When it comes to long-haul domestic flights to and from Hawaii, many travelers dream of flying in first or business class. The allure of lie-flat seats, premium meals, and extra service is strong. However, the reality is often very different from that perception, especially on narrow-body aircraft (B737 and A321) that are used on most Hawaii-bound routes.
After years of experimenting with different ways to fly comfortably, we’ve settled on a better strategy when lie-flat seats are not offered—flying with “three” economy seats for two travelers. Surprisingly, this setup offers benefits that, in our opinion, beat out first class seats, especially when combined with extra legroom seats. Here’s why we’ve been doing it repeatedly and why it may be the perfect option for your next Hawaii trip.
Note: There are good questions about the process that we answered in the comments below.
Comfort over perceived luxury: more space without the sticker shock.
It may seem counter-intuitive, but booking three economy seats on narrow-body Hawaii flights provides a comfort level that rivals first class. Here’s how: by guaranteeing that we have the middle seat to ourselves, we instantly create more personal space for each traveler. We’ve found that having the entire row for two people, with the extra seat as a buffer, allows for more freedom to stretch, store personal items, and move around without feeling cramped.
First class comes with certain perks and a wider seat, but the ability to have a row to ourselves gives us far better control over in-flight comfort. Plus, with the narrow-body aircraft most often used on domestic Hawaii routes, the difference between first class and economy isn’t even close to what it is on widebody flights.
Maximizing savings: comfort without the first-class price.
We can’t deny that one of the biggest benefits of this strategy is the cost savings. Flying first or business class to and from Hawaii comes with a hefty price tag, even on narrow-body aircraft. Typically, first-class tickets range from $600 to $2000 one way, meaning for two people, that’s easily $1,200 or more per flight.
You can save significant money while enjoying ample comfort by purchasing three economy seats instead of two first-class tickets and buying them when they are on sale. For example, on a recent trip between Kauai and LAX, we paid under $200 per economy seat each way, making the total cost for three seats just over $500. This resulted in well over 50% savings compared to first class, with the added benefit of having extra space in the middle.
Flexibility and availability: how we make this strategy work.
This three-seat strategy works best when we can find flights with available seating flexibility. In the past week, we’ve tried it on United and American Airlines and learned a few tricks for securing the best possible seats.
Book early. The earlier we book, the better our chances of finding three adjacent seats in an extra-legroom row. We could book an extra seat online with United but had to call American to add the third seat.
While it’s not always possible to upgrade the seats to extra legroom, as was our case on a sold-out American Airlines flight, having an extra seat made a huge difference despite the very tight 30″ legroom.
Check airline seat maps frequently. We regularly check airline seat maps as the flight date approaches. Sometimes, more desirable seats open up as other passengers change their plans, leaving better seating options to choose from.
Consider less popular flight times. We find that less crowded flights, either during off-peak times or midweek, have offered a better chance of securing three adjacent seats.
Extra legroom vs. standard economy: a big perk.
For an even better experience, when feasible in terms of availability and incremental cost, we aim for extra-legroom seats whenever possible. These seats sometimes come at a reasonable additional cost compared to upgrading to first class. The extra inches of legroom combined with the extra seat in the middle create a spacious environment that makes the long flight more bearable.
However, even when it isn’t possible to snag extra-legroom seats, this strategy still works well in standard economy. That extra seat makes a noticeable difference in comfort despite tight legroom. You can spread out, rest comfortably, and even recline without feeling cramped beside another passenger.
Perfect for long flights to and from Hawaii.
One key reason this strategy works so well is the length of the flights to and from Hawaii. With flight times averaging 5-6 hours from the West Coast, comfort becomes more critical, especially on domestic flights where first-class service and seat offerings can be largely underwhelming. The three-seat setup gives us the extra space to enjoy the flight far more without feeling like we’re compromising on comfort.
Why this might be better than premium economy or first class.
Some might wonder how this setup compares to other seating options like premium economy or first class. Here’s our take:
First class costs more without adding much value on narrow-body domestic flights to Hawaii. While first class typically offers better service, the overall experience on these flights is often disappointing. Service is limited, meals aren’t anything special, and the premium pricing just doesn’t seem to add up. The comfort of three economy seats, with the middle seat free, gives us comparable space for a fraction of the cost.
We always bring food and beverages onboard. Another reason first class feels overrated is the largely dismal meal service on domestic flights. Whether we’re flying in first class or economy, we prefer to cater our meals and water, so the “premium” food offerings aren’t even a selling point for us. When we’re already bringing our own, paying more for the in-flight food doesn’t make sense.
We use this strategy across different airlines. On United, we managed to secure extra-legroom seats, while on American, we didn’t get the upgrade but still found the extra space from the three-seat setup more than sufficient. We’ve consistently been impressed by how much more enjoyable the flight becomes with this infrequently used approach. BOH editor Jeff has been using this for at least thirty years.
If you’re interested in more detailed reviews of these airlines, please check out our United Airlines economy and economy-plus review and our tips on choosing the best seats for Hawaii flights.
