Hawaiian Airlines was the only major airline flying widebody to Hawaii for years without a true premium economy cabin. While competitors like United, American, and Delta have long offered a distinct class of service between economy and first, Hawaiian instead relied on Extra Comfort seats, which merely provide additional legroom but are part of the main economy cabin.
That’s set to change, as Alaska Airlines, now fully integrating Hawaiian into its operations, has confirmed that premium economy will be added to Hawaiian’s widebody fleet.
The move signals a shift in strategy, bringing Hawaiian Airlines in line with other major carriers that serve Hawaii with widebody aircraft. Premium economy cabins have become a standard offering on medium to long-haul flights, especially on airlines that serve Hawaii domestic and international markets. The decision to skip this class of service was a major gamble and, for many travelers, a frustrating omission.
What premium economy may look like for Hawaiian Airlines.
While exact details are still forthcoming, Hawaiian’s upcoming Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft deliveries are the most obvious candidates for the first foray into premium economy sections. Most airlines configure premium economy on the Dreamliner in a 2-3-2 layout, with three to four rows of seating. This will mean a significant upgrade over Extra Comfort, with wider and more reclined seats and enhanced service and meal options.
Configurations do vary by airline. United and American Airlines use a 2-3-2 layout on the Dreamliner, while Delta—though not a 787 operator—uses 2-4-2 on their widebody A350 and 2-3-2 on the A330-900neo. Premium economy on the United’s Boeing 777-200, can be in a 2-4-2 configuration instead.
The key takeaway is that Hawaiian’s Dreamliner will likely follow the common 2-3-2 setup, meaning passengers will finally have access to wider seats and a cabin experience that is entirely distinct from economy including extra legroom.
Why the lack of premium economy was a mistake.
Hawaiian’s decision to bypass Premium Economy was a rare misstep. While they heavily invested in state-of-the-art lie-flat business class suites on their Dreamliners, they left a glaring gap in the market. Airlines across the industry have been expanding high-earning premium economy offerings. Yet, Hawaiian focused solely on Extra Comfort, which provides additional legroom but remains part of the main economy cabin. Many travelers were left without an option that balanced price and comfort.
Premium economy is typically priced at about 50% more than regular economy and significantly less than first or business class. It represents the ideal middle ground for many travelers—offering a far more spacious seat, enhanced service, and priority perks without the high cost of lie-flat widebody seating.
For some, the lack of premium economy on Hawaiian was a dealbreaker. AKRanger shared, “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.” Others pointed out that lie-flat seats on Hawaii routes aren’t always necessary, making premium economy a better value.
Bob K. questioned Hawaiian’s strategy, saying, “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.”
How will this be help Hawaiian and Alaska compete?
A frequent Hawaii traveler, Mark M., explained the difference in service expectations, saying, “Hawaiian Airlines gives economy passengers a sad sausage roll. In premium economy, meals are plated on real plates, and it’s the airline’s version of restaurant dining service.”
This highlights the importance of adequately defining premium economy as its own experience rather than just a seat with extra legroom.
With premium economy set to arrive on Hawaiian’s widebody aircraft, probably sooner than later, many travelers are eager to see how it stacks up against the competition. One hopeful flyer, Tim, summed it up: “I’m hoping that Alaska will come to its senses and add a premium economy section on the 787s.”
If Hawaiian/Alaska follows the industry-standard 2-3-2 layout on the 787-9 and offers the expected service upgrades, this could mark a significant and long-overdue improvement for Hawaii travelers. The only question is whether it will come soon enough to win back those who have already moved on to other airlines.
We welcome your comments.
Lead Photo: Beat of Hawaii flying Premium Economy on United between IAD-HNL.
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It seems to me, in the recesses of memory that Hawaiian Extra Comfort offered a bit more for Extra Comfort. The entertainment being free while paying for IFE was standard in Economy, perhaps one or two other little perks. However it was in the latter part of 2018, if my memory is correct, that the only advantage of the EC was a few inches of legroom.
Very nice love the sits
Susie
We fly once a year to Hawaii, paying for the extra comfort seats. This doesn’t ‘ break the bank’ and well worth the extra add on. Worried now about the cost for this new Premium Economy. Pls remember how low the AUS$ is at the moment. That alone is off putting going to the US.
The sooner Premium Economy is introduced the better it will be for Hawaiian Airlines, and us. Going to and leaving Hawaii unfortunately we need comfort.
Brian M
Call me tight, or maybe just adaptable, but a 50% premium on Economy pricing is not worth it, unless, perhaps I’m flying with a partner on a long haul 3-3-3 Dreamliner. Presently, when I fly solo on the Boston Airbus 2-4-2 route, I get a window or aisle seato and go into sleep/hibernation/meditation mode. I rarely read, watch movies, etc. I zone out and — BOOM! — I’m there.
I was about to leave Hawaiin airlines because of the new configuration of Boeing Dreamliner. Also the lack of a true premium economy was also a factor. I would fly extra legroom on the airbus to Hawaii however it didn’t feel special. I was initially against the merger but maybe Alaska will be a good fit for Hawaiin. They just need a configuration for two people in a row in Hawaiin airlines on the Boeing Dreamliner .
