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Hawaiian Airlines
Rating Details »
85 reviews for Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines is the last American airlines to offer impeccable customer service. If you can justify the cost of flying 1st class, do it. With a nearly six hour flight, this is the only way to fly. If you book a coach ticket, you might have the opportunity upgrade for $349 each way. Is it worth it? Yes! The extra space, big lounging seats, the food, and the free drinks, make the time fly by.
Let's not diminish the coach class. While the seats are standard and according to http://seatguru.com, the pitch is standard. When serving a meal... yes, they still serve meals... they request that people return to the upright position so the person behind you can enjoy their meal.
Hawaiian Air offers a $15 Dig-e-Player. It's an antiquated Archos type of multimedia player with a poor screen resolution. I will admit that I rent the unit everytime because it beats being board.
Areas that need improvement. There are a number of airlines that offer direct flights to Maui. Hawaiian only flies to Honolulu from the mainland. I hate the layover in Honolulu. It's a couple of hours that I could be on Maui. Besides, the DC8/ Boeing 717 aircraft are pitiful excuses for air transportation. Sure, it's 30 minutes of agony. Just pray that the person ahead of you doesn't recline. If they do, make yourself useful and clean their teeth.
I enjoy flying Hawaiian. I get something to eat (which is part of the service), I can accumulate and use Hawaiian Miles since we fly to the mainland at least twice a year, I joined the Pualani Club (had to use miles to get, plus that's how we roll) which gets us some extra perks, and the service isn't too bad.
I do see a small difference in the mainland service locations opposed to the ones here. The ones on the mainland seem to be more helpful and cheery when you interact with them. Here, it's a little more like herding cattle.
They have an interesting magazine Hana-Hou, which is very nicely done. My mom wanted a subscription, so I got her one. They're very informative and picturesque.
The cost is very competitive and affordable. Especially if you take advantage of their Hawaiian Miles Program. You can even transfer miles to and from complete strangers if you wanted, no cost. Never been too late with Hawaiian. Actually I think they win awards every year for be the best on-time airline carrier.
Took an inter-island flight from Oahu to Maui. Hawaiian Airlines is very prompt with their take off / landings!! I couldn't believe how precise they were! Their seats are really comfortable too and their pilots don't mess around! They start take off as their turning the corner! hah :)
We had a great flight to & from Maui and Oahu. I'd definitely use them again!
Hawaiian Airlines has done a great job over the years and have improved dramatically. All airlines have their problems but I mostly fly star alliance but when I do fly Hawaiian, I am always wanted to keep flying them. They have some great deals, check out their website or sign up for email updates.
I love flying Hawaiian and I usually fly it at every opportunity I get. These days they are the only ones that still serve meals and drinks on planes but they've started doing the luggage fees which is such a pain especially during these times.
The only reason why I gave it 4 stars was because of their customer service on the phone. If you ever have to change your flight be prepared to deal with idiots.
A few years ago I was a college student, I had to change my flight home and I dealt with the friendly ladies on Oahu and they actually changed my flight for free since the lady seemed to understand I was just a college student. Now, Hawaiian outsources their customer service to the Philippines and I'm not sure if it's a language barrier or what but they do not seem to understand what I'm trying to accomplish during my phone call. On numerous occasions I've had to deal with customer service reps who, on different occasions, book my flight twice, charge me twice to change one leg of the flight (which was $200 x 2. seriously, $200 to change a flight? absurd), and refuse to let me change my dad's flight (who was stuck on a plane and wasn't allowed to use his phone). When I tell the rep I want to speak with management they say they are management. Seriously? They're so incompetent! And what's worse is they say they'll "email" your revised itinerary... and they NEVER DO! And when I call back asking where my itinerary is they say they'll send it again and, true to form, THEY NEVER SEND IT! I verify my email with them every time and I'm sure they're just not understanding what "email" means in America. Clearly, the most annoying thing ever. This is probably as bad as dealing with service reps for computer companies. Another thing, they have Hawaiian names. I'm pretty sure they're definitely aren't that many Hawaiian-named filipinas in the P.I. so I assume thats another ploy by Hawaiian to make you think you're dealing with a representative from Hawaii. Don't be fooled! I honestly HATE dealing with customer service with Hawaiian so make very, very, VERY sure your flight dates and time so you don't have to deal with them.
