Travel Scott Kobayashi Travel Scott Kobayashi

Alaska Airlines strengthens relationship with American Airlines and will join One World Alliance in 2021

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It has been officially announced today that Alaska Airlines will be joining the Oneworld alliance by the summer of 2021. This is BIG NEWS because in light of the recent advancements with Delta airlines. Alaska Airlines rewards offer some of the best point redemptions of any airline rewards program, and this update allows for potential opportunities for earning and redemption through other partner carries. Below is a projected timeline of Alaska Airline’s plans.

Effective immediately:

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  • Redeem Alaska Mileage Plan™ miles on all American Airlines flights (subject to award availability).

  • Access any of American's nearly 50 Admirals Club locations worldwide with an Alaska Lounge membership.*

  • Continue to earn and redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles on our current portfolio of 16 Global Partners.

Starting Spring 2020:

  • Earn Alaska Mileage Plan miles on any American Airlines flights, domestically and internationally.

Starting Summer 2021:

  • Earn and redeem Alaska Mileage Plan miles on all oneworld airlines (subject to award availability).

  • Alaska elites will enjoy privileges, including priority boarding, premium seating, baggage benefits and more when you fly on American Airlines or any oneworld airline.

  • Access 650 lounges within the oneworld network as an MVP Gold or Gold 75k member.

The Alaska Airlines Visa Signature® card

There are NO major credit card companies that transfer points to Alaska Airlines, but they do have a Visa Signature that comes with a nice sign-up bonus and makes you eligible to purchase Alaska's Famous Companion Fare.

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The companion fare entitles the cardholder to purchase one round-trip coach companion fare on Alaska Airlines from $121 (USD) ($99 base fare plus applicable taxes and fees from $22 depending on your flight itinerary) when traveling with another guest on a paid published coach airfare on the same itinerary, booked at the same time. 

Ongoing benefits of the Visa Signature® card include:

  • Alaska's Famous Companion Fare™ from $121 ($99 base fare plus taxes and fees from $22) every year on your account anniversary for Alaska flights booking on alaskaair.com with no blackout dates.

  • Free checked bag on Alaska flights for you and up to six other guests on the same reservation.

  • Earn 3 miles for every $1 spent on eligible Alaska Airlines purchases.

  • Earn 1 mile for every $1 spent on all other purchases.

  • New: Get 20% back on Alaska Airlines inflight purchases when you use your new card.

  • New: Receive 50% off Alaska Lounge day passes when you use your new card.

  • No foreign transaction fees✝, plus chip-enabled for enhanced security when used at chip-enabled terminals.

  • No mileage cap.

  • Miles won't expire on your active account.

  • Low Annual fee of $75†

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Reviews, Airport Lounges Scott Kobayashi Reviews, Airport Lounges Scott Kobayashi

Visiting the ANA Lounge at the Honolulu International Airport

ANA has two lounges at HNL international airport. The first is the ANA lounge & the second is the more prestigious ANA Suite lounge for their premiere International flyers. Located in Terminal 2 (on the 3rd floor above Gate c4) at the Honolulu International Airport, ANA lounges offer a luxurious and inviting atmosphere and provides various functions and facilities that fit the needs of each and every on of their valued customers. We recently got a chance to tour the new ANA Lounge at the Daniel Inouye International Airport. Here are our thoughts.

THE CREDIT HACKER LOUNGE REVIEW:

Lots of seating here at the ANA lounge at HNL

Lots of seating here at the ANA lounge at HNL

AMBIANCE: (5/5) By far the best lounge and atmosphere at the HNL Airport! Clean, big with privacy, this lounge surpasses all other lounges at HNL. We love that the large windows in the lounge allow you to see the tarmac and watch planes depart for takeoff. The lounge layout & design reminds us of the DELTA lounge in NARITA!



FOOD: (5/5)

Since its an ANA Lounge, Japanese food was the staple here with curry, ginger pork, musubis & Japanese tofu soup. We loved the options and open bar as well. We recommend the sparking Rosé for drinks.

Greeted by the wonderful ANA staff and the front desk.

Greeted by the wonderful ANA staff and the front desk.



SERVICE: (3/5)

Upon arrival, I was greeted by the wonderful ANA staff. They made us feel welcomed and very special, but it was a different story inside. Although this was an ANA Lounge, the service inside wasn’t up to par with ANA standards. It seemed like most (not all) of the workers were grumpy and eager for everyone to leave by 1:00 pm since this lounge does close after the last departing ANA flight which is around 2:00 pm. The staff inside were not ANA workers but outsourced locally by a company.

Uniquely designed children’s play area.

Uniquely designed children’s play area.

EXTRA AMENITIES: (4/5)

What stands out as an extra amenity here is the uniquely designed children’s area. It’s enclosed and creative design allows children to have fun while not interrupting other guests in the lounge. The self-serve ice cream station was definitely a PLUS for us. Of course, I had to get a vanilla swirl with oreo crumbs on top.



OVERALL SCORE: (4.25/5 0

This is by far the best and largest lounge at the Honolulu International airport. It’s a unique design, great selection of food and drinks make this lounge an outstanding lounge.


HOW TO ACCESS:
1. First Class customers on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights, and one accompanying guest on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights per customer.

2. Business Class customers on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier international flights.

3. ANA Diamond Service members, ANA Platinum Service members and ANA Super Flyers Card members on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights, and one accompanying guest on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights per customer.

4. Star Alliance Gold members on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights, and one accompanying guest on ANA and/or Star Alliance member carrier operated flights per customer.

5. Customers using Premium Economy Service. * Out of pocket: USD 40 / Narita/Haneda: JPY 4,000 on ANA website (application in advance)
* Sadly, Priority pass doesn’t grant access to this lounge. .

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