������Ƶ

When news broke last week that Alaska Airlines was buying Hawaiian Airlines for $1.9 billion, I panicked: “What does that mean for my upcoming trip to California?”

Nothing, actually. The deal will take between 12 and 18 months to close, pending regulatory and shareholder approvals. And, from what both airlines have said publicly, customers don’t need to worry right now. My flight is still booked on Hawaiian Airlines, and I’ll still get the same local-style in-flight service many of us love about the state’s largest carrier.

What will happen in a year, though, is the question.

I didn’t see this merger coming — and neither did a few friends who work for Hawaiian Airlines I called after getting the press release. News came fast and furious, with more questions than answers. But one concern is clear: We need a reliable carrier that offers affordable fares.

Because the only way out of the state is by air.

When Southwest Airlines entered the market in 2019, it was the first real threat to Hawaiian Airlines since Aloha Airlines shuttered in 2008. The Dallas-based budget airline offered introductory fares starting at $49 one way from West Coast cities to Honolulu. Price for a one-way interisland ticket at the time was $29. (Right now one-way tickets start at $65.)

It would be to Alaska Airlines’ advantage to keep the branding and vibe of the beloved local carrier — much in the same way CVS kept the Longs Drugs brand in the islands when it acquired the drugstore chain in 2008. (That deal was worth $2.9 billion, by the way, more than Alaska is paying for Hawaiian, including its debt.) Local people — myself included — like what we know. The dark-green uniforms of Longs employees, the friendly aloha vibe of Hawaiian Airlines. You can change it, but we won’t like it.

My advice for Alaska Airlines: Keep your promises. Maintain the brand and reputation of the 94-year-old airline. Retain and grow the workforce, which boasts 7,300 employees. Make Honolulu a key hub for the combined airline. Expand service to the mainland, Asia and the Pacific. And let us keep our miles, please.

But what I’m really hoping for is improvement — because there has been room for it.

A quick visit to the Better Business Bureau’s website showed numerous public complaints, ranging from last-minute canceled flights to lost luggage to awful customer service. Even I’ve been the victim of delayed flights and wasted hours on hold with customer service.

While these are common complaints about any airlines, it’s particularly distressing when we have limited choices of carriers, especially between islands.

And then there’s the cost.

There was a time when it was cheaper to book a vacation to Vegas from Honolulu than Maui. Right now, as of yesterday, you could book a last-minute roundtrip flight to Hilo, Kahului or Lihue for as low as $124.

I doubt much will change, to be honest. It wouldn’t be to Alaska’s advantage to mess with the strong brand of Hawaiian. But I’m hoping this merger brings together the best of both airlines — and that we end up the winners for once.