US Airports Set For Enhanced Travel Experiences As Hawaiian Airlines Moves To New Terminals, Strengthening Ties With Alaska Airlines And The Oneworld Alliance - Travel And Tour World (2025)

Wednesday, April 23, 2025

This strategic reshuffling aims to streamline operations, enhance passenger convenience, and strengthen the growing partnership between the two carriers. The shift not only simplifies connections for travelers but also positions Hawaiian Airlines closer to key global airline partners within the oneworld alliance, marking a pivotal step in their integration under Alaska Air Group’s expanding network.

Hawaiian Airlines’ recent terminal move at LAX marks the start of a broader airport realignment between Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines. As the two airlines integrate under the Alaska Air Group, they are co-locating terminals at key U.S. airports, including major hubs like LAX and JFK. This strategy aims to create a more seamless travel experience for passengers while reflecting the growing ties between the two carriers.

Hawaiian Airlines has officially relocated to Terminal 6 at Los Angeles International Airport, now operating alongside Alaska Airlines. This shift streamlines passenger flows, eliminating the need for transfers between terminals, enhancing baggage handling efficiency, and offering easier gate access. The move also reduces wait times for transfers between connecting flights.

At New York’s JFK, Hawaiian Airlines has moved from Terminal 4 to join Alaska Airlines at Terminal 8. This location places Hawaiian close to Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, and other oneworld partners, facilitating smoother connections for travelers. First-class passengers on both airlines now enjoy access to the American Airlines Admirals Club, while long-haul Hawaiian flights are granted access to the Greenwich Flagship Lounge for an upgraded experience.

These changes align with a larger strategy to cluster operations around oneworld hubs, providing improved loyalty program integration and expanded connectivity. Alaska Airlines’ own JFK operation is also moving from Terminal 7 to Terminal 8, ensuring both airlines are in the same location for the first time in New York.

The terminal realignments started in 2024 when Hawaiian joined Alaska at San Francisco’s Harvey Milk Terminal 1, and Phoenix Sky Harbor became another shared airport. Looking ahead, Alaska has confirmed co-location plans for Sacramento, Salt Lake City, and Las Vegas, which will be completed by the end of 2025.

However, Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) isn’t part of the co-location plan due to gate limitations and widebody aircraft requirements, making it difficult to integrate both airlines at this location.

The new co-locations offer benefits beyond convenience. Shared infrastructure reduces redundancy, streamlines workflows, and improves baggage handling. This restructuring helps prepare both carriers for the upcoming single operating certificate. For travelers, it means fewer terminal changes and more predictable connections.

The consolidation extends beyond logistics.The integration extends to standardizing boarding procedures, staffing, mobile apps, and frequent flyer perks. Hawaiian’s new position at JFK’s Terminal 8, a key oneworld hub, highlights its increasing emphasis on global connectivity. As part of Alaska Airlines’ integration into the oneworld alliance, Hawaiian passengers will benefit from smoother transitions between flights with American Airlines, British Airways, and Japan Airlines.

For travelers flying between Hawaii and the mainland, the impact is immediate: easier transfers, less time spent navigating unfamiliar terminals, and more efficient baggage handling.

This realignment also signifies a cultural shift. Hawaiian Airlines has long been celebrated for offering a distinctive experience reflecting the spirit of the islands, from the flight crew’s uniforms to in-flight announcements. With the integration into Alaska’s operations, there’s concern among loyal Hawaiian passengers that the airline’s unique identity may be diluted. While these changes offer clear convenience, they come with trade-offs. Many travelers cherished the feeling of being “home before you land” when flying Hawaiian, but the merger with Alaska saved the airline from financial collapse and may present new opportunities.

Hawaiian Airlines has moved to new terminals at LAX and JFK, joining Alaska Airlines to streamline operations and enhance connectivity. This strategic shift strengthens their partnership and improves the travel experience for passengers.

Looking ahead, Alaska Air Group plans to operate the merged carriers as one entity with shared access to the oneworld alliance, a new loyalty program, and coordinated fleet and scheduling strategies. Hawaiian Airlines is embarking on a new chapter, marking the beginning of its transition into a larger global network under Alaska.