American Express Ending Hawaiian Airlines Transfers: Act Now to Maximize Your Miles

In a significant shift for credit card rewards enthusiasts, American Express has announced the impending discontinuation of its partnership with Hawaiian Airlines. As of June 30th, 2025, Membership Rewards members will no longer be able to transfer their points to HawaiianMiles. This change has far-reaching implications, particularly for those who have been leveraging this transfer option as a backdoor method to access Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles. With the clock ticking, it's crucial for cardholders to understand the impact of this decision and explore strategies to maximize their miles before the deadline.

Understanding the Impact

The termination of the Amex-Hawaiian Airlines partnership is more than just the loss of a transfer option. It represents the closing of a valuable loophole that savvy travelers have been utilizing since Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines last year. This two-step process – transferring Amex points to HawaiianMiles, then converting those to Alaska miles at a 1:1 ratio – has provided an indirect pathway to one of the most valuable airline loyalty programs in the industry.

Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan has long been revered for its exceptional value propositions:

1. Competitive award rates that often undercut those of rival programs
2. An impressive network of partners, including Oneworld alliance members and unique non-alliance airlines
3. A generous stopover policy that allows a free stopover on international award tickets, even on one-way flights

The loss of this transfer route means that Amex cardholders will soon find it more challenging to access these high-value redemptions, potentially impacting their ability to maximize their travel rewards.

The Value Proposition of Alaska Mileage Plan

To fully appreciate the significance of this change, it's essential to delve deeper into why Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is so highly regarded in the points and miles community.

Exceptional Award Rates

Alaska Mileage Plan consistently offers some of the most competitive award rates in the industry. For instance, short-haul domestic flights under 700 miles on American Airlines can be booked for as little as 4,500 Alaska miles one-way. This is a stark contrast to other programs that might charge 7,500 to 12,500 miles for comparable routes.

When it comes to international travel, the value proposition becomes even more apparent. Business class flights to Asia often start at just 60,000 to 70,000 miles one-way, while first-class redemptions to the same region can be found from 70,000 miles on select partners. These rates are significantly lower than what many other programs charge, sometimes by tens of thousands of miles.

Valuable Partnerships

Alaska's partnership network is another key factor in its value proposition. As a member of the Oneworld alliance, Alaska offers access to a wide array of global carriers. However, what sets Alaska apart is its collection of non-alliance partners, which includes airlines like Singapore Airlines, LATAM, and Icelandair. This diverse partner network allows for unique routing options and access to award space that might not be available through other programs.

Generous Stopover Policy

Perhaps one of the most distinctive features of Alaska Mileage Plan is its stopover policy. Unlike many other programs that have restricted or eliminated stopovers on award tickets, Alaska continues to allow a free stopover on international award itineraries, even on one-way flights. This policy enables travelers to essentially visit two destinations for the price of one, significantly increasing the value of their miles.

Top Redemptions to Consider Before the Deadline

With the June 30th deadline looming, Amex cardholders should consider targeting some of Alaska Mileage Plan's most valuable redemptions. Here are some options to explore:

1. Short-haul Domestic Flights

As mentioned earlier, Alaska offers exceptional value on short-haul domestic flights, particularly those operated by American Airlines. Flights under 700 miles can be booked for just 4,500 Alaska miles one-way in economy. This presents an excellent opportunity for weekend getaways or quick business trips within the United States.

2. Transatlantic Business Class

For those eyeing a trip to Europe, Alaska's partnership with airlines like Aer Lingus offers compelling value. Business class flights between 1,501 and 3,500 miles – which covers most East Coast to Europe routes – start at just 45,000 miles. This is often significantly cheaper than what other Oneworld programs charge for similar routes.

3. Premium Cabin Travel to Asia

Asia-bound travelers should pay close attention to Alaska's award rates for premium cabin travel. Business class flights to Asia often start around 60,000 to 70,000 miles one-way, while first-class redemptions can be found from 70,000 miles on select partners. These rates are highly competitive, especially when considering the quality of service offered by Alaska's Asian partners like Japan Airlines and Cathay Pacific.