Now, back to the good things. The service on board is always great and accomodating. I've been on flights with rowdy passengers and they've always been to settle the situation quite quickly. They definitely don't have singing or rapping flight attendants like on Southwest but the definitely are the kindest. Also when you deal with them at the ticket counter, they're always pretty understanding if your baggage is a little over and there's been times where they've bumped my luggage to first class (meaning it's first off the plane) and I don't have the pualani status either. They're generally the most understanding airlines I've had to deal with (minus the customer service reps in the P.I.).
So in short, do book with Hawaiian, you'll enjoy it. The food isn't all that bad either although now they're charging for the more "extravagant" meals on the flight. Last thing, make sure you double.. well actually.. triple-check your flight dates and times to avoid dealing with the customer service reps, unless you do it at the ticket counter then you really shouldn't have any problems.
I have been flying with Hawaiian Airlines for God knows how long....but since there's a new competitor out there, I've again experience a better service.
With Hawaiian, I feel like their employees think too highly of themselves (just a personal opinion--based on observation, and Im pretty damn good at that). Not only most of the employees in Oahu give me bad vibes, the inter-island planes aren't that great either. The seat are too hard. Too uncomfortable. Too much aching for my neck and back. Even if the inter-island flights are not that long, I still would love to have a comfortable feeling when I travel.
I do like the fact that they have a lot of promotional coupons or whatnot. But I think they need to "refurbish" their employees. The planes? ahh, I don't know what they can do about them. I guess they're just going to be stuck with those aircrafts. Poor thing.
An airline that feeds me yummy chocolate muffins, Hawaiian Sun Guava drinks, breakfast burritos, has purple colored seats, and soothing Hawaiian music playing upon passenger loading gets an A in my book!
I left from San Jose on a Hawaiian Airline summer package that included flight, hotel, and car for a not too shabby deal. From the moment I checked in at SJC to when I departed from the Honolulu airport, I thought the whole process was efficient and easy.
True, there isn't as much leg room as a Jet Blue flight, but me and my boo got a nice cozy two seater to ourselves. No uncomfortable awkward silence sitting next to a third party on this flight! Another plus for the adjustable head rests to prevent the post-nap-90 degree-neck-ache. I really enjoyed that they played Hawaiian music and channels on the plane radio; a great way to get into the Aloha spirit before your arrival.
Having flown back home to Honolulu numerous times in the last 10 years, I've lost count the number of times I've traveled on Hawaiian Airlines.
The service I've received has always been excellent. Even with delays, I get compensated (huge discount off next flight since and a coupon to use in the airport for whatever I want - usually I get food and tea).
The flights have always been affordable to Honolulu from Seattle, unless it's a major tourist season week when prices can go up $300+ within a day. It's good to track flight prices religiously a few months in advance for good deals. The e-mail list from Hawaiian Airlines also is great because they e-mail special ticket prices that are sometimes cheaper than booking them from online ticket agencies (Expedia, etc.).
The planes themselves are just fine, but they are starting to look a bit ratty on the interior (as in, you can see the screws holding the seats in!).
The only wish that I have is that ex-kamaaina have a discount since a bulk of us fly back and forth a lot from the states to the islands - sometimes more than 1-2x a year!
Aloha 'oe!
I thought they were very good. On time and very courteous.
Mmm, I'm quite satisfied.
Why the turnaround from the previous review? I could say it was the friendly service or even the on-the-dot take off and landing times on my flight back to the mainland. But really, it was mostly because they gave me a voucher that allowed me to move into first-class for the return flight from Oahu. My too-long-of-legs are grateful.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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4/10/2009
They will have an opportunity to perhaps partially redeem themselves, but right now Hawaiian… Read more »
$32 each way to the outer islands.
