Understanding the Atmos Rewards Program
The merger of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines has brought about a significant change in the loyalty program landscape for travelers, particularly those from the mainland planning trips to Hawaii. The new program, called Atmos Rewards, is designed to be more flexible and beneficial than previous options. This guide aims to provide an in-depth look at what this means for families and how they can take full advantage of the new features.
What Is Atmos Rewards?
Atmos Rewards is the unified loyalty program that combines the former Mileage Plan of Alaska Airlines with the HawaiianMiles program of Hawaiian Airlines. It was officially launched on August 20, 2025, with full integration completed by October 1, 2025. Existing miles have been converted into "points" at a 1:1 ratio, preserving their value. This transition allows members to continue earning and redeeming points without losing any accumulated value.
Revolutionary Earning Options (Coming 2026)
One of the most exciting aspects of Atmos Rewards is its innovative earning options, set to launch in 2026. Members will have three choices to earn both redeemable points and elite status points:
- Distance Traveled: Earn one point for each physical mile flown. This option is ideal for budget-conscious travelers who fly long distances.
- Price Paid: Earn five points for every $1 spent on airfare and upgrades. This is better suited for those who frequently upgrade or book premium economy flights.
- Segments Flown: Earn a flat 500 points for each flight segment, regardless of distance. This is perfect for travelers who make multiple short trips or travel between islands in Hawaii.
Each option can be changed once per year, allowing flexibility based on travel patterns.
New Elite Status Tiers and Benefits
The program has rebranded the traditional MVP tiers to align with the Atmos identity. The top two tiers are increasing in 2026, offering enhanced benefits. The Titanium tier, in particular, offers unique advantages such as day-of-departure upgrades into long-haul business class for both the member and a companion, which is a first among U.S. airlines.
Credit Card Revolution: New Summit Card
The introduction of the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite card marks a major shift in the program. With a $395 annual fee, this card offers several benefits tailored for frequent travelers, including a generous welcome bonus, unique earning categories, and annual companion benefits. These features make it especially appealing for mainland families traveling to Hawaii regularly.
Why Every Family Member Needs an Atmos Rewards Account
It's essential for families to set up accounts for all members, including children. This ensures future travel freedom, family point pooling, early status building, and financial education for kids. Setting up accounts for children under 13 involves managing the account while they earn their own points, making it easy to consolidate family points for big trips.
Expanded Partner Network
Hawaiian Airlines joining the oneworld alliance expands the reach of Atmos Rewards members. This allows access to top-tier carriers like American Airlines, British Airways, and others, providing more redemption opportunities and access to lounges worldwide.
Technology Upgrades Coming
Alaska Airlines is upgrading its fleet with Starlink Wi-Fi, starting in 2026. This service will be free for Atmos Rewards members, enhancing the travel experience for families with children who need entertainment during long flights.
Communities: Tailored Benefits for Different Travelers
Atmos is introducing “Communities” – groups with benefits tailored to specific interests or locations. These include Club 49 for Alaska residents and Huaka’i by Hawaiian for Hawaii residents. Future communities will cater to families, wellness travelers, and more, potentially offering priority boarding and special meal options.
Additional Earning Opportunities
Beyond flights, members can earn points through partnerships like Lyft, travel bookings, and shopping with selected retailers. These additional earning opportunities provide more ways to accumulate points.
Timeline and Important Dates
Key dates to note include: - Now through September 30, 2025: HawaiianMiles accounts remain active. - September 26-30, 2025: HawaiianMiles accounts will freeze. - October 1, 2025: Transition to Atmos Rewards. - 2026: New earning options and additional Communities launch.
Strategic Recommendations for Mainland Families
For families planning trips to Hawaii, immediate actions include setting up Atmos Rewards accounts for all members, linking existing accounts, and researching the Summit credit card. Medium-term planning involves evaluating earning strategies and considering shifts in booking practices. Long-term strategies should focus on choosing the right earning method, joining relevant communities, and maximizing the partner network for non-Hawaii travel.
Bottom Line: A Game-Changer for Mainland Families
The Atmos Rewards program represents a significant evolution in Hawaii travel rewards. For strategic travelers, it offers opportunities to make trips more affordable and enjoyable. Key differentiators include flexible earning options, enhanced companion benefits, free family point sharing, and future-proofing kids' travel with their own accounts. Mainland families who plan ahead and stay engaged with the program will benefit the most from these changes.
