Should I Transfer My Hawaiian Miles To Alaska Airlines?

When It Makes Sense

• Good fit: When you have a surplus of Hawaiian Miles that you cannot use before they expire and you plan to book a flight on Alaska Airlines where the transfer rate and availability make it cost‑effective.
• Good fit: When you are targeting a specific Alaska Airlines award that requires fewer total miles after the transfer, such as a short‑haul domestic flight, and you have both programs linked to the same frequent‑flyer account.

When You Should Avoid It

• Warning sign: When the transfer incurs a high mileage penalty or fee, making the effective cost higher than earning Alaska miles directly.
• Warning sign: When your Hawaiian Miles are needed for a redemption on Hawaiian (e.g., inter‑island flights) that offers better value than any Alaska award.

Pros and Cons

Pros

• Allows you to consolidate miles for a single redemption, potentially reducing the number of miles needed for a desired Alaska award.
• Provides flexibility if you are already booked on an Alaska flight or have a partner airline itinerary that benefits from Alaska mileage accrual.

Cons

• Transfers are usually one‑way, irreversible, and may involve a conversion ratio that diminishes the original value of the miles.
• Processing time can be several days, creating uncertainty if you need the miles for an imminent award booking.

Decision Checklist

• Do I have enough Hawaiian Miles to cover the transfer fee and still meet the required Alaska mileage threshold?
• Is there an Alaska award seat available that I cannot secure with my current Alaska balance alone?
• Will the miles I transfer expire before I can use them, or is there a more immediate use for them on Hawaiian?

Alternatives to Consider

Instead of transferring, you could keep the Hawaiian Miles for direct Hawaiian redemptions, earn Alaska miles directly by flying or using co‑branded credit cards, or explore other partner programs that allow mileage pooling with lower penalties.

Final Recommendation

If you have unused Hawaiian Miles that would otherwise expire and you have identified a specific Alaska Airlines award that offers a clear mileage advantage, transferring can be worthwhile. However, if the transfer rate is unfavorable, you need the miles soon, or you have better Hawaiian redemption options, it is safer to retain the miles or earn Alaska miles through alternative means. For high‑value travel plans, consult a mileage‑program specialist.