You can't beat that.
That's what my mom told my brother.
3 Stars
Bad
- Dirty food trays
- Less room than other planes
- No A/C or air above individual seats
Good
- Good food (turkey n cheese on croissant w/ chips was very good. Chicken alfredo was decent, but the brownie that came w/ it was really good. Southwest Breakfast burritos are also decent but the chocolate muffins they came w/ were off the hook! - needed some milk w/ 'em tho)
- Good Customer Service
Yeah...I'm pissed. This past year, I've been purchasing tickets for my nieces to come visit me from Seattle with Hawaiian Airlines. The only time I really fly Hawaiian myself is to visit the other islands...mainly Hilo. Now, I have racked up over 25,000 miles and Hawaiian won't accept it because I did not fly personally...my nieces did. Even though I paid for the tickets, because I did not fly, they won't credit me those miles. Piss off, Hawaiian Airlines!! I don't care if you got the best reviews or not...if I would have known this, I would have had my family fly on a carrier that would reimburse me something rather than nothing! I hate you more than I hate my landlord.
If I purchase my "Sweet Escape" ticket now.... its $480.00 (plus tax).
http://www.yelp.com/bi...
Leaving San Jose on Friday, June 5th, 2009 at 9:10am.
Arrive in Honolulu at 11:30am
Leaving Honolulu on Sunday, June 14th at 1:05pm
Returning back to San Jose on Sunday, June 14th at 9:05pm.
If I book now.... I avoid.....
1. Drunken madness.
2. Paddling.
3. Butt raping.
4. Wax job revenge.
5. A messed up house.
6. Jail time.
7. Car impound.
8. Attorney fees
9. Liability issues.
10. Camera photo shots that would ruin my chances for 2020 presidency.
SEE YA LATER SUCKERS! I'm audi... 5000!
So frankly sitting in your seat seeing that the chair in front of you is breaking/tearing at the seams is kinda scary. Then they cut the safety video before it was done. I mean I know what to do but what if others don't and they panic and cause my death?? Yeaaaah.
The food is eww. Breakfast burrito. I tried it on the flight to cali and it was all wrong. But it's airplane food.
The pillows and blankets had peoples hair stuck on it from whoever used it the flight before.
There was ZERO leg room. When I got up to use the bathroom i had to literally CLIMB over my mom.
I think for inter-island flights it's fine. But for 5+ hour flights I'd rather not.
I will only fly Hawaiian to the West coast! I love, love, love it! I feel sooo safe! Great service, comfortable seats, and clean planes!
I love how they serve you the pretzel mix and a small meal, of course its just sandwich and chips, but it comes with the flight!
You can't beat the service, they always accomadate for you!
Even if my baggage is just a tad overweight, they let me thru! hehe
Ordinarily, I would give this airline five stars. They are on time, if not early. The service is swift and courteous. But, it's just that this time they lost one of my bags. I went to Seattle, and my bag ended up in Portland. No big deal, except that I was attending a military funeral and my service dress uniform was in that bag. I end up going to a funeral with the clothes that I wore on the plane the night before. Then, there is no compensation for a lost bag that is returned within five days. So, the airline screws up and it's no big deal. I get the bag back. Right on. Then that begs the question, why am I paying $10 per bag? I know it's to off set the raising fuel cost, but wouldn't that mean that there is a higher level service when it comes to the bags? Come on Hawaiian, I'll fly with you again, and I'm sure that the rating will improve, but this one left a bitter flavor in experience.
Hawaiian Airlines is a great way to head to the beautiful Hawaii. The website is easy to navigate and there are always some really good prices on flights. You just have to check the website daily to find good deals.
The flight attendents were really friendly too. Overall, the flight was pleasant. I'd definitely use Hawaiian Airlines exclusively to fly between Cali and HI.
