Now that Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines
are officially set to merge, many are wondering what it would mean for the carriers’ employees, passengers, and the combined entity’s overall network. As with any merger of this kind, people can expect some changes to the way the airlines function, although the relevant authorities will ensure that the transition is smooth for everyone involved.

Impact on employees

One pertinent question that arises during any airline merger is the potential impact on its workers. While a majority of positions are believed to be retained for both carriers, some non-union jobs of Hawaiian may be deemed redundant.

According to Hawaii Public Radio, the carrier will soon learn which positions will be affected by the merger and will follow up with a two-week notification period. Those who find themselves without a contract renewal will be given a severance package along with career counseling services.

Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A330-200 departing from Phoenix Sky Harbor International.

Photo: Robin Guess | Shutterstock

Unionized roles, such as pilots, flight attendants, and other positions, will not be affected but can still expect changes in service contracts. The coming days will likely see negotiations of contracts for these jobs with Alaska Airlines.

What could the passengers expect?

Frequent travelers of both Alaska and Hawaiian are pretty used to the services and even the network map of both airlines. But could there be any changes that could also affect their travel experience after the merger?

For the time being, the two airlines will maintain their own brands and separate websites, reservation systems, and loyalty programs. This will likely remain for the next 18 months until the Federal Aviation Administration goes through their application to operate under one certificate.

Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines aircraft at HNL shutterstock_1103362790

Photo: EQRoy | Shutterstock

One of the biggest concerns for passengers would be the impact on their loyalty program status. Currently, passengers can expect to enjoy their Alaska Mileage Plan or HawaiianMiles membership.

The plan is to eventually have a single loyalty program, which both airlines aim to bring soon. But for now, passengers will be given the option of transferring miles at a 1:1 ratio and booking flights across both airlines using their existing points.

In fact, anticipating curious questions from its passengers regarding any kind of change in the traveling experience, Alaska Airlines has created a special FAQ page on its website.

Plans for Hawaiian to join oneworld

Meanwhile, Hawaiian Airlines could soon find itself in the list of airlines that are part of the oneworld alliance. While there has been no official statement from the airline regarding this, One Mile At a Time reports that the carrier’s spokesperson has said that this plan is underway, and could happen in 2026.

Hawaiian Airlines Airbus A321neo (N202HA) at Portland International Airport.

Photo: Wenjie Zheng | Shutterstock

Many more perks will be made available to Hawaiian’s frequent travelers once the carrier joins oneworld, but even before that, passengers can take advantage of the reciprocal opportunities being introduced by both airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines CEO Joe Sprague expects the merger to give the airline a bigger global reach. Both airlines have a combined fleet of more than 350 planes, and the future network consolidation will hopefully be beneficial for their employees as well as passengers.

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