Hawaiian Airlines puts its stake in the ground and shakes up Hawaii air travel with their new Airbus A321neo. New plane hits all the high notes, expect food.
30 thoughts on “Trip Report: Hawaiian Airlines A321neo Inaugural Flight”
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Hi everyone!
Flying on the A321 Neo SJC – HNL in a few weeks. Seats are reserved in the rear of the plane in Economy. If anyone has flown this aircraft recently, would like to get your feedback on Economy seat comfort, leg space, bin space (possibly boarding last). I’m a fairly tall individual (6’1″). I’m used to the A330 seat comfort and leg space, so I’m taking a chance on this aircraft vs. United’s 777 service.
Thanks for your feedback
Mahalo
Hi Jason.
We haven’t been on a UA 777 in a long time, so can’t personally contrast that. The A321 is a modern single aisle plane and the fit is tight – that’s true no matter what airline is flying it. We won’t really discern much difference in comfort in economy between that plane and say the 737-800. That’s the plane that many of the airlines use (Alaska, United). It’s our preference to fly wide-body whenever possible. Sometimes it just isn’t an option.
Aloha.
Flying the A321 back from Maui in August, first class. I’m really looking forward to this!
Why did you show old 717 seat pics?
I am looking for flights from SF Bay Area airports or Sacramento to Lihue for Aug 25-Sep1. Is now a good time to book or should I wait? And how long should I wait? Thanks for any help. Christie
Hi Christie.
Saturdays are going to hurt the airfare options. About $600 nonstop or slightly less with one stop. Not sure Saturdays will improve. Also, could get slightly better (perhaps $50) if you wait. Can’t say for sure, and then there’s the bird in hand issue.
Aloha.
Aloha.
We will be in Maui mid-end of July. We are departing on a Saturday and rates are as high as I have seen them. Should I book now? Planning to fly with Hawaiian Airlines.
Haw’n has always been known for excellent service in flight and for its hot meals served w/ accompanying wine pairing. This is what brought the airline to the top of the list; however, if meal options are slowly being altered, then they might as well be compared as equals w/ other less deserving Airlines.
So PLEASE don’t let this happen! Furthermore, extra comfort seating means just that.. more comfy, more legroom, wider than regular economy. If otherwise, it would be nice to not be charged same as the Airbus equipments…in all fairness to us paying passengers!!!
Agree regarding meals – if those go we go as customers
What flight number did you fly on from Maui to Oakland. Flying same route just reversed & hope to have new plane. On reservations it only shows A321 plane & that is different than the neo one. Thanks for any input.
Hi Helen.
That’s the only A321 Hawaiian has – the neo variant. It was 915.
Aloha.
Aloha! Thanks for the review as I am flying out of Oakland to Maui next Tuesday. We too purchased the extra comfort seats for the first time but aisle/aisle, rather than the 3 in a row seating. We typically like sitting next to one another in the 2 row option, but weren’t given that opportunity when booking this time. Oh well, we just won’t play cards this trip! Do the extra comfort seats provide enough leg room to allow the other passengers in the row to walk out, or will I be getting up to let them through? (not that it’s a bad thing to stretch now and again 🙂 Mahalo!
Hi Deb.
Wouldn’t say there is enough room to walk by without other passenger getting up. It is about 6″ of extra legroom. Much more pleasant than regular economy for us at least and worth the $80.
Aloha.
I was looking at Hawaiian Airlines flights from LAX to Maui in August 2018 and noticed many flights did not have any Extra Comfort seats. Do some planes not offer them? The only options were First Class and Main Cabin.