Unlocking Value: A Comprehensive Review of the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard for All Travelers

Overview of the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard

The Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard® has recently been added to my collection, despite my prior lack of experience with Hawaiian Airlines. With Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines unified under the Atmos Rewards loyalty program, this card stands out as an appealing choice for frequent flyers of both carriers.

This credit card includes standard airline benefits, but it may not be worth the investment for those who do not travel a few times a year on Hawaiian or Alaska Airlines. However, maximizing its perks can significantly enhance travel experiences. Card rating*: ⭐⭐⭐

*Card rating reflects the unbiased assessment of TPG’s editorial team and is not influenced by the issuer.

Details regarding the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard have been independently gathered by The Points Guy and have not been verified by the card issuer.

Key Features of the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard

The Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard, available for an annual fee of $99, provides several benefits typical of mid-tier airline credit cards, including:

• Two complimentary checked bags on qualifying Hawaiian or Alaska flights when booked with the card
• A $100 discount on companion tickets for Hawaiian or Alaska flights each year
• Additional bonus points on both Hawaiian and Alaska flights, as well as other expenditures

While it lacks lounge access and statement credits, this streamlined approach may appeal to those frustrated with complex fee structures.

Advantages and Disadvantages of the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard

Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard Benefits

Residing in the Pacific Northwest, I frequently fly Alaska Airlines domestically. It’s beneficial that the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard provides advantages for both Hawaiian and Alaska travelers. While not as extensive as some premium options, its affordability is certainly a plus.

The two free checked bag benefit is somewhat rare for a mid-tier credit card, making it a coveted feature. However, there are important stipulations:

• Eligibility for Hawaiian flights is limited to routes between North America and Hawaii or within the Hawaiian Islands.
• International travel on these airlines is excluded from this benefit.
• Only the primary cardholder qualifies for the free checked bag.
• Flights must be purchased with the Hawaiian Airlines card to access this benefit.

If traveling with a companion, you could check their bag under your name to utilize this perk effectively.

Checking luggage with Alaska Airlines incurs fees of $45 for the first bag and $55 for the second, meaning that a single round-trip could easily offset the cost of the $99 annual fee.

Using the $100 annual companion discount on a round-trip journey can further balance this fee. Additionally, new cardholders can benefit from a one-time 50% off on a companion ticket. Both offers apply to eligible round-trip bookings between Hawaii and North America with either airline.

While I wish for priority boarding due to limited overhead storage, this feature does not overshadow the card’s advantages.

The absence of foreign transaction fees and standard travel protection like trip cancellation and accidental injury coverage makes this card even more appealing.

Earning and Redeeming Rewards

Earning Rewards

The Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard facilitates the accumulation of Atmos Rewards points, the loyalty currency shared by both Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines. Points can be earned as follows:

• 3 points per dollar on Hawaiian and Alaska purchases
• 2 points per dollar on dining, gas, and grocery purchases
• 1 point per dollar on all other expenditures

For Hawaiian residents, individuals can earn an additional 50% bonus on every dollar spent until December 31, with a cap of 5,000 points.

Redeeming Rewards

The optimal redemption strategy for Atmos Rewards points involves booking flights on Hawaiian and Alaska or through partner airlines, including American Airlines. Alaska Airlines provides exceptional value for short-haul domestic flights when using points.

I recently redeemed 5,000 Atmos Rewards points (plus $5.60 in taxes) for a flight from Portland International Airport (PDX) to Spokane International Airport (GEG). The cash fare was $184, which translates to more than 3.5 cents per point, significantly exceeding TPG’s valuation of 1.6 cents per point.

This shared loyalty program justifies maintaining this card, even though I have not yet flown with Hawaiian Airlines. The ability to earn Atmos Rewards points exclusively through this card is invaluable since the program only partners with Bilt for point transfers.

Alternatively, points can be redeemed for vacation packages or curated experiences offered by Alaska Airlines.

Limitations of the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard

As noted, the Hawaiian Airlines card does lack priority boarding and a robust elite status boost at the beginning of the qualification cycle. This indicates that the card hasn’t undergone recent enhancements compared to many higher-tier airline credit cards.

This lack may not meet expectations for those seeking comprehensive airline benefits. The restriction on free checked bags could be negligible for solo travelers but may prove limiting for families or groups carrying multiple pieces of luggage.

Is the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard a Smart Choice?

For individuals who fly several times per year on Hawaiian or Alaska Airlines and do not own another cobranded Atmos Rewards card, this card is likely worth considering. Despite missing certain standard perks, its capacity to deliver value makes it a strong contender against its $99 annual fee.

Timing Your Application for the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard

New applicants can currently earn up to 70,000 bonus points through the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard:

• 60,000 points for spending $1,000 within the first 90 days
• An extra 10,000 points for spending a total of $2,000 within the initial 180 days

This promotion is valued at up to $1,120 based on TPG’s assessments, providing a compelling reason to apply, especially with relatively low spending requirements compared to other offers.

However, applicants should note that Barclays may be sensitive to inquiries, particularly for those who have opened six or more credit cards within the last 24 months.

Alternative Credit Cards

For those who find the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard unsuitable, consider these alternatives:

• For enhanced benefits with Alaska Airlines: The