Dreaming of a Hawaiian getaway? Thanks to a recent enhancement to the American Airlines AAdvantage program, award travelers now have another fantastic way to visit the Aloha State. You can now use your AAdvantage miles to book flights on Hawaiian Airlines, unlocking new opportunities to explore one of the most sought-after destinations in the world.
Whether it is the pristine beaches, vibrant culture, or laid-back island vibes, Hawaii holds a special place in the hearts of travelers. This new partnership between American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines makes it easier than ever to turn that dream trip into a reality.
Here is everything you need to know about this exciting development.
Why You Can Now Book Hawaiian Airlines With AAdvantage Miles
The change stems from the recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines by Alaska Airlines, which has opened doors for expanded partnerships. Alaska Airlines and American Airlines are already close partners through the Oneworld alliance, making this integration a natural step.
Previously, AAdvantage miles could only be used to book Hawaiian Airlines flights for inter-island travel within Hawaii. Now, you can use your miles to book flights between the United States mainland and Hawaii as well. This marks a significant expansion of AAdvantage redemption options.
A Brief History Lesson
American Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines already had some infrastructure in place from an earlier partnership that ended in 2015. With Alaska Airlines absorbing Hawaiian Airlines into its operations, bringing these redemptions back likely required minimal technical changes. For frequent flyers, this is a win, as it enhances the customer experience and makes the American Airlines AAdvantage program even more valuable.
Routes, Pricing, And Tips For Booking
Here is a breakdown of the routes, award pricing, and tips to help you maximize this exciting new redemption opportunity with Hawaiian Airlines.
Extensive Route Network
Hawaiian Airlines offers a robust network of routes connecting the U.S. mainland to multiple Hawaiian islands. Key departure cities include:
- West Coast hubs like Los Angeles (LAX), San Francisco (SFO), Seattle (SEA), and Portland (PDX).
- East Coast cities like Boston (BOS) and New York (JFK), offering convenient options for travelers from all regions.
- Additional U.S. gateways, including Las Vegas (LAS), Phoenix (PHX), and Austin (AUS).
Award Pricing
Pricing for award flights is competitive, making it an excellent value for AAdvantage members:
- Economy Class: Starting at 22,500 miles one-way.
- Business Class: Starting at 55,000 miles one-way.
For a long-haul flight, such as Boston to Honolulu (up to 12 hours), these prices represent significant value, especially if you snag a seat in the highly rated Hawaiian Airlines Business Class (aka First Class).
How To Book
Booking is simple:
- Log in to your AAdvantage account on the American Airlines website.
- Search for award flights to Hawaii using the AAdvantage award calendar.
- Look for Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights among the options.
Alternatively, you can call American Airlines reservations to book these flights if you encounter any challenges online.
Why This Is Great News For Award Travelers
This new redemption option is a game-changer for anyone planning a trip to Hawaii. Here is why:
- Increased Availability: Hawaiian Airlines adds more capacity for award travelers, which is crucial during peak travel seasons when availability on American Airlines flights can be limited.
- Premium Experience: Hawaiian Airlines is known for its exceptional service, island-inspired cuisine, and onboard comfort—factors that make the journey just as enjoyable as the destination.
- Strategic Connections: With Hawaiian Airlines’ Honolulu hub, you can seamlessly connect to other destinations in East Asia or the South Pacific, maximizing the value of your trip.
Final Thoughts
The addition of Hawaiian Airlines to the AAdvantage award booking platform is a welcome development for travelers. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family vacation, or solo adventure, this partnership gives you more flexibility and more options for reaching the beautiful islands of Hawaii.
With pricing starting at just 22,500 miles, this is a redemption opportunity you will not want to miss. Be sure to plan ahead, check award availability frequently, and enjoy the aloha spirit when you land in paradise.