Delta Air Lines is entering a new heated rivalry with Hawaiian Airlines as it launches competing nonstop service from Boston to Honolulu on November 21, 2024. This new route marks the latest battle in the larger competition to dominate Hawaii flights. Delta isn’t just relying on its modern fleet and amenities; it’s adding a new quirk. Now, Shake Shack burgers will be featured on its Delta One business menu, aiming to lure passengers with comfort and culinary appeal.
Two airlines, two visions of Hawaii flight marketing.
Both Delta and Hawaiian are deploying Airbus A330 aircraft, but the onboard experience is quite different. Delta’s A330-300 boasts well-regarded Delta One Suites in business class, featuring privacy doors, lie-flat seats, and direct aisle access. Hawaiian, on the other hand, is using its legacy A330-200 aircraft with Optimares lie-flat seats in business class. These seats, while functional, lack the modern touches, aisle access, and privacy that Delta’s Suites provide.
Economy passengers also have varying experiences. Delta offers Delta Premium Select, a true premium economy product with wider seats, greater recline, and adjustable footrests, as well as extra legroom seating in Comfort+. Hawaiian, on the other hand, relies solely on extra legroom seating and its signature island hospitality to enhance its economy offering.
One Beat of Hawaii reader, Frank, already shared his thoughts: “I’ve flown Hawaiian on this route before, but their business class doesn’t justify the price. Delta’s new Suites might finally convince me to switch.”
Delta is literally shaking up in-flight dining with a collaboration that brings Shake Shack’s signature ShackBurger to Delta One passengers. The burger, made with 100% Angus beef and served with ShackSauce, comes alongside a Caesar salad, chips, and a dark chocolate brownie. This partnership marks the first time Shake Shack’s menu has been served in the air, and it’s part of Delta’s and the industry’s broader effort to elevate its onboard experience.
Shake Shack takes to the Hawaiian skies.
As Beat of Hawaii reader Megan just wrote to us, “I’d never expect to find Shake Shack on a flight. It’s a fun idea, but let’s hope it doesn’t compromise the quality of overall service.”
Passengers can pre-select their meals using the Delta app or via email up to 24 hours before departure. This feature further underscores Delta’s focus on convenience and premium service.
Hawaiian fights to retain its competitive edge.
Hawaiian Airlines has been the sole player on this nonstop Boston-Honolulu route since 2019, offering what is the longest domestic nonstop flight in the U.S. While Hawaiian is known for its highly regarded island-inspired hospitality, Delta’s entry brings stiffer competition. With its more refined aircraft, business and premium economy classes, and now this interesting Shake Shack collaboration, Delta is clearly aiming to capture a share of Hawaiian’s loyal customer base on this route.
What this means for Hawaii travelers.
The addition of Delta to this route provides passengers with more choices and competition, which could lead to better prices and enhanced in-flight experiences. Airfares are already improving and could continue to do so. For frequent premium travelers, the decision may come down to personal preference: Delta’s modern luxury versus Hawaiian’s homegrown charm.
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Shake shack burgers offered to business class only. The price on the mainland for a basic burger is 15.00 where I live. What does the airlines charge 30.00 or more. How is it heated? Meat patty cooked in a kitchen at the airport and brought aboard in a thermal hot water bath type of unit? Yum sounds like a big deal when it is really not. Most airline food is pre assembled and packaged before it ever hits the airplane.
The aviation media have been losing their minds over this story today. I’m sorry, but I can’t help but think how far premium cabin travel has fallen since the days of Pan Am.
Here in the South we have a saying…”Bless your heart.” I’m going to fly on an airplane (and in First Class – Delta One) for….a hamburger?
“Shake Shack burgers will be featured on its Delta One business menu, aiming to lure passengers with culinary appeal.”
Wow, how far we have fallen. I expected your article to say that Shake Shack Burgers would be the economy meal.
This ain’t caviar folks, or should I say, Tobiko or Masago.
I’m actually flying Delta First in Jan on my way back from the holidays in HNL. If they have that available I’ll let you know how it was…
Best Regards
Hi Jay.
Thanks. We’d love to hear.
Aloha.
Shake shake burgers can be purchased for business class? This article misses one of the biggest differentiators beside service (which I believe the Hawaiian flight attendants win this one) and seats (Delta slight edge in business class), but….free Starlink internet on Hawaiian for everyone, it works flawlessly over the ocean and everywhere, is as fast (faster in some cases) than home internet and incredibly faster and more reliable than any other airline internet connection, including Delta’s which you pay for and is of marginal quality, nowhere close to Starlink. If you don’t use internet or want it, then a burger in business class and slightly nicer seating with slightly less service is the differentiator. If you use internet flying, no comparison, Hawaiian.
Shakeshack burger vs Starlink internet for an 11hr flight. I know which one I’d rather have.
Not being a nihilist here, but its a sad state of affairs if we are glossing over a chain-burger being served in First Class on what is the longest domestic flight in the US. I guess Delta likes to put a positive on whatever it can.
Now if it was an offering in Economy, then this is an interesting turn.
Here’s what HA is offering:
Appetizer
Warmed Croissant (serve with Butter and Jam)
Fresh Fruit Bowl
Main Course (Please Select One)
Roasted Broccoli, Mushroom and Cheese Frittata with Chicken Sausage
Pancakes with Tropical Fruit Compote and Pork Sausage
Dessert
Warm Yuzu Poundcake by Executive Chef Michelle Karr-Ueoka
Coffee, Tea and Liqueurs
Lunch/Dinner
Salad Course
Panzanella Salad with Tomato, Basil and Garlic Croutons
Main Course (Please Select One)
BBQ Korean Style Chicken with Kim Chee Fried Rice
Vegetable Curry with Steamed White Rice
Delta’s premium economy is an interesting proposition compared to Hawaiian’s extra legroom seats. Why hasn’t Hawaiian upgraded their offerings in all these years?
I agree. IMHO Hawaiian missed a great opportunity by not providing for a separate premium economy cabin in their new 787s. Big mistake especially when all they offer in the coach layout is a 3-3-3 uninspiring unpopular seating.
They have put starlink, for free to everyone, in all of their A330s and A321s, not inexpensive to do, and are phasing their 330s through a redo of their cabins.
This is great news for competition that usually means better prices and services. Hawaiian’s hospitality is hard to beat, but Delta’s modern touches make for an another choice.
Shake Shack on a flight? It’s a fun idea, but how will that turn out made in the air. How about a tiny bit more space instead?
I’ve flown Hawaiian on this route before, but their business class doesn’t justify the price. Delta’s new Suites might finally convince me to switch.