Two Cult-Favorite Regional Airlines Just Solved Your Biggest Travel Booking Problem
We have all been there: trying to piece together a complicated itinerary, toggling between two different apps and praying the connection times actually work. But for fans of the West Coast and the islands, that "two-airline shuffle" is officially history. Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines have just hit a massive milestone by moving onto a single passenger platform-a move Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group, says is something "no other U.S. airline has done before."
Related: This Cult-Favorite Airline is Finally Launching Europe Business Class Service-With Lie-Flat Beds
The End of the "Double App" Headache
The real win for travelers is the launch of the unified Alaska Hawaiian mobile app. You can now manage your entire journey-from Seattle to Sydney or Honolulu to New York-with a single record locator. No more hunting through two different confirmation emails or checking two different apps for gate changes. The new system even lets you handle "self-service" tasks that used to require a phone call, like switching to an earlier flight on the same day or adding a lap child to your reservation.
Related: How I Pack for an Alaska Cruise With a Single Carry-on
Shared Lobbies and Free Sips
The "seamless" promise extends right into the terminal. The two carriers have started opening shared airport lobbies in major cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco and New York-JFK. This means you won't have to guess which terminal your connection is in; you'll find both brands under one roof.
And for those who like a little "ho‘okipa" (hospitality) with their flight, there's an extra treat: starting today, guests in Premium Class and elite loyalty members get complimentary alcohol on Hawaiian's transpacific flights. It's a "thank you" for your loyalty that makes that long-haul flight across the Pacific feel a little more like a vacation before you even touch down.
Your Points, Your Way
The most exciting "nugget" for reward seekers? You can now use your points (or a mix of cash and points) to book travel on over 30 global partners directly through the app. Whether you're chasing Atmos Rewards or just trying to get the best value for your summer getaway, the "friction" of the merger has officially been removed, leaving you with more destinations and a lot less stress.
Related: Alaska Airlines Set to Make History With Its First-Ever Flight to Europe
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This story was originally published April 24, 2026 at 7:10 AM.