Unlocking the Skies: Your Step-by-Step Guide to Transferring American Express Points to Alaska Airlines Miles (Before It's Too Late!)
Have you been hoarding those precious American Express Membership Rewards points, dreaming of an exotic getaway or a comfortable business class flight? If Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is on your radar, then you've landed in the right place! While a direct transfer from American Express to Alaska Airlines isn't typically possible, a clever workaround involving Hawaiian Airlines has been a game-changer for many savvy travelers. However, this golden opportunity is closing soon – the indirect transfer via Hawaiian Airlines is expected to end permanently on June 30, 2025! So, let's dive in and make sure you can capitalize on this before the door shuts.
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| How To Transfer American Express Points To Alaska |
The Importance of Acting NOW
Before we get into the nitty-gritty, it's absolutely crucial to understand the urgency. Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is renowned for its incredible value on partner award redemptions, especially with airlines like Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, and more. This workaround has allowed American Express cardholders to access these sweet spots. If you have a specific redemption in mind or want to stock up on these valuable miles, the time to act is immediately.
The Indirect Transfer Process: Amex → Hawaiian → Alaska
The current method to transfer your American Express Membership Rewards points to Alaska Airlines miles involves a two-step process:
Transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles.
Transfer HawaiianMiles to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan miles.
Let's break down each step in detail.
Step 1: Laying the Groundwork – Account Setup
Before you even think about transferring points, you need to ensure you have the necessary accounts in place.
Sub-heading 1.1: Create a HawaiianMiles Account
If you don't already have one, your first mission is to set up a HawaiianMiles account. This is a quick and straightforward process. Simply visit the Hawaiian Airlines website and navigate to their loyalty program sign-up page. Make sure all your personal details (name, date of birth, etc.) match those on your American Express account to avoid any transfer hiccups.
Sub-heading 1.2: Create an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Account
Similarly, if you're not already a member, establish an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account. This is essential for receiving your hard-earned miles. Again, ensure your personal information aligns perfectly with your American Express and HawaiianMiles accounts.
Sub-heading 1.3: Consider Linking Accounts (Pre-emptive Measure)
While the actual transfer from Hawaiian to Alaska happens later, it's a good idea to familiarize yourself with the process and potentially link your accounts ahead of time on the Hawaiian Airlines or Points.com platform where this transfer occurs. This can sometimes streamline the second step.
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Step 2: Transferring American Express Points to HawaiianMiles
This is the first major transfer in our two-part journey.
Sub-heading 2.1: Log into Your American Express Account
Head over to the American Express website and log in to your Membership Rewards account. You'll need to use the credentials associated with the American Express card that earns Membership Rewards points (e.g., Platinum Card, Gold Card, Green Card, Business Platinum, etc.).
Sub-heading 2.2: Navigate to the "Transfer Points" Section
Once logged in, look for the "Rewards" or "Membership Rewards" section. Within that, you should find an option to "Transfer Points" or "Transfer to Partner Loyalty Programs." The exact wording might vary slightly depending on your specific American Express card and the website's layout, but it's usually under "Earn and Redeem" or "Redeem."
Sub-heading 2.3: Select Hawaiian Airlines as Your Transfer Partner
From the list of airline partners, find and select Hawaiian Airlines HawaiianMiles. It's typically listed alphabetically.
Sub-heading 2.4: Link Your HawaiianMiles Account (If Not Already Linked)
If this is your first time transferring to Hawaiian Airlines, you'll be prompted to link your HawaiianMiles account to your American Express Membership Rewards account. You'll need to enter your HawaiianMiles account number. Double-check for accuracy!
Sub-heading 2.5: Enter the Number of Points to Transfer
Now comes the crucial part: deciding how many points to transfer. American Express Membership Rewards typically transfer to HawaiianMiles at a 1:1 ratio. This means 1,000 American Express points will give you 1,000 HawaiianMiles.
Important Consideration: Excise Tax Offset Fee. American Express charges a small excise tax offset fee when transferring points to U.S.-based airlines, including Hawaiian Airlines. This fee is $0.0006 per point, capped at a maximum of $99. For example, transferring 100,000 points would incur a $60 fee (100,000 * $0.0006). It is highly recommended to pay this fee with cash (a credit card) rather than using points, as using points for the fee provides very poor value (often less than 0.5 cents per point).
Minimum Transfer Increment: Points are usually transferred in increments of 1,000.
Sub-heading 2.6: Review and Confirm the Transfer
Carefully review all the details of your transfer, including the number of points, the transfer ratio, and any applicable fees. Once you're confident everything is correct, confirm the transfer.
Transfer Time: Transfers from American Express to Hawaiian Airlines are often instant or can take up to 72 hours. While many users report instant transfers, it's wise to allow for potential delays, especially if you have an urgent redemption in mind.
Step 3: Transferring HawaiianMiles to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan
Tip: Read mindfully — avoid distractions.
This is the final leg of your points journey!
Sub-heading 3.1: Access the Hawaiian Airlines to Alaska Airlines Transfer Portal
This transfer is facilitated through a specific portal, often found on the Hawaiian Airlines website or via Points.com. You might need to search for "transfer HawaiianMiles to Alaska" on the Hawaiian Airlines site.
