Part of a series: ATMOS REWARDS: PART I | ATMOS REWARDS PART II | ATMOS REWARDS PART III
Atmos Status: Is it worth it?
DISCLAIMER: This is what is known as of now, the process may and will likely change over time.
In part one, I explained why I’m digging into this subject. In a sentence, I’d like to be able to take one nice family trip a year. And, I’m actually going to figure out how to fit it into the budget.
I’m still not much into travel, but I am into good deals. Thus, the reason I’m digging into the subject of how to travel and not break the bank. A little known fact about me, once upon a time I earned status on American Airlines. Decades ago, I think status meant something. Today, I’m not so sure.
So what exactly does one get on ATMOS status? I’ll get into that shortly. There are four levels, Silver, Gold, Platinum and Titanium. See table below.
| Benefit | Silver | Gold | Platinum | Titanium |
| Status Points Req. | 20,000 | 40,000 | 80,000 | 135,000 |
| Mileage Bonus (currency) | 25% | 100% | 125% | 150% |
| oneworld Tier | Ruby | Sapphire | Emerald | Emerald |
| Checked Bags | 1 Free | 2 Free | 3 Free | 3 Free |
| Upgrade Window | 48 Hours | 72 Hours | 120 Hours | Instant / 120 hrs |
| Int’l Upgrades | No | No | No (Certificates) | Yes (Day of) |
| Lounge Access | No | Int’l Only | Worldwide | Worldwide |
| Waitlist Priority | Low | Medium | High | Highest |
I see Silver status as achievable by many, if they are willing to engage in the strategy game. Gold status gets a bit harder, but thanks to a novel way of accruing Elite Qualifying Miles (EQM) on ATMOS, it’s possible and could provide some nice benefits. I see Platinum as something of a grind. You could get there, but if you have to push that hard, one wonders if it’s enjoyable at all. It’s probably something that would be nice if it already connects to your work and doesn’t require too much effort, or if you’re well-off and retired.
For quick review, there are two kinds of miles, Elite Qualifying (EQM) and Spendable (Currency). You get both when you fly. You also get both if you have their Bank of America credit card. Beyond the “how” to get miles, lies the question of “why” get miles.
Domestically, having status allows you to get upgraded seating. The “pecking order” is determined by level of status holder. A quick note that until the two passenger booking systems merge in April, many of the features of ATMOS are not available yet on Hawaiian Airlines flights. For the definitive guide, see the Alaska Airlines Upgrades page. Internationally, at some point extra comfort seating (rebranded premium) will also become available to status holders. I’m not sure if it’s already available, but it never hurts to ask. Alaska has been making a number of changes to the Hawaiian side of the status benefits. For the latest, check out their Hawaiian Airlines Upgrades page.
Status also allows for a useful feature: same day rebooking. If you have any level of status, you can ask to change your plane ticket to an earlier or later flight without charge, space permitting. This can be quite useful for interisland flights, or if you’re taking a route with frequent passage, such as in and out of Seattle to other destinations.
Status plays a key role in involuntary rebooking. When there is an unexpected aircraft change, or when a flight is canceled or delayed, status helps get you better options to continue your journey, and/or return home. That’s always nice, although I think those one-off cases often comes down to luck as well.
To be honest, as much as Hawaiian Airlines has always served what passengers wish for the most, hospitality, they never really gave significant premium benefits to their paying customers. It will be interesting to see how this plays out. In so many ways, I’m a bit ambivalent. I don’t know that Hawaii people typically want what others don’t have. Even when we’re hungry, we always split the manapua in half, even if to give to an equally hungry stranger.
This coming year will be interesting with regard to who has ATMOS status and who doesn’t. I predict that most of those that already had Pualani status will continue to have ATMOS status, unless they are in that 10-20 neighbor island round trip group, and may have more difficulty maintaining their tier level. That said, it’s a pretty crowded field. On a recent trip to Maui, when they called Silver status members, everyone in the waiting room stood up and got in line.