Hawaiian Airlines Passenger Reviews and Hawaiian Airlines Customer Trip Reports

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Arrive at Kennedy for a flight going from New York to Oahu. Only then do we find luggage is $25 a bag more. We were going to see my son in the Marines stationed at Oahu. I tried to see if I could get my veteran's discount and was declined. I later asked if active military would be able to get a discount. I was told they used to do it, but stopped. On our tickets it said lunch and supper. However, supper turned out just to be a snack (crackers and cheese). No complimentary movie even though the flight is 11 hours long. The straw that broke the camel's back was the return trip. My son wanted to see us off. As active military almost every airline will give him a gate pass to see us off. He showed his ID and security instructed us to get to the counter and get a pass for him. We had to wait in a rebagging line a half hour. When we finally got to the counter I stated that we needed to get a pass for him. The woman said, "Passes are only for the handicapped and seniors." At that point I flipped, she issued him a pass and told me the I have to understand this is for security reasons. Never again.

HNL-OGG-KOA-HNL. Three separate legs during a vacation on B717.Very good service on these short trips, all on time.

My husband and I flew to Honolulu, stayed for 6 days then flew on to San Francisco. From being able to check-in online, choose or change our seats online, to the overall appearance of the plane, to the staff etc it was a great experience. I am vegetarian and they do not cater specifically for us so took some food on board. Our seats were good, not quite as much leg room as other airlines but sufficient. Baggage allowance was fantastic. Left and arrived on time. Coming back from SF to NZ was a different story. We had extra luggage so we did a manual check in, there were issues with the computer system as it was new. Staff were great. Boarded on time, then the Captain announced there were problems, after 2 hours on the tarmac we disembarked. Captain kept us well informed. Missed our connecting flights. Once again the staff were great. They re-booked all of us, gave us generous food vouchers, organised free trolleys for our luggage and had them waiting for us when we went to collect our luggage. A pretty good experience and we would recommend them.

Sydney to LA, LA to Las Vegas, Las Vegas to Hawaii and due to fly back to Sydney tomorrow. We have had nothing but problems. We have a 1 year old and do not expect special treatment however I do expect a level of service which should come with paying the fare. We have to pay $75 extra for a bulk head seat however for all 4 flights have been unable to do this due to a technical problem which they tell us has something to do with travelling with an infant however can't tell us how to overcome this. The majority of the hostesses are rude and not helpful at all. We received no information from them in regards to seatbelt safety etc when it came to our daughter and had to ask. The last thing as a parent you want to do is inconvenience other passengers however they make flying with a child horrific as once again, we are unable to book and pay for the bulk head seats through web check in. They had the cheek to tell us that the only way they could help us was for on our last day to catch a cab to the airport and check in that way. We told them it would cost us 130 dollars round trip and we couldn't with our one year old and they couldn't care less. They are a disgrace. I will never ever fly them again and if you are thinking of booking your holiday with them don't.

SYD-HNL in April. Pretty ordinary service, sarcastic staff member and were inattentive. When we needed extra blankets for all of us, 2 adults and a child the crew member said they never have enough blankets and I had to go and find someone. He was uninterested and wasn't going to even look for one. My husband found a couple as the cabin was absolutely freezing. The flight was not full so having extra seats were good but the food was really ordinary too. One meal was OK but not great. Movies at a cost. We paid a good price for the ticket so was very disappointing.

Flew SAN to OGG with layovers at HNL both legs. All flights left and arrived early. We were even able to take an earlier connecting flight from OGG to HNL for no extra charge. Service was friendly, but not outstanding.

Quick flights between HNL-OGG and KOA. Very pleasant airline. Smiling crew. Efficient boarding resulting in very punctual departures. Beverages were offered: a lot of efforts are put in these very short flights. Can't wait to try them on longer route! Hawaiian airlines should consider flying to Vancouver!

My wife and I got married on Kauai and honeymooned on Maui. Flew Hawaiian Airlines the entire way. On the return we inquired about changing our flight so we would not have a 3-hour layover in Honolulu. The woman at the counter informed us there may be a small fee. 20 minutes later she informed us it would cost $650 per person to change our flight. She was attempting to sell us new tickets at day-of prices and subtracting what we had already paid for our current tickets. She handed us back our ticket vouchers with "OC" written on them. It seems she unblocked our hand picked seats we reserved 6 months ago in order to investigate changing our tickets. The "OC" stands for overcharge, and we no longer had seats on the flight from Honolulu to Portland. This was a 6 hour flight, and comfortable seats were important. Got off the plane in Honolulu. Told we needed to speak to the ticket agent at the departing gate. He did find us seats on the flight, but they were at the back. Supervisor eventually gave us emergency exit row seats. The real shame is Hawaiian used to be better than the other airlines, but now they nickle and dime you with hidden costs just like all the rest.

