If you’ve wanted to fly premium on flights to Hawaii (okay, well who doesn’t), but were not keen on the price tag, there are interesting options and a couple of other tricks that might help move you up to First.
Is First Class a luxury reserved for the rich? Not exactly. There are always ways to experience upgrades without breaking the bank. When you do, you get more space, privacy, far better food, and some degree of pampering.
Upgrades on flights to Hawaii are always possible, and in fact, most passengers in premium cabins used some form of upgrade to get there. Free upgrades, however, even for premium flyers, are becoming ever rarer.
Case in point: cheaper, definitely not cheap.
Your editors upgraded to Hawaiian Airlines First Class using saved up miles on a 10-hour flight from Sydney to Honolulu several months before COVID shut everything down. The cost of the upgrade was 45,000 HawaiianMiles, which is equivalent to $450. That’s a great price when you consider 1) we paid $400 for the cheapest economy tickets bringing the total cost to $850, and 2) the cost to purchase First Class outright was $2,500 per person. Thus the savings was about two-thirds off the retail price.
Options for upgrades on flights to Hawaii.
Paid upgrades. These are within 24 hours of travel and can range from as little as $150 to as much as $819. Check with your airline in advance to see how it works so that you are prepared to act on check-in.
Upgrade using frequent flyer points, as we did in the case above. Upgrades to and from Hawaii on all airlines typically start at about 15,000 frequent flyer points. Interisland upgrades start at about half that.
Airline-branded credit cards. These can come with a significant bonus, up to 100,000 miles for signup.
Fly enough to become an elite. If you do, free upgrades (either guaranteed or based on status/availability) are a part of the perks, although how that works varies by airline.
Bidding for upgrades on Hawaiian Airlines:
1. Buy cheap flights to Hawaii in economy or basic economy.
2. Go to Hawaiian Airlines‘ website and in “manage my trips,” look for a link to begin the upgrade bidding process.
3. The airline will send out an email within a few weeks of your flight inviting you to inquire about bidding.
4. Decide what you’re willing to pay and see the airline’s minimum bid requirements.
5. Submit your offer and provide payment details in the event your bid is accepted. A hold may be placed on your credit card during this process.
Other tricks.
Alaska Airlines 24 hour upgrades. A relative steal between the US mainland and Hawaii when available, we’ve seen these priced at as little as $150. The trick here is to be online exactly 24 hours in advance of your flight, and not a minute later.
Just ask. It may not work, but if you’re celebrating something, or are too large, tall, or are pregnant as examples, it never hurts to ask. Dressing nicely is always a good idea too, and being polite. None of these can do anything but improve chances, no matter how slim they may be nowadays.
Partner airline points. Check airline alliances. You may have points on one airline that can be used on another.
Tell us your thoughts.
Have you upgraded, and if so, how did you do it. Did you get a deal? Is bidding for upgrades something that you have done or might consider?
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Mark M says
We always fly as a couple at least 3 times a year with Hawaiian Airlines and of course, we always sit together. So, if there are first class seats available but not on the same row (together), I don’t want my bid for first class upgrade be accepted. Will Hawaiian Airlines accept my bid and sit us separately?
Chuck A. says
tr4ied a few times to upgrade that way. Didn’t work. Now, for our annual trip to Hawaii we pay about $800.00 each, and then upgrade to First with 100,000 Hawaiian miles that we have saved up during the year.
Nancy S says
We were able to get first class seats on United one way from HON-LAX in April for around $500. Booked it last October. We thought the difference in Coach and First Class was not that much different, so we splurged and went with First Class. This was before they were offering the cheap flights for $130, but looking forward to being comfortable and getting a hot meal. Fare is still available by the way.
Nancy S says
I flew from Kona to LAX in early December and offered the minimum bid of $250 to upgrade to first class. My bid was accepted but my husband offered the same bid and his was not accepted. I am not sure how they decide what bids to accept. Also, flying to and from Maui the minimum bid is between $500-600 so I don’t even bid because it’s more than I want to spend. I tried bidding less but it wouldn’t let me. I was surprised I got the Kona-LAX upgrade but going to Maui in April and will try.
DebraM says
Aloha again. So I couldn’t find out on the Hawaiian Airlines website where you can use the miles to upgrade. I decided to upgrade anyway on the flight back. 161.00. It’s 132.00 for an upgrade to Lihue. But I am keeping my seat the same to go over.
DebraM says
Aloha Rob and Jeff, I had no idea you could use miles for upgrades. I always get the emails asking if I am interested and I did it once, but was rejected. The minimum bid was 625.00. I bid 300.00. I am interested in how many miles I would have to use to fly from Los Angeles to Lihue. Mahalo for the info. Am flying in this Wednesday March 2. Am really looking forward to coming.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Debra.
Here’s their award chart. https://hawaiianair.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2218/~/hawaiianmiles-award-chart.
We find it generally works best to buy the cheapest ticket and then get a saver level mileage award.
Aloha.
Janet H says
Aloha,
I recently upgraded from main cabin to comfort seats on Hawaiian airlines using frequent flyer points. The comfort seats on Hawaiian are very nice. Very comfortable for a 6 hour flight. I like Hawaiian because they have great aloha spirit, free meal, free movies and a free rum punch!
Jim S says
Hi
We really like your emails. Unfortunately for the last several weeks the links have been redirected to yahoo news.
Best wishes
Thanks for all your reporting
Jim S
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jim.
Wet don’t find your IP address blacklisted do not sure what the issue is.
Aloha.
Cindy C. says
I have bid for first class on Hawaiian Airlines several times and have actually had my bid accepted twice. I always make the minimum allowed bid, which was $300 but lately seems to be higher. Since I use miles to pay for our flights, the extra $300 per person is worth it – especially on the trip home when we’re tired and bummed to be leaving Hawaii.
Don K says
Had a $600/person first class fare from LAX to Kona and then on to Maui on Hawaiian. No ugrades, just the price. You won’t find that price right now because of spring break travel but there are really good first class fares at times. The might not be available when you want to travel but they are out there to act upon.
jenny says
I would not risk up grading as there are only 21 seat in business & if you really need to lie flat then you don’t mind paying the price
PAMM says
Mahalo for being here Jeff and Rob!
Always there for everyone with the best information and travel tips.
Our world is blessed to have you.
I really like your encouragement for flyers to dress nicely and be kind.
I understand people wanting to be comfy while on a long flight, but it’s become downright slovenly lately.
As far as kindness, we REALLY need a lot more of that in this world we’re in.
Aloha and blessings, always 🌺🙏🏼
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Pam.
We’re so glad to here from you! Thanks and best wishes.
Aloha.
Nancy says
As Gold members with Hawaiian…always get to airport early & sign up for complimentary upgrade. So far…we have had not only better seats but preferred seats for free.