On the loyalty front, the deal would connect Alaska’s and Hawaiian’s frequent flier programs, including giving members of both programs access to more airport lounges throughout the world and the ability to earn and use miles through the oneworld Alliance-Alaska is a oneworld Alliance partner airline Hawaiian is not. It would also result in more service between the West Coast and the Asia Pacific region by establishing Honolulu as a key hub for making international connections. And the airlines tout that the integration would result in an expanded network for passengers, including more service for Hawai‘i residents by tripling the number of destinations throughout North America that can be reached from the islands through direct and connecting flights. Under the proposed merger, the two distinct airline brands would be maintained (unlike when Alaska acquired Virgin America and dissolved the Virgin America name). Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines made a big announcement over the weekend-they entered into an agreement under which Alaska will purchase Hawaiian for $1.9 billion.
