For decades, Hawaiian Airlines has offered a complimentary meal in economy, a perk that has largely disappeared from domestic air travel.
Starting July 1, that tradition will be discontinued on most flights between Hawaii and the mainland United States. Instead, Hawaiian Airlines New pre-order dining program This will allow main cabin passengers to purchase a Hawaiian-style meal before their flight.
Although travelers will lose their free entree, the airline says the new system will offer a wider range of choices than the single meal currently offered onboard.
“Over the past few years, we’ve heard from our customers that they want an enhanced experience in the main cabin, and we’re excited to continue evolving the way we approach food and beverage throughout our cabin,” Alisa Onishi, managing director of Hawaii Marketing at Hawaiian Airlines, told Afar. “This includes going beyond a complimentary sandwich and offering more variety and flexibility in flavors representative of our island, while retaining the authentic elements of our hospitality.”
How Hawaiian’s new pre-order meal program works
of new program Available on most flights between Hawaii and the continental United States. Passengers will be able to view and purchase meals on the Hawaiian Airlines website or the Alaska Hawaiian mobile app (the combined airlines share an app) from 14 days before departure until 20 hours before the flight.
To develop its menu, Hawaiian partnered with Maui chef Sheldon Simeon, the James Beard Award finalist behind the restaurant. tin roof (a casual lunch spot in Kahului) tiffany (Hawaiian home cooking restaurant in Wailuku). First dishes include Crispy Chicken Mochico with Garlic Noodles, BBQ Teriyaki Chicken Bento, Grilled Chicken Banh Mi Sandwich, Banana Pancakes, Coconut Overnight Oats, and Corned Beef Hash and Eggs. New dishes are introduced throughout the year.
“For me, food is about sharing where I come from and the people who have shaped me,” Sheldon said in a press release announcing the change. “This menu is inspired by the flavors I grew up with in Hawaii.”
Prices will range from $10.99 to $16.99, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options available, the airline said. To ensure freshness, meals are prepared at least 12 hours before each flight. Those who don’t pre-order can still purchase snack boxes and other foods from Pauhana’s snack cart during the flight (previously offering options like Kona furikake chips and Primo popcorn).
Exceptions and freebies
This change does not apply to all routes. Main cabin passengers flying between Honolulu and New York’s John F. Kennedy International Airport will continue to receive complimentary meals, as will travelers flying internationally on Hawaiian Airlines.
Passengers are not completely without free food. “Guests will continue to enjoy complimentary beverages, complimentary local snacks, and sweet treats at the end of the flight,” Onishi said. These products are typically from Hawaii-based brands, such as granola bars from Anahola Granola, chocolate-covered macadamia nuts from Hawaiian Host, and Hawaiian shortbread cookies from Diamond Bakery and Honolulu Cookies.
Local travelers will have the opportunity to try the new menu for free. If you’re a member of Hawaiian’s Huakai loyalty program and live in Hawaii (or register by June 24), you’ll get your first two meals free.
A new dining program comes as Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines continue to integrate after their merger. Hawaiian Airlines said the concept began before the merger, but the move brings its economy dining model more in line with those of other major U.S. airlines.