News from four important airlines speaks to economy shrinking in every terrible way you can imagine. The reason it will hit hardest on Hawaii flights is simply a function of just how long it takes to cross the Pacific, typically no less than five sometimes unbearable hours. Here’s what these airlines have in mind for us now.
Alaska Airlines Hawaii flights refocus on premium.
Alaska Airlines announced a big shift in prioritizing premium seating. The airline is now betting big on upping all of its successful premium offerings, adding more first class and more extra legroom/Premium seats to its planes that fly to Hawaii, including Boeing 737-800, 737-900ER, and MAX 9.
Despite these changes, a glimmer of hope is that Alaska Airlines still maintains a seat pitch of 31-32 inches in economy, which is relatively generous compared to evolving industry standards. This strategic shift at Alaska aims to tap into the growing demand for premium offerings. It positions Alaska Airlines to compete strongly in the top tier of the airline industry. Read our article Review: “Hacking” First Class to Hawaii On Alaska Airlines.
It’s interesting to point out that Hawaiian Air’s A321neo fleet only has 30 inches of pitch in economy, which is in part why that economy configuration has received so many negative comments. Their older 330 fleet has a slightly more generous 31 inches of seat pitch. Alaska hopes to complete its acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines in the near future. We don’t know what, if anything, that might mean to Hawaiian aircraft configurations going forward, if the merger is successful.
Southwest Hawaii premium – not if, just when.
Southwest Hawaii flights, known for a unique approach with free checked bags, no change fees, and open seating with a generous 32-33 inch seat pitch, is planning a significant shift towards introducing Southwest premium seating too. This change, driven by the need to improve financial performance and enhance passenger experience options, involves reconfiguring their cabin layouts to include a premium section with extra legroom and assigned seating. We’ll see what that means to the rest of the plane, but if strong industry trends take hold at Southwest too, less legroom lies ahead.
Their strategic plan aligns Southwest more closely with industry practices. It offers the potential for more comfort and eliminates the “cattle call” boarding process for those who pay more, which will be particularly beneficial for their long-haul Hawaii flights. This change reflects Southwest’s need for adaptation to competitive market demands by offering a more comfortable travel experience all around for passengers willing to pay up. For Southwest economy passengers, on the other hand, changes will definitely not be for the better.
JetBlue Airlines shrinks economy comfort big-time!
JetBlue Airlines, which hopes to fly to Hawaii, is making significant changes to its fleet by shrinking economy-class seats and introducing a new premium cabin called “Mini Mint” on all planes that don’t already have business class.
Most notably, JetBlue’s reconfiguration of aircraft to include premium seats will result in reduced legroom in the economy cabin, from the current 32 inches to just 30 inches. Ouch!
JetBlue’s decision to prioritize premium seating reflects both its and the industry’s strategy to boost revenue and cater to the strong demand for premium products, without regard to the impact of the big reduction in economy-class comfort. This move also illustrates the airline industry’s trend towards enhancing premium offerings at all costs to improve profitability.
United Airlines Premium Seating Priority
United Airlines continues to focus on its upgraded seats as well. That’s especially important according to the airline in its premium markets (such as Hawaii). The company believes that this focus gives it a competitive edge, as rivals like Alaska, JetBlue, Southwest and others also rush to solidify their own premium offerings. See United Airlines Hawaii Polaris Review: Excellent!
Are you stepping up to premium seating, the way the airlines hope, or will you suffer along in the back of the bus?
I followed your reporting of the engine problems on Hawaiian airlines A3 21 airplanes. Pratt & Whitney engines all recall I wonder have they all been fixed? I’ve asked this question before and never received an answer.