Alaska Airlines introduced its joint loyalty program with Hawaiian Airlines in 2025, rebranding and expanding the former Mileage Plan into Atmos Rewards. The move preserved popular elements like strong partner redemptions while introducing choices for how members earn points and status later in 2026. Travelers who fly these carriers or hold related credit cards now face a program that blends Oneworld access with personalized earning paths. ([1])
Elite Tiers Offer Clear Paths to Oneworld Perks
Atmos Rewards maintains four status levels that align directly with Oneworld tiers, giving members access to lounge entry, priority boarding, and upgrades across a broad alliance network. Reaching Silver requires 20,000 status points, Gold needs 40,000, Platinum demands 80,000, and Titanium sits at 135,000. Platinum and Titanium members receive one-time head starts toward the next year, with 5,000 and 20,000 points respectively. Titanium elites and one companion also gain space-available upgrades to international business-class suites on long-haul routes to Asia, Europe, and Oceania. All tiers qualify for complimentary Premium Class upgrades on Hawaiian Airlines flights based on fare and availability. These enhancements rolled out in spring 2026 and reflect the program’s effort to deliver immediate value after the merger. Members outside the top tiers still benefit from the alliance’s global reach without needing to fly every route on Alaska metal.
Choice-Based Earning Arrives Later This Year
Until the new system activates, points and status continue to accrue under distance- and fare-based rules on Alaska, Hawaiian, and partner flights. Starting later in 2026, members will select from three methods: one status point per mile flown, five points per dollar spent on tickets, or 500 points per segment. The same options apply to redeemable points, with a single annual change allowed and a default to spending-based if no selection is made. Credit cards provide additional routes to status. The Summit Visa Infinite card awards 10,000 status points annually plus one point per two dollars spent. Other cards earn one point per three dollars. Select partners also contribute status points, expanding opportunities beyond flying.
Redemption Sweet Spots Span the Globe
One-way awards on Alaska or Hawaiian within North America begin at 4,500 points plus taxes for short flights, a competitive rate that rewards flexible travelers. Partner redemptions shine on international routes, where stopovers of up to 14 days can be added to one-way awards. Notable values include American Airlines short-haul flights from 4,500 points, Aer Lingus business class to Ireland from 45,000, and Japan Airlines business class from the West Coast starting at 60,000. Points currently value around 1.55 cents each according to recent valuations, though actual returns vary by route and cabin. A new $20 partner award booking fee applies to tickets issued on or after July 1, waived for Summit cardholders. Beyond flights, Atmos Rewards Unlocked offers points redemptions for events and experiences in multiple markets.
Credit Cards and Everyday Partners Broaden Access
Three co-branded cards support the program with welcome bonuses and targeted earning. The Summit Visa Infinite delivers 70,000 bonus points plus a companion award after $3,000 in spending, while the Ascent and business cards offer 50,000 or 70,000 points respectively. All emphasize bonus categories on Alaska and Hawaiian purchases. Hotel, car, and retail partners add further earning potential. Examples include up to two points per dollar at Marriott and IHG properties, points on Lyft rides, and dining rewards through the program’s portal. Bilt members can transfer points at a 1:1 ratio, and Summit cardholders gain hotel transfer options plus the ability to share points with up to 10 others. The program retains core strengths from its predecessor while layering in choice and new perks. Travelers who rarely fly these routes can still extract value through partners and the Oneworld network, though the full impact of the 2026 earning changes remains to be seen.
