Hawaiian Airlines Dreamliner seating in economy,.

Hawaiian Dreamliner Economy Backlash: Did They Forget About Us?

Hawaiian Airlines’ Dreamliners, which will number five total by later this year, are expanding their presence first in flights to and from Hawaii. Later these will also be flying outside of Hawaii for parent Alaska Airlines. The Dreamliners bring a fresh look to the carrier’s long-haul fleet, which previously consisted of 34 decade-old Airbus A330 planes. However, as more passengers experience the Boeing 787 Dreamliner, the question is emerging: is this truly an upgrade for Hawaii flights, or does it come with significant trade-offs that may, for some at least, make it feel like a downgrade?

Passengers in both first class and economy have taken note of key differences between the A330 and the Dreamliner—some positive, others disappointing. With both aircraft fleets still in full operation, travelers share their take on which plane offers them the better flight experience flying to and from Hawaii.

New first class: better lie-flats, more seats, less service?

For those flying first class, the Dreamliner introduces Hawaiian’s newest industry-standard lie-flat business “Leihoku” suites, designed for more privacy and a modern feel. The new suites are in most ways a significant upgrade to the quirky Optimares brand first class seats of the older planes. Some passengers have praised the updated cabin, but others are finding unexpected drawbacks compared to the A330, even up front.

One frequent flyer recently shared their experience with BOH, noting that, among other things, the Dreamliner’s first class offers less personal storage at the seat. They also called out the footrest for being difficult to reach when sitting upright.

The Dreamliner has 34 first-class seats compared to 18 in the A330 first class, which is a big difference. This change means flight attendant service may feel more stretched. Another concern is lavatory access, with passengers stating that fewer “dedicated” restrooms are available per passenger in first compared to the A330.

See: Hawaiian Airlines A330 First Class Lie-Flat Review.

Economy: a far tighter squeeze.

For economy passengers, the biggest difference between the two aircraft is the seating layout—a change that BOH commenters have frequently noted.

The older A330 planes feature a 2-4-2 seating arrangement, meaning far fewer middle seats. This has long been why many travelers favored Hawaiian’s A330 over other airlines’ widebody planes.

The Dreamliner, however, moves to a 3-3-3 layout, squeezing in extra middle seats per row. For passengers, this new configuration means couples who once had their two-seat section must now share a row with a third passenger, creating a more cramped experience.

Numerous readers have voiced their concerns about the change.

“My wife and I prefer the 2-4-2 configuration Airbus planes,” Bryan M. shared. “We absolutely abhor the 3-3-3 configuration planes for the reasons stated in the article. In the end, we understand more filled seats on a plane means more revenue for the airline. It’s all about the Benjamin’s, right?”

Another reader, Barney G., was more direct: “As a retired couple, we say 3-3-3 is a deal breaker.”

Ethan echoed a similar sentiment: “I was excited about the Dreamliner until I realized it’s going to have 3-3-3 seating in economy. That’s a pretty big downgrade from flying the A330’s two across for the past ten years, especially for those of us who travel as couples. Hawaiian forgot about us in the back!”

Read: What Airlines Won’t Tell You About Comfort on Hawaii Flights.

Leilani added, “Hawaiian has always been my go-to for flights back home, but I’m a little torn on this. While the suites look beautiful, the price is too steep, and what about economy? If I wanted to feel squished in a 3-3-3, I’d fly United or Delta.”

Mark R. also raised questions about the changes: “Honestly, I don’t get the hype. Sure, it’s a newer plane, but are they going to fix the real issues? The seat pitch in economy is already tight, and now with a 3-3-3 layout, it’s only going to get more uncomfortable.”

These comments highlight a growing concern among passengers who appreciated the A330’s more spacious economy setup. The 3-3-3 layout, however, is now the industry standard for airlines operating the Boeing 787. United, American, and most other carriers flying this aircraft have opted for this configuration, making Hawaiian’s decision more about following the current trend than breaking away from it.

BOH editor Jeff gives his take on Dreamliner first class and economy.

Beat of Hawaii editor Jeff had the chance to preview Hawaiian Airlines’ first Dreamliner in Honolulu, checking out what the new aircraft brings to the airline’s long-haul fleet. His takeaway?

In first class, Hawaiian’s new suites lived up to expectations, offering a modern, fully lie-flat experience that aligns with what travelers expect from other airlines operating the Dreamliner. The added privacy and thoughtful, island-inspired design felt like a clear step forward for premium passengers.

