One aspect of this economy flight was a revelation
The economy cabin class is a 2-4-2 configuration. Sitting in an inner aisle seat with no one next to me, I have that blessed feeling that I won't have to get up at any point. Seats are 17 inches (43 centimetres) wide with a pitch of 32 inches (81cm). I'm 180 centimetres tall and able-bodied, and I find them comfortable. Even when the seat in front drops back suddenly, I don't have a screen in my face. The window seating appears to be mostly occupied by couples or friends; an excellent and civilised option for those who need to move around more without the guilt of annoying a stranger.
Entertainment + tech
Free, fast, and reliable Wi-Fi (courtesy of Elon Musk's Starlink satellites) for everyone on board is a revelation. The entertainment system features a wide selection of contemporary films, along with '90s and early 2000s classics. There are also documentaries from HBO and National Geographic, while children have a dedicated section with up-to-date TV shows and feature-length films. The nine-inch touchscreen is adequate and causes no issues. A standard USB type-A port enables charging, alongside an audio-out socket, allowing me to connect my own noise-cancelling headphones.
Service
Does an airline's staff demeanour hinge on the destination? In this case, there are beaming smiles all around and vibrant plumeria flowers tucked behind ears. And being greeted with 'aloha' when stepping aboard is equally disarming as it is fun. The two men servicing my cabin are polite and attentive, even when I want a breakdown of the meal options and ask them to fill my water bottle.
Food
An evening meal is served immediately after take off, consisting of either teriyaki chicken with steamed vegetables and rice, or beef with mashed potatoes. I opt for the former, and it ticks all the boxes of a standard airline meal: not terrible but nothing exceptional. After a five-hour interval, breakfast is served: potato hash and a small, flavoursome – but ultimately forgettable – frittata.
A touch I particularly liked, however, was that water was offered regularly, at least every hour or so. For those who want to nibble, a Pau Hana snack bar located at the rear galley offers a multitude of salty and sweet snacks for purchase, from wheels up to wheels down.
Sustainability
Hawaiian Airlines aims to achieve net zero emissions by 2050 through partnerships with Sustainable Aviation Fuel (SAF), waste reduction initiatives, and LEED-certified facilities. It's cutting plastics, boosting sustainable fuel use, and greening operations to support a more eco-conscious future.*
One more thing
The airline now treats surfboards, bikes, and golf clubs as standard checked baggage – no extra fees, no fuss. It's a savvy move that caters to the island-bound adventurer, blending practicality with the airline's aloha spirit.
The price
From about $1000 return, economy class.**
The verdict
Heading to Portland, Boston, or Las Vegas? This is a polished trans-Pacific economy class that other carriers should look to emulate, with the added opportunity of a flop-and-drop stopover.
Our rating out of five
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