I've never flown any other airline to Hawaii and after flying on their planes (767's for Island/Mainland flights and 717's for inter-island flights), I wouldn't fly any other way. Their flight prices are reasonable and if you sign up for their notifications, you can get great deals.
Their staff really brings the Island vibe to their flights - everyone is soooo mellow. I found that their planes are comfy and there is usually a ton of space for your carry-ons. (Which is a good thing since they just started charging $15 for your bag on Island-Mainland flights - curiously, no charge for your first bag on inter-island flights.) They do feed you on the plane but I tend to stay away from whatever hot meal they are serving and stick with the turkey sammich - they don't screw that up.
They have a couple of options for in-flight entertainment - they always play a movie and you can rent a media player that has a bunch of pre-loaded content for $15. There are two headset jacks on the player so you can share with your flying buddy. They don't take cash on their flights - works for me because you know you have plastic for that mai tai that you want.
I flew in first class on an inter-island flight. You get more drink options in first class (the main cabin only gets pog and whatever beer or wine they want to purchase), but in first class you can get mai tais and liquor and soda. I know, it's only a 30 minute flight, but it's kinda cool.
Anyways - definitely more reasons to love than hate on Hawaiian Airlines, which is why they get my business on my yearly trip to paradise.
Still a reliable airline that feeds you at no extra cost. 600 bucks round trip from Vegas to Maui via Honolulu. Left Vegas at 10:30AM, arrived in Maui 3:30PM, at the hotel by 4:30, inebriated by 6:00. Plus, HA leaves Vegas's McCarran Airport's Terminal 2, which means no crowds and longterm parking right out the door. I've been a frequent flier for a few years and still like this airline.
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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1/3/2008
I love Hawaiian Airlines! I jump on a 10 AM flight in Vegas and I'm in Honolulu 6 hours later at 1… Read more »
If I have the choice to fly Hawaiian or any other airline, I pick Hawaiian hands down. Their planes are fairly new and are well maintained, the staff are simply fantastic, and the plane offerings are decent.
I always feel the "Aloha" every single time when I check in at SeaTac and feel like I am already home in the islands when I take my seat on the plane. The flight staff has always been pleasant and more than accommodating.
The food is eh...nothing wowing. But come on, it's airplane food. At least Hawaiian still gives you free food and beverage unlike other carriers. The food is decent, but if you are flying coach, stick to the turkey sandwich. Some of the other offerings are kinda eh...
The seats are decent and comfortable. Leg room is manageable like any other airline. First class is a tad better and offer better recline and foot rests. No lie flat seats unfortunately (which is why they get only 4 stars).
In-flight entertainment is pretty good and showcase stuff you can do while you are in the islands. Personally, paying for a movie is ok, but I would spring for the Dig-E Players which are slightly more expensive but the screen is right there in front of you.
All in all..really good service and a decent product offering. Definitely worth the money and as a rule I don't fly any other airline on their routes! Prices are competitive and great service!
I've done some extensive traveling and I have to say that Hawaiian is a good plane to ride and it's not because I'm a local girl! Compared to mainland planes, Hawaiian actually provides food! And, it's free!
I also like the Hawaiian shows they play on the flight, although I would prefer that they show more films like "And there were none" documentaries to better educate visitors about Hawaiians in general. The staff is always friendly not like those mainland planes with their really stuck up haole flight attendants with their noses in the air pretending like they can't hear you, and not to mention their harsh tone of voices that is so unbearable to deal with when your stuck in a stuffy plane for hours on end.
Hawaiian has good service. The only planes better than Hawaiian are the foreign flights because they give you alcohol and other items for free and even a bassinet for your baby.
You can't please everybody, especially, haoles from the mainland who want first class service ,but pay for coach airfare. Newsflash! if you want to be treated like a king or queen then pay for it!
