Why Hawaiian/Alaska Miles Sell So Cheaply – Should You Get In?

Hawaiian Airlines may offer one of the lowest prices on airline miles and currently offers miles with a 100 percent bonus, effectively reducing the cost to just under 1.3 cents per mile.

Thanks to Alaska's recent acquisition of Hawaiian, travelers can transfer Hawaii miles directly to Alaska's Mileage Plan at a 1:1 rate. This represents a promising opportunity for those looking for flights to Hawaii and other destinations. See: Find your strategy after the Alaska/Hawaiian Miles merger.

But is this sale as fantastic a one-time offer as it seems, or could it also signal possible changes to Hawaiian award redemptions under the combined airline program coming in 2025?

Alaska's strategy: Low-cost miles with potential future impact.

Alaska Airlines has long been known as an accomplished operator with one of the airline industry's most highly valued loyalty programs. Offering miles at such a low cost could be a strategic move, especially as it is expected to increase travel demand. However, industry trends raise questions about whether this sale could be a sign of possible shifts in Alaska's mileage plan.

While no officially announced changes have been made to the evolving Alaska-Hawaiian program, could this sale suggest that Alaska may soon adjust availability or award pricing on Hawaii flights, making miles less valuable than they appear today?

Should you buy Hawaii miles? Weighing the pros and cons.

This unique opportunity allows travelers to purchase Alaska Miles through Hawaiian Airlines at a rare and affordable price. It is important to know when to buy them. Here are some important factors to consider:

If you're planning a trip to Hawaii, Asia, or Europe, Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines' current redemption fares offer valuable options among U.S. airlines.

For example, a one-way economy ticket from the West Coast to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines can be booked for just 17,500 Hawaii miles each way, potentially costing around $200 if purchased during this points sale. While that's a reasonable price, it's perhaps nothing out of the ordinary.

Purchasing miles is also a very useful way to get the miles needed for a redemption if you are short on the amount you need. And that price perhaps makes the most sense.

2. Less ideal when purchasing hold onto.

Recent 2025 program updates from Alaska and other airlines suggest that changes are on the horizon that may impact the value propositions of these programs. Given the possibility of future adjustments, purchasing miles just to save for long-distance plans may not offer the best returns.

In the world of many loyalty programs, it's tempting to think of miles like a savings account, but holding onto them can be detrimental.

Airline miles are subject to devaluation as loyalty programs adjust availability and award prices, and Alaska is no exception. While purchasing miles at a low cost may seem like an investment, the best strategy may be to “accumulate and burn” – that is, use them promptly to lock in maximum value before possible adjustments. As the combined Alaska-Hawaii program continues to evolve, now may be the time to spend instead of save.

The bottom line is that holding on to miles isn't a good strategy if you don't have specific travel plans.

How this offering compares to the competition.

Alaska's Mileage Plan has always been a standout, offering non-sales-based rewards that break the trend of other major U.S. airlines. Lately, many airlines have been trending toward less favorable conversion rates, which lowers the mileage value.

If Alaska makes changes, it would make it more in line with its competitors. Still, until the changes are confirmed, Alaska is considered one of the best programs for maximizing mileage value, especially for premium travel with Oneworld partners.

Final thoughts on this Alaska/Hawaiian points sale.

Selling Hawaii miles transferable to the Alaska mileage plan is a tempting offer that could benefit certain savvy travelers. The low price and ability to transfer miles to Alaska make this an unusual opportunity, especially for those immediately planning trips to Hawaii, Asia, or Europe.

While the deal is compelling, Alaska's reputation as a forward-thinking and smart airline suggests the potential for change to come. Therefore, it is advisable for buyers to consider short-term redemptions rather than earning miles without clear travel plans.

For those ready to book, this sale provides a cost-saving way to top up and secure flights or upgrades before the value of the program changes.

What is your strategy for purchasing miles?