How is Hawaiian Airlines? A Deep Dive from a Frequent Flyer’s Perspective

Hawaiian Airlines, in a nutshell, is generally a solid choice, especially for travel to and from Hawai’i. It excels in providing an authentic Hawaiian experience from the moment you step onboard, coupled with generally reliable service, a strong safety record, and a competitive route network within the islands and to the mainland US, Asia, and the South Pacific. However, like any airline, it has its strengths and weaknesses, which we’ll explore in detail.

The Aloha Spirit in the Air: What Makes Hawaiian Airlines Unique?

Hawaiian Airlines differentiates itself through a genuine emphasis on Hawaiian culture. From the island-inspired meals and complimentary Mai Tais in First Class to the Hawaiian music and language used by the flight attendants, the airline creates a sense of place that many other carriers lack. This is a conscious effort to represent the spirit of Aloha and share it with passengers, turning what could be a mundane flight into an immersive experience.

A Focus on the Passenger Experience

Beyond the cultural aspects, Hawaiian Airlines prioritizes passenger comfort. Their fleet, consisting primarily of Airbus A330s and A321neos for longer routes and Boeing 717s for inter-island flights, are generally well-maintained. Seats are comfortable, particularly in First Class and Extra Comfort, and in-flight entertainment options are adequate. While not always cutting-edge, the IFE system provides a decent selection of movies, TV shows, and music to keep passengers entertained on longer flights.

Navigating the Route Network

Hawaiian Airlines boasts an extensive route network. Their inter-island flights are frequent and essential for hopping between the Hawaiian islands. They also serve numerous mainland US cities, offering direct flights to destinations like Los Angeles, New York, Seattle, and Boston. Internationally, they fly to destinations in Asia (Japan, Korea) and the South Pacific (Australia, New Zealand, American Samoa). This makes them a key player in connecting Hawai’i with the rest of the world.

The Pros and Cons: A Balanced Perspective

While Hawaiian Airlines shines in many areas, it’s essential to consider potential drawbacks:

Pros:

• Authentic Hawaiian Experience: Immersive cultural elements throughout the journey.
• Strong Inter-Island Network: Frequent and convenient flights between the Hawaiian islands.
• Generally Reliable Service: Good on-time performance and customer service (though this can vary).
• Comfortable Seating (especially in premium cabins): Decent legroom and comfortable seats, particularly in First Class and Extra Comfort.
• Good Safety Record: A long history of safe and reliable operations.
• HawaiianMiles Loyalty Program: Offers decent value, especially for travel within Hawai’i.

Cons:

• Limited Route Network Compared to Major Global Carriers: Primarily focused on destinations connected to Hawai’i.
• In-Flight Entertainment Can Be Dated: While adequate, the IFE system isn’t always the most up-to-date.
• Potential for Delays (especially inter-island): Like any airline operating in a busy environment, delays can occur, especially on inter-island routes due to weather or air traffic.
• Customer Service Inconsistencies: While generally good, customer service can be inconsistent, with some passengers reporting long wait times or unhelpful agents.
• Baggage Fees: Like many airlines, Hawaiian charges baggage fees, which can add to the overall cost of your trip.

Beyond the Flight: Considering the Ground Experience

The ground experience with Hawaiian Airlines is generally positive. Check-in is usually efficient, especially if you utilize online check-in or mobile boarding passes. The airline’s airport lounges, particularly the Premier Club lounges, offer a comfortable space to relax before your flight, with complimentary snacks and beverages. However, access to these lounges is limited to certain elite members and those flying in First Class.

Frequent Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: What is the best class to fly on Hawaiian Airlines?

The “best” class depends on your budget and priorities. First Class offers the most comfortable experience with lie-flat seats, premium meals, and complimentary drinks. Extra Comfort provides extra legroom and priority boarding at a more affordable price. For shorter inter-island flights, Main Cabin is usually sufficient.

Q2: How strict is Hawaiian Airlines with carry-on size?

Hawaiian Airlines is relatively strict with carry-on size. The maximum dimensions are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). They do weigh carry-ons in some airports, particularly for international flights. It’s best to adhere to the size and weight restrictions to avoid issues at the gate.

Q3: Does Hawaiian Airlines offer free meals?

On international flights and flights to/from the mainland US, Hawaiian Airlines typically offers complimentary meals in all classes. On inter-island flights, complimentary snacks and beverages are usually offered. Full meals may be available for purchase on some inter-island routes.

Q4: How do I upgrade my Hawaiian Airlines flight?

You can upgrade your flight through several methods: bidding for an upgrade online, using HawaiianMiles, or requesting an upgrade at the airport check-in counter. Upgrades are subject to availability and may incur additional charges.

Q5: What is the HawaiianMiles program like?

The HawaiianMiles program is best suited for those who frequently travel to and within Hawai’i. You can earn miles on flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and other purchases. Miles can be redeemed for flights, upgrades, and other rewards. The value of HawaiianMiles is generally considered to be decent, but not as high as some other airline loyalty programs.

Q6: What is the difference between Main Cabin, Extra Comfort, and First Class?

Main Cabin is the standard economy class, offering basic seating and amenities. Extra Comfort provides more legroom, priority boarding, and other perks. First Class offers the most luxurious experience with lie-flat seats, premium meals, complimentary drinks, and personalized service.

Q7: How early should I arrive at the airport for a Hawaiian Airlines flight?

For inter-island flights, arriving 1.5 to 2 hours before departure is generally sufficient. For flights to/from the mainland US or international destinations, it’s recommended to arrive 2.5 to 3 hours before departure to allow ample time for check-in, security, and boarding.

Q8: Does Hawaiian Airlines have in-flight Wi-Fi?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines has implemented Starlink Wi-Fi on many of its Airbus A330 and A321neo aircraft. This means that the Wi-Fi is now free for passengers to use.

Q9: What happens if my Hawaiian Airlines flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your Hawaiian Airlines flight is delayed or cancelled, the airline will typically try to rebook you on the next available flight. They may also offer compensation, such as meal vouchers or hotel accommodations, depending on the length of the delay and the reason for the cancellation. It’s always a good idea to check your flight status regularly and contact the airline directly if you experience any issues.

Q10: Are pets allowed on Hawaiian Airlines flights?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines allows pets to travel in the cabin or as checked baggage, subject to certain restrictions and fees. It’s essential to review the airline’s pet policy carefully and make a reservation for your pet in advance.

Q11: How do I contact Hawaiian Airlines customer service?

You can contact Hawaiian Airlines customer service through their website, by phone, or via social media. The phone number is usually listed on their website under “Contact Us”. Be prepared for potential wait times, especially during peak travel periods.

Q12: Is it worth paying extra for Extra Comfort on Hawaiian Airlines?

Whether or not Extra Comfort is “worth it” depends on your personal preferences and budget. If you value extra legroom and priority boarding, and you are on a longer flight, then it is probably worth the cost. If you are on a shorter flight and don’t mind the standard legroom, then Main Cabin may be sufficient.

Ultimately, Hawaiian Airlines provides a unique and enjoyable travel experience, especially for those visiting or traveling within Hawai’i. By understanding its strengths and weaknesses, you can make an informed decision and maximize your chances of having a pleasant flight.