The only reason I'm giving Hawaiian 4 stars is because I wish they would wear a different uniform - something more feminine and Hawaiian, like Tahiti Airlines. Also, they will only give you a discount if you reserve online. Other than that, Hawaiian rocks!
I was a little distraught in my first experience leaving the island on Hawaiian Air. It was a very confusing process.
First, I and a large group of my fellow travelers were bounced between gate 60 and gate 34 (which are as far apart as you can get in this airport) due to...actually nobody ever explained why we boarded at gate 60 but all the computer marquees said 34. Then there was massive confusion due to 3 flights who were all leaving late trying to get through agriculture for carry-on baggage and subsequently waiting in a very, very small space (I think people saw a giant line and panic-ed as theoretically boarding has already started on our plane...but I think I would say "communication" was a serious issue at this moment in time) where several people were waiting in the wrong space for the wrong flight and... Anyway, after leaving an hour late, all was well.
My flight home was perfectly fine. No fuss, no muss. I have had similar quite uneventful and fairly pleasant experiences flying inter-island with them, but I do wish someone had explained what was going on during my departure flight.
I fly Hawaiian 90% of the time and intend to do so this June when me and my boy hit up Vegas. They have a friendly flight crew and the seats are way more comfortable than the other "charter" plane companies. I have noticed something that bothers me. The prices online now seem to fluctuate almost EVERYDAY. That means you can pay $380 for a one way flight and see it drop down to $151 to the next day. I remember the pricing being much more stable in the past. The first class cabin service is great! All you can drink and the food is REAL food created by chef Bev Gannon I believe. Definitely worth it if you can snag a decent upgrade price.
The flight was fine, I was mostly comfortable, but the flight attendants really went out of their way to remind me I was sitting coach and not first class. The coach passengers only got their drinks once, no refills through a 6 hour flight! Every fifteen minutes they were rushing past us to first class to attend to them. Also, one flight attendant gave me an attitude and scoffed at me when I asked for some water, and then she never brought it to me. The air circulation was extremely poor. I was uncomfortable as far as the temperature and the density of the air. I would only recommend this airline if you are flying first class. You get treated like royalty there!
So at the crack of what feels like dawn, I had to book a flight for my friend so her sister could get back home...safely and on time.
How the fuck does Hawaiian Airlines get away with charging $648.23 (that includes a $9.00 tax) for a one way flight from Oahu-Honolulu, HI Airport to Los Angeles, CA LAX Airport? How the fuck?
Someone better be gettin' laid on that plane, a baby better be bursting out, or rather, I AM BEING SHOVED INTO MY SEAT BY THE BIGGEST GOURMET MEAL EVER! *lobster please*
Assholes.
p.s. - this is some bullshit. i am fucking going to sleep. i will be the biggest bitch tomorrow morning with the most fabulous hair in Revere, MA. BELIEVE IT.
Yeah you fuckin' heard me, it's now 2:00AM. East. Coast. Time.
Bite me.
I'm an equal opportunity air traveler (i.e. I'm cheap and I buy the cheapest ticket for whatever airline and flight even if it's at 5AM with a 5-hour stopover). Hawaiian Airlines has been the best in my experience in terms of punctuality and service.
One time I flew from Honolulu to Sydney--it was a 9.5-hour flight that I hadn't been looking forward to. Airplane bathrooms are uncomfortable and airplane food is scary. And with my luck I always sit next to or near an incessantly crying baby or large smelly person. But this dreaded trip turned out to be the best ever. When the aircraft landed I was thinking, "We're here already? No freakin' way."
The flight attendant was just awesome. He offered me easy to digest snacks because of my weak stomach and made me a comfy bed of pillows since there was one empty 5-seat row. And he gave me a ton of travel tips.
I've flown Qantas and Jetstar to Australia, and I didn't get near the star treatment I did on Hawaiian. Love it!
Flew over on Hawaiian Air. Not bad. We actually got a hot meal. It was nice and a surprise.