HNL to INC. Flight was not full so there were empty seats. Plane was a very old 767 that was showing its age. Run down and torn seats, my table tray still had crumbs and gravy stains, and my seat volume control was broken as was the overhead monitor screens. Cabin staff treated passengers like cattle. The only smiles I saw from the flight attendants were when they tandem delivered drinks and meals joking loudly with each other as if the passengers didn't matter. During the noodle service, the 2 male flight attendants were in such a rush that they shoved the noodle cup in our laps even though some passengers didn't have their tray down. The service did resemble the price I paid. On the upside, the meal was tasty and plentiful and the trip back from Fukuoka to HNL was completely opposite.

Flew Hawaiian for the first time from San Francisco to Honolulu in coach with some trepidation given previous reviews. On checking in online, exit row seats (window/aisle) in a 2-4-2 layout were available at 35 bucks each. Well worth the money, especially as priority boarding was thrown in to the price. Bag drop was slow but bags helpfully tagged through to Molokai. Well organised boarding on a completely full flight, plus the priority boarding meant that overhead bin space wasn't an issue (though it was for others who boarded later). An on time departure, and a very thorough briefing on our role at the emergency exit set a positive tone for the flight. A "continental breakfast" (but more like a snack box) with a sweet roll with cream cheese, savoury snack bag and a cookie plus T&Cs and juice was served promptly. A second round of T&Cs and a later water run were offered and unexpected. An hour or so out of Honolulu, a further drinks run with T&Cs and complimentary mai tai were offered concluding a cabin service which was good and delivered by friendly and professional crew. All in all - cheaper than other N American carriers by a fair amount with a good level of service I wasn't expecting.

Short OGG-KOA island hop flight in a Boeing 717. Chose HA over others since preferred to be in a jet rather than smaller turboprop. Rather chaotic check-in process, but that could be the fault of the airport, and once past that, it was all good. We had aisle and window seats, with one person in between us. Didn't feel cramped. We had tried to upgrade to first the day before (you can to it at a reduced charge 24 hours in advance), but fc seats already filled. No matter. Didn't see that much of a difference. And for such a short flight, economy was just fine.

SEA-HNL in a B767. Upgraded to first class at check-in. Seats more business class than first. Service from cabin crew excellent. Food was edible, plenty of snacks and drinks available. IFE was a joke. Digi player was old and content the same!

We flew Sydney to HNL - Sydney on their new A330. The seats were very uncomfortable, like sitting on bricks for 9.5 hours and 10.5 coming back, the service was terrible and the staff don't smile. Food was ok, drink service terrible, entertainment - they wanted $8.00 for a movie. Next time we will pay extra and go Qantas.

My husband and I flew HA Brisbane to Honolulu, Business Class, Flight 444, 6 Feb 2013. Boeing 767. The cost was Return $7483 Aus. The plane had the oldest, most uncomfortable seats I have ever been on. The only good thing about the flight was it was direct Brisbane to Honolulu. I was seated in Seat 2b. The flight on the way home was a newer Boeing 767. I was seated in 1A and it was better. Hawaiian Airlines should not say these are Business Class Seats. Service on the way to Honolulu left much to be desired. It was better on the way Home to Brisbane.

This is my second trip with Hawaiian Airlines. Both times were first class the most recent flight being 01/08/2013, HA 51, JFK to HNL. Flight Crew was very nice. The food was very good even though a touch fancy for my taste. One complaint though, why should they charge a first class passenger an overweight fee for a bag.

I wasn't expecting much because my ticket from Honolulu to LA was only $172! After flying from Auckland to Honolulu and receiving nothing but water I was bowled over when we were given a complimentary snack box, beverages and even a complimentary mai-tai. The entertainment required a 10 dollar fee and since I did not have my own headset an additional 3 dollars bought a headset. The attendants were lukewarm.

