Flying to Hawaii has always meant long hours in the air, typically from five to ten, but now, passengers are finding those hours more grueling than ever as airlines strictly enforce premium seating policies, leaving little to no options for any extra comfort without paying. What was once a quiet perk for “opportunistic flyers” quickly disappears as airlines guard their precious profits more vigilantly. Airlines like Delta, for example, are projecting 2025 to be the most profitable year ever, driven by strong travel demand and a focus on “premium offerings.”
Airlines tighten their grip on space.
For airlines flying to Hawaii, upgrades to extra legroom have become a great source of ancillary income. Hawaiian Airlines has intensified enforcement of its “Extra Comfort” seating policies. Flight attendants have been observed dropping tray tables in unoccupied premium seats to block access, while printed signs reinforce that these seats are only for paying passengers. Mid-flight sales of these seats may also be an increasing offering, with dynamic prices varying by demand.
Other airlines are following suit. United Airlines maintains strict control over its “Economy Plus” section, and passengers report that flight attendants are more aggressively preventing unpaid upgrades across all carriers. The shift is clear—you must pay.
Travelers have very mixed reactions to stricter policies.
Not surprisingly, these changes have sparked strong opinions in thousands of comments we’ve received. While some support the fairness and enforcement of paid seating, others feel airlines are taking away essential comfort from an already too-tight economy experience.
Linda voiced her frustration: “We’re already paying enough for the ticket. Comfort in the seat should be included, not an extra charge! This is just another way to rip us off.”
On the other hand, Andy sided with the airlines, saying, “People who pay for extra legroom should absolutely get what they paid for. It wouldn’t be right to give that space to someone who didn’t pay.”
For Cindy, fairness is the issue: “I don’t mind paying for extra comfort, but when someone else gets it for free after I’ve spent extra, it feels completely unfair.” Clearly, this has become a complicated issue for both airlines and passengers.
Some worry about the broader impact on air travel. Flight attendant Jerry B. weighed in: “We’re losing the Aloha Spirit when no one wants to show compassion—sometimes a simple gesture like upgrading an empty seat for someone can go a long way!”
Monica took an even stronger stance: “Take out 15-20% of the seats and charge more per person. Your problem has been solved. Allow us to feel like humans again and not like sardines.”
What does this mean for Hawaii travelers?
For passengers, these evolving seat policies demand new strategies when booking and flying that we are all responding to. Gone are the days of hoping for an open adjacent or even a premium seat once onboard. Now, the opportunity to stretch out with any extra legroom almost always comes down to an upfront decision we make at the point of ticket purchase.
Bob, a taller traveler, raised concerns about the lack of options for those with physical limitations. At 6’5″, he finds standard seating unbearable and questions whether it is fair for airlines to require passengers like him to pay extra for the basic comfort taller individuals need.
Understanding airline policies is key to avoiding frustration. Hawaiian Airlines’ use of tray table barriers may not be standard across all carriers, but it signals a broader trend of stricter enforcement to assure income and fairness. Travelers looking for extra space should plan accordingly—whether by purchasing premium seats at booking or being flexible with travel dates to find more affordable options. For BOH editors, it generally comes down to buying an extra seat, which we refer to as our three-seat-Hawaii-travel-trick.
Changes reflect a wider shift in air travel.
This crackdown on premium seat access mirrors broader industry trends unrelated to Hawaii. Airlines globally are squeezing revenue largely from non-ticket sources, including baggage fees, meal purchases, and, of course, stricter seat upgrades.
For many, the shrinking space in standard economy only adds to the overall frustration of flying. Families and budget-conscious travelers who are already navigating too tight quarters find the growing divide between economy and premium seating is yet another challenge to overcome.
Sims R. criticized the overwhelming focus on revenue at the expense of passenger satisfaction. “The more airlines squeeze every inch of space and every dollar they can, the less enjoyable flying becomes.”
Finding a balance for the future.
The fallout from these policies raises interesting and complex questions. Should airlines be applauded for protecting paying customers’ rights or criticized for further complicating travel in the name of profits? Some readers are especially concerned about families or young travelers who may find premium fees unaffordable on Hawaii trips.
The majority of readers agree on one point: transparency. Airlines must ensure consistent policy enforcement, provide upfront clarity about upgrade options and costs, and communicate openly about how these rules are applied. Without these elements, perceived inequalities in access to comfort are unlikely to improve, and customer satisfaction with airlines will continue to decline.
As airlines continue to tighten these and other policies to assure profitability, it is more important than ever to stay informed about what to expect before your Hawaii vacation and plan ahead.
What have you noticed in terms of these changes on recent flights? Please share your experiences and any strategies you’ve used to navigate these restrictions in the comments below.
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My experience has always been great. The crews have treated me with kindness, respect and genuine Aloha. I have never seen any behavior less than professional. No drinking as mentioned except water. Great airline!
I cannot understand why the airlines allow people to check luggage at the boarding gate free of charge while others pay during their initial ticket purchase for their.luggage check. If you want your luggage inside the cabin you should be paying the premium.
If you want to be treated well and have a nice comfortable seat…forget about using any of the North America big airlines. It seems like only a few foreign (to USA) and small boutique airlines are a pleasure to be a passenger on a flight anymore.
If seats are empty then you should allow people to occupy then. To fly with empty seats while your Customers are in less comfortable seats is not Aloha at all ant not good policy or promoting good will. I usually do pay for extra comfort but it would not bother me if someone got free upgrade because seat was unsold. Customer comfort should be paramount at hawaiian airlines or you may lose those customers to someone that treats them better. Aloha !
Monica is right, above all else, comfort and humanity should be your policy. Packed like sardines is a perfect statement. Everytime I go to Hawaii I come back with medical issues caused from the long flight and squished quarters. The seats don’t even go back a little to release the back. This is with all Airlines.