4. Flights to Hawaii

Given the partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, it's no surprise that Alaska offers competitive rates for flights to Hawaii. This applies both to flights operated by Alaska itself and those on Hawaiian Airlines metal. Additionally, Alaska miles provide excellent value for inter-island flights within Hawaii, making it easy to island-hop during your vacation.

5. Round-the-World Itineraries

While not a specific redemption, Alaska's stopover policy and diverse partner network make it possible to craft incredible round-the-world itineraries. By strategically using stopovers and mixing partners, savvy travelers can visit multiple continents on a single award ticket, extracting maximum value from their miles.

How to Transfer Points Before June 30th

For those looking to take advantage of this opportunity before it disappears, the process is straightforward:

1. Log in to your American Express account and navigate to the "Rewards & Benefits" page.
2. Locate the option to transfer points to HawaiianMiles.
3. Initiate the transfer, keeping in mind that there's a 0.06 cents per mile excise tax, up to $99 per transfer.
4. Once the points are in your HawaiianMiles account, use Hawaiian's points transfer tool to move them to your Alaska Mileage Plan account. These transfers are typically instant.

It's worth noting that American Express allows transfers of up to 999,000 Membership Rewards points to Hawaiian per day. This high limit enables substantial transfers for those with significant point balances.

The Speculative Transfer Dilemma

One of the most challenging decisions facing Amex cardholders is whether to transfer points speculatively – that is, without immediate travel plans. While conventional wisdom in the points and miles world often advises against speculative transfers, this situation might be an exception to the rule.

Factors to Consider

When contemplating a speculative transfer, several factors should be weighed:

1. The strength of Alaska miles: Alaska Mileage Plan miles consistently rank among the most valuable airline currencies due to their competitive redemption rates and flexible routing rules.

2. Your travel plans: Consider your likely travel patterns over the next 12-18 months. If you anticipate trips that align well with Alaska's strengths (such as travel to Asia or Hawaii), a speculative transfer might be justified.

3. Risk of devaluation: While Alaska miles are currently valuable, all loyalty programs are subject to potential devaluations. However, Alaska's track record suggests that any changes are likely to be incremental rather than drastic.

4. Opportunity cost: Transferring Amex points to Hawaiian (and subsequently to Alaska) means losing the flexibility of Membership Rewards. Consider whether this loss of flexibility is outweighed by the potential value of Alaska miles for your travel goals.

A Balanced Approach

If you decide to pursue a speculative transfer, a balanced approach is advisable. Rather than moving your entire Membership Rewards balance, consider transferring enough to cover your anticipated near-term needs, perhaps with a small buffer for unexpected opportunities. This strategy allows you to capitalize on the current transfer option while maintaining some flexibility with your remaining Amex points.

Credit Card Strategies Post-June 30th

The end of the Amex-Hawaiian transfer option necessitates a reevaluation of credit card strategies for those who value Alaska miles. Here are some approaches to consider:

1. Alaska Airlines Co-branded Cards

The most direct way to earn Alaska miles after June 30th will be through Alaska Airlines co-branded credit cards. The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® Credit Card offers a solid earning rate on Alaska purchases, a free checked bag benefit, and the valuable annual Companion Fare. Additionally, rumors suggest that a new premium Alaska Airlines card is in development, which could offer enhanced benefits and earning rates.

2. Leverage Bilt Rewards

The Bilt Mastercard® will remain a valuable option for earning transferable points that can be converted to Alaska miles. This card is unique in allowing cardholders to earn points on rent payments without incurring fees, making it an attractive option for renters. Points earned with Bilt can be transferred to Alaska Mileage Plan at a 1:1 ratio.

