HONOLULU (KHON2) -- After months of waiting, Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines travelers said they are excited about the merger finally going through. Download the free KHON2 app for iOS or Android to stay informed on the latest news Travelers Jackie Pagan and Jesse Ropert both agree that the merger "is going to be a good thing." "I like the service on Hawaiian," said Bernadette Santana. "I only rode Alaska maybe a couple of times, that was it. But mostly was Hawaiian. So I always had good service, so I'm hoping for the same thing." Merger moves forward as Alaska-Hawaiian granted exemption Keeping things the same is key to the US Department of Transportation, which approved the merger. First, protecting customer rewards programs. Hawaiian miles would be directly transferred to Alaska's program. "Alaska's miles are among the best in the industry," said travel expert Gary Leff. "It gives them access to a lot of partners that will fly them all over the world through the one world alliance and other partnerships that Alaska has." The DOT will also require the combined airline to maintain "robust levels of service" for inter-island passenger and cargo service and preserve essential service in both Alaska and Hawaii. "I just got called for something at Maui Memorial, so I gotta go over there for a case, so it's just a constant, every day," said Ropert. Other requirements include waiving certain fees for servicemembers and their families, guaranteeing family seating for those with children under 13 years old and providing compensation for delays or cancellations when the airline is at fault. "Alaska has been more generous with these things than Hawaiian has," said Leff. "As long as they got the best service they have been giving, that's what counts," said Santana. "We need our comfort, especially on long flights." Find more Hawaii, Oahu, Maui and Kauai news here "I'm never a huge fan of airline mergers," said Leff. "They haven't made me happy as a consumer in the past, but in terms of the mergers and their likely outcomes, this is certainly among the least bad ones that we've seen." There are still a few conditions that need to be met or waived, but that is expected to be done very quickly. Hawaiian and Alaska are expected to consummate this merger as early as Wednesday.