When planning air travel, one of the most common concerns for passengers is whether they will be able to choose their preferred seat on the plane. The seating arrangements in-flight can significantly influence comfort, especially on long-haul journeys. For those flying with Hawaiian Airlines, a popular carrier serving both domestic and international routes, understanding the seat selection process is essential to ensure a smooth and enjoyable flight experience.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the details of Hawaiian Airlines seat selection, including how the process works, the options available to passengers, the associated fees, and how to optimize the experience to ensure you secure the seat that best suits your needs.
Hawaiian Airlines Overview
Before diving into the specifics of seat selection, it’s helpful to understand a bit about Hawaiian Airlines. As Hawaii’s largest and longest-serving airline, Hawaiian Airlines connects the Hawaiian Islands with destinations across the mainland United States, Asia, the South Pacific, and more. Known for its commitment to customer service, the airline offers a range of classes, amenities, and options for passengers to enjoy a seamless travel experience.
Can You Choose Seats on Hawaiian Airlines?
The short answer is yes, you can choose your seats on Hawaiian Airlines. The airline allows passengers to select their seats during or after booking, although the options available depend on several factors, such as the fare class, availability, and any additional fees for premium seating. In general, Hawaiian Airlines strives to make seat selection a convenient and transparent process.
Below, we’ll break down the Hawaiian Airlines seat selection process in more detail to help you better understand how it works.
How to Choose Your Seat on Hawaiian Airlines?
1. During the Booking Process
When you book your flight with Hawaiian Airlines, whether through the airline’s website, a third-party booking service, or a travel agent, you’ll typically have the option to select your seat during the reservation process. After selecting your flight and fare, you will be prompted to choose your seat from a seating chart that shows the layout of the plane, including available seats.
If you prefer to choose your seat at this point, here’s how the process works:
- Access the Seat Map: After entering your passenger details and confirming your itinerary, a seating map will be presented, allowing you to select from available seats. These seat maps provide an overview of the cabin layout, indicating which seats are open and which are reserved.
- Choose Based on Your Preferences: Depending on your personal preferences, you can choose seats in different areas of the aircraft, such as window seats, aisle seats, or those closer to the front of the plane. Passengers traveling in groups may also select seats together during this process.
- Fare and Seat Class: Some seats are included in the base fare, while others, such as premium seats with extra legroom or those in more desirable locations, may require an additional fee.
2. After Booking – Manage Your Booking
If you don’t select your seat during the initial booking process, or if you want to change your seat at a later time, Hawaiian Airlines allows you to do so through its “Manage Flights” feature on the airline’s website or mobile app.
Here’s how you can select or change your seat after booking:
- Log into Your Reservation: Navigate to the Hawaiian Airlines website or mobile app and select the “Manage Flights” option. You’ll need to enter your last name and booking reference or HawaiianMiles number.
- Access the Seat Map: Once you’ve retrieved your booking, you’ll be able to view and modify your seat selection. This option is available up until the check-in process begins, typically 24 hours before departure.
- Upgrade Options: If you’re interested in upgrading to a seat with more space or a more premium position on the plane, you may be able to do so through this feature, though additional fees may apply.
3. At Check-In
Hawaiian Airlines also allows seat selection during the check-in process, which begins 24 hours before your scheduled departure time. At this stage, passengers who have not yet chosen their seats can pick from the remaining options, though availability may be limited.
Check-in options include:
- Online Check-In: Hawaiian Airlines offers online check-in through its website and mobile app, providing the most convenient way to select seats and finalize travel arrangements. During online check-in, you will be presented with the seat map, which shows which seats are still available for your flight.
- Airport Check-In: If you prefer to check in at the airport, Hawaiian Airlines’ kiosks or check-in counters will allow you to choose seats at this stage. However, be aware that seat availability may be more limited, especially on fully booked flights.
Hawaiian Airlines Seat Selection Options
Hawaiian Airlines’ seat selection policy offers several seat categories, each with different features and price points. Knowing these options will help you make the best decision for your flight.
