready to elevate your travel game, let’s get started!
Ready to maximize your miles?
Consult Freemium Traveler to plan your next luxury trip and leverage these exciting new opportunities!
Thank you,
Ade O
The Leverage Letter
Daily News for Curious Minds
Be the smartest person in the room by reading 1440! Dive into 1440, where 4 million Americans find their daily, fact-based news fix. We navigate through 100+ sources to deliver a comprehensive roundup from every corner of the internet – politics, global events, business, and culture, all in a quick, 5-minute newsletter. It's completely free and devoid of bias or political influence, ensuring you get the facts straight. Subscribe to 1440 today.