If you left Hawaiian Airlines for lack of premium economy, where would you go?
United Airlines but you need to depart from SFO.
That’s fine and dandy for widebody service, but what about bay area flight from San Jose and Oakland? We are stuck with uncomfortable A321neo planes. Even First Class on these flights are uncomfortable. Premium economy gives you just a few more inches of legroom in a 3-3 configuration, not to mention the tiny lavatories as well. One of the most uncomfortable planes flying to the islands. I guess a 5-1/2 hour flight doesn’t count as medium or long haul.
With all due respect, I have flown Delta, Hawaiian, Alaska, Aloha and United to and from Hawaii to Mainland USA for more than 50 years. It’s been a decade or more since American on this route, and 10 years since my last Alaska flight. Seats are universally terrible in my opinion for such long haul flights. The seats are like sitting on boards in the bleachers of a 1950’s baseball game. I am not commenting about the service by attendants; the attendant’s fold down flat seats appear to be worse than our passenger’s seats. How they endure it?
And, by the way, I am talking about first class seats. How about a less techno seat but a more comfortable seat? Not a board to sit on. Please. I fly less each year because flying is less pleasurable each year. I wonder if airlines have marketing?
Yes, years ago, seats were better from all of those mentioned airlines.
Southwest you might ask? I have flown a lot on Southwest but never mainland to-from Hawaii.
I’m 5’6” 160 lbs typical local Asian frame who is quite satisfied with the narrow seat widths and leg room flying A330 Sea-HNL. Extra comfort seating is nice but I really don’t need the added legroom. Just like the 2-4-2 seating with no middle person to jump over. Flew twice on 3-3 A321 in which Extra comfort does make it easier to jump over one or two people to get to the aisle.
About Time!
I love, love Hawaiian airlines! I fly first class always and they are number one. I have flown on all the other airlines in first class and none of them compare with HA!
Hospitality and service is unbeatable!
I am happy for those who see value in Coach Plus or Premium Economy ( how is that for an oxymoron). For me if it is a daytime flight I fly on a carrier when I can get a lot of extra room and buy a cheap ticket. If it is an overnight, I have to div deep and pay for business or first for a lie flat that is long enough (medical issue). The real negative for PE as initiated by British Airways, it removed Coach to Business Class upgrades on long haul. Luckily American treat all Economy fares the same based on the type of fare not the sub class. Been looking at Hawaiian for the Holidays on HNL-LAX route and it is double The fare on AA, DL or UA. So goodness knows what the PE will be. Cannot see anyone paying the same for PE on Hawaiian instead of First/Business/Polaris on UA, DL or AA.
I didn’t realize that Hawaiian was the last airline flying widebodies to Hawaii without premium economy. I love their branding and hospitality, but they had been making some strange decisions lately.
Lisa T, UA and DL fly widebodies from LAX and AA only do around the really busy days. From further afield such as ORD, ATL, EWR, JFK, IAD they are all widebodies.
While Hawaiian is adding premium economy, I hope they also fix their food. That sad little sandwich they serve in Economy and Extra Comfort isn’t cutting it. If I’m paying extra, I expect some kind of real meal and real service too.
People are acting like this is some huge upgrade, but I’m not so sure. I’ve flown both American, and United in premium economy, and the experience was okay but not wildly wonderful. Some flights feel worth it, others feel like a waste of money. Hope Hawaiian gets it right both in comfort and cost.
Finally! Hawaiian Airlines is playing catch-up, but at least they’re doing it. I’ve been flying United’s premium economy to Hawaii because it works for me as the perfect balance of comfort and price. Hawaiian ignored this market—let’s see if they can win me back.
Everything is premium focused. I don’t get all the hype about premium economy. It’s just another way for airlines to squeeze more money out of passengers. Either fly first class or deal with economy—those are your real choices.
Hallelujah! This is great news and just what the doctor ordered for those who don’t want to pay the high cost of First Class, but will gladly pay a reasonable competitive fare for Premium Economy.
Mahalo Nui Alaska/Hawaiian leadership for making this decision.
Aloha to all.
I flew Hawaiian’s Dreamliner recently, and the lack of premium economy was a surprise. The lie-flat seats looked nice, but they’re not necessary for a five-hour flight. Extra Comfort just wasn’t enough. Glad they’re finally fixing this with something in between.
Not everyone wants to shell out for first class, but a little extra space and comfort go a long way, especially on those long-haul flights. Hawaiian should have done this from the start on the Dreamliners. Wonder why they didn’t.
Better late than never. Hawaiian could have been ahead of the curve, but they stuck with Extra Comfort for too long. Meanwhile, United, American, and Delta have been busy offering premium economy for ages.
I’ve been waiting for Hawaiian to add premium economy! I love their service, but the lack of a true PE option made me book with other airlines. Excited to see what they offer, though I hope it’s not just a minor upgrade over Extra Comfort.
Better late than never, however look at what you missed out on