In a move that’s set to reshape transpacific travel, Hawaiian Airlines will officially join the oneworld alliance in April or May 2026, aligning itself with global heavyweights like Qantas and American Airlines. For Australian travellers, this is more than just an airline alliance update—it’s a strategic shift that opens up new routes, smoother connections, and enhanced loyalty perks when flying to the United States.
Here’s why this matters—and how it’s going to make your next U.S. trip a whole lot easier.
🌺 Aloha to More Options
Hawaiian Airlines has long been a favourite for Aussies seeking a tropical stopover en route to the mainland U.S. With its direct flights between Sydney and Honolulu, it offers a unique alternative to the traditional nonstop hauls to Los Angeles or Dallas. But until now, Hawaiian operated outside the major global alliances, limiting its integration with other carriers.
That’s about to change.
By joining oneworld, Hawaiian will become a full-fledged partner alongside Qantas and American Airlines, both of which already offer extensive service between Australia and the U.S. This trio will now work in tandem, offering coordinated schedules, shared lounges, and reciprocal frequent flyer benefits.
✈️ More Routes, Better Connections
Let’s break down what this means in practical terms.
- Qantas flies nonstop from Sydney to Los Angeles, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Francisco, with multiple daily departures and a mix of A380 and Dreamliner aircraft.
- American Airlines operates daily flights from Sydney to Los Angeles, and will launch a new Dallas-Fort Worth route in December 2025.
- Hawaiian Airlines connects Sydney to Honolulu five times a week, with onward connections to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, Las Vegas, Phoenix, and New York.
| Route | Airline | Aircraft | Frequency | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| SYD → LAX | AA | Boeing 777-300ER | Daily | Flagship AA route |
| SYD → LAX | QF | A380 / 787-9 | Multiple daily | Most frequent Qantas U.S. route |
| SYD → DFW | AA | Boeing 787-9 | From Dec 2025 | New route launching late 2025 |
| SYD → DFW | QF | Airbus A380 | Daily from Jan 2026 | Upgraded to A380 service |
| SYD → SFO | QF | Boeing 747-400ER | 6x weekly | AA does not operate this route |
| SYD → HNL | HA | Airbus A330-200 | 5x weekly | Connects to multiple U.S. mainland cities via Honolulu |
With Hawaiian in the alliance, travellers can now book a single itinerary that combines these carriers—say, flying Qantas to Honolulu and Hawaiian onward to New York, or vice versa. This opens up one-stop access to more U.S. cities, especially for those who prefer to break up the long journey with a Hawaiian holiday.
🤝 Loyalty Just Got More Rewarding
Frequent flyers will also reap the benefits. Once Hawaiian joins oneworld:
- Qantas Frequent Flyer and AAdvantage members will be able to earn and redeem points on Hawaiian Airlines flights.
- Elite status perks—like priority boarding, extra baggage, and lounge access—will extend across all three carriers.
- Travellers will enjoy seamless check-in, baggage transfers, and rebooking support across the alliance.
This is particularly valuable for Australians who often mix and match airlines to reach secondary U.S. cities. With Hawaiian in the fold, those connections become smoother and more rewarding.
✈️ Final Thoughts
For Australian travellers, the addition of Hawaiian Airlines to oneworld is more than symbolic—it’s a practical upgrade. It means more choices, better value, and easier travel across the Pacific. Whether you’re a seasoned frequent flyer or planning your first U.S. adventure, this alliance expansion is worth keeping on your radar.
So next time you’re booking that trip to the States, consider routing through Honolulu. With Hawaiian Airlines now part of the oneworld family, your journey just got a whole lot smoother—and sunnier.
