Alaska Airlines consistently offers some of the best travel rewards, including affordable award flights and elite status perks. Concluding its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, frequent flyers will see a number of changes over the next couple of years including a new program name and more flexibility with earning elite status.
1. New Program Name
Atmos Rewards is the new name for the Alaska Airlines loyalty program, effective immediately. The rebranded loyalty program strives to offer the best features of Alaska’s Mileage Plan and Hawaiian’s HawaiianMiles.
There are four elite status tiers:
- Silver (after earning 20,000 qualifying points)
- Gold (after 40,000 points)
- Platinum (after 75,000 points)
- Titanium (after 100,000 points)
As a sidenote, HawaiianMiles members will automatically have any remaining miles transferred at a 1:1 ratio to their new Atmos Rewards account on October 1st.
Atmos members can earn and redeem rewards with 30+ airline partners, including the oneworld alliance. One-way redemptions start at 4,500 miles to over 1,000 destinations.
Current co-brand credit card customers with either program can continue earning business or personal rewards from their daily spend. A premium credit card is launching specifically for global travelers.
2. Three Ways to Earn Elite Status
Starting in 2026, you can personalize how you earn Atmos airline elite status:
- Distance traveled:Â The traditional way of climbing the elite status tier based on combined flight trip distance. This method typically remains ideal for budget-minded international and cross-country passengers.
- Price paid:Â Earn 5 points per $1 spent on flight purchases and corresponding upgrades, including premium cabins. Consider this strategy if you often find yourself in first class or business class.
- Segments flown:Â Receive a flat 500 points per completed flight, regardless of the distance. Consider this option for short jaunts, such as a commuter flight or hopping between the Hawaiian islands.
This flexibility makes it easy to personalize how you earn rewards and easier to maximize your loyalty membership versus legacy programs.
You’re also able to choose a community to personalize your loyalty experience and have an easier time earning points and elite perks through tailored rewards opportunities.
The loyalty program is currently accepting status matches if you have similar elite status with a competitor.
3. More Milestones and Upgrades
Milestone rewards become available before earning entry-level Atmos Silver elite status. Personalizable perks include complimentary meals, lounge access, flight discounts, bonus points, and more.
Moreover, elite status members will also enjoy these complimentary space-available upgrades:
- First Class upgrades on Alaska and American-operated flights
- Premium Class upgrades on Alaska, Hawaiian (Extra Comfort), American Airlines (Main Cabin Extra)
- Complimentary preferred seating on Alaska, Hawaiian, and American
Additionally, elite members can capitalize on everyday benefits like priority service, oneworld status benefits, and free checked baggage when flying on Alaska, Hawaiian, or American.
4. Starlink Inflight Connectivity
Thanks to an enticing partnership with T-Mobile, the entire Alaska and Hawaiian fleet will offer Starlink inflight wi-fi that’s free for Atmos Rewards members. Fleet upgrades start in 2026 and will finish during 2027.
Passengers can enjoy some of the fastest data speeds in the sky, perfect for work, keeping small children entertained, or to enjoy a long flight.
Final Thoughts
Merging two of the most award-friendly airlines can be a win-win for the industry and passengers. Atmos Rewards is striving to increase personalization so more travelers can qualify for elite status and book awards trips more often.
Credits: Alaska Airline
