Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines Launch Unified Mobile App Ahead of System Integration

This article is based on an official press release from Alaska Airlines.

On March 30, 2026, Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines reached a highly anticipated, consumer-facing milestone in their ongoing merger integration. According to an official press release, the airlines have officially launched a single, unified mobile application, the Alaska Hawaiian mobile app, designed to streamline the travel experience across both brands.

The newly released application introduces a unique “dual-brand” interface. Through a built-in theme switcher, guests can personalize their digital experience, toggling between the distinct visual identities of Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines based on their personal preference or frequent flying habits. For existing Alaska Airlines app users, the software updated automatically, while Hawaiian Airlines guests are directed to download the new platform from their respective app stores.

We note that this digital consolidation serves as a critical precursor to a much larger backend transition. The unified app paves the way for the airlines’ complete shift to a shared Passenger Service System (PSS), which is scheduled to take effect on April 22, 2026.

Features and the Dual-Brand Experience

Upgrades for Hawaiian Airlines Fliers

While the app preserves the beloved Hawaiian Airlines brand identity, it runs on Alaska’s modernized technological infrastructure. According to the release, this migration unlocks several long-desired features for legacy Hawaiian Airlines app users. Passengers can now change or cancel flights directly within the mobile interface, share boarding passes digitally, and utilize Apple Pay for seamless transactions.

Furthermore, the unified platform expands booking capabilities significantly. Once the backend integration is fully complete, users will be able to book flights with more than 30 airline partners, including Oneworld alliance members, using either cash or loyalty points directly through the app.

Rollout Timeline and the PSS Cutover

Critical Dates for Travelers

The transition to the new mobile experience is staggered to ensure operational stability ahead of the backend system integration. The airlines have outlined a specific timeline that passengers must follow to avoid disruptions during day-of travel.

Between March 30 and April 21, 2026, passengers traveling on Hawaiian Airlines are instructed to continue using the legacy Hawaiian Airlines mobile app for check-in and flight updates. On April 21, the legacy app will be officially sunsetted and removed from service. Beginning April 22, the full cutover to the shared PSS takes place, and all guests must use the new combined app for travel across both airlines.

“The unified app is a key milestone in Alaska and Hawaiian’s ongoing investments to deliver a seamless guest experience across its combined global network… By bringing both airlines into one app and the same passenger service system on April 22, guests will enjoy simplified trip management and self-service features.”

— Joint Airline Statement

The April 22 PSS cutover represents the most significant technical hurdle since Alaska Airlines announced its acquisitions of Hawaiian Airlines in December 2023. The PSS acts as the digital backbone for booking, check-in, ticketing, and baggage management.

“It means that instead of having two separate systems where tickets are housed, [it’s] all in one.”

— Diana Birkett Rakow, CEO of Hawaiian Airlines

Broader Integration Efforts

Airport Lobbies and Atmos Rewards

Beyond the mobile app, the airlines are aligning their physical airport presence. To match Alaska’s established check-in process, Hawaiian Airlines has begun rolling out new self-service bag-tag software on kiosks in its airport lobbies. This allows guests to print and attach their own baggage tags before proceeding to the bag drop.

“Whether you’re flying Alaska or Hawaiian, the check-in process is the same.”

— Tara Shimooka, Hawaiian Airlines Spokesperson

Shimooka also noted that the kiosk upgrades are designed to reduce lobby wait times and congestion, while simultaneously reducing waste by discontinuing printed boarding passes.

These operational shifts follow the 2025 launch of Atmos Rewards, the joint loyalty program that replaced Mileage Plan and HawaiianMiles. The consolidated program retains distance-based earning at a rate of one point per mile flown. Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines is scheduled to officially join the Oneworld alliance in Spring 2026, expanding global connectivity for its fliers to over 900 destinations.

AirPro News analysis

We view the launch of the unified Alaska Hawaiian mobile app as the essential “front door” to the massive, behind-the-scenes PSS integration. Airline mergers historically face their greatest public relations and operational risks during backend IT cutovers. By introducing the consumer-facing app weeks ahead of the April 22 PSS migration, Alaska and Hawaiian are likely attempting to acclimate users to the new digital environment early, mitigating the risk of day-of-travel confusion. Furthermore, the decision to technically assign Hawaiian flights an Alaska carrier code (“operated by Alaska as Hawaiian Airlines”) post-April 22 highlights the delicate balance of maintaining Hawaiian’s distinct brand equity while fully absorbing its operational infrastructure.

Frequently Asked Questions

When do I need to delete the old Hawaiian Airlines app?

If you are flying Hawaiian Airlines before April 21, 2026, you should keep and use the legacy app for check-in. The legacy app will be sunsetted on April 21. For flights on or after April 22, 2026, you must use the new unified Alaska Hawaiian mobile app.

Will Hawaiian Airlines flights still look like Hawaiian Airlines flights?

Yes. While flights will technically be assigned an Alaska carrier code and displayed as “operated by Alaska as Hawaiian Airlines” after April 22, Hawaiian will continue to operate its own flights with its signature service and branding.

Sources:

1. Alaska Airlines