Alaska Airlines has just launched a new award sale, offering flights between the West Coast and Hawaii for just 7,500 miles each way to Escape the Winter Blues. That is the equivalent of just $75. This is one of the lowest redemption rates ever seen for Hawaii travel from and to the mainland, making it a rare opportunity for travelers looking to maximize their spare Alaska Mileage Plan miles.
Alaska’s typical award pricing for Hawaii flights starts at 17,500 miles one way, making this sale a significant discount. While occasional promotions have dropped fares slightly lower in the past, this is one of the rare instances where award seats are available at less than half the usual redemption rate.
With airfare wars starting with this, here’s what you need to know before booking.
What Hawaii routes are included in the 7.5K-mile sale?
Award seats at 7,500 miles plus six dollars in taxes and fees appear on several West Coast-to-Hawaii routes, including flights from San Jose to Kauai, San Diego to Maui, and San Diego to Kona. Availability varies by date, but most of the lowest-priced award space is for travel from March through May. Some scattered dates may appear outside this range, but these are the most consistent months for finding the lowest pricing.
Alaska’s award chart mostly starts Hawaii flights at 17,500 miles each way, meaning this sale cuts the cost to less than half on select routes. The sale applies only to economy award space, with first-class awards pricing significantly higher. These fares are available for booking now but must be locked in by February 6 at 11:59 PM Pacific Time. They will probably be gone sooner, as award availability at these rates is extremely limited.
Is 7.5K miles a great deal?
In a word, oh yeah! At just 7,500 miles, these redemptions are among the cheapest for Hawaii flights. But the real value is the difference compared with cash fares. On many of these flights, such as Maui to San Diego, the cash purchase price is 179 dollars, meaning you can save up to 58 percent by using Mileage Plan miles instead of paying cash.
This is an excellent way to stretch rewards further for those with even a small stash of Alaska miles. Even for travelers who typically pay cash, this pricing is low enough to make redeeming miles a better option than usual.
You should book now. Deadline is February 6.
If you have the Alaska Mileage Plan miles to spare, this is an incredible opportunity worth considering, especially if you plan a Hawaii trip this spring.
With the deadline to book on February 6, award space at the lowest levels could disappear quickly. Travelers should move fast to secure availability on these Hawaii routes. These deep discounts don’t come around often, and with limited seats available at the 7,500-mile rate, waiting too long could mean missing out.
Go to Escape the Winter Blues to book your next Hawaii vacation on Alaska.
What this means for Hawaii airfare trends.
Hawaii airfare pricing has not been volatile in recent months, with competing airlines in lockstep as far as adjusting their strategies. Alaska’s aggressive award pricing suggests a renewed push to stay competitive on key Hawaii routes, especially as the company navigates its merger transition with Hawaiian Airlines and in competition with Southwest Airlines.
This could mean more flash sales and fare drops for travelers in the coming months. Keeping an eye on award and cash pricing will be key to scoring the best deals. We’ll be on the lookout too.
If you’re looking for a nearly free trip to Hawaii, 7,500 miles plus six dollars is about as good as it gets. Are you on board?
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Alaska must be feeling the pressure from Southwest to throw out a deal like this. Otherwise why do it? Not complaining, though!
Just booked my trip to Kona for spring break. 7,500 miles well spent! Thanks.
These sales always sound good, but by the time I went to book, the space was gone. Has anyone had luck finding and buying 7.5K seats?
I just wish there were more dates and city pairs at this rate. What’s available won’t work for me.
I can’t remember the last time I saw Hawaii flights for 7,500 miles. I booked San Diego to Maui immediately—good deal!