Following is what you can expect when flying on the seven airlines traveling between the US mainland and Hawaii. Many cheap flights to Hawaii are now in the class of service generically referred to as basic economy. These new fares were the innovation of Delta Airlines, which launched basic economy over five years ago. Now, all but one airline flying to Hawaii has their version of basic economy.
So just what does basic economy to Hawaii entail?
Read on for our pick for winner and runner-up in this challenging category together with a list of offerings for each airline. Note that in addition to the specifics below, be sure to check if you are trying to accrue frequent flyer points, as to how each airline handles that on basic economy tickets varies.
Alaska was late to the party with its saver fares that just started in 2020. With Alaska’s basic economy you still get a free, full-sized carry-on. Seat assignments are automatic or have limited availability, and will most likely be in the back of the plane. You will also be boarding last. Tickets are non-changeable and non-cancellable after the first 24-hours. Uniquely, fee-based upgrades are permitted. Service on-board is otherwise identical to regular economy.
American’s basic economy does not provide seat selection opportunities. Those are assigned at check-in (24-hours before flight). If you wish to pay extra, however, you may be able to snag a seat assignment up to 48 hours before a flight. Free, full-sized carry-on is permitted, although since you’ll be boarding last, finding a space could be a challenge. No upgrades or changes, or cancellation after 24-hours. Service on-board is otherwise identical to regular economy.
Delta basic economy provides seat assignment selection at check-in. There are no changes, cancellations or upgrades permitted. Free full-sized carry-on and a personal item are included. Service on-board is otherwise identical to regular economy.
Basic economy at Hawaii’s bellwether airline includes no advance seat assignment. Seat assignment will be at 24-hour check-in or will be assigned at the gate, at Hawaiian’s discretion. A free carry-on bag and one personal item are included in the new fare class. HawaiianMiles members continue to earn one mile per mile flown. Free meals, beverages, and snacks. Free in-flight entertainment. No upgrades are possible using miles or cash.
Southwest does not have a basic economy offering and had made it clear that it is not likely to either. Southwest previously revealed through a customer survey that it was contemplating a new lower-end product.
Previously, CEO Gary Kelly had said “you’re not going to see basic economy from Southwest.” As an important aside, Southwest does not charge for two checked bags either. Speaking to both basic economy and bag fees, he said “I love the fact that we’re different, and they unbundle and we don’t. And so we just need to continue to find ways with the universe of travelers and the varying needs that they have to see how we can stay true to our brand and offer something of more value to road warriors, to once-a-year-flyers, whatever it might be.”
Seat assignment is provided 24-hours before flight for free, or up to 48-hours in advance for a fee of $10 to Hawaii. Service on-board is otherwise identical to regular economy. You will board last, and use of overhead storage is available for an additional $25 fee. Otherwise, only under-seat storage is permitted, not a full-sized carry-on. Premier members, however, are entitled to a standard carry-on even on basic economy fares. There are no changes, cancellations or upgrades permitted.
Which basic economy is best? The winner is Southwest Airlines, followed by Hawaiian Airlines, then Alaska Airlines.
No basic economy is still the best basic economy. Thus Southwest is the obvious winner in this category.
Hawaiian comes in second since they continue to offer not only a full-size carry-on but also free meals.
Alaska’s Saver Fare is marginally best among basic economy offerings. Overall, their limitations are slightly less onerous than the other airlines. A full-size carry-on bag plus a personal item are included. And, if you change your mind about basic economy after purchase, upgrades are available to regular/premium economy. As with other airlines, limitations of this fare class mean that family members may not get to travel together, making this a good bet when traveling or wishing to sit alone.
Updated 12/1/21.
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Vicky says
Hello, I certainly agree with other comments about Southwest – I grumble when I have to fly ANY other airline for business, so I was thrilled when the started Hawaii routes. Also a huge thank you to you for keeping us abreast of their schedules as new routes got added. I changed our dates to JAN so we could go direct to LIH instead of HNL-LIH inter island on Hawaiian for $200 pp (at that time). Appreciate you for getting the inside track! Mahalo!
Steven M says
I’ve flown Alaska’s Basic Economy twice and both times ended up in a middle seat… uck! Is Basic Economy just a nice way of saying you’re getting a middle seat? I sure won’t be buying Basic Economy anymore if this is the case. It just isn’t worth the few dollar savings.