1. Main Cabin Seating
The majority of seats on Hawaiian Airlines are classified as “Main Cabin” seats, which are standard economy seats. These seats offer the basic amenities you’d expect for an economy-class flight, including:
- Standard Legroom: Main Cabin seats provide average legroom (approximately 31-32 inches of seat pitch) for a comfortable, no-frills experience.
- Complimentary In-Flight Service: Passengers in the Main Cabin receive complimentary meals, snacks, and beverages on long-haul flights, including flights to and from the U.S. mainland, Asia, and the South Pacific.
Main Cabin passengers can select their seats during booking, manage them afterward, or assign them at check-in. Seats in the Main Cabin are generally included in the price of your ticket, but for more desirable locations, there may be an added fee.
2. Preferred Seats
Hawaiian Airlines offers a “Preferred Seats” option for passengers who wish to sit in specific areas of the plane, such as seats closer to the front or those offering easier access to restrooms or exits. These seats are still part of the Main Cabin but provide some additional convenience:
- Closer to Boarding and Deplaning: Preferred Seats are located in the front rows of the Main Cabin, making it easier for passengers to board and exit the aircraft quickly.
- Additional Cost: Selecting a Preferred Seat typically incurs an additional fee, though the cost may vary depending on the route, demand, and seat location.
3. Extra Comfort Seats
If you’re looking for a more comfortable economy-class experience, Hawaiian Airlines’ “Extra Comfort” seating option provides additional amenities. These seats are popular for passengers on long-haul flights, as they offer:
- Increased Legroom: Extra Comfort seats provide up to 5 inches of additional legroom compared to standard Main Cabin seats, offering a seat pitch of approximately 36 inches.
- Priority Boarding: Passengers in Extra Comfort seats receive priority boarding privileges, allowing them to board the plane before standard Main Cabin passengers.
- Enhanced In-Flight Experience: Extra Comfort passengers may receive additional amenities such as complimentary entertainment and more legroom, as well as a higher baggage allowance depending on the flight.
Selecting an Extra Comfort seat usually requires an additional fee, which varies depending on the length of the flight and demand.
Read Also: Hawaiian Airlines Name Change Policy
4. First Class/Business Class
For those seeking a premium travel experience, Hawaiian Airlines offers First Class (on U.S. domestic routes) or Business Class (on international flights). These seats provide the highest level of comfort, with features including:
- Lie-Flat Seats: On most international flights and some long-haul domestic routes, First Class/Business Class seats can convert into lie-flat beds, making them ideal for long flights where rest is important.
- Exclusive Service: Passengers in these classes receive premium meals, drinks, and in-flight service, as well as access to airport lounges and priority boarding.
- Additional Privacy: First Class/Business Class seats typically offer more privacy, space, and luxurious amenities compared to the Main Cabin.
Seat selection in First Class or Business Class is included in the fare, and passengers can choose their specific seat when booking, managing their reservation, or checking in.
Seat Selection Fees on Hawaiian Airlines
While Hawaiian Airlines allows all passengers to select their seats, the cost of doing so may vary depending on the seat type and location. Here is a general overview of Hawaiian Airlines seat selection fees:
- Standard Main Cabin Seats: These are generally included in the base fare, but certain preferred locations (like window or aisle seats) may have an additional fee, depending on demand.
- Preferred Seats: Passengers who want seats in the front of the Main Cabin or desirable locations may need to pay a small fee, typically ranging from $10 to $50, depending on the route.
- Extra Comfort Seats: These seats incur a higher fee than standard seats, with prices varying based on the length of the flight. For longer flights, Extra Comfort seats can cost anywhere from $50 to $150 or more.
- First Class/Business Class: Seats in First Class or Business Class are included with the premium fare, so there are no additional fees for seat selection in these classes.
Read Also: Hawaiian Airlines Name Change Policy
Tips for Choosing the Best Seats on Hawaiian Airlines
To ensure that you get the best seat possible, here are some tips to keep in mind when selecting your seat on Hawaiian Airlines:
1. Book Early: The earlier you book your flight, the more seat options will be available to you. Popular seats, such as window and aisle seats or those with extra legroom, tend to fill up quickly, so securing your reservation early increases your chances of getting the seat you want.
