This Quirky, Valuable New Perk Taking Off For Hawaii Travelers

Passengers flying to and from Hawaii might soon notice a surprising new collectible tucked into their travel memories: pilot trading cards. Alaska Airlines just rolled out a fresh set of highly detailed, holographic aircraft trading cards to celebrate World Pilots’ Day. But beyond the immediate excitement, there’s a bigger story that might impact Hawaiian Airlines flights next — and with it, the entire Hawaii travel experience.

Alaska’s latest card series features eight designs, each showcasing one of its iconic special liveries. From retro paint schemes to colorful community tributes, the cards highlight the airline’s unique personality. They are only available directly from pilots on select Alaska flights, including flights to and from Hawaii. To get one, passengers must politely ask a pilot, keeping in mind that supplies are limited and cards might not be available on every flight.

This small but meaningful gesture reflects a deeper culture at Alaska: one where airline pilots and passengers connect through shared aviation enthusiasm. For now, these collectibles are exclusive to Alaska-operated flights.

Hawaiian Airlines pilots are not handing out trading cards at this time, and no official plans have been announced. Still, with the Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines merger underway, the question arises: could a quirky tradition like this be part of the future for Hawaii travelers?

A familiar name linking Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines.

One of the strongest clues about this tradition comes from Captain Scott Day, a key figure in developing Alaska’s pilot card program. Day previously served as Chief Pilot at Alaska Airlines, a senior leadership position responsible for overseeing the airline’s pilot group and flight operations. Beyond management, he also maintained an active presence as a line pilot, keeping close ties with both crews and passengers.

In a timely twist, Day recently left Alaska and now flies for Hawaiian Airlines. While he does not currently hold an executive title at Hawaiian that we are aware of, his deep experience in shaping pilot culture and passenger engagement follows him to the islands.

Day’s passion for inspiring future aviators through small gestures, like trading cards, is well-documented. In a statement released by Alaska Airlines, he shared, “It’s nice for someone — especially a kid — to leave the flight with something meaningful, whether it’s a memory, a set of wings, or, in this case, a one-of-a-kind card.”

With leaders like Day now wearing Hawaiian’s uniform, there is a real possibility that the spirit behind Alaska’s trading cards could eventually cross the Pacific as well. Hawaii travelers have long cherished personal touches on flights, from island-style greetings to friendly crew interactions. Adding trading cards could, in some minor way, be another bridge connecting the two airline cultures as the integration moves forward.

Hawaiian Airlines’ long history of celebrating culture.

If any airline is poised to take a creative idea and make it uniquely its own, it is Hawaiian Airlines. The company has spent decades weaving the spirit of Hawaii into every part of its brand — from the now-iconic Pualani logo, which symbolizes a welcoming island spirit, to aircraft named after native plants, and traditional Hawaiian music that welcomes passengers as they board.

The launch of the Pualani brand in 1973 marked a pivotal moment, helping Hawaiian leverage an image of authentic, approachable Hawaii to travelers around the world. Over the years, that focus on blending aviation with culture has continued, making Hawaiian Airlines something more than just another carrier, but a living ambassador of the islands.

A potential Hawaiian Airlines trading card series could admirably extend that tradition. Instead of simply highlighting planes, a collectible set might feature iconic scenes, such as voyaging canoes crossing the Pacific, Diamond Head at sunrise, or even tributes to the navigators and legends that have shaped Hawaii’s aviation story. Hint to Hawaiian!

Such a move would not only build on the quirky appeal of the trading card trend but also deepen travelers’ emotional connections to Hawaii itself — something that has been at the heart of Hawaiian Airlines until now.

How airline trading cards became a valuable phenomenon.

Although airline trading cards have existed in limited forms for decades, their popularity exploded recently thanks to social media. In 2023, Delta’s aircraft cards went viral on TikTok and Instagram, leading to unprecedented demand and even the rise of a resale market.

Delta pilots handed out more than three million cards last year, and soon after, sets and rare individual cards began appearing on eBay, sometimes fetching surprisingly high prices from collectors.

Alaska, seeing the trend, refreshed its program with higher-quality, collectible-grade cards. Today, the cards are no longer cheap cardstock giveaways. Alaska’s new edition features a holographic film and lenticular coating, adding a shimmering, three-dimensional feel. Each card also shares educational details about the aircraft and its unique livery story.

Alaska’s new batch is intentionally limited, making them an even hotter commodity for travelers who know to ask for them — and perhaps, for a few determined collectors looking to snag a future aviation treasure.

Could Hawaiian Airlines adopt its version?

Although there has been no official announcement, several signs point to the possibility. Leaders with direct ties to Alaska’s pilot culture now influence Hawaiian. Travelers to Hawaii have long shown a preference for meaningful souvenirs that go beyond T-shirts and trinkets.

With interest in aviation memorabilia at an all-time high and Hawaiian Airlines’ very strong storytelling roots, a custom card program could resonate with visitors of all ages.

A Hawaiian-themed trading card series could include the Dreamliner, A330, and A321neo fleets, nods to past aircraft like the DC-3, or even feature special flights that connect Hawaiian culture across the Pacific.

Rolling out a limited-edition card series would also generate social media buzz and give young travelers, in particular, a lasting and educational memento from their trip to Hawaii.

What travelers can expect in the meantime.

If you are flying Alaska Airlines to Hawaii or elsewhere this year, there is no harm in politely asking your pilots if they have any trading cards. And please let us know if you score any. We’ll try to do the same thing ourselves and let you know if we succeed. However, passengers should always prioritize flight deck protocols, asking respectfully only when necessary.

For Hawaiian Airlines passengers, have patience. Even if pilot trading cards don’t arrive immediately, the merger itself promises many cultural exchanges and innovations over the next year. After all, Hawaiian is now Alaska Airlines.

Sometimes, small, unexpected touches like this create the more lasting travel memories. Can you think of any yourself? Whether through a friendly greeting in Pidgin, a memorable reverse-direction landing in turbulent Kona winds, or someday, a shiny card tucked into your hand by the Captain after a long flight over the Pacific, Hawaiian travel may remain defined by moments of human connection. Pilot trading cards could be the next chapter in an evolving story.

Final thoughts.

At first glance, trading cards may seem like a small footnote in a massive airline merger. But for travelers who value experiences over transactions, these quirky details still matter. They remind us that flying is still at least at times, magical, especially when it is connected to a place as special as Hawaii.

Have you scored a trading card from Alaska Airlines? Let us know in the comments.