Alaska Airlines Donates Frequent-Flier Miles to Support Maui Wildfire Victims

Alaska Airlines has shown its commitment to helping the people of Maui, Hawaii, who have been affected by the devastating wildfires that swept through the island in August 2023. The airline has not only flown in more than 200,000 pounds of relief supplies and donated $150,000 to various relief organizations, but also donated nearly 27 million frequent-flier miles to help displaced residents and their families.

The frequent-flier miles were donated to two local nonprofits, Kanu Hawai‘i and Maui Rapid Response, who are working to relocate and support Maui residents who have lost their homes, businesses or loved ones in the fire. The miles can be used to book flights on Alaska Airlines or its partner airlines, such as Hawaiian Airlines, to travel to and from the island.

Keone Kealoha, executive director at Kanu Hawai‘i, told Hawaii News Now that the miles donation was crucial for individuals who are not getting as much support as organizations, but who need to travel for various reasons. He said that some people had to evacuate to other islands or the mainland, some had to fly in to attend funerals or sort out their affairs, and some had to relocate permanently due to the fire damage.

Alaska Airlines also encouraged its Mileage Plan members to donate their miles to the cause, and matched the first 1 million miles donated by its members through August 31. The airline said it was proud to support the Maui community and hoped that the miles would help ease some of the burden and stress caused by the fire.

Sources: AirGuide Business airguide.info, msn.com, news.alaskaair.com, 10news.com