Alaska Airlines Unveils Atmos Card Lineup After Hawaiian Airlines Merger
A New Era for Alaska Airlines Credit Cards
Following the completed merger with Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska has launched a completely rebranded credit card program under the Atmos name. The new lineup introduces higher welcome bonuses, enhanced companion benefits, and expanded partner access through Oneworld alliance membership.
For travelers who fly the West Coast, Hawaii, and international routes on Alaska and its partners, these new cards represent some of the best value in the airline credit card space.
The New Atmos Card Lineup
Atmos Rewards Summit (Premium Personal Card)
The Details:
- Welcome Bonus: 80,000 miles after $4,000 spend in 90 days
- Annual Fee: $395
- Companion Benefit: 2,500-point Global Companion Award annually
- Earning Rate: 3x on international purchases
This is Alaska’s premium offering, competing with cards like the Delta Reserve and United Club Infinite. The 80,000-mile bonus is among the highest we’ve seen from Alaska, and the Global Companion Award—which covers international flights—adds significant recurring value.
Atmos Rewards Ascent (Mid-Tier Personal Card)
The Details:
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 miles + $99 Companion Fare
- Annual Fee: $95
- Companion Benefit: $99 Companion Fare annually (with restrictions)
- Additional Perk: 30% global flight discount code
The Ascent card represents the sweet spot of the lineup. At $95 annually, the $99 Companion Fare essentially lets you bring a companion on any qualifying Alaska flight for just the fare and taxes. The 30% global discount code adds flexibility for international redemptions.
Atmos Rewards Business Card
The Details:
- Welcome Bonus: 60,000 miles + $99 Companion Fare
- Annual Fee: $95 ($70 company fee + $25 per card)
- Companion Benefit: $99 Companion Fare
The business version mirrors the Ascent card’s value proposition with a slightly different fee structure. For small business owners who fly Alaska frequently, the companion fare alone can justify the annual fee.
Why the Merger Matters
The Alaska-Hawaiian merger transformed both airlines’ competitive positions:
Expanded Route Network
Alaska now operates one of the most comprehensive West Coast and Pacific networks:
- Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Los Angeles hubs
- Hawaii service (inherited from Hawaiian)
- Asia-Pacific routes
- Latin America destinations
Oneworld Alliance Access
Alaska’s Oneworld membership (joined 2021) combined with Hawaiian’s Pacific presence creates valuable partner options:
| Partner | Sweet Spot Routes |
|---|---|
| American Airlines | Domestic connections |
| Japan Airlines | Tokyo and beyond |
| Korean Air | Seoul and Asia |
| Cathay Pacific | Hong Kong hub |
| Qantas | Australia/New Zealand |
| British Airways | Europe |
Alaska miles can now book partner awards across the entire Oneworld network—a massive expansion from Alaska’s original standalone program.
The Companion Fare Explained
Alaska’s famous Companion Fare is the cornerstone benefit:
How It Works
- Book one Alaska ticket at any price
- Add a companion for just $99 (plus taxes/fees)
- Companion travels on the same itinerary
Restrictions
- Valid on Alaska-operated flights only (not partners)
- Must be used within the benefit year
- Subject to fare availability
- Some blackout periods may apply
Value Calculation
A typical Alaska round-trip from Seattle to Hawaii runs $400-$600. Adding a companion for $99 instead of another $400-$600 saves $300-$500 per trip—far exceeding the $95 annual fee.
Award Chart Opportunities
Alaska Mileage Plan offers some unique sweet spots:
Domestic
- Alaska one-way: 5,000-25,000 miles (distance-based)
Hawaii
- One-way economy: 15,000-20,000 miles
- First class available on many routes
International Partners
- Japan Airlines business to Tokyo: 60,000 miles
- Cathay Pacific business to Hong Kong: 50,000 miles
- American Airlines domestic awards available
The partner award chart maintains distance-based pricing that can offer exceptional value on long-haul routes.
Comparing the Atmos Cards
| Feature | Summit | Ascent | Business |
|---|---|---|---|
| Annual Fee | $395 | $95 | $95 |
| Welcome Bonus | 80K | 60K | 60K |
| Companion Benefit | Global Award | $99 Fare | $99 Fare |
| Best For | Frequent international | Occasional domestic | Business travelers |
Who Should Get Each?
Choose Summit if:
- You fly Alaska internationally several times per year
- You value the Global Companion Award for partner flights
- Premium benefits like lounge access matter to you
Choose Ascent if:
- You primarily fly Alaska domestically or to Hawaii
- The $99 Companion Fare aligns with your travel patterns
- You want strong value at a $95 annual fee
Choose Business if:
- You have legitimate business travel expenses
- You want companion fare benefits on a business account
- You need employee cards for team travel
Key Takeaways
- Alaska rebranded to Atmos following Hawaiian Airlines merger
- Summit card offers 80K bonus—highest Alaska welcome offer
- Companion Fares at $99 remain the signature benefit
- Oneworld partnership expands booking options to JAL, AA, Cathay, and more
- Three card tiers cover premium, mid-tier, and business needs
- $95 Ascent card offers best value for most travelers
Frequently Asked Questions
Are existing Alaska cardholders automatically converted to Atmos?
Current Alaska cardholders should receive communications about their transition to the Atmos program. Existing benefits generally carry over, but verify specific terms with Bank of America.
Can I use Alaska miles on Hawaiian Airlines?
With the merger complete, Alaska and Hawaiian are integrating their programs. Check current award availability—partner bookings between the two carriers are expanding.
Does the Companion Fare work on Hawaiian routes?
The $99 Companion Fare terms specify Alaska-operated flights. As integration continues, Hawaiian routes may become eligible—but verify current terms before planning.
How does Alaska/Atmos compare to other airline cards?
At $95 annually, the Ascent card’s $99 Companion Fare often delivers better value than Delta, United, or American mid-tier cards. The Summit at $395 competes with premium offerings but requires frequent travel to justify.
Can I transfer points to Alaska from Chase or Amex?
Alaska is not a transfer partner of Chase Ultimate Rewards or Amex Membership Rewards. You’ll need to earn Alaska miles directly through flying or the Atmos credit cards.
Disclaimer: Credit card offers and airline program terms change frequently. Verify current welcome bonuses, companion fare terms, and benefit details on Alaska Airlines’ and Bank of America’s websites before applying.