3. Diversify Your Points Portfolio

With the loss of the Amex transfer option, diversifying your points earning strategy becomes even more crucial. Consider adding cards that earn Chase Ultimate Rewards, Capital One Rewards, or Citi ThankYou Points to your wallet. While these programs don't currently partner with Alaska, they offer valuable airline transfer options that can complement your travel strategy.

4. Explore Hotel Programs

Some hotel loyalty programs, such as Marriott Bonvoy, offer the ability to transfer points to numerous airline partners, including Alaska Airlines. While the transfer ratios are generally less favorable than direct credit card transfers, these programs can provide a useful backup option for topping up your Alaska miles balance.

5. Continue Earning Amex Points

Despite the loss of the Hawaiian Airlines transfer option, American Express Membership Rewards remains a valuable currency. Continue earning Amex points for their flexibility and numerous other transfer partners. This approach ensures you maintain access to a wide range of redemption options while pursuing other avenues for earning Alaska miles.

The Future of Alaska and Hawaiian Miles

As we approach this transition, it's important to consider the broader context of the Alaska-Hawaiian merger. Alaska Airlines has announced plans to merge HawaiianMiles into Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan, with a combined loyalty program expected to launch in summer 2025, potentially as early as August.

While the exact details of this merged program are still unknown, securing Alaska miles at current rates through the Amex transfer pathway could prove to be a prescient move. There's potential for significant changes in award charts, earning structures, and elite status criteria as the two programs integrate.

Historically, airline mergers have often led to devaluations in loyalty programs as the combined entity seeks to streamline operations and manage liabilities. However, Alaska's strong track record in maintaining the value of its loyalty program provides some reassurance. Nevertheless, the uncertainty surrounding the merger underscores the potential value of locking in Alaska miles at current rates while the opportunity exists.

Maximizing Value in the Time Remaining

With the clock ticking towards June 30th, 2025, there are several strategies that Amex cardholders can employ to maximize the value of their points:

1. Audit Your Membership Rewards Balance

Take stock of your current Membership Rewards balance and assess how many points you're comfortable transferring. Consider your upcoming travel plans and how many Alaska miles you might need to fulfill them.

2. Identify High-Value Redemptions

Research and identify specific high-value redemptions that align with your travel goals. This might include booking aspirational first-class flights to Asia, planning a multi-stop trip to Europe, or mapping out a series of domestic getaways.

3. Book Speculatively, If Possible

If your travel dates are flexible, consider making speculative bookings for future travel. Alaska Airlines allows free changes and cancellations on award tickets, providing a safety net if your plans change.

4. Leverage Alaska's Stopover Policy

When booking international award tickets, take full advantage of Alaska's generous stopover policy. This allows you to essentially visit two destinations for the price of one, maximizing the value of your miles.

5. Consider Partner Sweet Spots

Explore award sweet spots on Alaska's partner airlines. For example, Cathay Pacific first class to Asia or LATAM business class to South America often represent excellent value when booked through Alaska Mileage Plan.

6. Plan for Elite Status

If you're close to earning elite status with Alaska, consider how a strategic transfer could help you reach the next tier. Elite status can provide significant benefits, including bonus miles on flights, upgrade opportunities, and lounge access.

Navigating Potential Pitfalls

While the opportunity to transfer Amex points to Alaska miles (via Hawaiian) is attractive, it's important to be aware of potential pitfalls:

1. Transfer Times

While transfers from Amex to Hawaiian are usually quick, and Hawaiian to Alaska transfers are typically instant, there's always a risk of delays. Don't wait until the last minute to initiate transfers if you have specific redemptions in mind.

2. Excise Tax

Remember that transfers from Amex to Hawaiian incur a small excise tax (0.06 cents per mile, up to $99 per transfer). Factor this cost into your calculations when assessing the value of your transfers.

3. Limited Time Window

The window for these transfers closes on June 30th, 2025. Ensure you've completed all desired transfers before this deadline, as there will likely be no extensions or exceptions.

