Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines recently announced the launch of a new loyalty program, Atmos Rewards, which will offer updated benefits to its members. As the two airlines continue to integrate, this new program aims to provide a seamless and flexible experience for loyal customers.
One of the major changes in the combined loyalty program is the option for members to choose how they earn status. Unlike other airline programs that solely base status on spending, Atmos Rewards will allow members to earn status based on miles flown, price paid, or segments flown starting in late 2026. This decision was influenced by other successful consumer programs, such as Sephora, that have found ways to engage customers beyond their top spenders.
Existing Alaska Mileage Plan members were automatically enrolled in Atmos Rewards with their existing account number, while HawaiianMiles members will receive a new account number. Any existing Hawaiian Airlines loyalty accounts will be converted on October 1, unless they have already linked to a Mileage Plan account.
The most significant change for Atmos Rewards is the option for members to choose their preferred method of earning status. They can select from three options: distance traveled (1 status point per mile flown), price paid (5 status points per $1 spent), or segments flown (500 status points per flight). This new earning system will be implemented in late 2026 and members can update their preference once a year.
Members of the top-tier Titanium level will also have access to new perks, such as complimentary international business class upgrades on the day of departure without needing an upgrade certificate. This is a unique benefit as most airlines require elite flyers to apply in advance for upgrades and limit the number available per year. With Alaska Airlines expanding their international route network, this perk will likely be highly valued by members.
Even non-elites will have access to perks through the program. Atmos Rewards members can unlock benefits starting at 10,000 status points, even before achieving status. The specific perks have not been announced yet, but it is similar to JetBlue’s TrueBlue program, which allows members to earn perks before reaching status.
Atmos Rewards is also introducing Communities, which are free to join and provide opportunities for travelers to engage with the airline in new ways. These include communities for residents of Alaska and Hawaii, as well as interest and lifestyle-based options such as family travel and wellness. These Communities aim to make all members feel valued and rewarded, regardless of how often they travel.
In addition to the new loyalty program, Alaska and Hawaiian are launching a new premium credit card, the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite card by Bank of America. For a $395 annual fee, cardholders will have access to perks such as lounge passes, automatic travel delay credits, free checked bags, and priority boarding. Brett Catlin, Vice President of Loyalty, Alliances and Sales at Alaska Airlines, describes the card as “globally connected, deeply rewarding, and designed to elevate every step of the journey.
Overall, Atmos Rewards aims to provide a more