Alaska and Hawaiian have reached a major step in their integration after Hawaiian Airlines moved to the same Sabre passenger service system used by Alaska Airlines. This gives both airlines a shared reservation and airport platform, meaning travelers can expect a more consistent experience from booking to boarding across the combined network.
The shared passenger service system sits behind many of the tools both airlines use every day. That includes their websites, mobile app, loyalty programs, airport kiosks, and reservation records. For passengers, the biggest change is that more parts of the trip will now work together instead of feeling split between two airlines.
“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,” said Ben Minicucci, CEO of Alaska Air Group.
One app and one record for both airlines
Starting April 22, passengers will be able to manage their trip through one Alaska Hawaiian mobile app. Users can choose either an Alaska Airlines or Hawaiian Airlines theme, but the core functions will be shared. The app will allow passengers to manage flights on either brand using one record locator.
The combined app also adds self-service options that make travel simpler. These include changing or canceling flights, switching to an earlier or later flight on the same day, using Apple Pay, adding a lap child on domestic flights, sharing a boarding pass, and booking flights on more than 30 airline partners using cash or points. Hawaiian first class meal pre-orders are also expected to start in May.
Even with the technology change, both airlines say they will keep their distinct identities. Hawaiian flights will continue to be shown clearly and will now appear as operated by Alaska as Hawaiian Airlines. Hawaiian’s Pualani branding will remain visible across digital channels, airport signs, gates, and displays. Onboard and gate announcements will also continue to reflect the airline brand being flown.
Airport and boarding changes are also rolling out
The changes are not limited to booking tools. Alaska and Hawaiian are now sharing airport lobbies in major cities such as Las Vegas, Los Angeles, New York-JFK, Phoenix, Portland, Sacramento, San Francisco, San Jose, and Seattle. Airport signage is also being updated to match the combined operation.
Hawaiian has also shifted to mobile and web-only check-in, while adding self-service bag tag kiosks in airport lobbies. The airline says this is meant to simplify the process and reduce waste from printed boarding passes.
Boarding is changing too. Hawaiian has now adopted Alaska’s A-F alphabetical boarding group system. That creates a more consistent airport experience across both brands while still giving priority to elite members, passengers who need extra assistance, families with children, and active military.
Once onboard, Hawaiian says its flights will still keep their island identity through service, food, local products, and music. Starting now, passengers in Premium Class, along with Atmos Gold, Platinum, and Titanium members, will also get complimentary alcohol on Hawaiian transpacific flights.
This system move is one of the biggest operational steps so far in Alaska Air Group’s plan to bring the two airlines closer together while still keeping each brand distinct.
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