This works on all airlines flying to Hawaii except one.
Southwest does not currently allow you to buy an extra seat but all the other airlines do. That will change when Southwest goes to assigned seating soon.
Final thoughts: is this strategy right for you?
If you’re looking for a way to fly comfortably without breaking the bank, booking three economy seats could be the perfect solution. Whether traveling together for business or personal, more space makes long flights more bearable. This strategy never fails to deliver flexibility, comfort, and savings that are impossible to beat. It may not have all the bells and whistles or prestige of first class, but we’re convinced this approach is the clear winner for domestic Hawaii flights.
Please let us know your thoughts on this strategy and what else works for you to achieve greater comfort in a shrinking airline seat world.
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Does this also allow you extra luggage.
Don’t like the idea. What if you had to get home for an emergency but the flight was full because “you” bought that third seat- piggy!
Southwest will now lose customers with all there new changes, especially less leg room which was a great selling point. Now they are just like the other greedy airlines.
Huh? Maybe we shouldn’t fly at all since maybe a family needs those seats for an emergency.
Great tip! I should probably do this with my partner instead of hoping no one books the middle seat. When someone does book the middle seat, we decide their fate by either giving them the window or aisle depending on the flight we’re taking
Well, I fly solo, so that’s one reason why this wouldn’t work. But, honestly, even having all three seats in a coach row to myself can’t beat a lie flat seat. I’ve had a whole coach row to myself more than once and it simply does not rival the comfort of being able to lie totally flat. Perhaps, if one doesn’t intend to sleep, it’s good enough. But, I like to sleep through the entire flight and that’s worth the money for first, imo.
Tell me you didn’t read the article without telling me you didn’t read the article
Just because the article suggests that lie flat seats to Hawaii are somehow hard to find doesn’t make it true. American, Delta and United all offer flights to Hawaii with lie flat seats.
… but only from certain airports and to certain Hawaii destinations.
There are so many more “non-flat planes then flat ones.”
We flew out in July on Hawaiian Air, from LAX, and I bought my husband the 1st class lie flat seats due to his health issues. $1100 RT (weekday flights) was so worth it. The rest of us suffered economy. I wouldn’t bother with buying an extra seat for a 5 hr flight, but if I could on an 11 hour flight…genius!
i thought the airlines could rebook and fill empty seats which they assume there are no-shows.
My remedy and recommendation is to use padded bicycle shorts underneath ones clothes. Helps me to prevent a sore behind and prevent lower back aches.
Nope not for me. You’re still stuck in the back with all the knuckle heads, (not that there aren’t any in first) but I’ll always pay for first. We go once a year, so I’ll pay for the more secluded area and the more personalized service.
Remember 💵 you can’t take it with you so enjoy life!
What we do is, book window seats back to back. At least we don’t get snuck in the middle. On a half full flight over labor day weekend to Kona, no one sat in my row. So my wife moved up to my row after takeoff.
That sucks. I have to buy 3 tickets to get hip room but no guarantee on leg room. I’m small enough don’t need the space seat wise need leg room.
Would this work on other than a nonstop flight? For example : HNL-PHX via LAX on UA.
Hi Sam.
Yes it would work.
Aloha.
Why have those flight options been taken off site. I fly from Yakima, I was told I would need to get my own bags in Seattle and drop at Hawaiian. That means time and security again! Right?
Interesting idea…. but how to you actually reserve a 3rd seat (under what name?) for 2 “real” passengers? How do you check-in the 3rd fictious passenger? Do you earn miles for the extra seat? Or do you simply purchase two tickets under the same real passenger name and a 3rd ticket under Passenger #2’s real name? Curious about the logistics of buying an extra seat that is not actually occupied (so that the airline doesn’t declare it as a “no-show” and then assign the seat to a stand-by passenger).
Hi Mike.
We answered that in the comments. And it varies sure by airline. If it isn’t clear, please let us know.
BTW, thanks so much for your helpful messages last week. Much appreciated!
Aloha.
Does one earn miles on the empty seat?
Hi Aloha M.
From our experience, no you do not.
Aloha.
You replied to Mike that you responded about how to purchase 3 tiks for 2 people in the comments. I can’t find that response and I have the same question.
Hi Scott.
Here that is again: When you have selected three seats, and then go to enter the names on United, it will specifically offer you the ability to have one of the seats be an extra seat for one of the passengers. That’s built-in, and easy. And if you need to change flights, equally easy. While it has not been a problem on any airline (other than SW that does offer it), United’s process has been the easiest of those that we have tried in the US and abroad.
If it isn’t clear, then we suggest you call the airline to ask how they handle it.
Aloha.
Aloha.
If you bought three seats, on Hawaiian Air, would you get a third suitcase?
Excellent idea! Thank you.
I have to admit, I was ready to call you crazy but then after about the 3rd time you said **Narrow Body** first class I got it through my thick skull what you were comparing it to.
I concur!
