Ultimate Guide: Transfer Amex Points to Alaska Airlines & Save BIG on American Airlines Flights (Limited-Time Hack!)

Published on May 15, 2025

Update 5/16: The final day to transfer AMEX points to Hawaiian will be 6/30.

Attention, travel hackers! 🚨 If you’ve got American Express Membership Rewards points, there’s a limited-time loophole to transfer them to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan via Hawaiian Airlines. This hack unlocks incredible value for American Airlines flights (and other partners) at lower mileage rates than booking directly with AA. Thanks to the Alaska-Hawaiian merger, you can stretch your points further—but this opportunity might not last past mid-2025. Here’s your step-by-step guide to make it happen, complete with tips, links, and why you need to act fast! ✈️

Why This Hack Is a Game-Changer

The Alaska-Hawaiian merger, approved by the U.S. Department of Transportation, allows HawaiianMiles to convert to Alaska Mileage Plan miles at a 1:1 ratio with no fees. Since Hawaiian Airlines is an Amex transfer partner, you can move your Amex points to HawaiianMiles, then to Alaska miles, and use them to book American Airlines flights at stellar rates. Here’s why this is huge:

• Cheaper Awards: Alaska’s award chart often prices AA flights lower than AA’s AAdvantage program (e.g., 5,000-15,000 miles one-way for domestic economy vs. 10,000-30,000 with AA).
• High Mile Value: Alaska miles are worth ~1.8 cents each.
• Flexible Routing: Mix AA with partners like British Airways or Japan Airlines in one award for unique itineraries.
• Limited Window: This trick could end by June 30, 2025, when Hawaiian’s non-Oneworld partnerships end, or by August 2025 when the merged loyalty program launches.

Step-by-Step: How to Transfer Amex Points to Alaska Airlines

Follow these clear steps to turn your Amex points into Alaska miles and book AA flights like a pro:

1. Check Your Amex Points Balance
   Log into your American Express account to confirm your Membership Rewards points. Eligible cards include the Amex Platinum, Gold, or Green. Don’t have one? Explore Amex cards here.
2. Transfer Points to HawaiianMiles
   Hawaiian Airlines is a 1:1 Amex transfer partner (1,000 Amex points = 1,000 HawaiianMiles). Visit the Amex Membership Rewards portal, select “Transfer Points,” choose Hawaiian Airlines, and enter your HawaiianMiles account number. No account? Sign up for free at HawaiianAirlines.com.
   Note: Transfers typically take 1-2 days, though some report instant transfers.
3. Convert HawaiianMiles to Alaska Miles
   Log into your HawaiianMiles account and navigate to the mileage transfer section. Link your Alaska Mileage Plan account by following the prompts in the Alaska-Hawaiian merger portal or account settings. Transfer miles at a 1:1 ratio (no fees) using this link. Don’t have an Alaska account? Sign up for free at AlaskaAir.com. This step is typically instant.
4. Book American Airlines Flights
   Visit AlaskaAir.com to search for AA award flights. Alaska’s site displays AA availability clearly. Example deals:
   • Domestic economy: 5,000-15,000 miles one-way.
   • U.S. to Europe business class: 55,000 miles one-way.
   • U.S. to Asia on Japan Airlines business class: 70,000 miles.

Why Alaska Miles Are Perfect for AA Flights

Using Alaska miles for American Airlines flights offers unmatched value:

• Lower Mileage Costs: Alaska’s distance-based award chart beats AA’s dynamic pricing, saving 20-50% on miles.
• Reduced Fees: Alaska’s award tickets often have lower taxes/fees than AA’s, especially internationally.
• Sweet Spots: Book AA flights to South America for 25,000 miles or Cathay Pacific to Asia for 50,000 miles in business class. See Alaska’s award chart here.
• Mix Partners: Combine AA with Oneworld partners (e.g., British Airways) or non-alliance partners (e.g., Singapore Airlines) in one award.

Key Tips to Maximize Your Savings

• Transfer Only What You Need: Calculate miles for your flight and transfer just that amount to avoid devaluation.
• Plan for Transfer Times: Amex to Hawaiian takes 1-2 days; Hawaiian to Alaska is instant.
• Explore Other Partners: Use Alaska miles for deals on Japan Airlines, Cathay Pacific, or Singapore Airlines premium cabins.
• Stay Informed: Monitor Alaska’s merger FAQs for loyalty program updates.

Why You Must Act Now

The Alaska-Hawaiian merger is reshaping their loyalty programs. While the 1:1 mile conversion is guaranteed for now, Amex transfers to Hawaiian could stop by June 30, 2025, when Hawaiian’s non-Oneworld partnerships end, or by August 2025 when the merged program launches, according to X posts and travel blogs like Frequent Miler. Don’t miss this chance to book your dream trip at a fraction of the cost!

Final Thoughts

This Amex-to-Hawaiian-to-Alaska trick is one of the best ways to maximize your Membership Rewards points for American Airlines flights and beyond. Whether it’s a quick domestic getaway or a luxurious business class seat to Europe, Alaska miles can get you there for less. Start planning now, and let us know your success stories in the comments! 🌍

Disclaimer: Transfer times, award availability, and program terms can change. Verify details with Amex, Hawaiian, and Alaska before transferring. Information based on web sources and X posts as of May 15, 2025.