DOT: Alaska and Hawaiian made new flyer promises as merger nears

As the proposed merger of Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines moves forward, the Department of Transportation is requiring new enforceable consumer protection guarantees from both airlines.
“Our top priority is protecting the traveling public’s interest in this merger. We have secured binding protections that maintain critical flight services for communities, ensure smaller airlines can access the Honolulu hub airport, lower costs for families and service members, and preserve the value of rewards miles against devaluation,” Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg said in a statement. “This more proactive approach to merger review marks a new chapter of DOT’s work to stand up for passengers and promote a fairer aviation sector in America.”
According to the DOT, the airlines promised that once combined they will adhere to the following commitments among others:
The DOT said it has granted an exemption to the airlines to start merging their businesses, but final approval for a full combination of their operations is pending further review.
During a press briefing about the consumer protections Tuesday, DOT officials noted that the Department of Justice has not moved to block the merger on antitrust grounds, though said final approval of the combination has not yet been issued by either department. The most recent proposed airline merger, between JetBlue and Spirit, was blocked by the DOJ.
Zach Wichter is a travel reporter for USA TODAY based in New York. You can reach him at [email protected].