We also used Hawaiian to fly between Kauai and Oahu. We had tickets but decided to stay on Kauai half a day more. I called Hawaiian Air. I spent one and a half hours ON HOLD before an agent picks up. When he does, it is some guy in the Philippines. I have a lot of problems getting him to understand I want to change my flight time. I tell him we are flying Kauai to Honolulu.
After 15 minutes of searching, he then comes back to me and says (drum roll please).....
"Honolulu is not a state."
This moron does not know that Honolulu is a city. This is why he cannot find a flight when doing a search. He works for the freakin' airlines. EVERY SINGLE flight of theirs either originates or terminates in Honolulu and he does not know this.
So, we finally get the tickets changed. An hour later he calls me back on my cell. He tells me that he cannot change my tickets because Hawaiian was not the original ticketing agent (these were codeshare through American Airlines).
I am amazed. I now wasted half a day on beautiful Kauai screwing around with Hawaiian air. I call American Airlines up and they made the change in 5 minutes without charging me the $50 fee Hawaiian was going to.
Thankfully, I am well into my vacation when this all goes down. So, I take it in stride and with a lot of humor. I felt sorry for the call center guy because he is trying to do a job he cannot do.
Nice decision on outsourcing customer service Hawaiian Air, your "Aloha" spirit really does show.
Recently, we decided to fly Hawaiian Airlines for its competitive rates and positive reviews from other boards. I have to conclude that this airline should be renamed "That's-Not-My-Responsibility Airline."
I agree with previous poster that the actual flight and flight crew was pleasant and professional, however, my experience with the ground crew, airport staff and reservation (thru phone) were infuriating. We had a 6 person party (4 adults, 2 paying toddlers) so I did everything I could to secure non-middle section seats for our party. I specifically said we could be separate into party of twos so they can place us easily throughout the cabin and therefore, find us window/aisle seatings. For our outbound flight, they still made us sit in an entire row together, which was slightly annoying but we endured it. So on the return bound, I made sure I had seat requests through the travel agent, and also called Hawaiian airlines reservations 48 hours in advance to secure a seat assignment for our party. For some strange reason, reservations couldn't do it for return flight even though it's already 24 hours prior to the actual flight. What the CS kept telling me is to just check in early and the agents at the airport will be able to do it for me.
Guess what, upon arriving at the airport counter, the agent says they can't do seat rearranging for us. They insisted that we can only use the electronic kiosk and of course, our entire party was divided into threes and seating at the very middle section at THE END OF THE PLANE. Not only did we not get any of the requests that I tried so hard to secure thru calling in advance and putting down special instructions, but they actually put us at the end of the plane. When I complained to the airport staff, she shrugged me off and told me to just go to the gate agent and they can do something for me. Not surprisingly, the gate agent said there wasn't anything she can do for me either as they have a full flight. She then tells me I should've said something to reservations. *UGH* It's like a big huge never-ending circle! Who's responsibility is it anyway? Apparently, not anyone from Hawaiian airlines. When you are in a big party and travel with kids, you will be shafted.... that's what I got out of it. I think it would've been a slightly bearable experience if the ground agents just had a better way of communicating the situation instead of just blowing me off. I know I'm not a first class ticket buyer, but really, do I deserve to be spoken down to like I don't know what I'm doing?
Anyway, I've learned my lesson and seen how we were treated throughout the entire ordeal. I will not be applying for frequent flier anytime soon... or ever.
Through looking glass I see
a brilliant cast of clarity,
shiny stars so far away
illuminate this hollow cage,
but clouds diffuse light
*blink*
*blink*
*blink*
as the vessel starts to sink,
and stars above do disappear
while those below grow close and near,
as focus floats from through to pane
the focal point of life does change,
what once saw billions of miles away
brought back to something no less strange,
from distant specks of fiery seas
to reflect
on insignificant
little
me.
