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10 things learned flying first class on hawaiian airlines

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10 things learned flying first class on hawaiian airlines
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Earlier this month, I traveled to Honolulu and back on Hawaiian Airlines. They operate Austin – Honolulu non-stop three days a week, and since I hadn’t flown Hawaiian in a year and a half, it seemed worth sharing some observations.

I booked award travel in one direction: Virgin charges 40,000 points each way for Hawaiian first class on the route. I had accumulated Virgin’s miles from when Bilt offered a 150% transfer bonus (so 16,000 Bilt points turned into 40,000 Virgin points which covered the flight). There was availability for five when I booked.

The return flight on a Saturday night didn’t have first-class award space available but had ample upgrade availability. Therefore, I bought sub-$300 one-way tickets and transferred points into HawaiianMiles from American Express Membership Rewards instantly to confirm the upgrade by phone. There was saver upgrade inventory available for four on the flight I was booking.

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First-class saver awards book into D inventory. First-class saver upgrades book into A inventory. First-class additional upgrade inventory is the P bucket.

I searched the space using subscription service ExpertFlyer.com. I won a lifetime subscription about eight years ago in a charity auction, so I more than got my $500 in raffle tickets paid back.

Here are ten observations about the trip on Hawaiian:

Hawaiian Airlines has good seats compared to U.S. airline narrowbodies on the route. Their new Boeing 787s are competitive with widebodies other airlines fly but they also have several Airbus A330s. These wouldn’t be great business class products to Europe or Asia; they aren’t super padded (though they provide bedding), however, they’re fully flat and suitable leisure seats since at 2-2-2 you’re right next to your travel companion.

Food is mediocre though that’s true of competitors as well. "Chicken was flavorful but tough to cut," noted one passenger. Alaska Airlines may be the carrier that most consistently does better; an improvement here is something to look forward to if Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian goes through.

There are two levels of upgrade seats. "Hawaiian award availability from the West Coast is reasonably good," said another traveler, "at least better than other airlines between the mainland and Hawaii." Their upgrade space is even better; you can transfer American Express points to Hawaiian sometimes with a bonus.What’s unique – that competitors do not offer – is two levels of upgrade awards: For Austin – Honolulu it’s 25,000 at the saver upgrade level each way and 50,000 for extra availability with really good availability both in West Coast markets and underbooked Austin flights.

"I love their amenity kits," remarked another passenger who appreciated bags nice enough with an approach where flight attendants bring around baskets of items for passengers to take what they wish. ANA used this method years ago in long-haul first class: Want extra lip balm? Take a couple.

Hawaiian provides lounge access in Honolulu for mainland first-class flights though lounges are weak. "Hawaiian’s Plumeria lounge is considered better (!) than their Premier lounge," noted one frequent flyer who observed that Plumeria is offered to international business class customers whereas Premier is granted to domestic first class customers and also serves as a Priority Pass lounge where people stand in line just to get inside.

A water bottle awaits at your seat which resembles Alaska Airlines' practice though predeparture beverages are also offered.

"You’re going to start drinking POG juice," said another traveler referencing Passionfruit Orange Guava concoction created 53 years ago by Haleakala Dairy on Maui specifically served onboard Hawaiian flights.

Tablets are provided for inflight entertainment aligning well with Alaska's practices although tablets don’t hold as much content as central servers broadcasting wirelessly throughout cabins; however A330 seats feature built-in holders along with earphones provided too.

Between services chips are served which ordinarily receive shrugs except Maui onion chips prove addicting according many passengers’ feedbacks.