LAS-HNL-ITO. It is amazing how things change over 12 months. At LAS there are too few check-in staff. Bag drop, amazingly, can take 30 minutes. So much for on-line check-in and printing boarding passes. On board they still have A330s with seat back screens but that is about all. The choice of viewing available without payment is pathetic. There is no longer even a snack provided for what is quite a long flight, instead, they want you to buy dismal snacks from the back galley. There is the walk between terminals at HNL and then a fair, short flight to Hawaii. Coming back, we paid for first class on the short flight. That was good. Bags flew free and Mai Tais are available. The main flight? Dire. No food, screens keep trying to get money. I am through with HA. There is no difference now between HA and other carriers, I will just use the best schedule at the best price.

HNL-KON-OGG-HNL. Inter-island service is fantastic, very comfortable. Every time we were asked by check-in staff whether we wanted emergency exit as I am very tall, whilst flights are short, as soon as we took off a tasty local fruit drink was offered. I was so impressed I will try them long haul next time, hopefully they add Melbourne to their Brisbane and Sydney destinations in Australia.

BNE-HNL-SEA. Check-in at BNE was easily the slowest I have experienced anywhere - terrible. The check-in staff at BNE are obviously local contractors who couldn't even tell me if I needed to change terminals at Honolulu ! Very poor directions from ground staff at HNL as to how to get to domestic flight. Aircraft was clean, comfortable and seat space seemed quite OK. Staff on board are excellent and very friendly. Ground staff need a good shaking up. Meals, only so-so. Lousy in-flight entertainment, I simply didn't bother. I would fly again if they could trim their prices a bit but if cabin staff should ever fail me, I wouldn't be back.

JFK-HNL-JHM-HNL-JFK. Excellent trip in all respects. JFK-HNL leg was on a new A330. Economy seats are 32" pitch, more than most US carriers. That extra inch makes a difference on a 10-11 hour flight. Two free meals were served by hard-working and attentive staff, along with several drink services. Yes, the first bag cost $35, but Hawaiian checked it through from JFK to West Maui, even though that flight was on Island Air, and I never touched the luggage until I reached my final destination. I enjoyed these flights so much that I have already reserved another JFK-HNL-KOA-HNL-JFK trip for this coming July. Since I booked so early, I was able to snag row 13, which is in the small quiet section behind Business Class.

My wife and I flew BNE-HNL-BNE, 767 just prior to Christmas and returned early January 2013. Flights were on time and staff efficient and helpful. The service side is a let down, they say we are a full service airline but there is no choice with meals and very limited drinks service. The seats are reasonable for someone my size 6ft 2, but I would like better entertainment than a digiplayer. If we were planning on returning to Honolulu, I would think about upgrading to business.

SYD-HNL-OGG-HNL-SYD in December 2012. A330-200 between Sydney and Honolulu and B717 between Honolulu and Maui. All flights on time. On A330, I would advise taking the $75 upgrade to a bulkhead seat - particularly row 11 as its right behind Business class and in a mini cabin of only 3 rows. If travelling overnight, I'd pay for economy and upgrade on check-in online to Business if available. Best thing about the flights was the excellent service and the prompt appearance of baggage at the carousel. Food was good, drinks plentiful. Pay TV option was a bit much but we read. I joined their FF program before I booked - for only $120 it was worth it! Business check-in, express pass through customs, lounge access, it's kind of like the Qantas Club. You also get priority boarding which was very useful. Hawaiian's aircraft on the Sydney to Honolulu route are all brand new A330s.

OAK-OGG-KOA, KOA-OGG-SJC. This was my first experience on Hawaiian and it may very well be my last. On the Maui-San Jose flight, Hawaiian screened a movie featuring graphic violence, on the big screen in front of a crowd that included numerous young children. Hawaiian cancelled our flight, rebooked us with a ridiculous routing involving two plane changes, and neglected to inform us. I only discovered this when I went on-line to check the flight time. In the process of shifting our itinerary, Hawaiian messed up the seat assignments and split up our family. Correcting these mistakes cost me considerable time.

Easily the most uncomfortable flight I have taken in the last 40 years. Seat pitch is so tight I was just barely able to hold the inflight magazine between my chest and the seatback in front of me, and I am not oversized. Fortunately they are usually on time, the crews are pleasant enough, and bags are delivered quickly. Would never fly this carrier again if there were another way to get from HNL to the other islands. Their seating brings new meaning to the phrase cattle car.