In economy, the experience was pleasant but not a radical departure from what travelers might already be used to. The extra comfort seats, with more legroom, remain a noticeable improvement over regular eonomy. However, the 3-3-3 layout in regular economy reinforced concerns about personal space compared to the A330’s 2-4-2 seating. For those used to traveling in pairs, the shift may take some time. Moreover, the lack of a separate premium economy section was glaring .

New economy strategies: Making the most of 3-3-3 Dreamliner seating.

With Hawaiian Airlines’ move to the 3-3-3 economy layout on the Dreamliner, passengers are rethinking how to maximize comfort on long-haul flights to and from Hawaii. While the A330’s 2-4-2 setup naturally allowed for more privacy and fewer middle seats, the new configuration requires new strategies to avoid feeling cramped.

One option savvy travelers are using is booking two adjacent aisle seats when traveling as a pair. This allows both passengers to have easy access to the aisle while avoiding being stuck in a middle seat. It’s a trade-off, but for those who value freedom of movement, it can make a significant difference on long flights.

Another strategy, previously highlighted by Beat of Hawaii, involves booking three seats for two people. This method works best for flights with lighter demand or when travelers are willing to pay for the extra space. By securing an entire row, couples or companions can create a more comfortable personal space while sidestepping the tight quarters of a standard 3-3-3 layout.

Tip: With Hawaiian Airlines, securing the three-seat trick requires calling the airline directly, as it can’t be reserved online during booking. In contrast, United allows this strategy to be booked directly as part of the reservation process, making it a more seamless option for travelers seeking extra space in economy.

As economy seating continues to get tighter across the industry, these strategies are becoming more essential for travelers who want to make the best of their in-flight experience.

What’s gained and what’s lost?

The Dreamliner offers several advantages, including a quieter cabin, improved cabin pressurization, larger overhead bins, and a sleek, modern interior with mood lighting. However, many passengers still prefer the A330 for its more spacious couples seating in economy and its smaller, more personalized first-class cabin.

Alex summed up some general sentiment by saying, “Unfortunately, Hawaiian chose the economy seating plan 3-3-3 (nine across) in their new 787s. Better airlines choose 2-4-2 (eight across). Hawaiian gets an extra seat in every row this way, but seats are narrower.”

Large electronic windows controlled by cabin crew

When it comes to windows, the larger ones on the Dreamliner are really a matter of personal preference. The reason is that cabin crew can control the shade-less, electronic dimming control centrally, effectively preventing passengers from seeing out at their discretion.

David S. shared his mixed feelings on these Dreamliner-signature large, dimmable windows: “I was excited about the bigger windows at first, but then I realized I don’t have control over them. The crew can override the settings, and on my last flight, they dimmed them for most of the trip. If I want to look outside, I prefer an actual shade in which I can adjust myself. That said, the cabin feels more open, and for those who don’t mind the dimming, it’s a nice feature.”

Hawaiian Airlines 2-3-2 premium economy coming to the 3-3-3 rescue?

Alaska has acknowledged its desire for a true, premium economy cabin on the Hawaiian Airlines Dreamliners. Thus, we believe that, at a minimum, the additional seven planes coming after 2025 will be outfitted from the start with a premium economy section.

Premium economy on the Dreamliner will be in a 2-3-2 configuration. That will provide a significant upgrade option for those passengers willing to pay the extra cost compared with economy or extra legroom. Premium economy is often priced at about half-way between economy and first class.

Beat of Hawaii flew United widebody premium economy to Hawaii, and provided a review of the pluses and minuses of their version of the new cabin offering.

Others have pointed out that Hawaiian’s decision not to include a premium economy cabin was a mistake. Daryl H. wrote, “Instead of a home run, HA 787 is probably a triple at best. Great aircraft, for sure, with upscale Hawaiian decor that says Aloha in a beautiful way. But no premium economy is a big negative for me.”

Another commenter noted that the 3-3-3 layout creates issues for premium travelers as well. “Never flying economy personally or having any of our personnel flying anything less than a premium economy, it will be tricky with the 3-3-3 configuration and no (true) premium economy. In one of our businesses, that will force us to fly our personnel in business class at a higher cost.”

The verdict: upgrade or downgrade?

So is the Dreamliner an upgrade or a downgrade? It depends on what passengers value most.

Those flying first class will find a newer, far more modern, and industry-standard lie-flat seat, but with the potential for experiencing slower service and somewhat less personal space. Meanwhile, economy passengers feel the shift most significantly in the move from 2-4-2 to 3-3-3, making flights feel noticeably tighter.

Lisa, who recently flew the Dreamliner, put it: “I was really disappointed with the 3-3-3 seating we had in economy. It’s just too cramped for a five-hour trip. I hope Hawaiian Airlines rethinks this configuration for future routes.”