I did this once on a AA flight from LIH to PHX. Got extra leg room seat for my wife and I and bought the middle seat. They even discounted it a bit. Was very nice to have the empty seat and extra space. People right behind also had an empty middle seat. I was wondering if they too, had purchased it or just lucked out and saved $200. :-O
How does the booking process work. Do you use the same name for each seat. You say it can be done online with united. Does it not reject a seat with the same name? I’d be interested in doing this. Thanks.
Hi RPCV.
When you put have selected three seats, and then go to enter the names on United, it will specifically offer you the ability to have one of the seats be an extra seat for one of the passengers. That’s built-in, and easy. And if you need to change flights, equally easy. While it has not been a problem on any airline (other than SW that does offer it), United’s process has been the easiest of those that we have tried in the US and abroad.
Aloha.
How do you buy the middle seat? Don’t you have to have a name associated with it to make seat assignments?
What happens if the fight is over booked and the airline tries to give my purchased middle seat away?
We are with you in that First Class to Hawaii is highly overrated. We sit premium and, like you, cater our own meals on board. Why eat something you don’t care for? But the middle seat trick? Never crossed my mind until you guys rolled it out. Love it. Two points to add: When armrests are fixed (usually first row of premium)(as it appears in one pic) it makes things a little more rigid than when you can lift the armrests and create a “bench” of sorts. And how can you do it online? Or is this a “must call the airline” move.
Hi Maleko.
We answered that in comments. Yes you can pick which row and fixed armrests or not. And how you book depends on the airline.
Aloha.
Well, as a solo traveler, this might or might not work. Guess I could buy one extra seat, and that would help. One thing that concerns me is ‘possession’ of the extra seat. I remember reading about a passenger on a major U.S. airline a few years ago who had an ‘extra’ seat, and she was told by the flight attendant that she had to give it up as the flight was ‘overbooked’ and the ‘extra’ passenger needed it. The flight attendant insisted she give up the seat, so she had no choice (could be ‘charged’ with ‘interfering with the flight crew!’). Adding insult to injury, the airline refused to reimburse her for the extra money she paid for the extra seat. Airlines: ‘Service with a smile!”
Boy, did your headline pull me in. I would love to fly first class to Hawaii, but it’s just a 5-hour flight for me, and the eye-watering price point isn’t worth it.
I always fly lie-flat business for any flight with a single leg over 5 hours. Fortunately, this policy only applies to international flights, and I find the cost well worth avoiding 10 to 15 hours (depending on where I’m traveling) of pure misery.
For shorter trips like SFO to HNL, I’ve found economy is doable with the right strategy. My secret? A well-timed beer or two at the airport, a preventative 200 mg of ibuprofen for the inevitable seat aches, and a touch of Xanax for that gentle glide into relaxation.
I watch a movie, sneak in a nap, and before you know it, I’m stepping off the plane in HNL — with just enough energy to get to my hotel, freshen up, and hit happy hour on the beach.
This strategy works well as we have been doing it for several years now that upgrades are almost non-existent with today’s limited capacity. We started purchasing middle seat after a horrible experience of having an older couple (in their mid/late 80’s) book the two middle seats opposite each other in our row. Upon boarding, we found them in our seats and they refused to move. It took 10 minutes for them to finally split up and sit in their assigned seats. During takeoff and the flight, the wife threw temper tantrums in an attempt to get her way. After that experience, never again – we immediately book the middle seat to leave open and provide extra space. In fact, we have the middle seat booked on our flight tomorrow. One additional recommendation is to use miles for the extra seat then pay for the upgrade to premium class. 1st Class is overrated and the meals are awful. We used to love when Alaska Airlines would have their return flights from LIH catered by Kauai Pasta.
What do you do at the gate? Who checks in the middle seat? I read an article that the middle seat was given away on a flight. Confused
Hi Mariyn.
The gate people have always been familiar with it. Either person can scan the extra seat boarding pass. We’ve never had a problem and Jeff started doing this thirty years ago.
Aloha.
We live in Toronto but our daughter and her family live in Honolulu. I visit often and will travel there in a couple of weeks to be there for the birth of her baby girl as well as look after her very active 2 year old. After the last red eye economy flight back to Toronto, (after getting up at 6:15 every day for two weeks with my grandson), I swore I would never do that again, so my husband and I have been trying to figure our the best options and airlines for an upgraded flight home. This is a fabulous idea and I will start scoping that out today. Do you have any info re: Air Canada? Thanks again for the timely advice.
Hi Judith.
No we don’t. Please let us know how it works for you.
Aloha.
This definitely sounds like an interesting option. I would have liked it if you had explained exactly how you do this when booking online.
I would be interested too.
I would also. Mahalo
Yes, I would like to know as well. Whose name do you put for the third seat?
Hi Debbie.
It is listed as XtraSeat – that is a selection, not a name you put in. If it isn’t an available choice, then call the airline to inquire.
Aloha.
It’s pretty straight forward. When I did it on AA I just said I wanted to book a seat for my wife and I and also the middle seat but it was going to be empty. They knew exactly what to do.