While flying to Hawaii is safe and often thrilling, getting here can sometimes be the worst part of any vacation.
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34 thoughts on “Safety First, Comfort Last: New Norm On Hawaii Flights As Airlines Cancel”
While flying to Hawaii is safe and often thrilling, getting here can sometimes be the worst part of any vacation.
Greed first, profit profit then less comfort. I am dreading the Neo flight to hawaii. I am 6’2 and my legs are longer up around the thigh area so it makes it a nightmare. I originally paid for extra leg room, then lost the flight due to a cancellation, airlines rescheduled my seat, but if I want more leg room out of phx, will have to pay more…nope cant keep forking out the bucks. then Maui says, tip and pay and spend when you get there….just cant do it all anymore.
We love Hawaii. Haven’t been since Covid. Really want to return for our 20 year anniversary because we were married in Hawaii. But I have injured my back and cannot sit the almost 6 hours from Seattle in a tortuous economy seat. Business class and some premium seats are beyond our budget.
This is an example of the general absurdity that’s been taking over the planet.
We flew on a MAX (WN3524 LAS-KOA) on July 22 2023. Upon landing we informed the pilots that there was a loose bolt sticking out of the port wing at cruising altitude which retracted upon landing. They showed no interest until we showed them a photo that we took in flight —- then minimal interest. An airplane mechanic acquaintance assured me soon after that the single bolt in our photograph would not pose a risk to the aircraft even if it dislodged at cruising altitude. There would have to be several loose. Now I wonder how many bolts were actually loose on that plane. After watching Downfall on Netflix about the Boeing company I doubt that I will choose to fly on a MAX again unless there is no other option.
Wow. Scary thought when we take the risk of flying! What a shame!
Why did you fly on a MAX in the first place?
In answer to your question does the airline industry give safety its fair due I’d say no……given the president of Hawaiian and Boeing spokesperson only talk about shareholder comfort. I’m thinking about cancelling my Hawaiian Airline miles card etc. Any suggestions from travelers on booking a wide-body to Hawaii (without having to fly from Europe or Asia?) Mahalo
Hi Stacy.
This should help. https://beatofhawaii.com/secretsto-finding-widebody-flights-to-hawaii/.
Aloha.
Safety first. Imagine ditching half way between Seattle and Honolulu! How long before a ship arrived? Maybe never
Love you guys but given the Hawaii Beat cheerleading for Boeing Max planes in connection with Alaska Air acquisition… (and your most recent nod .”Are Max Planes the safest in the sky? (?) Since Hawaii and Alaska are just concerned with the stock holders and not safety …just wondering. The latest from AP apnews.com/view/5f5249d744ea84051064051bk7390.y5h/
And this from Politico
“Boeing’s track record, along with the FAA’s safety oversight in recent years, has raised serious, warranted concerns for the flying public.” Sen. J.D. Vance a Commerce Committee member, said the near-catastrophic event raises questions about whether the 737 MAX is safe.”
Engineers know safety materials, laws of physics, and quantum mechanics unlike business execs who please shareholders first. Let’s remember the space Challenger January failure while actor-President Reagan gave his sad speech when Florida froze overnight as a warning that was ignored. We still can’t land on the moon again either.
Gone are the lux huge planes like PanAm. Now it’s just a cattle call with lack of civility with farm or ranch dress code, flip flops, and old men in shorts. Sadly, too it’s overweight people who can’t snap seatbelts yet complain of small seats.
I would like to see an adult-only (21+years) flight to Hawaii, mostly business class seating. Yes, it would cost more but hubby and I always pay more anyway to upgrade for his long legs. Maybe just one flight per month could be available. I wonder how many others would be willing to pay for it?
Such flights have been proposed numerous times over the years. There are only a handful of markets where this business model works, and they’re almost always heavy business markets like New York – London. Leisure destinations like Hawaii simply don’t have enough people like you and your hubby willing to pay more for added comfort.
In 2000, American Airlines removed a couple of rows of seats from all its aircraft to launch its “More Room Throughout Coach” concept. It ultimately failed, as people voted with their wallets and simply weren’t willing to pay even a few dollars more for slightly more comfort.
Aloha,
There used to be such a craft DebbieG; it was called the Concorde. Only 100 seats, all first class. Because of the big dollar cost of tickets, like Drew808 below says, it mostly catered to a London-New York business clientele. I would suggest that when an air carrier offers $69 or $99 tickets to Hawaii it sets the tone for a plethora of undesirable actions, including a 30 inch seat pitch and “micro lavatories”. Bring your own pretzels please…
Mahalo