What do you think? Have you flown both planes? Do you prefer the A330’s arguably more couples-oriented seating, or the Dreamliner’s newer design and state-of-the-art lie flat suites? Please share your thoughts with other readers. Mahalo!

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30 thoughts on “Hawaiian Dreamliner Economy Backlash: Did They Forget About Us?”

  1. It’s 100% true that the lack of premium economy was a serious mis-step. With the industry expanding premium cabins, their decision to skip PE really stings. I only fly PE or first class which means as an Alaska GOLD MVP, the only choice for a moderately priced ticket is Alaska first class which is much less than Hawaiian first class. I was skeptical of HAs choice to go for more lie flat and no PE, the duration of West Coast to Hawaii flights, in my opinion just doesn’t warrant the high cost of a HA lie flat. I flew back from HNL to SFO Monday on a 777-300 with Polaris (I know that is not the norm, but this plane was coming from Guam, so I assume that’s why it was Polaris equipped) , the flight time was a short 4 hrs, 5 minutes, having a lie flat seat for a flight that short was just not necessary.
    As far as the 787 3-3-3 config, yup, that’s the standard. I have flown on a lot 787s and I’ve never seen a 2-4-2 in economy. It is also definitely a deal breaker for me.

  2. There’s an old Australian joke: How do you tell when British Airways has landed in Sydney? The whining continues long after the engines have been switched off.

    My point is that you can whine about the 3 x 3 x 3 seating or whine even louder when the aircraft are transferred to Alaska and replaced with more narrow-body aircraft. So maybe just stop whining. It’s not a good look.

    4
  3. For, ourselves, having only flown in First on Hawaiian’s A-330, the difference in Beds, to me, on a 5-6 Hour Flight, does not make up for the Configuration change from 2-2-2 and 3 Rows and great spacing, to 1-2-1, placing Couples either in the middle w/o Arrival or Departure View, or across Aisle from each other. Initially, before the Dreamliner was delivered, they also were billing the change as Business Class, this all before the buy-out by Alaska.

  4. I pay the extra $ for 5″ more leg room. Narrowing the seats on the 3-3-3 could get tight with A couple NFL linemen next to or between you.

    1
  5. Let’s all be in agreement here – this isn’t about coming up with new ways to create a better experience for the consumer, it’s all about coming up with new ways to maximize profits for the airlines at the expense of the traveler. We have always flown Hawaiian Airlines and our first trip to Hawaii before moving here was on the A330 first class in the lie flat seats. After that, we flew in premium economy, and it was always comfortable. I’ll be looking for other carriers offering the A330. Just another way airlines are treating us like cattle.

    8
  6. Has anyone at BOH contacted Hawaiian for a comment? Do they even listen to what passengers think? Seems like a good way to lose many loyal customers.

    4
    1. Ask the passtlengers? Ha! Human nature / psychology dictates that its likely that most of the people who respond will be to complain…the ones happy/ok/indifferent are more likely not to bother…like this or any other forum…btw the 787 is a minority of their planes you can select your flight/plane…I’d fly a widebody over a single aisle anyday…that will be the next complaint if/when that happens.

  7. Configure HA 787’s with 2 – 4 – 3 seat configurations , as the early 747’s were configured. Still 9 across, but not as crowded for the passengers seating comfort. Sure hope Hawaiian/Alaska will consider this much more comfortable layout.
    Mahalo!

    3
  8. I’m not sure why everyone is complaining. This is the standard layout for most Dreamliners, and if Hawaiian wants to stay competitive, they need to maximize seats. There wasn’t another way to do it. The new first class looks incredible, and the economy seats aren’t any worse than what you get on other airlines.

    3
  9. The Dreamliner is a beautiful aircraft, no doubt about it, but I don’t think it’s the upgrade people were hoping for at least in economy. Then the lack of premium economy is a major oversight, and that 3-3-3 layout? No thanks.

    7
  10. I’ve flown the Dreamliner twice now, once in front, and while the first-class seats are great, I can’t say the same for economy. The 3-3-3 setup is just too cramped, and if you’re traveling as a couple, you lose that cozy two-seat option that still works great on the A330. Hawaiian really should have thought more about their loyal economy passengers. Oh yeah, and this is their only plane without WiFi, which seems very odd.

    9
  11. Hello, frequent HAL flyer here. I recently took a flight on the new 787 and absolutely hated in. We flew economy. The biggest down fall was the controlled windows and no wifi. I will now moving forward make sure the flight is booked on an A332. Airbus is much safer than any boeing any day. Some of us enjoy looking out the windows at night and taking photos.

