Today’s Alaska Hawaii Airfare Sale + Route Changes Reshaping Hawaii Travel

Alaska Airlines unveiled ten new route announcements today, signaling further expansion of its network and solidifying its Hawaii strategy by being a dominant West Coast and Pacific connector. However, direct Hawaii routes were noticeably absent from this update. But Hawaii was not left out even still. The company also announced an interesting combined airfare sale (below) that is yet another first.

For travelers to Hawaii, these might at first raise eyebrows—but the implications for Hawaii travel are far more significant than they appear on the surface. With Alaska’s recent acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines, every route update and airfare sale impacts Hawaii flights, especially as the Seattle hub becomes the linchpin for mainland-to-Hawaii travel.

Alaska’s focus on strengthening its mainland network may seem disconnected from Hawaii.

But it’s anything but unrelated. With Seattle firmly established as Alaska’s primary hub, the airline is already building out routes that enhance its ability to funnel traffic from across the mainland to and from Hawaii.

This also suggests that Hawaii travelers could see fewer direct flights and more routing through Seattle—a shift that would be convenient for some but frustrating for others.

Longtime Hawaii visitors and residents have grown accustomed to Hawaiian Airlines’ widebody comfort and direct albeit limited routes, but Alaska’s narrower 737s and hub-focused approach may signal a different future.

Recent BOH reader comments reflect this growing concern. Rob T commented, “Hawaiian is moving widebody flights to the Seattle Hub. The ‘synergy’ that results is that West Coast flyers will be routed through the Seattle hub instead of nonstop flights.” Another reader, Denise, shared frustration, saying, “Sitting in a cramped 737 for five or six hours to Hawaii just isn’t the same. If this is the future of Hawaii travel, it’s disappointing and frustrating.”

New deals through Honolulu.

As Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines align their networks, travelers can already see tangible benefit attempts, including promotional fares that reflect their expanded connectivity. One such example is a $390 each-way fare sale to Sydney and Auckland via Honolulu. Starting in either Seattle or Portland and available for purchase through Nov. 21, 2024. it shows how the airlines are beginning to leverage Honolulu as a central hub for Pacific connections from their west coast hubs.

While such fares are promotional, they underscore the value of Alaska’s acquisition for travelers, creating opportunities that weren’t as accessible before. For those eyeing future travel, this marks a shift in how Hawaii flights are integrated into broader networks, offering travelers not just a way to paradise but also a springboard to global destinations.

Fewer future direct flights to Hawaii?

Hawaiian Airlines’ flights have long been marked by their nonstop convenience from the gateway cities like Los Angeles, San Francisco, San Diego, Sacramento, Long Beach, Ontario, Oakland, San Jose, Seattle, Portland, Las Vegas, Phoenix, New York City, and Boston.

Alaska’s network changes suggest that while the total number of Hawaiian flights may remain stable, passengers could face changes ahead including Seattle connections.

On the positive side, Alaska is fast strengthening its ability to connect passengers from various parts of the mainland to its Seattle hub, which will increasingly becoming a cornerstone for Hawaii-bound traffic. Some examples (from today’s announcement) are traveling from Colorado ski resorts to Hawaii and between Hawaii and Central America. These could have previously been a multiple-airline situation that will not be served directly by the combined Alaska/Hawaiian.

Reader Greg highlighted this issue, saying, “Seattle is being prioritized, but that means passengers from the West Coast will lose the nonstop connections they’re used to. It’s hard to feel like this is an upgrade.”

Narrow-body aircraft replace widebody comfort.

One of the biggest shifts Hawaii travelers may see is gradually replacing widebody aircraft with narrowbody planes like Alaska’s 737. Hawaiian Airlines, before the merger, was known for its use of Airbus A330 widebodies on many mainland routes, offering more spacious cabins and what is, to many, a more comfortable travel experience.

Alaska Airlines, by contrast, has a fleet dominated by Boeing 737s—smaller, more economical planes that lack the space and amenities of widebody counterparts. That being said, Hawaiian also relies on its narrow-body A321neo fleet, which has the same issues passengers bemoan.

Tammy S, a frequent traveler, shared her experience, “I’ve flown both Alaska’s 737 and Hawaiian’s A330 from Seattle to Hawaii. The A330 is a much better experience. Narrowbodies just don’t compare for these long-haul flights.” Meanwhile, John H noted the operational challenges, saying, “Widebody planes are great for comfort, but they take up too much gate space in Seattle, which is already congested.”

This trend highlights Alaska’s savvy, cost-focused approach. While narrow-bodies are more economical to operate, passengers will feel the difference—especially on flights that stretch six hours or longer. For Hawaii’s tourism-driven economy, this could subtly affect how visitors perceive the overall Hawaii travel experience.

BOH editors encounter the challenges of long-haul narrow-body.

Yesterday, we returned to Hawaii from California on a 737 MAX 8. We both found the experience lacking, even in extra legroom economy using the third empty seat trick. The long lines queueing for the two lavatories on the United plane made for a miserable six hours in the air. We note, however, that Alaska and United provide one extra lav on their MAX 9 fleet, which is admirable.

Route implications for Hawaii travel.

Today’s announcements underscore Alaska Airlines’ growing influence over West Coast and Hawaii flights, even when Hawaii isn’t explicitly mentioned. Seattle’s role as a hub means Hawaii-bound passengers from across the mainland may face more reliance on connecting flights rather than the direct routes they’ve come to expect.

This has pros and cons: while it opens up far more connections between cities and Hawaii, it also increases travel time and reduces convenience.

Bill A commented, “It’s clear Alaska isn’t going to invest in widebody planes for Hawaii. They’re sticking with their 737s, and that’s going to leave a lot of us passengers unhappy.”

Meanwhile, some readers pointed out potential positives. John W remarked, “Adding widebody flights to Seattle could create more one-stop options for Hawaii travelers, even if direct flights are reduced.” Others, like Chris, noted that Boeing’s production delays may force Alaska to hold on to Hawaiian’s Airbus planes for longer than expected, potentially preserving some of the widebody comfort for now.

What’s up next for Hawaii flights comes on December 10.

Alaska Airlines’ next investor meeting on December 10 is expected to shed significant light on its Hawaii strategy. Key questions remain unanswered:

-Will Alaska keep Hawaiian’s A330s in service for existing routes or phase them into new routes?

-How will the Seattle hub evolve to handle increased Hawaii traffic, especially during peak travel seasons and with a lack of widebody terminal space?

-And perhaps most critically, how will these changes affect pricing and convenience for Hawaii travelers?

As this transition unfolds, Hawaii air travel is entering uncharted new territory. Alaska Airlines’ focus on efficiency and Seattle centrality may streamline operations, but the changes come with trade-offs for comfort and direct access. For now, travelers should prepare for more layovers and narrower planes, even as Alaska works to maximize its reach to Hawaii.

Reader David captured the mixed sentiments many feel: “We’ll get to Hawaii one way or another, but it’s clear things won’t be the same. Hopefully, Alaska will figure out how to balance efficiency with the unique experience of flying to paradise.”

What are your thoughts on the combined efforts of Alaska & Hawaiian?