2. Consider Seat Location: Think about what’s most important to you in a seat. If you want to get off the plane quickly, choose a seat near the front. If you want a noise-free zone, avoid seats near the galley or lavatories.
3. Upgrade for More Comfort: If you’re flying on a long-haul route, consider upgrading to an Extra Comfort seat for more legroom or even First Class for the best experience. It can make a significant difference on flights lasting five hours or more.
4. Check Seat Availability Frequently: Even if the seat you want isn’t available when you first book your ticket, check back periodically. Seats may open up as passengers cancel or change their reservations.
5. Use HawaiianMiles for Free Seat Selection: If you’re a member of Hawaiian Airlines’ frequent flyer program, HawaiianMiles, you may be eligible for complimentary seat selection or discounts on preferred or Extra Comfort seats. Be sure to check if your status offers any seat selection benefits.
Conclusion
In summary, Hawaiian Airlines allows passengers to choose their seats, offering flexibility and options to cater to different preferences and budgets. From standard Main Cabin seats to premium Extra Comfort and First Class options, travelers have a range of choices to ensure a comfortable journey. By booking early, considering your personal preferences, and being aware of seat fees, you can optimize your Hawaiian Airlines seat selection experience and enjoy your flight to the fullest.
FAQs
Yes, passengers flying with Hawaiian Airlines can select their seats. During the booking process, a seat map is provided, allowing you to choose your preferred seat. If you don’t choose a seat at that time, you can select or modify it later through the “Manage Flights” feature on the Hawaiian Airlines website or app, or during check-in, which starts 24 hours before departure.
Hawaiian Airlines does not charge for all seat selections, but certain seat types do come with an additional fee. Standard Main Cabin seats are usually included in the fare, but there are fees for Preferred Seats, which are located in more desirable sections of the cabin, and Extra Comfort seats, which offer additional legroom and other perks. Fees for these upgraded seats vary depending on the route and demand.
If you are unable to pick your seats on Hawaiian Airlines, it could be due to several reasons. For example, seat selection may be unavailable if your fare type doesn’t include seat selection, or if the flight is full and the remaining seats are automatically assigned. Additionally, technical issues or restrictions placed on seat selection by third-party booking systems can sometimes limit your ability to choose seats.
Yes, Hawaiian Airlines offers free seat selection for most standard Main Cabin seats, which are included in the base fare. However, if you wish to select Preferred Seats or Extra Comfort seats, which provide additional legroom or other benefits, an additional fee may apply. For passengers who prefer free options, it’s best to choose a standard seat during booking or check-in, though availability may be limited closer to departure.
Yes, Hawaiian Airlines allows passengers to choose their seats during the booking process. After selecting your flight, you will be prompted to choose a seat from the seat map displayed on the website or mobile app. If you do not select a seat during booking, you can still do so later through the “Manage Flights” section or during check-in.
Seat selection fees on Hawaiian Airlines depend on the type of seat you choose. Standard Main Cabin seats are generally included in the ticket price, but there may be fees for Preferred Seats (closer to the front of the cabin) or Extra Comfort seats, which offer more legroom. The fees vary based on seat type and flight route.
Extra Comfort seats are an upgraded seating option on Hawaiian Airlines, offering up to 5 inches of additional legroom, priority boarding, and other benefits. You can select and purchase Extra Comfort seats during booking, through the “Manage Flights” section, or at check-in. These seats are particularly popular on long-haul flights due to the enhanced comfort they provide.
Yes, a seat change is possible upon booking your flight. You can do this by going to the “Manage Flights” feature on the Hawaiian Airlines website or mobile app. You will be able to view the seat map and select from available seats. Seat changes are allowed up until check-in begins, typically 24 hours before departure. Fees may apply when changing to a preferred or extra Comfortable seat.
If you don’t select a seat in advance, Hawaiian Airlines will automatically assign one to you during the check-in process. While this ensures you will have a seat, your options may be limited, especially on full flights. To have more control over your seating, it’s recommended to select your seat when booking or before check-in starts.