(Hawaiian Airlines ranks as the most timely airline in the country. This isn't entirely fair as most trips are non-stop to Hawaii and do not suffer the plague of hubs. Regardless, they offer great service, complete meals planned by an "executive chef," a relatively new fleet, and a prolonged Hawaiian experience lasting up until that very last "Aloha" when you leave the plane.)
READ THIS IF YOU THINK YOU MAY NEED TO CHANGE YOUR FLIGHT! Warning, Hawaiian Airlines will gouge you with a rebooking fee - $150 to $200 each way. You may want to reconsider purchasing tickets from this airline.
I recently booked a trip to Hawaii on this airline. Due to a family emergency, i called them to ask about pushing my trip out by a few days. They were more than happy to make the change, but told me that i would have to pay $200 each way - $400 in total. My ticket was only $340 to begin with. When as I asked to speak to a supervisor, the woman (who was very nice) could do very little except to offer me $50 off one way, but I would still have to the $200 for the return. I've never flown with a carrier that has such a high re-booking fee. When I asked what my options were, they told me that I could cancel and get a flight credit, but would still need to pay the rebooking fee when I booked a future flight.
This seemed outrageous to me. I will no longer fly with this airline, cheap fares or not and you may want to consider this story if you are thinking about booking with them.
I havent really been on other airlines besides Aloha since my dad works for them but since thats long gone I caught a flight on Hawaiiain. The check in was kind of hectic because there were 2 areas where you could check in and 1 was more crowded than the other because people didnt really see an other side. However some lady did direct us, saying that the other side was less crowded but hec no it was still the same, it was just that side was the electronic checkins where you punch in your own information, so if you dont know how to use it then I suggest you ask or just wait for an available person. As for the flight, I like that they still offer complimentary food such as a ham and cheese crossiant sandwich with chips and a macadamia nut cluster. They also offer upgrades for $10 and on the flight that I was on it was some italian chicken thing or sushi that also included dessert. The in flight movie was also good except the earphones that i had only played on one side so it was kinda off. Overall untill I fly on more airlines I'd say that i am a fan of hawaiiain. especially since they supported Aloha during their time of closing.
One of the few airlines that provide full meals, snacks and open bar service during your flight at no additional charge (excluding alcohol).
I always get the turkey sandwich, with chips and a cookie or dessert. Not sure why, but I have some sort of quirk against pastas and all other type of food the airlines serve.
The seats are not big, the leg room is not good, some of the planes are older than others and need a refresh.
Comparing the flight staff and aircraft quality of the two airports:
The difference between departing from the Mainland's Hawaiian Air (San Jose) and departing from Honolulu's Hawaiian Air is really surprising and interesting to experience.
Leaving from San Jose -- Your complimentary in flight magazine is replaced with garbage or scraps of something. The trays don't lock easily without having to press hard and practically bump the unlucky person in front of you. If you need to barf, you'll have to use your neighbor or the aisle since there are no barf bags provided in your pocket. Staff are courteous, but not really friendly or happy. Just there for work.
Leaving from Honolulu -- Directly in front of you there is a complimentary in-flight magazine for your reading pleasure, you also have a cup holder and securely lockable tray, seating is clean and no trash is in the pocket in front of you. You also have a convenient emergency barf bag. You get 4 meal choices: Whole wheat pasta, teriyaki chicken and rice, turkey sandwich or lasagna. Friendly, smiley, happy, courteous staff throughout the entire flight.
This airlines seems to be the best affordable bet for flying anywhere in Hawaii. March 2007 I went from Seattle to Maui, non-stop, which was great. The idea of flying past Maui to land in Honolulu only to take a teeny plane back to Maui was ridiculous. So they get 2 stars for being reasonably priced with non-stop flights.
As for customer service I'm not really sure they know of this concept. The ticket agent in Seattle never made eye contact with me. The ticket agents in Maui pretended not to speak English. And one employee in Maui actually raised his hand to my friend's face as she approached him to ask him a question.
