Hawaiian Airlines is making a significant change to its coveted Boeing 787 Dreamliner flights, and travelers who have enjoyed the luxury of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner on this route will soon need to bid it farewell.
The two Dreamliners have quickly become passengers’ favorites for their state-of-the-art amenities, including lie-flat suites, the smell and feel of a new car, and generally more spacious seating and environment.
If you’re planning a trip between Phoenix and Honolulu, as one of Beat of Hawaii’s readers who contacted us is, now’s the time to lock in a seat on one of the final Dreamliner flights, at least for now.
After April 16, 2025, this Dreamliner will apparently be redirected to flying between Los Angeles and Maui as Hawaiian Airlines, under Alaska Airlines’ ownership, realigns its fleet deployment.
The end of a brief era.
Hawaiian Airlines introduced the Dreamliner to Phoenix earlier this year after debuting it on its first California to Hawaii routes. The new Boeing 787-9 became an instant hit with some, especially those fortunate enough to fly in one of its 34 new business-class suites. The industry-standard, fully lie-flat seats, wireless charging stations, and extra space set it apart from the older A330 model.
Beat of Hawaii long-time reader Colleen asked us about her upcoming flight between Phoenix and Hawaii. We suggested she get onboard the new Dreamliner if possible. As Hawaiian Airlines prepares for this shift, other travelers have mixed feelings.
Reader Tom K. said, “The Dreamliner made the five-hour flight feel like a breeze. I’m really going to miss those lie-flat seats and the larger entertainment screens.”
However, others will be happy to see the legacy A330 aircraft return to the route, particularly because it features 2-across seating in economy on both sides of the plane.
By contrast, the entire Dreamliner economy section is 3-3-3, which many of you have bemoaned. In that regard, Kristina commented, “I’ve flown both planes, and while the Dreamliner was nice, the A330 offers solid comfort, two-across seating, and now with the addition of WiFi, it still provides a great flight experience.”
Dreamliner’s Arizona farewell?
As Hawaiian Airlines looks to the future under Alaska’s ownership, it’s clear that the Dreamliner will continue to be a flagship aircraft for the combined carrier—just not on the Phoenix route and limited on Hawaii routes.
Ten Dreamliners are scheduled to be delivered in the next few years, so travelers can expect to see them on more long-haul and premium routes. It will be fascinating to see where Alaska decides they can be best utilized.
For those who have grown attached to the Dreamliner, this is the “last call” on the Phoenix route. As April 16, 2025, approaches, book your seat now on the last Dreamliner flights from Phoenix.
Flying the Dreamliner is a treat, no doubt about it. But I can see why people still prefer the A330. If you’re not in first class, there’s not much improvement, and then you have to put up with the 3 across seats.
I’ve flown both the A330 and the Dreamliner, and while these new suites are fantastic, the rest of the plane doesn’t much impress me. The A330 isn’t new and might not have all the bells and whistles, but it is a better overall experience for me in economy.
When I flew HA’s Dreamliner, there was no WiFi.
Sorry, but I actually prefer the A330 for one big reason—the 2-across seating in economy. It’s a lot more comfortable when you’re traveling as a couple. Period. The Dreamliner is a cool plane, but does nothign for me as those 3-across seats can feel claustrophobic on a long flight.
As someone who flies between Phoenix and Honolulu, I’m sad to see the Dreamliner go.
I had the chance to fly on the Dreamliner between Phoenix and Honolulu, and while the lie-flat suites looked amazing for a long flight, I was really disappointed with the 3-3-3 seating we had in economy. It’s just too cramped for a 5-hour trip. I hope Hawaiian Airlines rethinks this configuration for future routes.
Good day~ Wondering how you have so much insight into the working of AS in regards to what thery will do with the HA fleet? Most airlines move their fleet assignments around, especially when they are introducing a new type. I have seen a constant stream of ‘the 787s are leaving’ on BOH, however, not seen any trade publications that identify that such a switch is imminent. Would like to know your source so I can read up. Many thanks
I was lucky to fly first class on the 787 this Aug. from PHX to HNL. The “suites” are incredible. The service was fantastic – of course. To PHX passengers reading this: try this ✈ before it’s gone[if possible].
My prediction was correct. The “Bean Counters” of Alaska will look at these aircraft and see what routes will make more money and expect more to come. The “leisure” market versus “business” market. The DOJ says both airlines cannot reduce flights to and from Hawaii and within Hawaii. Nothing is said about the “Type” of aircraft they can use. Once Alaska starts flying more internationally and expand business within the 48 states, I predict more 737 / Airbus single aisle aircraft to fly as Hawaiian to Hawaii.
Nothing good lasts forever, so enjoy it while it does.
Myself, I prefer the A330, with 2-2-2 in First, though less Seating, the 1-2-1 of the Dreamliner isn’t quite as attractive for couples who may want the view of Arrival and Departure. With the incoming Dreamliner’s now the property of Alaska, I can see where there will be the temptation to possibly downgrade Phoenix to their 737-Max under the guise of increased Flights, which other Carriers have done domestically 5 hours to Miami in one no fun, despite being upfront!
I can’t see them flying the uncomfortable (and unsafe) MAX from PHX to HNL or anywhere else in Hawaii.
My wife and I flew 1st class on the 787 this past April from SFO to HNL. I believe it was the 3rd or 4th flight for this plane. All we can say is Wow! The individual pods were very comfortable and private, making the 5 hour flight a great way to get into the Hawaii relax mode.
With great sadness, we say goodbye to the A330’s pair window seats for couples in coach. It was the only reason we flew Hawaiian.
The article clearly states that the A330 will be coming back on the PHX-HNL route. It’s not going away