Sub-heading 3.2: Log in to Your HawaiianMiles Account
You'll be prompted to log in to your HawaiianMiles account.
Sub-heading 3.3: Select "Mileage Plan" as the Recipient Program
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On the transfer page, you'll see an option to transfer your HawaiianMiles to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan. Select this option.
Sub-heading 3.4: Link Your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan Account (If Not Already Linked)
If this is your first time, you'll need to link your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account. Ensure the name on both accounts matches exactly.
Sub-heading 3.5: Specify the Number of Miles to Transfer
HawaiianMiles generally transfer to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan at a 1:1 ratio. There might be a minimum transfer amount (e.g., 50 miles) and transfers often occur in increments.
Sub-heading 3.6: Confirm and Complete the Transfer
Review the details one last time and confirm your transfer.
Transfer Time: Transfers from Hawaiian Airlines to Alaska Airlines are typically instantaneous. Many users report seeing the miles appear in their Alaska account within minutes of confirming the transfer. However, as with any online transaction, occasional delays can occur.
Step 4: Booking Your Dream Redemption on Alaska Airlines
Congratulations! Your American Express points have now successfully transformed into valuable Alaska Airlines miles. Now for the exciting part: booking your award travel!
QuickTip: Pause at lists — they often summarize.
Sub-heading 4.1: Search for Award Availability on AlaskaAir.com
Head to the Alaska Airlines website and use their award search tool. Remember that Alaska's Mileage Plan is incredibly strong for partner redemptions. Look for flights on their oneWorld alliance partners (like American Airlines, British Airways, Cathay Pacific, Japan Airlines, Qatar Airways, etc.) as well as their independent partners (such as Aer Lingus, Icelandair, Korean Air, Singapore Airlines, STARLUX Airlines, etc.).
Sub-heading 4.2: Understand Alaska's Award Chart and Rules
Alaska has its own award chart for partner redemptions, which can offer some fantastic value. Be aware of their rules, such as the ability to include a free stopover on one-way international award tickets – a truly unique and valuable perk! Also, be mindful of potential fuel surcharges on certain partners (e.g., British Airways).
Sub-heading 4.3: Book Your Award Flight
Once you find the perfect award flight, proceed with the booking on AlaskaAir.com. You'll use your newly transferred Alaska Airlines miles for the redemption. Remember that taxes and fees will still apply, which are typically paid in cash.
Don't Delay! This Opportunity is Fleeting!
As reiterated throughout this guide, the ability to transfer American Express Membership Rewards points to Alaska Airlines via Hawaiian Airlines is a limited-time opportunity ending on June 30, 2025. If you've been considering this move, now is the time to make your plans and execute the transfer! Alaska miles are some of the most valuable in the loyalty landscape, offering access to aspirational travel experiences that might otherwise be out of reach.
10 Related FAQ Questions:
How to check my American Express Membership Rewards balance?
You can easily check your American Express Membership Rewards balance by logging into your American Express online account and navigating to the "Membership Rewards" section.
How to create a HawaiianMiles account?
Visit the official Hawaiian Airlines website, go to the "HawaiianMiles" section, and look for the "Join Now" or "Enroll" option to create your free account.
How to create an Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account?
QuickTip: A quick skim can reveal the main idea fast.
Go to the Alaska Airlines website, find the "Mileage Plan" section, and click on "Join Mileage Plan" to sign up for a free account.
How to find the "Transfer Points" option on American Express?
After logging into your American Express account, typically look for "Rewards & Benefits" or "Membership Rewards" in the top navigation or sidebar, and then select "Transfer Points" or "Transfer to Partner Loyalty Programs."
How to avoid the American Express excise tax offset fee when transferring to Hawaiian Airlines?
Unfortunately, you cannot avoid the excise tax offset fee for transfers to U.S.-based airlines like Hawaiian Airlines. However, you can pay this fee with a credit card instead of points to ensure you get the best value for your Membership Rewards.
How to know the transfer ratio from American Express to Hawaiian Airlines?
The standard transfer ratio from American Express Membership Rewards to HawaiianMiles is 1:1, meaning 1,000 Amex points become 1,000 HawaiianMiles.
How to know the transfer ratio from HawaiianMiles to Alaska Airlines?
The transfer ratio from HawaiianMiles to Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is also typically 1:1, meaning 1,000 HawaiianMiles become 1,000 Alaska miles.
How to ensure my name matches across all loyalty accounts?
When creating or using your loyalty accounts (American Express, HawaiianMiles, Alaska Mileage Plan), ensure your full name, as it appears on your passport or official ID, is consistent across all accounts. Minor discrepancies can cause transfer issues.
How to find award availability on Alaska Airlines partner airlines?
Go to AlaskaAir.com, select "Use Miles" when searching for flights, and then you can search for flights on Alaska Airlines or their various partner airlines.
How to redeem Alaska Airlines miles for international flights?
Once you have miles in your Alaska Mileage Plan account, search for international award flights on AlaskaAir.com by selecting "Use Miles." You can choose from Alaska's own flights or those operated by their extensive network of global airline partners.
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