How to get cheap flights
MethodWhy it worksSavings
Booking directly with airlineOTAs and travel agents often up the price by adding a service fee2% — 10%
Flying on weekday
Weekend flights tend to cost slightly more More →5% — 10%
Group bookingAirlines offer discounts for groups of 9+ travelers More →5% — 20%
Layovers / stopoversNon-direct flights with layovers/stopovers often offer lower fares10% — 20%
Flying early morning
Lower demand for flights departing 1am - 5am15% — 20%
Early booking
As departure day nears, airfares start to rise More →10% — 30%
Flying during low-seasonLess demand = lower prices10% — 30%
Booking round-trip flightsAirlines encourage longer commitment by offering discount10% — 35%
Frequent flyer programsAirlines offer discounts to foster customer loyalty10% — 40%
Sales and promotionsAirlines often offer special promotions to boost demand Promotions →10% — 50%
SuperDealsExpert-picked deals are much cheaper due to insider knowledge SuperDeals →40% — 80%
Air Traveler Club™Free newsletter with airline sales, promotions, and SuperDeals Sign up →40% — 80%

Why is Hawaiian Airlines so cheap on ATC?

Hawaiian Airlines can be extremely cheap when you seize opportunities such as ‘mistake fares‘, sudden price drops, sales and promotions or employ strategies like hidden city ticketing. Moreover, Hawaiian Airlines flights associated with their main Hawaiian hub airportHonolulu International Airport HNL — are typically priced lower due to the benefits of economies of scale and streamlined operations.

Airline flight super deals
A few examples of SuperDeals sent to ATC subscribers.

Air Traveler Club has a team of experts who diligently monitor for price reductions, promotional offers (often not widely advertised), under-the-radar airline sales, and other potential savings on flights. In the case of Hawaiian, we particularly focus on tracking prices for flights originating from their Honolulu hub.

These valuable findings are then promptly relayed to our subscribers as exclusive SuperDeals.

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Hawaiian Airlines reviews 2023,A.I. summary

We let the A.I. analyze thousands of Hawaiian reviews for an averaged, more accurate rating and opinion. Please note: this is an experimental feature.

★★★★☆ 4/5 good

Overall rating

Airline services rating
Baggage handling★★★☆☆
Seat comfort★★★★☆
Food
★★★★☆
Entertainment★★★☆☆
Crew★★★★☆
Customer support★★★★☆

Is Hawaiian Airlines a good airline?

Hawaiian Airlines earns a 4/5 rating from customers, reflecting positive sentiment towards the airline. The airline receives praise for its unique onboard experience that reflects Hawaiian culture (“Aloha spirit”), on-time performance, and in-flight amenities.

However, like any airline, experiences can vary based on many factors, like specific routes, individual expectations, and the occasional unforeseen circumstances, such as weather. Some travelers complained about the airline’s high prices, while others were not satisfied with the food quality. Additionally, there have been mentions of additional baggage fees, which can add to the overall cost of travel.

It’s important to note that the airline has a more limited route network than larger carriers, potentially limiting travel options for some passengers.

Strengths

  • Authentic Hawaiian hospitality: Hawaiian Airlines embodies an “Aloha spirit,” a Hawaiian cultural value of hospitality and kindness.  This is evident in the way that the airline’s staff interacts with passengers, as well as in the amenities that are offered on board.
  • Excellent customer service: Passengers frequently praise Hawaiian Airlines for its exceptional customer service. The friendly and attentive staff contribute to a positive and welcoming flying experience.
  • Comfortable in-flight experience: The airline is known for providing a comfortable journey. Passengers appreciate the spacious seating and amenities that enhance their comfort throughout the flight.

Weaknesses

  • Limited route network: Hawaiian Airlines has a more limited route network than larger carriers. This may restrict travel options and destinations.
  • Additional baggage fees: The airline charges for checked baggage, which can be seen as a drawback for passengers who prefer a more inclusive fare structure.
  • In-flight entertainment variety: While the in-flight entertainment is generally well-received, a few passengers have expressed a desire for more diverse and updated options to cater to different preferences and interests.

