Honolulu Flight Crew Protest Raises Travel Questions Amid Strike Threat

On Wednesday, passengers arriving at Honolulu Airport felt the usual open-air island breezes outside and saw a surprise storm brewing inside the terminal. Uniformed flight crews from United Airlines, holding signs like “Pay Us or Chaos” and “No Concessions,” lined the airport in a striking show of unity. While there’s no strike yet, even after years of this continuing negotiation, the message was clear: turbulence is ahead.

The informational picketing at HNL and 18 other airports globally underscores a growing rift between United and its flight attendants, whose contract negotiations have dragged on for an unprecedented four years. At the core of the grievance? The industry standard pay, scheduling, and recognition lags at the carrier.

What this means for Hawaii travelers.

Hawaii travelers count on the reliability of airlines including United, especially when flying long distances with limited options. Unlike mainland destinations, Hawaii’s geographic isolation means fewer travel alternatives and limited rebooking options, making any potential disruption particularly concerning.

A nearly unanimous strike authorization vote has already been cast, and while federal mediation makes a full strike difficult, it remains a remote possibility. In Hawaii, where air travel is a lifeline for tourism and residents, even the threat of minor disruptions could have significant consequences.

As reader Ed commented on Beat of Hawaii, “They are making billions and should share more of that profit with the people who are making them the money. Perhaps service and their attitude might help if they are paid the full time they are aboard the plane.”

Tempers flare as Honolulu joins Global Day of Action.

The HNL demonstration was part of a coordinated Day of Action organized by the flight attendants’ union. The day aimed to spotlight the stalled contract negotiations and call for immediate improvements to pay and working conditions.

The participating flight attendants in Honolulu said they are pushing for double-digit base pay increases and broader recognition of their dual role as safety professionals first and customer service workers second. They emphasized that responsibilities have only grown in recent years, while compensation has remained stuck under a contract last negotiated nearly a decade ago.

Union leaders also pointed to the widening pay gap between United flight attendants and their counterparts at other major U.S. carriers. Since the pandemic, other Airlines have signed updated agreements that significantly raise wages and improve work rules. United’s crews, by contrast, remain locked into outdated terms—something the union says is no longer sustainable.

Strike or stalemate? What Hawaii travelers should know.

While flight attendants have overwhelmingly voted to authorize a strike, that vote is just one step in a complex legal process under the Railway Labor Act. A full strike would require federal approval and a series of additional actions, making it unlikely in the short or long term—but not off the table.

Some travelers have voiced support for the flight attendants but say they’ll still fly unless a strike is officially declared. Others say they’ll avoid crossing a picket line, even if it means rebooking. The uncertainty itself may be enough for some to shift travel plans.

Reader Kelli wrote on Beat of Hawaii about her recent experience with United flight attendants in a less than flattering way: “This really solidifies my choice not to fly United again. We barely saw the flight attendants, who were all nice people, but their service severely lacked. The way home was so much nicer flying Alaska!”

While some travelers are just now learning about the dispute, those who fly frequently say they’ve already noticed signs of tension in the air.

Reader Daryl noted on Beat of Hawaii about United flight attendants, “The absence of flight attendants during the flight was [the issue]. After the initial drink and meal service, we never saw them until landing. They stayed in the galley and chatted among themselves the entire trip.”

For now, United flights to and from Hawaii are all operating without issue. However, the airline’s upcoming contract talks in April and May will be critical. If no agreement is reached soon, the threat of some operational disruption may rise, and with it, there may be a potential impact on Hawaii travelers.

What’s at stake?

Both sides grapple with core issues that could make or break a deal as negotiations advance. While pay remains central, several other unresolved items are fueling the tension:

Boarding pay: United only recently began considering compensation for time spent boarding passengers, a practice already being adopted at other airlines.

Reserve time: Flight attendants remain on-call for 24-hour stretches, while competitors have reduced this to 12 to 14 hours.

Retroactive pay: The contract has been amendable since 2021, so flight attendants are seeking back pay to cover the extended delay.

Flight attendants serving as first responders and the front line face of United say their compensation no longer reflects the job’s extreme demands. The union cites recent American and Alaska Airlines agreements as the new standard, noting that United crew members now earn up to 20 percent less.

Reader James M. commented on Beat of Hawaii, “Boarding pay has nothing to do with being Hawaii-based or wherever. It’s fair compensation for all Flight Attendants for assisting with seating, handicapped guests, unaccompanied minors, enforcing F.A.R.s, and a multitude of other stuff during boarding; a very stressful and crucial part of a flight.”

Reader Joyce K. added, “I am shocked to hear that flight attendants don’t receive boarding pay! In my opinion, this is very hard work! And then hearing that when it was finally included in one contract at 1/2 the regular rate is outrageous!”

Lengthy disputes like this can erode customer trust, especially among travelers looking for reliability. For Hawaii-bound passengers who often book months in advance, knowing what to expect matters—and ongoing labor uncertainty doesn’t help.

No immediate labor action planned.

Some industry watchers believe a full strike remains highly unlikely, as airline work stoppages face legal hurdles under the Railway Labor Act. But that doesn’t rule out other disruptions, such as work slowdowns or organized sick-outs, which have been used in past disputes as a means to pressure management.

Flights operate normally now, but travelers planning late spring and early summer trips should monitor developments closely. If no deal is reached in the upcoming April and May negotiations, tensions could escalate again.

Beat of Hawaii will be on the ground—and in the air with United—next week to find out how flight attendants are feeling. When we asked about the situation on a Hawaii flight two months ago, the tension about the lack of a contract was palpable.

Your experience matters.

Have you too noticed any signs of tension on recent United flights or experienced disruptions? With negotiations nearing a critical deadline, please share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from you!