ANCHORAGE, Alaska — If you rack up Alaska Mileage Plan miles or HawaiianMiles, a sweeping makeover unveiled in Anchorage promises more ways to earn free trips and—eventually—streaming-speed Wi-Fi from gate to gate. Alaska Airlines, which closed a $1.9 billion purchase of Hawaiian Airlines last year, has begun merging the carriers’ loyalty schemes into a single Atmos Rewards program. The integration kicks in immediately for Alaska members and Oct. 1 for Hawaiian fliers, according to a company statement. Anchorage, the airline’s original home market, is expected to feel minimal disruption, but the combined plan dramatically widens redemption options for anyone starting or ending a journey in Alaska.
Why Atmos Rewards matters to Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles members
Under the new framework, existing account numbers, elite-status tiers, and stored balances carry over untouched; only the name on the digital door changes. Miles convert to points at a 1:1 ratio, and redemptions still begin at 4,500 points one-way. Club 49, the popular Alaska resident perk that grants two free checked bags, survives intact. “Nothing really changes, especially from the Alaskan point of view,” spokesperson Tim Thompson said during a call with reporters. The main difference is reach: members may now redeem or earn on more than 1,000 destinations thanks to the two airlines’ combined networks and 30-plus global partners.
Three ways to pile up points—an industry first
Beginning later next year, Atmos Rewards lets each member choose a preferred earning style once annually:
- Distance: 1 point for every mile flown.
- Spend: 5 points for every dollar of base airfare.
- Simplicity: a flat 500 points per flight leg.
If you forget to pick, the system defaults to the spend-based method. Director of Loyalty Alison Carpentier framed the menu as traveler-centric: “You can customize how you’re engaging the program on a year-to-year basis,” Carpentier said during an interview this week. Upgrades are also coming to EasyBiz, the carrier’s small-business portal. A preview version is live now, with full booking capabilities promised by mid-September.
Starlink Wi-Fi aboard, free for Atmos members
Next year Alaska Airlines begins outfitting aircraft with Starlink broadband through a partnership with T-Mobile, targeting fleet-wide completion in 2027. Hawaiian already operates the satellite service on select routes. “The satellite Wi-Fi will have better connectivity,” Carpentier said in the same interview. Atmos Rewards members will receive complimentary access once the system goes live.
Cards in the deck: rebranded Visa products and a new premium option
Alaska’s long-standing Visa Signature and Business cards gain new names—Atmos Rewards Ascent Visa Signature and Atmos Rewards Visa Business—yet keep their current fees and the beloved $99 companion fare. Card numbers remain unchanged; holders receive replacement plastic only when their current cards expire. The big splash is the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite, a premium card co-branded with Bank of America and priced at $395 per year. Benefits include:
- Accelerated earning on both redeemable and status points.
- Two Alaska Lounge day passes every three months.
- No-fee point sharing with up to 10 other Atmos members.
- Up to two Global Companion Awards annually, allowing travelers to book an award seat and bring a guest for additional points up to a preset mileage value.
A launch promotion sweetens the pot: 100,000 bonus points after spending $6,000 within the first 90 days. Alaska estimates that haul can buy one business-class seat between Seattle and Tokyo or three round-trips in the main cabin between the West Coast and Hawaii.
Network expansion: Seattle emerges as a 787-9 hub
The Hawaiian acquisition also propels Alaska into new long-haul territory. The airline plans to base as many as 17 Boeing 787-9s in Seattle, its largest station. Announced routes include nonstop service from Seattle to Rome, London, and Reykjavik beginning spring 2026, plus an earlier launch to Seoul Incheon on Sept. 12. By 2030, the company aims to serve 12 intercontinental destinations from the Emerald City. For passengers starting in Anchorage—or anywhere within the state—the shift yields smoother one-stop connections to Europe and Asia without first changing carriers.
How to maximize the new Atmos Rewards program
Tips for Travelers
- Select your earning style strategically. Price-sensitive fliers on short hops may gain more through the 500-point flat rate, while high-fare business travelers can rack up points faster via the spend option.
- Combine household points. Families can consolidate balances from up to 10 members fee-free if one person carries the new Summit Infinite card.
- Capitalize on the 100,000-point intro offer. Planned big purchases? Time them within the 90-day window to unlock a free premium cabin seat to Asia or multiple economy tickets to Hawaii.
- Claim free Wi-Fi. Once Starlink rolls out, log in with your Atmos credentials for gate-to-gate connectivity.
- Watch the calendar. Members must set or change their earning style once per year—mark it to avoid getting defaulted to the spend metric.
Do I need to merge my account manually?
No action is required. Your existing Mileage Plan or HawaiianMiles number automatically converts to an Atmos Rewards account, retaining full history and status.
Will my current miles lose value?
No. Miles become points at a 1:1 ratio; redemption rates remain unchanged, starting at 4,500 points for a one-way ticket.
What happens to my companion fare certificates?
Certificates associated with the Signature or Business card continue under their current terms, including the annual $99 price point.
Is Starlink Wi-Fi on every flight?
Not yet. Installation is scheduled to begin next year and is expected to cover the entire fleet by 2027. Access will be available for free to Atmos members when it becomes available.
How do Global Companion Awards differ from the $99 fare?
The premium card’s Global Companion Award attaches to an award booking, allowing a companion to join you for additional points up to a mileage cap. The familiar $99 certificate is tied to a paid fare on the lower-fee Signature card.
Bottom line for Alaska-bound jet-setters
Anchorage travelers stand to gain a more flexible currency, free broadband in the sky, and a gateway to fresh long-haul nonstop routes—all without sacrificing the hometown perks they already value. Whether you collect points by distance, dollars, or flat segments, Alaska and Hawaiian’s joint Atmos Rewards program places a broader world, and more generous earning tools, within mileage reach. — as Thompson said during a call with reporters.