Passenger's experience

Is Hawaiian Airlines a budget airline?

No, Hawaiian Airlines is not a budget airline but a traditional, full-service carrier. It is one of the largest airlines in Hawaii, US, and it offers a broad spectrum of services that distinguish it from budget airlines. These include free checked baggage, complimentary meals and beverages (even in Economy), on-board amenities (blankets, pillows, sometimes noise-cancelling headphones) on long-haul flights, and a wide range of in-flight entertainment.

Furthermore, Hawaiian provides multiple travel classes, such as Economy, Premium Economy, Business — each with varying levels of comfort, space, and amenities. In contrast, budget airlines typically offer only Economy class with minimal benefits.

What can I expect when flying with Hawaiian?

When flying with Hawaiian Airlines, you can expect an authentic Hawaiian experience infused with warm hospitality (“Aloha spirit”).

The airline prioritizes passenger comfort, providing spacious seating and amenities for a pleasant journey. Hawaiian-inspired cuisine adds a flavorful touch to in-flight dining. Enjoy entertainment options and, on select aircraft, stay connected with in-flight Wi-Fi. With a punctual reputation, Hawaiian Airlines aims to ensure reliable and on-time departures and arrivals.

What are the seating options?

Here is a list of seating options offered by Hawaiian Airlines:

  • Main Cabin Basic (Basic Economy Class): This is a budget-friendly option for travelers looking for essential amenities and services. Passengers in Main Cabin Basic enjoy standard seating and receive certain benefits, such as complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages.
  • Main Cabin (Economy Class): The Main Cabin provides a comfortable and relaxing experience for passengers. It offers standard seating with additional legroom options available for purchase, allowing travelers to customize their comfort level. Passengers in the Main Cabin enjoy complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages.
  • Premium Cabin (Bussiness Class): Hawaiian Airlines’ Business Class offers an upgraded experience with enhanced services and amenities. Passengers enjoy spacious seating with extra legroom and additional privacy. Business Class passengers receive priority services, including expedited check-in, priority boarding, and access to airport lounges. A premium dining experience and a selection of complimentary beverages are also provided.

Is Hawaiian Airlines economy comfortable?

Hawaiian Airlines strives to provide a comfortable experience for passengers in Economy Class.

The airline offers standard seating with sufficient legroom and seat pitch to ensure a reasonable level of comfort. However, the level of comfort can vary depending on personal preferences and the duration of the flight. Some factors that contribute to the comfort of Economy Class include the ergonomic design of the seats, the availability of adjustable headrests, and the overall cabin atmosphere.

How to get an extra legroom seat on Hawaiian Airlines plane?

Securing an extra legroom seat on a Hawaiian Airlines plane requires some planning and flexibility, but you can easily score one of these seats by familiarizing yourself with the cabin layout and checking in for your flight early. You may also consider paying for an upgrade to a seat with ample legroom and enhanced comfort.

As the location of the extra legroom seats varies depending on the aircraft, we recommend visiting the SeatGuru website. By simply entering your Hawaiian flight number, you can access a detailed seat map specific to your flight. Hover over individual seats to identify those with ample legroom. They are often found in exit rows, bulkhead rows (the first row in each cabin section), or other designated areas that offer additional legroom.

Due to their desirable features, the preferred seats are in high demand. They are often limited in number and typically incur additional fees. Seats with extra legroom located in front and exit rows ("hot seats") are priced higher. However, for medium– and long–haul flights, the additional cost of $10-$50 may be worth the increased comfort. Hot seats typically provide at least 36 inches of legroom (4-6 inches more than standard economy seats), wider seat pitch, and may also have adjustable footrests and recline further back.

Paying for an extra legroom seat is usually a more affordable option than upgrading to a Premium Economy.

What is the baggage allowance?

Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage allowance varies depending on the cabin class. Here is an overview of the baggage allowance for each cabin class:

  • Main Cabin Basic: Passengers in Main Cabin Basic can bring one personal item on board, such as a small backpack or purse. However, no checked baggage is included in this fare class. If you require checked baggage, you can purchase it separately.
  • Main Cabin: One carry-on bag and one personal item on board. The maximum dimensions for the carry-on bag are 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm). Additionally, passengers are allowed to check up to two bags, with each bag weighing a maximum of 50 pounds (23 kilograms) and having maximum linear dimensions (length + width + height) of 62 inches (157 cm).
  • Premium Cabin: Passengers in the Premium Cabin, which includes Business Class and First Class, have an enhanced baggage allowance. They can bring two carry-on bags and one personal item on board. For checked baggage, passengers can check up to two bags, each weighing a maximum of 70 pounds (32 kilograms) and having maximum linear dimensions of 62 inches (157 cm).

Does Hawaiian Airlines have Wi-Fi?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines provides Wi-Fi services on many of its flights.

Passengers can enjoy internet connectivity during their journey, allowing them to stay connected, browse the web, check emails, and access online content. The availability of Wi-Fi may vary depending on the aircraft and route.

Does Hawaiian Airlines have refundable tickets?

Hawaiian Airlines offers different ticket fare options with varying refund policies. Here is an overview of the refundability of tickets in each cabin class:

  • Main Cabin Basic: tickets are non-changeable and non-refundable. Tickets may be canceled 7 or more days before departure without penalty if requested within 24 hours of purchase.
  • Main Cabin: Ticket fares are fully refundable including ancillary purchases before departure by canceling through Reservations and requesting a refund. Main Cabin Refundable fares are non-refundable if you do not cancel your reservation before the originating flight departs.
  • Premium Cabin: Ticket fares are fully refundable.

How do I obtain my Hawaiian Airlines boarding pass?

Hawaiian Airlines boarding pass is a travel document that contains crucial information about your flight, confirms your seat and allows you to board the plane. It includes the passenger’s name, flight number, boarding time, boarding zone, gate number, seat number, and other essential flight details. The Hawaiian Airlines boarding pass can be in paper or electronic format. The boarding pass is issued during check-in — online on the airline's website (usually available 24 hours before the flight), its mobile app (mobile boarding pass) or at the airport. You can print your boarding pass at home or use a mobile app to store the digital boarding pass on your smartphone. Alternatively, you can check in at the airport, where the airline's representative will issue the boarding pass for you.

How to check Hawaiian flight status?

If you have the flight number at hand, you can conveniently check the Hawaiian flight status on the airline’s website. Visit the flight status page to get the reliable information regarding the scheduled and actual departure and arrival times.

There are several online platforms where you can check the status of Hawaiian Airlines flight: FlightRadar24, FlightStats, or FlightAware. They offer comprehensive information about any flight (regardless of the airline) – including real-time flight tracking.

Alternatively, input your flight number directly into Google's search bar. Drawing data from diverse sources (including the airlines themselves), Google will provide you with all the crucial flight information right on the search results page.

Hawaiian Airlines profile

Airline profile
Full nameHawaiian Airlines
IATA codeHA
CountryHawaii, US
Commenced operations1929
Typefull-service
Cabin classesEconomy, Premium Economy, Business
Subsidiaries
Subsidiary of
Airline alliancenone
Frequent flyer programHawaiianMiles
HubsHonolulu International Airport HNL, Kahului Airport OGG
Main destinations
Australia, French Polynesia, Hawaii, Japan, New Zealand, Pacific Island, Samoa, South Korea, Tahiti, United States
Fleet size61
Aircraft

Airbus A321neo, Airbus A330-200, Boeing 717-200, Boeing 787-9

Official Websitehttps://www.hawaiianairlines.com

Hawaiian Airlines shortcuts

Essential links to Hawaiian Airlines official website.

Hawaiian Airlines flight booking

Search Hawaiian Airlines flights and book your Economy, Premium Economy, Business class ticket online.

