Is Hawaiian Airlines a Good Airline? (My Honest Feedback)

As a travel blogger, I always look for the best airline options.

Recently, I’ve been hearing a lot about Hawaiian Airlines, so I decided to take a closer look and see if it’s a good airline.

In this article, I’ll be giving my honest feedback about my experience with Hawaiian Airlines, including a detailed overview of the airline, its history, fleet size, and more.

Overview of Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines review - pros and cons
Larry D. Moore, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Hawaiian Airlines is the largest airline in Hawaii and the 8th largest commercial airline in the United States.

It is based in Honolulu, Hawaii, and serves more than 25 destinations in the United States, Australia, New Zealand, French Polynesia, and South Korea.

Hawaiian Airlines was founded in 1929 and has been in operation for over 90 years.

The fleet of Hawaiian Airlines

Hawaiian Airlines operates a fleet of over 50 aircraft, including Boeing 717-200s, Airbus A321neos, Airbus A330-200s, and Boeing 767-300ERs.

The airline also operates a fleet of ATR 42-500s, which are used for inter-island flights.

Pros of Flying Hawaiian Airlines

As a US travel blogger with a keen interest in aviation, I can attest to the fact that Hawaiian Airlines is a great airline to fly with.

From personal experience, I can say that Hawaiian Airlines offers a wide range of benefits to its passengers.

Excellent Customer Service

The customer service on Hawaiian Airlines is top-notch.

From the moment I stepped on the plane, I was greeted by friendly and helpful staff.

They were quick to answer any questions I had and made sure I was comfortable throughout my flight.

In-Flight Entertainment

Hawaiian Airlines offers a great selection of in-flight entertainment options.

From movies to TV shows, there is something for everyone.

I was able to watch my favorite movie and catch up on some of my favorite shows during my flight.

Comfortable Seats

The seats on Hawaiian Airlines are comfortable and spacious.

I was able to stretch out and relax during my flight without feeling cramped.

The seats also have adjustable headrests, which is great for long flights.

On-Time Flights

Hawaiian Airlines is known for its punctuality.

My flight was on time and I was able to make my connections without any issues.

This was especially helpful when I was traveling with a tight schedule.

Great Food Options

Hawaiian Airlines offers a variety of food options for its passengers.

From snacks to full meals, there is something for everyone.

I was able to enjoy a delicious meal during my flight and the food was of high quality.

Free Wi-Fi

Hawaiian Airlines offers free Wi-Fi on all of its flights.

This was great for me as I was able to stay connected with my friends and family during my flight.

I could also stream some of my favorite shows and movies during my flight.

Affordable Prices

Hawaiian Airlines offers affordable prices for its flights.

I was able to find a great deal on my flight and I was able to save some money in the process.

This was great for me as I was able to stick to my budget while still enjoying a comfortable flight.

Cons of Flying Hawaiian Airlines

Limited Flight Destinations

Hawaiian Airlines mainly serves destinations in the US, with a few international destinations, such as Tahiti, Australia, and New Zealand.

This means that if you’re looking to travel to other international destinations, you won’t be able to do so with Hawaiian Airlines.

Limited Flight Times

Hawaiian Airlines only offers a limited number of flights each day.

This means that if you’re looking for a particular flight time, you may not be able to find it with Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines does not offer Wi-Fi on their flights.

This means that if you’re looking for a way to stay connected while in the air, you may be better off looking for another airline.

Hawaiian Airlines review - pros and cons
airforcefe from Richmond, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

FAQs

What is the cost of tickets on Hawaiian Airlines?

The cost of tickets on Hawaiian Airlines varies depending on the type of ticket, the route, and the time of year.

Prices can range from $50 for short domestic flights to over $1000 for international flights.

Prices also vary depending on the type of ticket you are looking for, such as economy, business, or first class.

Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines offers promotional fares from time to time, so it is worth checking the website for any special offers.

What are the fees for checked baggage?

Hawaiian Airlines charges a fee for checked baggage depending on the route and the type of ticket purchased.

For domestic flights, the first checked bag is free for first and business-class tickets, and $30 for economy tickets.

For international flights, the first checked bag is free for first and business-class tickets, and $50 for economy tickets.

Additional bags may be checked for an additional fee.

Does Hawaiian Airlines have a loyalty program?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines offers a loyalty program called HawaiianMiles.

The program rewards members with points for every flight they take with Hawaiian Airlines.

Points can be redeemed for a variety of rewards, such as free flights, upgrades, and discounts on future flights.

What is Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage allowance?

Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage allowance varies depending on the route and the type of ticket purchased.

For domestic flights, the allowance is one checked bag per passenger for first and business-class tickets, and two checked bags per passenger for economy tickets.

For international flights, the allowance is two checked bags per passenger for first and business-class tickets, and three checked bags per passenger for economy tickets.

Any additional bags may be subject to additional fees.

Does Hawaiian Airlines offer any promotions or discounts for booking flights?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines offers several promotions and discounts for booking flights.

Customers can save up to 40% off the regular price of flights by signing up for the HawaiianMiles program.

Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines offers special discounts for military personnel, seniors, and students.

Customers can also take advantage of the airline’s seasonal promotions, which offer discounts on select flights throughout the year.

What is Hawaiian Airlines’ policy for changing or canceling flights?

Hawaiian Airlines allows customers to make changes or cancel their flights up to 24 hours prior to the scheduled departure time.

