Are you planning a trip with Hawaiian Airlines and thinking about splurging a bit on comfort? Whether you're dreaming of stretching your legs in extra legroom seats or wondering how to make your flying experience a tad more luxurious, you're likely curious about the Hawaiian Airlines seat upgrade process. In this post, we'll dive into everything from costs and how to upgrade, to the ins and outs of upgrade guidelines, and even if there are chances to score a free upgrade.
Understanding the Hawaiian Airlines Seat Upgrade Cost
Hawaiian has a pretty straightforward pricing system for upgrading your seat, whether you want an extra legroom economy Plus seat or to move into first class. Upgrade costs are based on your route, travel dates, and original fare class.
Here are some sample one-way upgrade costs from economy to economy plus and first class on Hawaiian:
Seat Upgrade Type | Short-Haul Flight | Long-Haul Flight |
Extra Comfort (More Legroom) | $50 - $100 | $100 - $200 |
First Class Upgrade | $250 - $500 | $500 - $1,000 |
Business Class Upgrade | $400 - $800 | $900 - $1,500 |
Key Points to Remember:
Short-Haul Flights:Â Typically, these are inter-island flights or flights to the West Coast of the United States.
Long-Haul Flights:Â These are usually flights that travel from Hawaii to the East Coast of the United States or international destinations.
Extra Comfort:Â This is the most basic upgrade, offering more legroom and other minor perks to enhance comfort.
First/Business Class Upgrades: These upgrades provide a significant boost in comfort, service, and amenities, including larger seating, premium meal services, and additional baggage allowances.
How do I upgrade my travel class on Hawaiian Airlines?
There are a few different ways to upgrade your seat once you've booked your Hawaiian Air flight:
At Booking:Â When purchasing your ticket on hawaiianair.com, you'll be given the option to upgrade your seat selection and travel class for the listed upgrade cost.
Online After Booking: Log into your reservation on Hawaiian's website and there will be an option to "Upgrade Travel Class." You can view costs and make the upgrade here.
Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade Cost Phone Number:Â Dial 1-800-367-5320 (Official) or 1-860-374-7569 (OTA) and let the reservation agent know you want to upgrade. They can check availability and pricing.
At Airport Check-In: Try your luck at the airport to snag a last-minute upgrade if seats are still available. Just let the check-in agent know you're interested in upgrading.
The earlier you upgrade, whether online, by phone, or at booking, the better availability and pricing you'll find. Last-minute upgrades at the airport are an option but come with limited inventory.
What are the upgrade guidelines on Hawaiian Airlines?
Hawaiian has different rules and restrictions depending on what type of upgrade you're looking for:
Economy to Economy Plus (Extra Legroom)
No elite status required
Upgrades permitted anytime for a fee
Exit row seats are considered Economy Plus
Economy or Economy Plus to First Class
Must have original ticket in Y or B fare class
Can only upgrade at departure gate or with agent
First class upgrade costs more from discounted economy fares
Some key restrictions to note:
Basic economy fares cannot be upgraded
First class upgrades only available on flights over 5.5 hours
You cannot upgrade into lie-flat premium cabins
Can I get free seat upgrades on Hawaiian Airlines?
While you'll always need to pay a fee to upgrade from economy to economy plus on Hawaiian, there are a few ways to snag a first class upgrade for free:
Elite Hawaiian Miles Members
Premier Club members can get unlimited complimentary first class upgrades starting at 240 hours before departure based on their elite tier and availability. Even entry-level elites get a few annual free upgrades.
Using Miles
You can upgrade from economy to first using your HawaiianMiles. Mileage requirements are distance-based, so shorter routes like Hawaii-West Coast US require less miles. Free upgrade awards are capacity controlled.
Volunteer for Denied Boarding
When flights are oversold, Hawaiian may offer first class travel vouchers to passengers willing to volunteer to take a later flight. Not a sure bet, but a nice bonus if your plans are flexible.
Service Failures or Issues
In cases of significant delays, lost bags or other major service failures, Hawaiian Airlines may provide a first class upgrade as a courtesy. This is at the airline's discretion.
Can I Upgrade My Seat After Purchase
Absolutely! As long as there are seats available for upgrades, you can upgrade your seat after purchase. This can be done through your online booking or by calling customer service. Keep in mind, last-minute upgrades at the airport are possible, but they depend heavily on availability.In
Conclusion
Upgrading your seat on Hawaiian Airlines can make your travel much more enjoyable, especially for long flights across the Pacific. Whether you decide to plan ahead or take a chance on a last-minute upgrade at the airport, understanding the process and costs involved can help you make the best decision for your travel style and budget. Don’t forget, the friendly skies are even friendlier when you’re comfortable!
Safe travels and remember to enjoy every bit of your Hawaiian journey, from takeoff to aloha landing! If you have further questions or need assistance with your upgrade, just reach out to the Hawaiian Airlines customer service1-860-374-7569 or +1-800-367-5320. They’re just a call away and always ready to help.