Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines Launches Atmos New Loyalty Program, Starlink WiFi and More

SEATTLE- Alaska Airlines (AS) has launched Atmos Rewards, a new joint loyalty program developed with Hawaiian Airlines (HA). The program combines Alaska’s Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles into a single platform designed to offer travelers more flexibility, more ways to earn, and broader global access.

Atmos Rewards gives members the opportunity to earn and redeem points across Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, and more than 30 global partners. The program extends to over 1,000 destinations worldwide, supported by the oneworld alliance, while maintaining the strong reputations of both airlines’ loyalty traditions.

Photo: Alaska Airlines

Alaska Hawaiian Atoms Loyalty Program

Atmos Rewards builds on Alaska’s Mileage Plan, which has long been recognized as one of the most generous loyalty programs in the United States.

The unified platform introduces flexible earning structures, milestone perks, and global redemption options. Members now have greater control over how they earn and use rewards, with a system tailored to meet different travel styles.

Flexible Earning Options

Starting in 2026, members will be able to choose from three earning methods:

• Distance traveled: One point per mile flown, ideal for long-haul flyers.
• Price paid: Five points per $1 spent on airfare and upgrades, suited for premium cabin travelers.
• Segments flown: 500 points per segment, a strong option for frequent short-haul trips such as inter-island flights in Hawai‘i or regional routes within California.

This flexibility is a first in global airline loyalty programs, giving travelers the ability to adjust based on their flying habits. Preferences can be changed once per year.

Expanded Redemption and Benefits

Atmos Rewards points can be redeemed for flights on Alaska, Hawaiian, and partner airlines, with award travel beginning at 4,500 points one-way. Beyond flights, members can earn and redeem points on hotel stays, vacation rentals, and rides with Lyft.

Exclusive access to events and experiences under “Atmos Rewards Unlocked” provides even more non-flight benefits.

Members can also earn points through Atmos Rewards Visa and Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard credit cards. A premium co-branded card, the Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite, offers faster status progression by converting spending directly into status points.

New Milestone and Upgrade Features

The program introduces milestone-based rewards, allowing members to unlock perks as early as 10,000 status points. Alaska Airlines will also provide complimentary day-of-departure upgrades to global Business Class for top-tier Titanium members and one companion, a benefit unique among U.S. carriers.

Hawaiian Airlines flights within North America will also offer complimentary upgrades for status members beginning in the spring.

Photo: Alaska Airlines

Atmos Communities and Local Programs

By late 2026, members will have the option to join Atmos Communities, groups offering tailored benefits based on interests or location.

Existing regional programs like Huakaʻi for Hawai‘i residents and Club 49 for Alaskans will continue, now under the Atmos umbrella.

Transition Details for Members

• All Alaska Mileage Plan members are now Atmos Rewards members. Account numbers remain the same, and benefits continue without interruption.
• HawaiianMiles members will transition on October 1. If accounts are not linked to Mileage Plan, new Atmos Rewards numbers will be assigned.
• One Mileage Plan or HawaiianMiles mile equals one Atmos Rewards point. Point value remains unchanged, and points do not expire.
• Existing Alaska Airlines Visa cards are rebranded as Atmos Rewards Visa cards with no changes to benefits or account numbers.

The name Atmos Rewards is inspired by “atmosphere,” designed to capture the spirit of travel and exploration. Its branding combines the blue of Alaska Airlines with the purple and pink of Hawaiian Airlines, symbolizing unity and expanded opportunity.

Photo: Alaska Airlines

Partnership with SpaceX for Starlink WiFi

Alaska Airlines (AS) is also preparing to introduce a major in-flight upgrade with the rollout of high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi across its entire fleet.

Starting in 2026, passengers will gain access to low-latency, ultra-fast internet capable of supporting streaming, gaming, and real-time communication.

The project will be completed by 2027, covering every Alaska aircraft, including regional, narrowbody, and long-haul operations from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA).

Hawaiian Airlines (HA), which has already equipped aircraft with Starlink, will align with Alaska to offer travelers across both carriers an unmatched in-flight connectivity experience.

Alaska Airlines’ adoption of SpaceX’s Starlink network represents a turning point in in-flight connectivity.

Unlike traditional satellite-based Wi-Fi systems that suffer from slower speeds and higher latency, Starlink leverages a growing constellation of more than 8,000 low Earth orbit satellites to deliver real-time, high-capacity internet.

Passengers will be able to enjoy uninterrupted access for activities that previously struggled in the air—video streaming, online gaming, collaborative work platforms, and multi-device use.

With latency below 99 milliseconds and speeds up to 500 Mbps, the service is expected to be up to seven times faster than current in-flight Wi-Fi solutions offered by most airlines.

Expanding Passenger-Centric Innovation

Alaska Airlines has been steadily modernizing its services. Beyond Starlink Wi-Fi, the airline has rolled out initiatives such as the TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID Program, an advanced mobile app for pre-ordering meals and beverages, and a streamlined self-service check-in process.

These developments highlight Alaska’s strategy of combining technology-driven convenience with improved passenger comfort.

The integration of Starlink further supports this vision by ensuring passengers remain connected at every stage of their journey, regardless of destination or aircraft type.

By 2027, Alaska will become the only carrier based in Seattle to offer Starlink-enabled in-flight internet across its fleet.

Sustainability Through Smarter Technology

The shift to Starlink also contributes to Alaska Airlines’ sustainability goals. The new antennas are electronically steered with no moving parts, which reduces maintenance needs while cutting weight and drag on the aircraft. This efficiency is expected to save more than 800,000 gallons of fuel annually, directly lowering carbon emissions.

As the most fuel-efficient premium U.S. carrier, Alaska continues to position itself at the intersection of innovation and environmental responsibility, ensuring advancements in passenger experience do not come at the expense of sustainability.

Photo: Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines T-Mobile Partnership

Alaska Airlines (AS) has partnered with T-Mobile (TM) to deliver free, ultra-fast inflight Wi-Fi to Atmos Rewards members across its network. The program builds on both companies’ strong presence in the Pacific Northwest and reflects their focus on customer convenience.

Alaska Airlines named T-Mobile as its presenting partner for this new passenger benefit, highlighting a collaboration that goes beyond a traditional sponsorship. The move provides one of the most advanced in-flight connectivity systems in the U.S. airline industry.

T-Mobile customers will enjoy exclusive log-on advantages, including an ad-free connection, with additional features expected later.

More importantly, the free Wi-Fi will not be limited to T-Mobile subscribers—every Atmos Rewards member will have access. Membership is free and integrates Alaska’s Mileage Plan with Hawaiian Airlines’ (HA) HawaiianMiles, giving travelers expanded rewards and global options.

T-Mobile has provided free in-flight Wi-Fi benefits to its customers since 2014, including on Alaska Airlines flights. This new agreement builds on that foundation and extends the benefit to a wider passenger base.

In addition to customer-facing perks, T-Mobile also supports Alaska’s internal operations. Its technology powers tools used daily by flight attendants, pilots, and ground staff, helping ensure the airline runs safely and efficiently.

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