Hawaiian boosts frequent flier plan The program also will link with more companies
By Russ Lynch
Star-Bulletin
Hawaiian Airlines said today it is boosting its frequent-flier program to make it easier for travelers to earn benefits such as free trips.
The revised program, now called "Hawaiian Miles," starts May 1. Travelers will be able to earn a free round trip between Hawaii and the mainland by accumulating 35,000 miles, down from the current 40,000 miles.
The airline said it has also upgraded its separate bonus programs for what calls its elite-level customers. In what is now called the "Puanani Platinum" program, travelers who fly 50 flight segments or 40,000 miles in a calendar year will get credit for one additional mile for every mile they fly in the following year, in effect a 100 percent bonus. The current requirement is 50 segments or 50,000 miles.
A second tier called "Puanani Gold" is being added to give a 50 percent miles bonus in the following year to people traveling 30 segments or 20,000 miles in a calendar year.
The airline said that this year it also expects a substantial increase in the number of participating companies that allow people to earn HawaiianMiles points by doing business with them.
Already, frequent fliers spending money with more than a doz-en companies can build HawaiianMiles points without taking a flight, the airline said.
For example, points are earned by buying gasoline at BHP Gas Express stations, making long-distance calls with MCI Communications Corp. or buying new homes from Schuler Homes Inc. There is also a dining card program that earns 30 miles for every dollar spent, including beverage purchases, at more than 40 Hawaii restaurants.
HawaiianMiles can also be earned Northwest Airlines flights anywhere in the world or traded for tickets Northwest flights in North America except on the Hawaii-West Coast routes that Hawaiian serves, the airline said.
Hawaiian, the major subsidiary of Hawaiian Airlines Inc., flies DC-9 jets interisland and DC-10 jets to the mainland, American Samoa and Tahiti.