Online check-in

How to check-in and receive your Hawaiian Airlines boarding pass?

Hawaiian Airlines baggage policy

Learn about checked and hand luggage regulations on Hawaiian Airlines flights.

Flexible tickets

Want to change your flight? Hawaiian Airlines flexible booking offer and policies.

Refunds and cancellations

Guidelines on returning a Hawaiian Airlines ticket and getting your money back.

Hawaiian Airlines help & support

Get in touch with the airline: customer service numbers, call centers, offices, and more.

Hawaiian Airlines tips

How to ensure smooth transit between Hawaiian Airlines connecting flights

Before your trip, research your connecting airport. Familiarize yourself with its layout, terminals, amenities, and the location of your connecting gate. This will save you time and stress during your layover. Every airport has a minimum connection time — make sure your layover is longer than this minimum time.

Additionally:

  • You may need to move between terminals if you have a connecting flight with a different airline or separate point-to-point tickets with Hawaiian Airlines. Each flight may require individual check-in procedures and an additional pass through security. As your luggage may not be automatically transferred to your final destination, you’ll need to retrieve your bags and check them in again for your subsequent flight.
  • When flights are booked on separate tickets, Hawaiian Airlines is not responsible if you miss your connection due to a delay with the first flight. Allow plenty of buffer time between flights to account for any potential delays.
  • Gate assignments can change. Regularly check the flight information boards to ensure you’re in the right place.
  • If your airport connection is tight (1-hour layover or less), pick a set near the front of the plane. It can shave 5–10 minutes off your deplaning time, especially on larger planes. Consider purchasing “hot seats” if available on your plane — they cost extra, but it may be worth it.
  • When flying domestically, try not to book the last flight out of your connecting airport. In case of a cancellation, the airline will put you on its next flight, but it will require an overnight stay and arrival a day later.
  • Flights can be delayed or canceled. Have a backup plan in case you miss your connecting flight. Know your rights and the Hawaiian policy on missed connections.

Booking group flights with Hawaiian Airlines

Flights are cheaper when purchased in bulk rather than as individual tickets. Booking group flights with Hawaiian Airlines can be a cost-effective option for a school trip, family reunion, or corporate group traveling to a conference.

To qualify for the special group rate, the group must usually have at least 10 passengers. Discounts depend on the group size and travel dates and typically range from 5% to 20% off the regular airfare.

Hawaiian Airlines website typically limits automatic group bookings to 9 passengers. This limit reflects the complexity of managing larger groups, which require personalized service and more time to coordinate. To get the price quote for your group, you’ll need to contact the airline directly.

A travel agent may be better if you want more personalized service. Travel agents may have access to discounted group rates for Hawaiian Airlines and can help with logistics and scheduling.

Hawaiian Airlines Premium Economy vs Economy

Hawaiian Airlines offers a Premium Economy Class as a middle ground between Economy and Business Class. Seats in Premium Economy cabin are wider, with more generous legroom and recline than standard economy seats. They also come with exclusive amenities, a wider selection of complimentary meals and beverages, and priority boarding. Depending on the route, Premium Economy passengers may be given a higher baggage allowance.

Premium Economy Class fares typically range from 25% to 80% more than Economy tickets on the same flight. However, this is just an estimate — airfares can vary depending on travel season, demand, and time of booking.

When booking closer to the departure date, Premium Economy is generally only 10–30% more expensive than Economy fare. Hawaiian Airlines might offer discounted upgrades at check-in if premium seats aren’t filled.

Is the Hawaiian Premium Economy worth the extra cost? This decision hinges on your priorities. It may be a worthwhile investment, ensuring you arrive rejuvenated — especially if you’re heading for a medium– or long–haul flight. If your journey consists of two or more connecting flights, opting for a premium seat on just one leg can still provide a superior journey compared to the standard economy throughout.

However, if the price gap for Premium Economy appears too steep, consider another viable alternative: hot seats.