HA Post-Merger Progress/Updates (General Discussion)
 

Some observations about HA post-merger:
1. AS flights (Y class only) marketed as HA codeshare flight 6xxx are now available to be purchased on the website.
2. Million miler status/progress is available by calling or chatting w/ the HAMiles service center.
3. Flight change function now available on the website like pre-Amadeus.

Interestingly, HA website rings up cheaper fares than on AS website - as in, the bucket doesn't show on AS.

I booked an AS flight on HA website this week. The downside is, HA website doesn't show the AS PNR, and HA is unable to give it. You have to call AS to get it, so you can pick seats etc. A bit frustrating, but hopefully that'll get fixed soon. (Side note, AS customer service was super.)

It's also unclear to me whether HA CC benefits (e.g. free checked bag) carry over on this reservation, where it's operated by AS only. I assume not... but here's hoping.

Where are you seeing the flight change function? I still can't find it. Haven't needed it lately but I had to call more times than I wanted to earlier this year.

When you bring up your itinerary from "My Trips" there is a "Change Flight" button.
There is no "Change Flight" link on the homepage.
Works exactly like how it used to pre-Amadeus.

Canʻt believe AS IT was able to fix it in 1 week!

Huh, looking further at my upcoming tickets, there’s no change button on any of the interisland trips, but there is one on the mainland ticket. Exactly the opposite of what would be most useful, but hopefully a sign of better things to come.

I see it on my inter-island but only the ones booked as one-way.

Ah, the mainland trip I see it on is also a one way. The interislands are all round trips.

Flew HA yesterday for an interisland day trip for the first time since the merger was finalized.
Couple observations:
1. HA's app has been improved. Reminds me of UA's with a push notification widget (not sure what to call it) that has a countdown to boarding timer, airplane info, etc.
2. Unlike AS's inflight announcements, there was no mention of HA now being a part of Alaska Air Group. I was expecting a HA version like, "we are proud to announce that we are now part of the Alaska Airlines 'ohana."
3. Sitting in the Premier Club lounge made me wonder how HA's interisland product is gonna be harmonized w/ AS. The HNL lounge was packed and I don't think all those senior citizens (who probably go to Vegas all the time) are gonna be happy about purchasing an Alaska Lounge membership. I think they just stop by the lounge to "talk story" and drink coffee or juice. I don't think they expect their coffee to be made by a barista or even eat before their quick flight. I also wonder how AS's push to have everyone check in on the app or at home is gonna go over w/ these same people. I think most of those grandmas and grandpas don't even know how to use the current kiosks since most had cardstock BPs.

AS had nothing to do with it. HA continues to roll out features on the new Amadaeus platform, as they said they would when the cutover took place. Same with the app.

I found these interesting as well. That countdown timer to boarding is a bit... unnerving? I know it doesn't tell me anything I don't already know, but the fact that it just sits there at the top of the phone is oddly stressful.

I got the distinct impression that frontline employees are less than thrilled about the acquisition. The only sign of it I witnessed was a sign at the HA ticket counter in LIH saying to head to the Alaska ticket counter if you have a codeshare flight on AS metal. Zero mention of it at all in flight, even on our flight to SEA of all places, including during the obligatory credit card hawking. You'd think transfers to Mileage Plan might appeal to the demographic on HNL-SEA.

To be honest, at least as a customer, I can't say I blame them. I've been much happier flying HA to the islands and DL elsewhere.

AS kiosks don't print boarding passes so that might be an issue for the crowd that still prefers paper boarding passes although they can always ask for one at the counter.

Yes, I asked quite a few HA employees about this recently. The general feeling they expressed to me was one of unease and uncertainty, as they said little information has been given to them about what to expect. In my view, that's better than a negative feeling, but who knows. Some HA employees might feel differently, of course.

Nearly all the HA employees I've asked related to me that the most common things they hear from HA customers about the aquisition are:
 

• Customers say they prefer HA and AS over other US-based airlines;
• customers say they find HA and AS to have the most cheerful and friendly in-flight service of the major US-based airlines;
• customers say they hope this won't change; and
• customers say they are hopeful that the acquisition of HA by AS will produce a better customer experience than, for example, if HA were acquired by AA or UA.

 
This is what I have been thinking, too. But I'm sure some readers in this thread will feel differently, of course.

Mergers and acquisitions are almost never good for customers, but given the choice between being acquired by a differnt major U.S. airline, being sold of for parts, or being acquired by AS, I think the best option was chosen.

As for the employees, supposedly the union jobs are OK, for now, and notices have already been sent out to the non-union workers that will be impacted. Layoffs supposedly in December, what their severance will be and help finding other jobs within the company or outside. Sucks they are losing their jobs but that is what happens with mergers as they find redundant positions as things consolidate.