4. Potential Program Changes

While we can speculate about the future of the combined Alaska-Hawaiian program, nothing is certain. Be prepared for potential changes that could impact the value of your transferred miles.

Looking Beyond June 30th

As we approach the end of this transfer option, it's crucial to maintain perspective. While the loss of the Amex-Hawaiian-Alaska transfer route is significant, it's just one piece of the broader loyalty landscape. The world of points and miles is constantly evolving, with new opportunities emerging as others disappear.

Embracing New Opportunities

Stay open to new loyalty strategies and partnerships that may develop. The upcoming merger between Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines could bring unexpected benefits or transfer options. Additionally, other loyalty programs may introduce new features or transfer partners that provide comparable or even superior value.

Continuing Education

The key to success in maximizing travel rewards is ongoing education. Stay informed about program changes, new credit card offerings, and emerging sweet spots in award charts. Engage with online communities, follow reputable points and miles blogs, and consider attending travel rewards conferences to deepen your knowledge and stay ahead of the curve.

Flexibility is Key

As this change demonstrates, flexibility in your points strategy is crucial. Avoid putting all your eggs in one basket by diversifying your points earning across multiple programs. This approach ensures that you're well-positioned to take advantage of the best redemption opportunities, regardless of individual program changes.

Conclusion

The impending end of American Express Membership Rewards transfers to Hawaiian Airlines marks a significant shift in the loyalty landscape, particularly for those who value Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. With June 30th, 2025, looming as the final day for these transfers, Amex cardholders face important decisions about how to maximize their points.

For those who frequently leverage Alaska's program for its competitive award rates, valuable partnerships, and generous stopover policy, now is the time to act. Consider your travel goals, assess your point balances, and strategize on how best to utilize this transfer option before it disappears. Whether you choose to make speculative transfers or book specific high-value redemptions, the key is to act deliberately and with a clear understanding of the potential risks and rewards.

Remember, while this particular opportunity is ending, the world of travel rewards is vast and ever-changing. By staying informed, remaining flexible, and continually reassessing your strategy, you can continue to extract exceptional value from your loyalty program participation, regardless of individual program changes.

As we move towards this deadline and beyond, keep your eyes on the horizon. The merger between Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines promises to bring new developments, and the broader loyalty landscape will undoubtedly continue to evolve. By approaching these changes with knowledge, strategy, and adaptability, you can ensure that your miles continue to take you further, no matter where your travels may lead.

FAQs about American Express Ending Hawaiian Airlines Transfers

Q: Why is American Express ending transfers to Hawaiian Airlines?

A: American Express regularly reviews its transfer partnerships. While the exact reason hasn't been disclosed, it's likely related to the upcoming merger between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines, which may have impacted the terms of their agreement.

Q: Can I still transfer my Amex points to Hawaiian Airlines after June 30th, 2025?

A: No, June 30th, 2025, is the final day for transfers. After this date, Hawaiian Airlines will no longer be a transfer partner for American Express Membership Rewards.

Q: What happens to my Hawaiian Airlines miles after the transfer option ends?

A: Any miles already in your HawaiianMiles account will remain there. The change only affects future transfers from American Express.

Q: Is there a limit to how many points I can transfer before the deadline?

A: American Express allows transfers of up to 999,000 Membership Rewards points to Hawaiian per day. However, consider your needs carefully before making large transfers.

Q: Will my transferred miles expire?

A: HawaiianMiles do not expire, but it's always good to keep your account active. Once transferred to Alaska Mileage Plan, miles also do not expire as long as there's activity in your account every 24 months.

Q: Can I transfer my Hawaiian miles to other partners after June 30th?

A: Yes, Hawaiian Airlines maintains its own set of partners. However, the ability to transfer to Alaska Mileage Plan is particularly valuable and may be impacted by the upcoming merger.

Q: What are some alternatives for earning Alaska miles after this transfer option ends?