    8
    1. RJ Not sure the folks on the Airbus in Houston where the wing caught fire on take off would agree with you. The Airbus replacement would be the A330neo 900 which lead customer TAP runs as 2-4-2 in coach and has a coach plus section. Of config is client based and under Alaskan policies they might need the extra seat. Of course they could go back to a B747 config of 2-5-2 which some hated but others loved – for the ciuple seats and a 5 seat stretch out on empty flights…
      I am not sure though that Hawaiian would want to commit to Airbus after the fiasco on their grounded Minibus fleet waiting for engine replacements.

      1
  12. I’m surprised Hawaiian didn’t roll out premium economy right away. They’re aiming for a more upscale experience in first class, but what about the rest of the plane? A separate premium economy would have been the perfect compromise between cost and comfort, especially for those of us who don’t want to splurge on first but also don’t want to feel like sardines in economy. Hopefully, Alaska fixes this soon.

    4
  13. The three-seat trick sounds great in theory, but having to call Hawaiian to set it up is sure a hassle. Why not make it bookable online like United? It’s 2025—this should be easy to do with a few clicks.

    3
  14. I tried the extra comfort seats on the Dreamliner, and they were decent enough with good legroom, but at a big cost. Not the worst experience, but I’m not sure it’s better either. For a long-haul flight, I’m seriously considering whether I’d rather just avoid the 3-3-3 seating by flying on the other plane.

    2
  15. My biggest complaint is that overall the A330 felt like a premium experience compared to this, and I miss having the option for two seats on the side. It was one of the best things about flying Hawaiian, and now that it’s gone, I don’t feel the same loyalty to the airline.

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  16. The Dreamliner’s windows are cool, but I was frustrated when the crew locked the dimming. I love looking out during flights, and this wasn’t a good surprise. At least with a shade, I had control over whether I wanted to see the view or not. So some good and some bad I’d say.

    3
  17. For a couple flying together, the new economy layout is brutal. I don’t want to either sit next to a stranger for six hours or have to buy three seats instead of two. The A330’s 2-4-2 was perfect. This feels like a step backward.

    13
  18. Dreamliner or not, the reality is airlines are cramming more people into the same space. I’ll keep flying Hawaiian for the service, but economy is getting worse across the board. At this point, I’m just trying to find whatever option gives me the best balance of price and legroom, and that might or might not be Hawaiian anymore.

    3
  19. Honestly, the Dreamliner is a gorgeous plane, and I’ve flown it in both cabins. But economy feels like an afterthought. The wider bins and mood lighting don’t make up for uncomfortable thinner seats and more middle ones.

    3
  20. I used to love flying Hawaiian for the 2-4-2 economy layout, but this 3-3-3 setup is a downgrade in spite of it being a new plane. If I wanted to feel squeezed in a middle seat, I’d just book with United or American.

    8
  21. Don’t get what all the fuss is about. Flying is not about comfort, it’s a busine$$.
    If you don’t like the seating, pony up or fly some other product. Pretty sure you’ll find something else to pick apart. 🤷‍♂️

    4
  22. The airbus a 330 2X2 premium economy was the only reason why I flew Hawaiin airlines. Now I’m considering using a different airline.

    1
  23. We flew United home from Maui. We had paid extra for more legroom. Well United switched our plane to A Dreamliner and assigned us different Sardine Seats without notice till we got to the gate. The plane was full and were given no other choices. The icing on the cake was that they denied our request for refund on the premium seats that we paid $200 each. It took many phone calls to get our money refunded. I still have a bad taste in my mouth. Thanks United, never again.

    5
    1. Unfortunately, United® pulls that sort of thing practically all the time. They even were refusing to refund the original type of payment (during the last pandemic) for cancelled
      & rescheduled flights, usually refusing to offer anything outside of Flight Credits, even though the Gov’t told them that was illegal. That airline showed huge disrespect for customers who couldn’t fly a different date and needed their hard-earned money back.

      2
  24. I look forward to the 787 as my flight to Haneda was awful. The bed length was too short, it was not aisle access and the plug in ipads were a real nuisance.
    I am surprised they have chosen not to install Coach Plus as this would increase possible revenue and enable 2 4 2 seating. I suspect it was driven by 2 issues. One to make equipment swaps and rebooking easier and secondly that at 2 4 2 Locals would complain about paying more and 2 3 2 would mean the premium price would not be attractive.
    Anyway glad they have Boeing equipment and will probably swap from American on next trip to mainland.

    1
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