Atmos Rewards reveal: 5 under-the-radar perks, from upgrades to lounge access
The announcements came fast and furious last week from Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. The carriers (now owned by one parent company) launched a new combined loyalty program called Atmos Rewards. They released a new premium credit card and announced that free Starlink Wi-Fi is coming to Alaska’s planes.
We’ve already told you about the headlining perks — like unlimited free upgrades to lie-flat seats for top-tier Atmos Titanium elite members and how the new loyalty program lets members pick how they want to earn points and status.
But there were several other “sneaky-big” changes Alaska and Hawaiian revealed that you might’ve missed.
Below are five things to know.
An upgrade for a top milestone perk
Similar to Alaska's former Mileage Plan program, Atmos Rewards members can score upgrade certificates as a milestone perk option, starting when they reach 55,000 status points in a year.
Historically, these upgrades got you into a domestic first-class recliner on Alaska Airlines.
However, starting Oct. 1, Atmos Rewards members will be able to apply these certificates on Hawaiian Airlines flights that offer a first- or business-class cabin — including on “select international routes” to Tokyo and Seoul, South Korea, plus Australia.
Yes, that means the upgrade certificates could get you into a lie-flat seat.
Unlike for the domestic first-class cabins, you won’t be able to confirm these upgrades immediately after booking your flight; you’ll have to wait to clear the queue closer to departure. Still, it’s an eye-opening new use for these upgrade certificates.
Hawaiian currently serves Tokyo and Seoul from both Seattle and Honolulu. It flies to Sydney from Honolulu only.
Some of those transpacific flights will soon be operated by Alaska, not Hawaiian (starting in 2026), so we’ll have to see how the upgrade certificate policy shakes out as the new schedules firm up.
New loyalty benefits on Hawaiian
Since merging last year, Alaska and Hawaiian have been rolling out reciprocal loyalty benefits for their flyers, making the experience more consistent across the two carriers.
In the coming months, Hawaiian passengers will see their list of benefits expand — although some perks will come sooner than others.
Plumeria Lounge access
Beginning Oct. 1, Atmos Rewards members with Gold status and above will be able to access the Plumeria Lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) when flying internationally on Hawaiian. They’ll be allowed one guest.
Premier Club access
Also at the start of October, Atmos Rewards status holders who are enrolled in the Huakai by Hawaiian program will be able to access the exclusive Premier Club at HNL. They can bring two guests.
We should note, Oct. 1 is (not coincidentally) the date that the legacy HawaiianMiles loyalty program officially ends.
Upgrades on Hawaiian flights
Starting in the spring of 2026, Atmos Rewards status members (along with one companion on the same reservation) will be eligible for complimentary upgrades on Hawaiian flights within North America. This would include lie-flat business-class seats when available, such as on the Hawaiian Airbus A330s that now fly between Seattle and Anchorage each day.
Upgrade rules on Hawaiian will be the same as Alaska's current upgrade policies.
What happens if you don’t choose how you want to earn points and status?
One of the most innovative parts of the new Atmos Rewards program is the chance for members to choose how they want to earn points and status points.
Starting later in 2026, members will be able to choose from the following three options:
- Earn 1 point per mile flown.
- Earn 5 points per dollar spent on flights.
- Earn a flat 500 points per flight segment.
You can change your selection once annually.
But you might be wondering what happens if you don’t choose.
Atmos Rewards members who don't make an accrual selection will be auto-enrolled in revenue-based earning, TPG has learned. That means if you don't make a selection, you'll get the 5 points per dollar spent on flights.
Again, though, you'd be allowed to change that selection at any time — albeit just once a year.
New premium cardholders get upgrade priority
Typically, having elite status is the best way to snag a priority spot on the upgrade waitlist. But Alaska and Hawaiian are planning to give a leg up to Atmos Rewards members who carry the Atmos™ Rewards Summit Visa Infinite® Credit Card.
Related: Atmos Rewards Summit Visa Infinite Credit Card review: The best card for purchases abroad
When it comes to determining who in the upgrade queue gets cleared into the nicer seats, Alaska and Hawaiian will use status level as the primary determinant, followed by million-miler status.
Whether a traveler has the Atmos Rewards Summit card or not will be the next tiebreaker.
Free points sharing for cardholders
Finally, I want to note the points pooling perk that's included for Atmos Rewards Summit cardholders.
This is a great way to make use of the points every member of the family has in their account.
Summit cardholders can establish a network of up to 10 Atmos Rewards members (including friends, family members and other cardholders) to transfer points back and forth with no fees.
"The more I think about it, the more I think it’s a game changer,” said Nick Ewen, TPG's senior editorial director. “Basically, all of the points my wife and daughter earn can now be pooled together toward any redemption — including partner flights with no partner booking fees — and to top up the Global Companion Awards that come with the card.”
Related: Alaska Trifecta: Why I signed up for the new premium Atmos Rewards Summit credit card
The card has a $395 annual fee. New applicants can earn 80,000 Atmos Rewards points and a 25,000 point Global Companion Award after spending $4,000 on purchases in the first 90 days from account opening.
Related reading:
- The best time to book flights for the cheapest airfare
- Best airline credit cards
- What exactly are airline miles, anyway?
- 6 real-life strategies you can use when your flight is canceled or delayed
- Maximize your airfare: The best credit cards for booking flights
- The best credit cards to reach elite status
Updated 10/29/2025
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Rewards
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro offer
Annual Fee
Recommended Credit
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.