Hawaiian Airlines is the oldest US carrier, first founded in 1929, which makes its untarnished fatal accident record even more impressive. It's also recognised for a commitment to arriving on-time (voted number one in the US from 2003 to 2006) and has been rated the best Hawaiian airline by multiple publications.
Despite a relatively small fleet, Hawaiian Airlines flies to 40 destinations in and outside of the United States including South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and China. The recent addition of Airbus A330 aircraft has resulted in an upgrade in seating space for passengers.
Hawaiian Airlines' new A330 flying over the islands (Image: Hawaiian Airlines)
Cabin Classes
Economy – "Maile Class"
Hawaiian Airlines features the Boeing 767-300 and the Airbus A-330-200s on international flights. The Economy Class cabin features an industry standard 31- to 32-inch (approx. 81-centimetre) seat pitch.
However, Hawaiian Airlines offers the option to purchase a preferred seat for a set fee, which is determined by the destination. Preferred seats offer greater leg room as well as priority boarding.
Economy Class seats feature adjustable headrests for greater comfort. Seats on the Airbus A330 also feature USB ports for tablet and smart phone recharging.
Entertainment: Entertainment in Economy varies depending on the aircraft. Passengers on the 767s have the option of renting a digEplayer, which is a portable tablet-like TV screen that has hours of entertainment options available such as movies, music and TV shows.
Headphones are supplied, but there is an additional fee to rent the device. For those who choose not to rent the digEplayer, the main entertainment consists of pre-selected programming, which is viewed on shared TV monitors located throughout the cabin.
The A330 Economy cabin features touch-screen video monitors located in the back of each seat. There is a small charge for movies, TV shows and other on-demand programming. Passengers are able to swipe their credit card right at their seat for hours of entertainment options.
Food and Beverage: Flights between Australia and Hawaii feature a complimentary meal and beverage service with lunch or dinner served after departure and a continental breakfast offered before arrival. There are also items available for purchase such as chocolate bars, crisps, and other snack foods. Beverages such as juices, sodas, coffee, tea and water are complimentary, while alcoholic beverages are available for purchase.
Expect quality service regardless of where you're seated (Image: Hawaiian Airlines)
First Class – "Pikake Class"
Hawaiian’s First Class seats are located in a separate cabin for added privacy. Wide recliner seats with a comfortable 2x2x2 configuration allow for easy aisle access and plenty of room to stretch out. A full range of complimentary service and entertainment features are also offered.
Entertainment: First Class passengers receive complimentary on-demand entertainment including movies, TV shows and music. This programming can be enjoyed on portable digEplayers on Boeing 767 aircraft or on personal seat-mounted screens on Airbus A330 operated flights. First Class seats on the A330 also feature AC power and USB ports for laptop and portable electronic device recharge and usage.
Food and Beverage: Passengers are treated to a full three-course meal in First Class, which includes a starter, soup and salad, a choice of main and a dessert. A continental breakfast is served before arrival in Hawaii or Australia. All beverages including alcohol are complimentary.
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Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Allowance
Carry-on
One piece of hand luggage is permitted along with one personal item such as a purse, laptop, backpack or briefcase. The maximum weight limit for carry-on pieces is 11.5 kilograms or 25 pounds.
liquids and gels in cabin baggage must be in containers no larger than 100 millilitres or 3.4 ounces and stored in a clear, sealable bag for inspection at the security checkpoint.
Checked
Checked baggage allowance to and from Australia allow for two bags with a maximum weight of 31 kilograms each. The maximum linear dimensions of each bag may not exceed 157 centimetres. This may be determined by adding the length, width and height of the bag.
Luggage weighing over 31 kilograms or 70 pounds will not be accepted on flights between the US and Australia.
Bulky items
Items that are larger than the maximum allowed for checked baggage will be charged an oversize fee. Items which exceed linear dimensions of 206 centimetres will not be accepted.
Linear dimension of may be determined by adding the length, width and height.
Infant baggage
Infants are not granted a baggage allowance however the adult or parent may take a car seat or stroller on board as hand luggage in addition to the adult’s carry-on allowance. These items may also be checked in free of charge.
The child must be travelling with adult for free check-in of infant items.
Restricted or dangerous goods
Restricted items are those deemed to be hazardous to the safety of an aircraft. These items may either be banned from flying altogether or have specific procedures in place for transport.
Any flammable liquids and gasses, explosives and any other combustible items are not allowed in checked or carry-on luggage. Hawaiian Airlines does not accept camping stoves or gasoline powered items whether new or used.
Tires are also banned from travel. Lithium batteries may be permitted in cabin luggage only with specific requirements for packing. Your Flight Centre Consultant will be able to advise on packing requirements.
With the exception of dogs and cats, most animals are forbidden from travel on Hawaiian.
Check-In
Hawaiian offers both web check-in as well as airport check-in at the counter.
Web check-in
Web check-in is permitted from 24 hours before departure. Passengers may select their seat and pay baggage fees online as well. Once check-in is complete the passenger will be able to print out the boarding pass.
Counter check-in
Passengers are always free to check in at the airport ticket counter. Airport service and check-in desks usually open three to four hours before departure.
Passengers boarding an Hawaiian Airlines flight at Kailua Kona (Image: Eric Guinther)
International check-in guide
At home
Getting there
- Be at the airport at least 120 minutes prior to scheduled departure time
At the airport
Lounge Access
Hawaiian’s Premier Club lounges offer a quiet environment in which to relax and unwind before a flight. Located in Honolulu, Kahului on Maui, Kona, Hilo, Lihue and Los Angeles, lounges feature snacks and beverages as well as flight benefits such as priority boarding, express check-in and express security lanes at Honolulu.
Membership is available for purchase or is complimentary with Gold or Platinum membership in Hawaiian’s frequent flyer program, HawaiianMiles.
Hawaiian Airlines has been providing quality travel for almost 90 years (Image: Hawaiian Airlines)
Gain HawaiianMiles When You Fly
HawaiianMiles, Hawaiian’s frequent flyer program, lets passengers earn and redeem miles for travel on Hawaiian Airlines flights. HawaiianMiles may also be earned and redeemed on partner airlines including Virgin Australia, Virgin America, Delta Air Lines, American Airlines, Jet Blue, Korean, ANA and China Airlines.
Other HawaiianMiles travel partners include most major car rental companies, hotel chains and cruise retailers. HawaiianMiles points may be used for upgrades, lounge entry, award travel and more.
