Following its recent split from Hawaiian Airlines, American Express (AMEX) is now promoting flights with Alaska Airlines. This could signify a shift in loyalty dynamics for those traveling to Hawaii.
You will see a new offer a few days after Hawaiian is dropped.
The partnership between Hawaiian Airlines and AMEX officially ended on June 30th. Just three days later, AMEX rolled out a new offer specifically for Alaska Airlines. Travelers using a qualified AMEX card can earn a $60 statement credit after spending more than $300 on Alaska flights.
For frequent Hawaiian travelers who relied on AMEX perks to accumulate points and reduce costs, this move might indicate that it’s not just a temporary promotion. It could be the start of a broader change in how AMEX engages with those traveling to Hawaii.
How Alaska Airlines offers its services.
The process is straightforward. If you spend over $300 on direct bookings made via Alaskaair.com or the Alaska Airlines app with an eligible AMEX card, you’ll receive a one-time $60 statement credit. This offer is valid through September 30th, 2025, and purchases must be made in US dollars for flights occurring within the US.
Only direct purchases from Alaska Airlines qualify. This covers airfares, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and fare changes. However, add-ons like third-party bookings, in-flight purchases, gift cards, lounge access, and hotel or car rentals are excluded.
Be sure to add the offer to your AMEX card before making any bookings. Many users have discovered this with their AMEX Gold and Platinum cards, though availability can differ by account.
Why is this different and why it’s important for Hawaii.
This is the first offer from AMEX aimed at Hawaiian travelers following the dissolution of its partnership with Hawaiian Airlines. I think the timing seems rather calculated.
For years, travelers visiting Hawaii enjoyed a strong connection between AMEX and Hawaiian Airlines. But that relationship is now a thing of the past. Still, this Alaska offer may hint at a new direction for AMEX. With Alaska Airlines absorbing many Hawaiian routes and infrastructure through planned integrations, this could serve as a test for more extensive collaboration, especially if AMEX aims to retain high-value customers heading to Hawaii.
What Hawaiian travelers need to know now.
If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii this summer or fall and possess an AMEX card, it’s worth considering this deal. Even if Alaska isn’t your usual choice, a $60 credit might make their prices look appealing, particularly on routes with less competition.
This situation also arises at a pivotal moment for loyalty among those traveling to Hawaii. With AMEX stepping away from Hawaiian Airlines, many are left wondering about the future. Will AMEX strengthen its ties with Alaska? Is there a chance for loyalty rewards to eventually incorporate Alaska’s mileage plan? Perhaps a new co-branded card might be in the works?
Nothing’s set in stone just yet. However, this offer does imply a potential shift. For now, it provides Hawaiian travelers a short-term opportunity for savings, even while broader changes loom on the horizon.
How to check if you are eligible.
Log into your AMEX account and navigate to “Amex Offering & Benefit.” If Alaska Airlines offers are listed, click “Add to Card” before securing your booking. Once activated, you’ll earn that $60 credit after spending over $300.
If you hold a Platinum Card, remember that you can rack up 5x points on flights booked directly with the airline.
It’s worth noting that if you add the offer to one card, it typically becomes unavailable on another card. So, if you own multiple AMEX cards, choose wisely.
A small amount that refers to a major change.
While this may not seem like a huge reward, AMEX’s focus on Alaska Airlines as a new partner for Hawaii is one of the most definitive signals we’ve seen. For those who’ve flown Hawaiian for years, managing costs through AMEX, this change feels symbolic—it’s about more than just a shift in carrier.
The Alaska-Hawaiian merger is a reminder that it’s not merely a change in branding or routes; it’s also about how credit cards, loyalty programs, and benefits are poised to evolve for travelers heading to Hawaii in the coming years.
