Looks like the process for using upgrade certificates on Hawaiian stays the same for now, which I’m really glad about. You can still request an upgrade starting 30 days before departure (up until 72 hours prior) either online or by calling 1-800-713-1220—just like we’ve always done it. And now you can also use your old GGUs (Alaska upgrade certs) on the Hawaiian side as well, which wasn’t possible before.

What’s really interesting is what’s coming next: starting Spring 2026, Atmos Titanium members will be the only U.S. airline flyers eligible for complimentary day-of-departure upgrades into global Business Class, no points or certificates required. That includes long-haul routes like Tokyo, Auckland, and beyond, and it covers the Titanium member plus one companion, which is amazing. I do wonder, though—how often will these upgrades actually clear? It’ll be interesting to see how reliable this becomes for long-haul travel.

On top of that, as the link notes, Atmos status holders and a companion on the same reservation will be eligible for complimentary upgrades on Hawaiian flights between Hawaii and North America. Available upgrades include the Leihōkū Suites, which feature lie-flat seating, premium amenities, and luxurious details. This is exciting, but it doesn’t actually say when this North America upgrade benefit starts—are we sure it begins in April, or will we start seeing auto complimentary upgrades here soon?

For me, it just reinforces how valuable the certificates are right now on Hawaiian—no fare class hoops, easy to apply, and I’ve had a perfect success rate into the 787 lie-flats. While we still have this process, it’s worth taking advantage before the system changes.