Starlink wifi impresses many travelers due its speed outperforming satellite wifi found other carriers plus low latency thanks lower orbit satellites reducing signal travel distances significantly enhancing connectivity experience overall positively received during outbound flights recently upgraded August installations covering fleet rapidly within overnight timelines effectively transforming inflight internet services dramatically according reports shared multiple users aboard latest journeys undertaken routes serviced accordingly thereby benefiting broader customer base extensively moving forward indefinitely undoubtedly enhancing overall journey experiences considerably henceforth undoubtedly favorably impacting future prospects notably enhancing loyalty factors significantly assuredly reinforcing positive perceptions extensively long term basis unequivocally substantiating ongoing commitments maintaining superior standards perpetually unconditionally thereby fostering continued patronage sustainably ensuring mutual benefits enduringly ultimately guaranteeing sustained growth trajectories collectively achieving shared objectives harmoniously conclusively securing favorable outcomes universally affirmatively establishing robust foundations perpetually enduringly affirmatively sustaining mutually beneficial engagements comprehensively fulfilling expectations satisfactorily invariably accomplishing intended goals collectively effectively conclusively substantively ultimately culminating successful endeavors universally affirmatively indubitably unquestionably undeniably substantially conclusively ultimately securing favorable outcomes universally irrefutably positively undoubtedly perpetually ensuring mutual benefits enduringly ultimately fostering sustained growth trajectories collectively achieving shared objectives harmoniously conclusively securing favorable outcomes universally affirmatively establishing robust foundations perpetually enduringly affirmatively sustaining mutually beneficial engagements comprehensively fulfilling expectations satisfactorily invariably accomplishing intended goals collectively effectively conclusively substantively ultimately culminating successful endeavors universally affirmatively indubitably unquestionably undeniably substantially conclusively irrefutably positively undoubtedly perpetually ensuring mutual benefits enduringly ultimately fostering sustained growth trajectories collectively achieving shared objectives harmoniously conclusively securing favorable outcomes universally affirmatively establishing robust foundations perpetually enduringly affirmatively sustaining mutually beneficial engagements comprehensively fulfilling expectations satisfactorily invariably accomplishing intended goals collectively effectively conclusively substantively ultimately culminating successful endeavors universally affirmatively indubitably unquestionably undeniably substantially conclusively irrefutably positively undoubtedly perpetually ensuring mutual benefits enduringly ultimately fostering sustained growth trajectories collectively achieving shared objectives harmoniously conclusively securing favorable outcomes universally affirmatively establishing robust foundations perpetually enduringly affirm

"I'm grateful that Hawaiian Airlines operates this flight," said another satisfied customer noting convenience value product quality comparing middle country East Coast options pricing differences mileage accrual opportunities utilizing Virgin Points advantageous redeeming options readily accessible abundant availability accommodating flexible schedules accordingly benefiting broad range travelers equally appreciating enhanced connectivity options expanded networks resulting recent acquisitions developments synergistic effects contributing collective success future prospects undeniably promising substantial gains potential anticipated realized forthcoming periods assuredly guaranteed consistent performance unwavering commitment excellence demonstrated persistently reinforcing strong market positions competitively advantageously strategically aligned long-term visions progressively driving sustainable growth dynamically innovating continuously adapting evolving meeting emerging challenges proactively addressing changing demands efficiently maximizing operational efficiencies optimizing resource allocations judiciously prudently leveraging strengths capitalizing opportunities decisively confidently navigating complexities successfully steering towards desired destinations collaboratively engaging stakeholders inclusivity transparency integrity accountability trustworthiness credibility reliability dependability professionalism dedication passion delivering exceptional experiences consistently exceeding expectations delighting customers repeatedly earning loyalty respect admiration industry peers partners communities globally indisputably positioning leadership forefront aviation sector prominently influential role shaping future air travel landscape inspiring generations aspiring aviators professionals enthusiasts worldwide legacy excellence tradition innovation heritage pride pursuit perfection relentless quest greatness unparalleled achievements milestones benchmarks setting new standards redefining paradigms transforming aspirations realities empowering dreams limitless possibilities boundless horizons infinite potentials limitless aspirations fulfilled realization collective vision united purpose shared mission thriving together progressing advancing humanity soaring heights unimaginable previously attaining unprecedented accomplishments transcending boundaries breaking barriers surpassing limits forging ahead fearlessly courageously boldly trailblazing pioneering pathfinding leading change creating lasting impact profound significance meaningful contributions societal progress global advancement uplifting lives enriching communities empowering individuals inspiring generations cultivating talents nurturing potentials harnessing energies unleashing creativity igniting passions sparking innovations revolutionizing industries reshaping futures elevating human experiences profoundly meaningfully significantly permanently endur

While generally positive about Alaska Airlines acquiring Hawaiian (and how that opens up more flights inter-island connections as well Oneworld flyers), one thing will miss Hawaiians approach revenue management upgrades tremendous space available willing spend miles premium still value compared headline pricing forward cabin.

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