The government of the United States had specific requirements.
Alaska and Hawaiian merge: what does it mean for travelers?
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The merger was approved by the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Department of Transportation (DOT). The combined airline will serve 141 destinations, including 29 in other countries. Alaska has now made Honolulu its second largest hub. The two airlines will work together with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to operate as one with a unified passenger system.
Soon, travelers will be able to book flights on both Alaska and Hawaiian on each airline's website.
Ben Minicucci, the CEO of Alaska Air Group, said that both airlines are proud to connect communities with excellent service. He added that they look forward to welcoming more guests and providing the great experience that customers expect. The merger will also expand travel options and ensure the financial stability and value that will attract investment.
As part of the merger, Alaska Lounge members can now use the lounges when flying on Hawaiian. Soon, travelers will be able to transfer miles between Alaska's Mileage Plan and Hawaiian's HawaiianMiles. They'll also be able to match their status between the two airlines. Eventually, the companies plan to have a single loyalty program.
The DOT has placed some conditions on the merger. They want to make sure that the mileage rewards don't lose value, don't expire, and can be transferred at a 1:1 ratio. They also require the airlines to match and maintain equivalent loyalty status levels. The DOT also wants the airlines to provide fee-free family seating and continue serving small, rural communities in Alaska and Hawaii.
Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said that the DOT's top priority is protecting the interests of travelers. They have secured promises that will maintain important flight services, allow smaller airlines to access the Honolulu Airport (HNL), lower costs for families and service members, and preserve the value of reward miles.
Buttigieg added that this approach to reviewing the merger marks a new chapter of the DOT's work to support passengers and promote a fairer aviation industry in America.
Alaska Airlines announced plans last year to buy Hawaiian Airlines. The goal was to keep both brands and combine them into one operating system.
This merger has been allowed to happen. But other proposed airline mergers haven't been as successful. Earlier this year, a federal judge stopped a planned merger between JetBlue and Spirit Airlines. The judge said it would break antitrust laws, so the companies had to cancel their plans. Last year, a US judge also ordered JetBlue and American Airlines to end their alliance. JetBlue decided not to appeal this decision.
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