A major shift is on the horizon for Hawaiian Airlines, as the carrier is set to join the Oneworld Alliance in 2026. This announcement follows Alaska Airlines' acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, signalling a major transformation for the airline’s future.
For frequent flyers and Avios collectors, this change brings a wealth of new benefits, expanded route networks, and enhanced travel perks. Here’s what you need to know about Hawaiian Airlines' Oneworld membership and what it means for passengers.
Hawaiian Airlines and the Oneworld Alliance: What’s Happening?
In December 2023, Alaska Airlines announced its intention to acquire Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion. The merger officially closed in September 2024, following approval from regulatory authorities. Despite the acquisition, both airlines will continue operating under separate brands and maintain distinct operating certificates for the foreseeable future.
One key outcome of this merger is Hawaiian Airlines’ upcoming entry into the Oneworld Alliance—a global network of 13 leading airlines that includes British Airways, Qantas, American Airlines, and Japan Airlines. A spokesperson confirmed that Hawaiian Airlines will officially join by 2026, aligning with a unified Passenger Service System (PSS) rollout.
This move makes sense, given that Alaska Airlines joined Oneworld in 2021. By bringing Hawaiian Airlines into the fold, Oneworld strengthens its network across the Pacific region, offering reliable connectivity between the U.S. mainland, Hawaii, Asia, and beyond.
What Does This Mean for Passengers?
For travellers who frequently fly with Hawaiian Airlines, this is big news. Membership in Oneworld brings numerous benefits, including:
- Expanded Destination Network – Passengers will be able to connect easily with other Oneworld alliance members, opening up more flight options.
- Frequent Flyer Perks – Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles loyalty programme will be integrated with Oneworld, allowing members to earn and redeem miles across all Oneworld airlines, including British Airways, Qatar Airways, and Finnair.
- Elite Benefits – Frequent flyers will enjoy Hawaiian Airlines elite benefits, such as priority boarding, lounge access at Oneworld partner lounges, extra baggage allowance, and faster security screening.
- Increased Codeshare Opportunities – Hawaiian Airlines' global partners will expand, offering more connections via Oneworld alliance partnerships.
- More Reward Seat Availability – This is great news for BA Club members, as it means Hawaiian Airlines flights will become available for Avios redemptions in the future.
How Does This Affect Avios Collectors?
For Avios collectors and BA Club members, this new partnership creates fresh opportunities for earning and redeeming Avios points.
- Earning Avios on Hawaiian Airlines – Once Hawaiian Airlines joins Oneworld, British Airways customers will earn Avios on Hawaiian Airlines flights. This includes domestic routes within Hawaii, long-haul flights to Japan, Australia, and the Pacific Islands, and flights to the U.S. mainland.
- Redeeming Avios for Hawaiian Airlines Flights – The addition of Hawaiian Airlines to BA Oneworld partners means passengers can use Avios to book Hawaiian Airlines flights—a great option for those looking to explore the Hawaiian Islands or fly to the Pacific region on reward seats.
- Status Perks – BA Club members will likely enjoy reciprocal benefits when flying Hawaiian Airlines, such as lounge access, priority boarding, and bonus Avios earnings.
This development enhances the value of Avios for long-haul travellers looking to explore Hawaii, Asia, and Oceania.
How Will Hawaiian Airlines Fit into Oneworld?
Hawaiian Airlines’ network strategy aligns well with Oneworld’s global expansion plans. With a strong presence in the Pacific, Hawaiian Airlines will provide valuable connections to and from:
- Asia – Direct flights to Japan, South Korea, and China
- Oceania – Nonstop services to Australia, New Zealand, and Tahiti
- United States – Key hubs on the West Coast, including Los Angeles and Seattle
As Oneworld alliance airlines continue expanding, Hawaiian Airlines' integration will help fill gaps in the network, especially for leisure travellers heading to the Pacific islands.
The Role of Alaska Airlines in This Transition
The Alaska Airlines-Hawaiian Airlines merger plays a major role in this transition. Alaska Airlines already joined Oneworld in 2021, meaning it has:
- Existing Oneworld partnerships with major carriers
- Integrated frequent flyer benefits for Mileage Plan members
- Smooth codeshare agreements within the alliance
Bringing Hawaiian Airlines into Oneworld means a stronger Pacific presence, more loyalty programme benefits, and better connectivity for travellers.
While Hawaiian Airlines will continue operating under its own brand, this merger positions it for long-term success as part of one of the world’s top airline alliances.
How Does This Affect Other Oneworld Airlines?
The addition of Hawaiian Airlines as a Oneworld alliance future member will likely have ripple effects for other Oneworld partners. Some potential changes include:
- More codeshare flights – Expect more interline and codeshare agreements between Hawaiian Airlines and carriers like British Airways, Japan Airlines, and Cathay Pacific.
- Business travel improvements – Hawaiian Airlines’ entry could mean stronger corporate travel benefits within Oneworld, particularly on routes connecting Asia and the U.S. West Coast.
- Loyalty programme integration – Hawaiian Airlines’ frequent flyer scheme will align with Oneworld standards, making it easier for members to earn status perks across all alliance airlines.
With Oneworld alliance developments constantly evolving, Hawaiian Airlines' inclusion strengthens the alliance’s market position in the Pacific.
Final Thoughts: What to Expect by 2026
This move cements Oneworld’s commitment to growth, adding a strong Pacific partner to its network. For Avios collectors, British Airways frequent flyers, and global travellers, this is an exciting step forward.
To stay up to date on reward seat availability for Hawaiian Airlines and other BA Oneworld partners, visit Reward Flight Finder (RFF) and set up alerts for the best availability.