Customers who cancel their flights within 24 hours of their scheduled departure time will be subject to a cancellation fee.

Refunds for canceled flights will be issued in the form of a travel credit, which can be used to book future flights with Hawaiian Airlines.

How comfortable are the seats on Hawaiian Airlines’ planes?

Hawaiian Airlines offers comfortable seating on all of its planes.

The airline’s Economy Class seats feature adjustable headrests and extra legroom for added comfort.

The airline also offers Premium Class seating on select flights, which includes wider seats with more legroom.

All of the airline’s planes feature adjustable air vents and overhead reading lights for added convenience.

Does Hawaiian Airlines have in-flight entertainment options?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines offers in-flight entertainment options on select flights.

Customers can enjoy complimentary movies, TV shows, and music on their personal devices.

The airline also offers Wi-Fi access on select flights, allowing customers to stay connected while in the air.

Additionally, Hawaiian Airlines offers an in-flight magazine, which features articles about the airline’s destinations and other interesting topics.

Does Hawaiian Airlines serve meals on its flights?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines offers meals on its flights.

Depending on the route and the type of fare purchased, meals may be complimentary or available for purchase.

Complimentary meals are served on flights between the mainland US and Hawaii, as well as on flights between Hawaii and international destinations.

On flights within Hawaii, meals are available for purchase.

Does Hawaiian Airlines offer WiFi on its flights?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines offers WiFi on select flights.

WiFi is available on all flights between the mainland US and Hawaii, as well as on flights between Hawaii and international destinations.

For flights within Hawaii, WiFi is available on select aircraft.

Does Hawaiian Airlines allow advance seat assignments?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines allows advance seat assignments.

Passengers can choose their seats when booking their flight or at any time up to 24 hours before their flight departure.

Advance seat assignments are complimentary for passengers who have purchased a First or Business Class ticket.

For passengers with Economy Class tickets, advance seat assignments are available for a fee.

Does Hawaiian Airlines allow pets on its flights?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines allows pets on its flights.

Pets are allowed in the cabin on select flights within the US, as well as on flights between the mainland US and Hawaii.

Pets are not allowed on flights between Hawaii and international destinations.

For all pet travel, there are specific requirements that must be met and fees that must be paid.

How friendly and helpful is the airline’s staff?

Hawaiian Airlines staff are known for their friendly and helpful attitude.

They are always willing to go the extra mile to ensure that customers have a pleasant experience.

The airline has received numerous awards for its excellent customer service, including being named the Best Airline in Customer Service in the U.S. by AirlineRatings.com in 2020.

Does the airline offer any special services for travelers with disabilities?

Hawaiian Airlines provides a variety of services for travelers with disabilities.

The airline offers pre-boarding assistance, wheelchair assistance, and special assistance for passengers with hearing, vision, and mobility impairments.

The airline also provides complimentary pre-boarding for passengers with disabilities.

How easy is it to book a flight with this airline?

Booking a flight with Hawaiian Airlines is easy and convenient.

Customers can book flights online, over the phone, or through a travel agent.

The airline also offers a mobile app that allows customers to book flights, check-in, and manage their bookings.

What is the airline’s on-time performance record?

Hawaiian Airlines has a strong on-time performance record.

According to FlightStats, the airline had an on-time arrival rate of 88.7% in 2020, ranking it among the top 10 airlines in the U.S. for on-time performance.

The airline also had a cancellation rate of just 0.4%, which is significantly lower than the industry average.

Does Hawaiian Airlines have a good safety record?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines has a good safety record.

The airline has an excellent safety record and is one of the safest airlines in the world.

It has been rated as one of the safest airlines in the world by the Airline Safety Rating Agency, and it has a perfect safety record with no incidents or accidents since its inception in 1929.

What is Hawaiian Airlines’ policy for lost or damaged luggage?

Hawaiian Airlines has a strict policy for lost or damaged luggage.

If your luggage is lost or damaged, you must file a claim with the airline within 24 hours of your flight’s arrival.

The airline will then investigate the claim and determine if it is eligible for compensation.

If the claim is approved, the airline will reimburse you for the cost of the lost or damaged luggage.

How extensive is Hawaiian Airlines’ route network?

Hawaiian Airlines has an extensive route network that covers over 25 countries and territories.

The airline operates flights to over 100 destinations in the United States, Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean, Central America, South America, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.

In addition, the airline has codeshare agreements with other airlines that allow passengers to connect to even more destinations.

Does Hawaiian Airlines have any partnerships with other airlines or hotel chains?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines has partnerships with other airlines and hotel chains.

The airline has codeshare agreements with several airlines, including American Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines.

In addition, Hawaiian Airlines has partnerships with several hotel chains, including Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, which offer special discounts and rewards to Hawaiian Airlines passengers.

Final Thoughts

Overall, my experience flying with Hawaiian Airlines was great.

An alternative airline to consider is Alaska Airlines, as both airlines operate in the Pacific region.

Here is a video review.

The staff were friendly and helpful, the planes were modern and well-maintained, and the flight times were convenient.

The airline also had a good on-time performance record, with over 80% of flights arriving on time.

The in-flight amenities were also great, with free WiFi, snacks, and drinks available.

All in all, Hawaiian Airlines is a great airline to fly with and I would highly recommend it to anyone looking for a reliable and enjoyable flying experience.