Hawaii Airlines and Alaska Airlines. Photo: EQRoy / Shutterstock Alaska Air Group subsidiary Hawaiian Airlines has joined the same Sabre passenger service system (PSS) used by fellow group member Alaska Airlines.
The decision marks "a significant integration milestone that provides guests flying with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines a more seamless and consistent travel experience from booking to boarding across a growing global network," said the company.
The shared PSS will offer a better, streamlined, and more seamless guest experience, reuniting digital tools and programs from websites, as well as the airlines' mobile apps, Atmos Rewards, and Huaka‘i by Hawaiian loyalty programs, with airport kiosks and reservation records.
CEO Alaska Air Group Ben Minicucci: "We’re doing something that no other U.S. airline has done before: Operating multiple brands on a single platform, and giving guests a smoother experience when they fly with Alaska and Hawaiian around the world. Credit to our teams who have worked for more than a year on this milestone that removes friction and unlocks the full strength of our combination moving forward.”
Hawaiian Ailrines mobile app. Photo: Tada Images / ShutterstockStarting April 22, 20206, guests of the two airlines will be able to easily manage their entire journey using just one Alaska Hawaiian mobile app. They will also be able to select the Alaska Airlines or the Hawaiian Airlines theme in the combined app and enjoy enhanced performance and easier trip management.
Highlights include the single record locator for travel on either of the two brands and self-service options like:
Alaska and Hawaiian will maintain their unique brand experiences, but, from now on, all their flights will carry an “AS” code as assigned by the International Air Transport Association (IATA).
For travelers, this means they can keep selecting and booking Hawaiian Airlines flights (now Operated by Alaska as Hawaiian Airlines) "and enjoy Hawaiian’s authentic ho‘okipa (hospitality)", see Hawaiian’s iconic Pualani prominently visible on digital channels, airport signage, lobbies, or gates, and listen to gate and onboard announcements welcoming them to their Alaska/Hawaiian Airlines flight.
The two airlines will also usher in their guests in shared airport lobbies, considerably simplifying the check-in process in big cities like Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York‑JFK, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose and, starting today, April 23, Seattle.
Airport signage will also be accurately changed to clearly reflect the combined operations, while Hawaiian or Alaska branding will be more prominent, based on location.
Additionally, Hawaiian has made the switch to mobile and web-only check-in options and equipped lobbies with self‑service bag tag kiosks.
Hawaiian Airlines also announced the adotpion ot Alaska’s A-F alphabetical boarding group system that will offer "a more consistent experience on both airlines, while prioritizing boarding for elite guests along with those who need additional assistance, families with children, and active military."
Passengers will be able to track their exact boarding and flight times and receive updated terminal and gate information using the combined app.
Onboard, Hawaiian Airlines passengers will experience the same "sights, sounds and flavors of Hawai‘i", along with local products, island‑inspired meals prepared by Hawai‘i chefs, and music.
New option: Premium Class guests and members of Atmos Gold, Platinum and Titanium members will receive complimentary alcohol on Hawaiian Airlines transpacific flights.