Hawaiian Moves Terminals Coast-To-Coast In Latest Shakeup

Hawaiian Airlines’ big move out TBIT at LAX turns out to be just the beginning. In a sweeping realignment taking place across the U.S., Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines are now co-locating their terminals at key airports. The goal is a more seamless travel experience and a visible sign of Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines taking shape.

As part of their integration under Alaska Air Group, the airlines are restructuring how passengers move through airports, starting with major hubs like LAX and JFK, and expanding to other locations from there.

What’s changed at LAX and JFK.

At Los Angeles International Airport, Hawaiian Airlines has officially joined Alaska in Terminal 6 this week. This shift eliminates the confusion of navigating from the Tom Bradley International Terminal and provides faster baggage handling, easier gate access, and quicker transfers.

At New York’s JFK, Hawaiian made a similar leap today, relocating from Terminal 4 to Alaska’s new Terminal 8. This puts the airline steps away from not only Alaska but also American Airlines and other oneworld partners.

First Class passengers on Alaska and Hawaiian now gain access to the American Airlines’ Admirals Club, while eligible guests flying Hawaiian Airlines long-haul can enjoy the even more exclusive Greenwich Flagship Lounge.

The move is part of a broader strategy to cluster operations around oneworld hubs, reinforcing loyalty program alignment and connectivity. Alaska’s own JFK operation is currently shifting from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8, consolidating both airlines in the same location for the first time in New York.

More airport changes are coming soon.

This isn’t limited to LAX and JFK either. The terminal alignment began quietly last year when Hawaiian joined Alaska at San Francisco’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1. Phoenix Sky Harbor is another airport with joint operations.

Next up, according to Alaska’s press release, are Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas. These co-locations are expected to be complete by the end of 2025.

Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is not currently included in the list of co-location plans between Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines. This is likely due to gate constraints, especially for widebody aircraft, which makes co-location at SEA unfeasible at this time.

In every other case, Hawaiian is moving its gates, check-in counters, and support operations to co-locate with Alaska. For travelers in the new Alaska paradigm, which will absorb Hawaiian operations by October, that means fewer terminal hops and more predictable connections.

For the airlines, it’s both a cost-cutting and efficiency-boosting maneuver. Shared infrastructure reduces redundancy and helps align employee workflows, baggage systems, and support services—all while preparing both airlines for the upcoming single operating certificate.

It’s more than just airport logistics.

These moves might sound like behind-the-scenes adjustments, but they reflect a much bigger shift. That includes alignment of boarding procedures, staffing, mobile apps, and frequent flyer benefits. Hawaiian’s placement at JFK’s Terminal 8—a key oneworld hub—also signals a growing emphasis on international connectivity.

Alaska joined oneworld in 2021, and Hawaiian is set to enter as part of Alaska. These terminal consolidations aren’t just for convenience. They’re positioning Hawaiian passengers to connect more seamlessly with global alliance partners, including American Airlines, British Airways, and Japan Airlines.

What Hawaii travelers will experience.

If you’re flying to or from Hawaii, primarily through mainland hubs, the impact is immediate. It’s easier to transfer between flights, there’s less time wasted navigating unfamiliar terminals, and baggage typically moves more efficiently between connecting flights.

But there’s also a cultural shift in motion. Hawaiian Airlines has long been known for offering an experience that reflects the spirit of the islands. From flight crew uniforms to in-flight announcements, it has felt distinct from other carriers.

Now, as the airline integrates under Alaska—both in physical space and, very soon, in operations—some frequent travelers are wondering whether that identity might fade.

While these changes offer clear convenience, there’s a trade-off. For many loyal Hawaiian passengers, that sense of being “home before you land” was part of the appeal. Whether that feeling survives this merger remains to be seen. On the other hand, the purchase by Alaska undoubtedly saved Hawaiian from bankruptcy.

What do you think about Hawaiian’s terminal moves and deeper integration with Alaska? Share your thoughts in the comments below.

A look ahead at the rollout.

These moves fit into a broader long-term vision. Alaska Air Group is positioning the merged carriers to operate as one, with shared access to the oneworld alliance, a newly combined loyalty program to be revealed soon, and aligned fleet and scheduling strategies.

Hawaiian Airlines isn’t merely switching gates at mainland airports—it’s stepping into a new era as part of Alaska.

For Hawaii-bound travelers, that should translate to easier journeys through mainland hubs and improved access to global destinations too. But it will continue to raise the question of to what degree a Hawaiian experience can survive when it is owned by a larger mainland airline with different objectives?

Let us know your thoughts in the comments. Mahalo!