For years, US airline loyalty programs have been marching towards the same model. You are gaining stats based on how much you use, not how much you fly. However, the new co-loyalty program offers travelers unprecedented flexibility in how they earn points.
On August 20th, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, which merged in September 2024, announced their long-awaited joint loyalty program, Atmos Rewards. Merging mileage plans with Hawaiian Airlines’ Hawaiian Miles in Alaska, the new program promises to change how travelers think about earning points.
“One of the most unique aspects of the new program is choosing a way to earn points for travelers: flying, spending distances, winning flight segments, and more. “This is the first time in the industry, allowing customers to provide more control and shape the program around their own personal travel habits.”
Starting in 2026, members will be able to choose one of three revenue models (adjustable once a year).
- distance: 1 point flight per mile
- Revenue: 5 points per dollar spent on airfares
- segment: 500 points per flight segment
This is an adventure option to loyalty that allows some travelers to have access to the higher airline status brackets.
“Travelers who take the time to understand the system will find it opens the door to more valuable opportunities,” says Kheel. “From a strategic perspective, long-distance rif-haunted travelers can benefit from distance-based revenues, but premium cabin flyers can earn more based on the dollars they spend.
Travel expert Katy Nastro at Travel App and Deals Newsletter, called Atmos, added, “When we hear “a big change” coming, we brace for the effects of devaluation (ongoing).”
Still, not all details are seamless, just like mergers. Status thresholds are rising, and the revamped stages have high revenue requirements for platinum and titanium status. Under the improved tier, travelers will earn status with the following qualification requirements:
- Silver (formerly MVP with Alaska’s Mileage Plan and Pualani Gold from Hawaiian Miles Program): 20,000 Status Points
- Gold (formerly Alaska MVP Gold and Hawaiian Praline Platinum): 40,000 Status Points
- Platinum (formerly MVP Gold 75K and 75K with Alaska): 75,000 to 80,000 status points
- Titanium (formerly MVP Gold 100K, Alaska): 135,000 status points, up from 100,000
It is difficult to reach the top layer, but the reward is large. For example, top tier titanium members are promised unlimited free upgrades to liar business class seats, including extended flight paths, including extended flight paths for routes such as London, Reykjavik, Rome, Seoul, Tokyo and more.
Local perks remain unharmed. Alaskans still benefit from Club 49, while Hawaiians maintain access to Huachy by Hawaiians (both programs offer locals with free check bags from the airline’s name and some exclusive sales).
If you are already a member of Alaska mileage planning, you will be automatically moved to Atmos. HawaiianMiles members will automatically switch to October 1, 2025.
Travel expert and founder of Blog View from Wing, Gary Leff said Hawaiian Airlines members are big winners here.
“The Alaska point is just as valuable as it was before, as there are no changes to the redemption side of the program that is happening as part of this,” Lev says. “The Hawaiian Airlines miles were much more valuable due to the merger. Hawaiian miles are the most valuable, Alaska’s most valuable, Hawaiian miles have converted 1:1 into this new program.”
The improved credit card lineup also comes with a launch that includes a Premium Summit Visa Infinite ($395 annuity fee) of 100,000 points sign-up bonus, eight lounge passes per year, and a “Global Companion Awards” worth 25,000 points (card holders can book their own flights and bring in one more with a companion certificate). Starting in 2026, Atmos members will win another major perk, free Starlink Wi-Fi, across the combined Alaska and Hawaiian fleet.
