Not all short-haul flights are created equal—and Cathay Pacific’s A330 business class proves just how elevated regional travel can be. With lie-flat seating, full-service dining, and a flagship lounge experience beforehand, this quick hop from Hong Kong to Taipei packed in a surprising amount of luxury.
While Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan doesn’t partner directly with Amex, the merger created a rare loophole: HawaiianMiles, a former Amex transfer partner, can now be converted 1:1 into Alaska miles. This workaround became a lifeline for points enthusiasts seeking Alaska’s exceptional award rates, such as 50,000-mile business class flights to Asia on Cathay Pacific or 22,500-mile domestic first-class redemptions. Unfortunately, this backdoor will close permanently once Amex severs ties with HawaiianMiles, leaving Bilt Rewards as the only program with direct Alaska transfers.
Thanks to Roame’s Cathay Pacific award alerts, you can snag a one-way business class seat from Hong Kong (HKG) to Taipei (TPE) for just 16,000 Asia Miles and ~$65 in taxes.
This indirect transfer route became available following Alaska Airlines' $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, completed in September 2024. The merger allowed HawaiianMiles to be converted into Alaska Mileage Plan miles at a 1:1 ratio, providing a backdoor for Amex cardholders to access Alaska's award program.
Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan is known for its generous award pricing, especially for short-haul domestic flights and premium international travel. For example, economy flights under 700 miles can cost as few as 4,500 miles, and business class flights to Europe can start at 45,000 miles on partner airlines like Aer Lingus. These rates often undercut those of other Oneworld loyalty programs, making Alaska miles highly sought after.
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