Like all other airlines, the higher fuel prices have spurred changes to their existing policies. I read this morning that their frequent flyer program will be increasing the miles needed for award or upgrade travel. Realistically, getting the lower mileage super-saver awards are probably tough and require a reservation months in advance. Anyways, here's the link to the new award levels effective 9/1/08 (keep this in mind when you sign up for their FF credit card with the bonus 20k miles):
http://www.hawaiianair...
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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7/26/2008
7/25/08: I reach platinum status this past month, logging the requisite flights since Aloha Airlines… Read more »
So originally I was going to give this airlines five stars
1) totally friendly customer service on the ground and in the air
2) decent food on the flight
3) a wide variety of departures to choose from
4) flights were well flown and the pilots had some of the smoothest landings ever
BUT
ATA and Aloha went bankrupt.. and what did Hawaiian do
YOU @#$)@#$*@#*#@$ JACKED UP PRICES. We had to rebook our whole trip in July-- thank god we bought the full refund insurance through Expedia.
If there is an airline that deserves to be grounded it is this particular company. They claim to have the ideals of Aloha but are lacking in every way possible.
As you can tell I spent December and parts of January in Hawaii with my bride-to-be's family. While I was there my future father-in-law passed away and we needed to extend our stay. The issue is that my future bride decided that she would handle our travel and had us hopscotching across the the country from NYC to HNL. Hawaiian refused to accept that my father-in-law had passed even though the deputy Mayor and Lt. Gov of the state called them including having a death certificate sent over. So we had to buy all new tickets.
On our flight, the overhead lights wouldn't go off and the movie and music was out-of-order. They brought on ten hot meals on board and served themselves first handing the rest of us (FIRST CLASS) sandwiches.
STAY AWAY FROM THIS COMPANY, if your choice is fly to Hawai'i on this airline or swim, I advise buying a new suit, sunscreen and warm up before hitting the water.
I fly on Hawaiian Airlines to Maui and Kauai about once every month. I even use Hawaiian Airlines as my first choice for travel between Oahu and San Francisco, Los Angeles, Seattle and Portland. I simply LOVE Hawaiian Airlines. The staff has always been friendly and helpful, the food isn't that terrible "airline food" and they have cool things like a digi-player that rents for about $15 (for mainland flights) that is loaded with movies and TV shows and two can watch.
The airlines is almost always on time, and the flights are always pleasant. What more could you ask for?
Hawaiian also has a nice rewards program and pretty good prices on flights between here and the mainland. The only thing that i don't like to much about Hawaiian is that their online reservations system doesn't allow you to make flight changes online - you have to call the airlines to do this. And, it almost always costs $40 for changes to your flight......I rack those costs more than I'd like to.
Oh, and did I mention that their web check in is pretty cool too? I just wish that you didn't have to wait for an agent at the desk to give you your luggage tags. The luggage tags should print at the kiosk that you check in at.
But, other than those two things - Hawaiian is the best, baby!
It's nice to find an airline that isn't cutting corners. Non-stop from San Jose was a little late leaving the airport, but early in arriving to Honolulu. I love the video thing that you can rent. Spacious restroooms. There's no way that you can leave their plane feeling hungry or thirsty.
I also liked how the pilot was giving a description of the island as we were flying over it.
-1 star for their cancellation or change policy. (you can't do it with out getting charged a lot), and also for not allowing your seat to be back when serving food....I mean, what if you're asleep.
Overall it was a very pleasant experience.
I've flown six on Hawaiian Airlines flights this year, and ALL of them have been awesome. Upgraded to first-class twice, and they've given me a whole row to myself three times.
I just can't tell you how much I love this airline. Three flights a day from Seattle to Hawaii! I would never fly anything else if I had the choice.
Wish I knew what it was that makes them so nice to me - because I'd use it ALL THE TIME... for good, of course.
I went ahead and got myself one of these: http://www.hawaiianair... Just as good as any other credit card, but this one earns you free trips to Hawaii - you know, eventually.