Joe R. says
Just want to make a comment if you are looking for the best Airlines. I have planned a trip from SLC to Honolulu then Kauai. I have a grandson that has a peanut allergy and CAN NOT be near any peanuts dust and all. Our return flight is on Delta Airlines. We explained our situation to Delta Airlines and they were so accommodating and have guaranteed us they would not serve any peanuts. Quite admirable of Delta.
HOWEVER going to Honolulu we are taking Hawaiian Airlines. I have booked 12 seats for the whole family. When we called Hawaiian Airlines they were rude and wouldn’t even talk about not having peanuts on the flight. Their response was that peanuts are a part of flying and they would not accommodate us in any way. I only wish we had booked our entire trip with Delta. What kind of Airline wouldn’t even listen. Southwest Airlines can’t start flying fast enough for us and I hope they make a huge difference and make Hawaiian Air take notice. Absolutely no customer service with Hawaiian Air.
Thank You Delta and Southwest for doing what is right. I’m disgusted that Hawaiian Airlines wouldn’t even consider our request and if I could change flights this late in the game I most certainly would. This should tell vacationers who they should support and who not to support so please take note.
Jimmy F. says
Seems to me that your fist thought would be not having peanuts on the flight. What were you thinking?
Aloha F. says
I wonder if a mask would help keep the peanut dust out of his lungs?
Sue F. says
Only a well-fitted N-95 mask would work. It is used to protect the wearer from particles as small as 95-99 microns in size (bacteria, for example). The cloth tie-on masks are really only to protect others from the wearer’s sneeze or cough. Few people know this, but my colleagues in the infectious disease world refer to the flimsy tie-on masks as “funnels, not filters.”
The 3-M company N-95 is a good choice. Some hardware stores have them, or a medical supply store. Have a nurse or physician fit the child…. a lot depends on his age.
I have found Hawaiian to be great, and helpful on all occasions and sorry you had such a rude employee. I live in Hawaii and fly them all the time. They are wonderful about my service dog; she has now had 42 flights interisland on Hawaiian. I have never seen peanuts on a Hawaiian flight.
Randy L says
Will Hawaiian airlines be changing their miles needed for travel with southwest in the game?
kiawe says
My only beef with Alaska is that many of their flights to and from HI route through Seattle or Portland, big hubs for them. This also tacks on hours in the air and at least one stop. Great if your destination is the Pacific NW which takes only one hop, not so much if you’re going to points farther south.
Mike C says
On Southwest you can cancel up to flight time and use the funds for future travel (1 year from purchase date of ticket) OR make changes to dates and times and pay only the difference in fares (get a refund if fare is cheaper). Although no reserved seats, you can buy for $25 early bird which usually gets you among the 1st 50 people boarding – highly likely you can get a window or aisle.
Sheri P says
Another huge plus for Southwest Airlines is they do not charge a fee for changes or cancellations. You may pay more for a ticket based on current prices when you make the change, but there is not a fee or penalty for doing so.
Jim M. says
We fly to Maui every year on Hawaiian. The past couple of years we flew on A330’s which were new and wonderful. This past year they had brand new A-321’s. What a joke. The most uncomfortable plane we’ve ever been on. Can you please list the style of planes most airlines are using? Mahalo. Love your newsletter.
Jim M. Modesto Ca.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jim.
Thank you. Most flights are either on or moving to either 321 or 737. Other than main city pairs which have larger Airbus and Boeing. Perhaps we’ll do a post on that – thanks for the suggestion.
Aloha.
Bill says
I would like to know the type of plane by airline too as some are more designed for over water travel than others.
Amanda E says
I agree with this article about Alaska Airlines. They have ALWAYS been our go to when flying Hawaii. Cant be at the two FREE Hawaiian drinks (no matter what class) and a free Hawaiian cookie!! The service is impeccable PLUS cost is super affordable.
Eddie L. says
I always fly Alaska SJC/LIH/SJC. Since I have a Visa Alaska CC I and six pax that fly with me can have one free check-in luggage (plus the usual carry-on plus one personal bag [purse, computer bag, etc]) I always have two check-in bags, one normal and one for all my DME. Been using Alaska since they started service SJC/LIH. Have never had any issues with Alaska.