If you’ve ever wanted to use your American Express Membership Rewards points for Alaska Airlines flights, your time is running out.
Amex is cutting off transfers to Hawaiian Airlines on June 30, and with that goes the last backdoor method of getting points into Alaska’s Mileage Plan—one of the best value programs for premium international awards.
This trick won’t work in July. So if you’ve got Amex points and a dream to fly lie-flat with Alaska’s partners, now’s the time to move.
How the Backdoor Transfer Works
Amex doesn’t allow direct transfers to Alaska Airlines. But for now, you can still do this:
Amex → Hawaiian Airlines → Alaska Airlines
Transfers from Amex to Hawaiian are typically instant, though Amex cautions it can take up to two days. After that, you can move HawaiianMiles to Alaska at a 1:1 ratio.
This entire workaround disappears after June 30, 2025, when Amex ends its partnership with Hawaiian Airlines.
Why Transfer to Alaska Airlines?
Alaska’s Mileage Plan offers some of the best partner redemptions in the game. Here are a few standout sweet spots:
✈️ Japan Airlines First Class
Fly from the U.S. to Tokyo in JAL First for 70,000 Alaska miles one-way. This ticket often sells for over $15,000 cash.
🌏 Cathay Pacific Business Class to Asia
U.S. to Hong Kong and beyond in business class for 50,000–70,000 miles, with no high fuel surcharges.
🏝️ West Coast to Hawaii
From cities like Seattle, San Diego, and LA, you can fly to the islands for just 15,000 miles each way in economy.
These redemptions are hard to beat. And they’re getting harder to reach if you’re relying on Amex.
Should You Transfer Now?
Yes—if you value Alaska miles, this is the moment to act. Alaska is part of the Oneworld Alliance, learn more about Oneworld transfers here.
Transfers from Amex to Hawaiian are typically instant, though Amex notes they can take up to 48 hours. After that, you can move your Hawaiian Miles to Alaska at a 1:1 ratio—and that’s the part ending June 30.
This isn’t a decision to wait on. Alaska miles are far harder to earn than Amex points, and with no direct transfer partners from Amex, this is a rare opportunity. We’re going all in—moving all available Amex points to Hawaiian before the deadline hits.
After this month, that flexibility disappears, and there’s no telling when or if it will return.
Steps to Transfer Amex Points to Alaska (via Hawaiian)
- Log into your Amex Membership Rewards account.
- Add your Hawaiian Airlines account and transfer points (usually 1:1, minimum 1,000).
- Wait for the miles to land—transfers are often instant but could take up to 48 hours.
- Visit the Hawaiian Website to transfer or call Hawaiian Airlines to request a transfer of miles to your Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan account.
- Once the miles arrive in your Alaska account, start booking!
Final Thoughts
Alaska Airlines miles are becoming more valuable—and harder to get. The Amex to Hawaiian to Alaska backdoor is closing permanently on June 30.
If you want access to some of the world’s best partner award redemptions, this is your last chance to use Amex points to get there. We’re transferring now—and you might want to, too.
Learn more about the value of Points by reading how we booked a business class ticket from Denver to Bangkok for $1300 (when economy was $1000).
Related Reading:
- How to Use Amex Points for Flights Without Opening a Credit Card
- How to Book Cathay Pacific with Alaska Miles
