In what may be one of the lowest prices for airline miles, Hawaiian Airlines is currently offering miles with a 100% bonus, effectively cutting the cost to just under 1.3 cents per mile.

Alaska’s recent acquisition of Hawaiian allows travelers to transfer Hawaiian Miles directly to Alaska’s Mileage Plan at a 1:1 ratio. This presents a promising opportunity for those looking at flights to Hawaii and other destinations. See: Finding Your Strategy After the Alaska/Hawaiian Miles Merger.

But is this sale as fantastic a one-off offer as it seems, or could it also point to possible changes to Hawaiian award redemption within the combined aviation program on the horizon in 2025?

Alaska’s strategy: cheap miles with potential future consequences.

Alaska Airlines has long been known as a smart airline with one of the most highly regarded loyalty programs in the airline industry. Offering miles at such a low cost could be a strategic move, especially as it anticipates increased travel demand. However, industry trends are raising questions about whether this sale could signal potential shifts in Alaska’s Mileage Plan.

While no formally announced changes have been made to the evolving Alaska-Hawaii program, could this sale indicate that Alaska will soon adjust availability or award fares for Hawaii flights, making miles less valuable than they now seem?

Should You Buy Hawaiian Miles? Weigh the pros and cons.

This unique opportunity allows travelers to acquire Alaska Miles through Hawaiian Airlines at a rare, low price, but knowing when to buy is critical. Here are some important factors to consider:

If you’re planning a trip to Hawaii, Asia or Europe, current Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines redemption rates offer valuable options with U.S. airlines.

For example, a one-way economy ticket from the West Coast to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines can be booked for as little as 17,500 Hawaiian miles each way, potentially costing around $200 if purchased during this points sale. While that’s a reasonable price, it may not be exceptional.

Buying miles is also a very useful way to get the miles needed for a redemption if you don’t reach the required amount. And this price perhaps makes the most sense.

2. Less ideal when purchasing hold on to.

Recent program updates from Alaska and other airlines for 2025 suggest changes are on the horizon that could potentially impact the value propositions of these programs. Given the possibility of future adjustments, buying Miles purely to save for long-distance plans may not offer the best return.

In the world of too many loyalty programs, it’s tempting to think of Miles as a savings account, but holding onto them can work against you.

Airline miles are subject to devaluations as loyalty programs adjust availability and reward rates, and Alaska is no exception. While accumulating miles at a low cost may seem like an investment, the best strategy may be to “earn and burn”: use them quickly to secure maximum value before potential adjustments. As the combined Alaska-Hawaiian program continues to develop, now could be the time to spend rather than save.

The bottom line is that holding miles isn’t considered a good strategy if you don’t have specific travel plans.

How this offering compares to competitors.

Alaska’s Mileage Plan has traditionally been a standout, offering non-revenue-based rewards that buck the trend of other major U.S. airlines. Recently, many carriers have switched to less favorable conversion rates, causing mileage values ​​to drop.

If Alaska makes changes, it would put this country more closely in line with its competitors. Still, until the changes are confirmed, Alaska is considered one of the best programs for maximizing mileage value, especially for premium travel with Oneworld partners.

Final thoughts on this Alaska/Hawaii points sale.

The sale of Hawaiian Miles, transferable to the Alaska Mileage Plan, is an attractive offer that certain savvy travelers can take advantage of. The low price and the ability to transfer miles to Alaska make this an unusual opportunity, especially for those planning an immediate trip to Hawaii, Asia or Europe.

But while the deal is attractive, Alaska’s reputation as a forward-thinking and smart airline signals the potential for changes to come, making it wise for buyers to consider short-term redemptions rather than racking up miles without clear travel plans.

For those ready to book, this sale offers a cost-effective way to upgrade and lock in flights or upgrades before the program value changes.

What is your strategy for buying miles?