Amex Turns Its Back on Hawaiian, Now Courts Alaska

After ending its partnership with Hawaiian Airlines, American Express (Amex) is now promoting Alaska flights. This could mark the start of a new loyalty shift for Hawaii travelers.

A new offer appears days after Hawaiian is dropped.

Hawaiian Airlines and American Express officially parted ways on June 30. Just three days later, Amex rolled out a new airfare offer. But this time, it’s for Alaska Airlines. Travelers can now get a $60 statement credit after spending $300 or more on Alaska flights with an eligible Amex card.

For Hawaii travelers who’ve long used Amex perks with Hawaiian to earn points or offset fares, this move may hint at what’s coming next. It’s not just a one-off promotion. It could mark the beginning of a larger shift in how Amex aligns with Hawaii-bound travel.

How the Alaska Airlines offer works.

The deal is simple to get. Spend $300 or more on flight reservations made directly through alaskaair.com or the Alaska Airlines app, and charge it to an eligible Amex card. You’ll receive a one-time $60 statement credit. The offer is valid through September 30, 2025. Purchases must be in U.S. dollars, and flights must originate in the U.S., including its territories.

Only direct Alaska Airlines purchases qualify. That includes airfare, seat upgrades, baggage fees, and fare changes. It excludes third-party bookings, in-flight purchases, gift cards, lounge access, and any add-ons like hotels or car rentals.

You must manually add the offer to your Amex card before booking. Many travelers have found it on Amex Gold and Platinum cards, though availability may vary by account.

Why this is different—and why it matters for Hawaii.

This is the first Hawaii airline offer Amex has rolled out after walking away from Hawaiian Airlines. That timing feels deliberate.

For years, Hawaii travelers enjoyed a tight link between Amex and Hawaiian. That’s now gone. With this Alaska offer, however, Amex may be signaling a new direction. Alaska is taking over Hawaiian’s routes and infrastructure through their pending integration. This deal, small as it is, may be a test case for a deeper integration, especially if Amex wants to stay connected to Hawaii’s high-value travelers.

What Hawaii travelers need to know now.

If you’re booking flights to Hawaii this summer or fall and have an Amex card, this deal is worth a look. Even if you don’t usually fly Alaska, a $60 credit could make their fares more appealing, especially on routes where competition is thinning.

This also comes at a time when loyalty for Hawaii travel is in flux. Hawaiian’s exit from Amex has left travelers wondering what’s next. Will Amex build a deeper relationship with Alaska? Could Membership Rewards eventually transfer to Alaska’s Mileage Plan? Is a new co-branded card on the table?

Nothing is confirmed. But this offer suggests movement. And for now, it gives Hawaii travelers a short-term way to save while the long-term picture comes into focus.

How to check if you’re eligible.

Log in to your American Express account and look under “Amex Offers & Benefits.” If the Alaska Airlines offer is listed, click “Add to Card” before booking. Once activated, the $60 credit will post automatically after you spend $300 or more.

If you’re using a Platinum card, you’ll also earn 5X points on flights booked directly with the airline.

Note that once the offer is added to one card, it usually disappears from your others. If you hold multiple American Express cards, choose them carefully.

A small deal that points to bigger changes.

This isn’t a major rebate, but it is one of the clearest signals yet that Amex is looking toward Alaska Airlines as a new Hawaii-facing partner. For travelers who have flown Hawaiian for decades and used American Express to keep costs manageable, this shift feels more than just symbolic.

It’s a reminder that the merger between Alaska and Hawaiian isn’t just changing brands, planes, and routes. It’s also starting to reshape how credit cards, loyalty programs, and perks will work for Hawaii-bound travelers in the years ahead.