Flight from Seattle to Honolulu in an old Boeing 767, which was 26 years old. Crew was nice but service was normal. Seats were broken and legroom was ok, lavatories showed their age and had a bad smell. Free food service, that is not normal on us-carriers. Food was enough and the quality was fair. Took some time in Honolulu, until we reached the gate, almost 20 minutes after landing.

Flight from Honolulu to Maui and return. Flight was on an B717 which is a nice plane. Crew was very friendly and had a smile. Seating was better than on older 767. Juice was served shortly after take-off. They offered maps with sights of Maui for free. Baggage was soon on belt. Good job for a short flight like this.

Airbus 330 flight from Honolulu to Las Vegas. Aircraft had new AVOD but they charge for movies. Free dinner was served, with rice, beef and veggies. Crew came around with water and juice during flight. Flight on time and seating in the new aircraft is very good. Check in kiosk did not work, so we had to do it with staff together.

Wife and I flew from Las Vegas to Kona, Hawaii, connecting both ways in Honolulu. The LAS-HON leg is on an Airbus with 2+4+2 seating in economy so my wife and I can sit together. Hawaiian doesn't jam the seats in economy together as much as some airlines. And for an extra $35 per passenger each way you can get a bulkhead or exit row seat with tons of legroom, but to get this you have to do online check-in pretty darn close to 24 hours before your flight. You can actually call the airline and talk to a customer representative without waiting more than a few minutes. If you fly in the evening you get a free tasty, although small real hot meal with veggies and meat, salad and dessert. (The breakfast service is also free but not as nice as the dinner.) Also, when I asked about wine, the steward mentioned the half bottle (375 ml) of red as having pleased other passengers so my wife and I bought it for $16 and it was a nice pinot noir.

Arrived at Kona airport with Hawaiian taking us to connect on Oahu with united to California. Had first class tickets upgraded with United points. They tried to charge us for all our bags even though our ticket clearly stated our luggage was free. We asked for a supervisor who still refused to do anything. Finally agree but had delayed us so long we missed our flight. To add insult to injury, they stuck us in economy on the next flight. Interesting to see they do not honor United premier or upgrades. Pretty unhappy with desk service!

LAX-HNL, HNL-SFO in A330s. The planes were new and clean. Soft drinks and tea/coffee are free. You also get a free meal (poor to fair quality) with a free wine to accompany it. They nickel and dime you for everything else (baggage, IFE (films etc.), preferred seating). Cabin crew was efficient but not overly friendly on the outbound flight and, on the return flight, one member was downright surly. He didn't even look at us when handing us drinks and ignored us when we asked questions. Also took inter-island flights HNL-ITO return in B717s. Good for short flights and you get a free juice or coffee. In summary, Hawaiian are good for inter-island, but avoid them for long-haul flights.

HNL-SFO in A330. The planes were new and clean. Soft drinks and tea/coffee are free. You also get a free meal (poor to fair quality) with a free wine to accompany it. They nickel and dime you for everything else (baggage, IFE (films etc.), preferred seating). Cabin crew was efficient but not overly friendly the outbound flight and, on the return flight, one member was downright surly. He didn't even look at us when handing us drinks and ignored us when we asked questions. So much for the aloha. Other airlines are on these routes so save yourself the extra few dollars, as the only extra thing you get is essentially a mediocre meal. Also took inter-island flights HNL-ITO return in B717s. Good for short flights and you get a juice or coffee. In summary, Hawaiian are good for inter-island, but avoid them for long-haul flights.

I hate overnight flights so I booked Business class for the Sydney Hawaii leg in the hope that the extra $1000 would provide a decent night's sleep. Wrong! While the seats do have a footrest and recline more than in economy, there was little similarity between Hawaiian and other carriers business class seats Even the pillows were the small and inadequate and the amenities provided were very basic - no cute bag to keep as a souvenir. The cabin crew were excellent and the food served much better than economy but again there is no comparison between it and say the food served in Qantas premium economy. Our flight back to Sydney was back in economy and I was very happy with the experience though the "Hawaiian high tea" served towards the end of the flight was just a roll and a biscuit. Flights on all the sectors I flew were on time and had very professional and helpful cabin crew.

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Trip Rating :  10/10

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Trip Rating :  2/10

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Trip Rating :  8/10

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Trip Rating :  9/10

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