Beat of Hawaii is traveling frequently between Hawaii and the mainland right now, with more to come. Those will include United Airlines Hawaii economy and Economy Plus reviews, a United Hawaii Premium Plus review (true premium economy) on a 5k mile flight to Hawaii, and an updated Alaska Airlines Hawaii first class review. We’re excited to share how we are able to fly and make all of these affordable, too, through various hacks, which for us is half the challenge and fun. As always, BOH pays its own way.
We never know ourselves how these reviews will go and are often surprised. By way of history, decades ago, editor Rob, when he graduated college, worked several years for United Airlines in Seattle. Jeff was years ago a 1K (frequent flyer) of United. But those were a long time. It had been nearly a decade since either editor flew United to or from Hawaii and so time to see how things changed.
Before this flight, and putting these articles slightly out of order, editors flew twice on United Hawaii flights in their Polaris business class. See:
United Airlines Hawaii Polaris Review: Excellent!
On this United Boeing 737-800 flight from Los Angeles to Lihue, the choices were First Class, Economy Plus, or Economy. Jeff bought this flight as part of an international itinerary, and the total cost in United First was surprisingly low. Read on for those details, too.
In the future, if we knew that this was the United plane we would be flying on, we would not choose to fly first class.
WiFi/texting. 0/10
We diligently checked both the United app and asked United representatives both in the Los Angeles Polaris lounge and on the phone whether there would be satellite WiFi. In each instance, we were told there would be, and the United App in fact sold it to us for $8 for the flight.
Feeling confident that there would indeed be WiFi, Jeff and Rob both planned to draft BOH articles in flight. But that was not to be. Instead, as Wi-Fi became available at 10,000 feet, we received the message above from United. The flight attendant said she thought it was strange that others at UAL had confirmed the presence of Wi-Fi on the flight, which she indicated is not present in that particular fleet. Check with us on how that works on the next flight, which is on a United 737 MAX. The airline is replacing this older plane with the far newer aircraft in the next two weeks.
Seating and comfort. 6/10
The First-Class seats were extremely dated on this 16 year old aircraft. United’s does have an ongoing retrofit program for these planes.
Compared with the other narrow body offerings we’ve recently written about in our Hawaiian Airlines A321 first class review, and Delta A321 first class review, however, the space provided, including the legroom, was adequate and reasonably comfortable. That’s true even when compared with their newest planes. Also, narrow-body offerings in no way compare with widebody planes which generally have lie-flat First-Class seating on flights to Hawaii and are dramatically better. One side note here: the United Boeing 757-200, which flies to and from Hawaii, does offer lie-flat seating, and we recently reviewed it very favorably.
The first-class cabin on United does not share its restroom with economy as we’ve seen on Alaska Airlines. And flight attendants asked economy passengers not to use it. The size of the restrooms is standard for this era aircraft, but not as tight and uncomfortable as on the A321neo.
There was an electrical outlet and USB power at every seat. There were no blankets or pillows provided, which did seem odd. We’ve since learned that United has removed these from most domestic flights. But we did receive the Hawaii branded first class amenity kit.
Let’s start with some of the things that didn’t go as expected, before we get to some things that went very well.
Food and beverage. 5/10
The meal pictured here was actually one of the worst we’ve encountered on any recent business/first-class Hawaii flight. While the service was okay, the meal was not. First, there were five entrees offered for this breakfast service, which could be pre-ordered. Both of us ordered the same dish. But were served something entirely different than what was ordered. The entree, even smothered in the sauce that came with it, was inedible. So was the croissant. Only the fruit was okay.
The flight attendant took note that the breakfasts ordered and the ones delivered were not the same. As a result, both editors were offered $100 in flight credits on United. That was a surprisingly generous offer in our minds and actually improved our rating.
The entire meal was served on one tray. That is a Covid holdover, and we prefer the meals being served in courses as is traditional. The entree followed a traditional beverage and warm nuts service. Real silverware and a cloth napkin were provided. United is in the process of returning to courses being served separately.
Aircraft condition. 7/10
The 737-800 appeared both well-maintained but worn. The luggage bins were relatively new, modern, and capacious. We wouldn’t choose to fly this plane again due to its appearance, age, and lack of retrofit to a better interior, but there was nothing notably wrong with it either.
The company said earlier this year that due to dreaded supply chain issues, it is running behind in its effort to upgrade old fleets, including the 737. A significant part of the program is implementing seat-back entertainment, which these first-class seats did not have. The company said that only perhaps 1/3 of these old planes will get the retrofit this year.
Entertainment. 7/10
Entertainment on board this flight was via personal devices in conjunction with the United Airlines app. There was no holder for devices, so it was all hand-held. The variety offered was substantial, but Rob could never get movies to play. Every time an advertisement prior to the title selected stopped, he received an error message that the title was not available.
Greeting on Board. 10/10
BOH editors walked on soon after boarding commenced. There were two flight attendants in the forward galley. We were to learn later that they were actually married! Both of them greeted us, which was a nice and welcome touch.
Cost. 10/10
BOH purchased a round-trip from Hawaii to Europe when it was on sale. The amount paid for this flight was $362. That is extremely well-priced for any first or business-class flight to Hawaii and the least that we have ever paid.
Read: Upgrades on Flights to Hawaii | Tips and Tricks That Work.
Flight attendants. 10/10
There were two first-class flight attendants for the entire flight. They were pleasant, attentive, and hard-working during the flight. For us, when traveling in a premium class, service is a signature component of the service. The only thing we found odd, albeit not objectionable, was that neither of the flight attendants had ever been to Kauai before. In fact, we offered them some suggestions of things to do and places to go.
Cockpit crew interaction 10/10
There was a traditional welcome announcement from either the pilot. There was also an announcement by the flight crew that followed departure. There then an announcement with last call, arrival information and a weather update that came about ten minutes prior to the beginning of our flight’s descent.
Reservation and online experience. 10/10
Purchasing tickets online on United is very easy and is becoming quickly familiar to the editors. So was selecting and changing seat assignments and even changing the date of the flight. Everything worked fast and flawlessly. Meals can be ordered online in advance from the app.
On a side note, it does seem that when pre-ordering meals, better choices might be included. Jeff checked seats and meal options several times between the day of booking and the flight but made no changes.
Check-in online and at the airport. 10/10
This was smooth and seamless using the United Airlines app for the boarding pass. A reminder to check in was sent exactly 24 hours before flight time.
At the airport, there was a separate First-Class line with no one waiting. The person working, who was a contractor rather than a United employee, was excellent. There was really no line for economy passengers either.
On-time. 10/10
We’ve heard reports about flight delays. But on the four United flights we flew on this itinerary, all had on-time departure and arrival.
Baggage claim. 10/10
The baggage claim in Lihue was extremely fast – in the range of 10 to 15 minutes.
How much for from LA , California to Honoluu ( Hawaii)on Premium Economy( round trip)?
Please reply to me by email.
Hi Hanh.
Try checking Google Flights for your route and dates. https://beatofhawaii.com/find-cheap-hawaii-airfare-with-google-flights-alerts/.
Aloha.
Thank you for the great review. Love reading the reviews. Any suggestions on how to report a bad experience to an airline? For instance you said you received 100 bucks in in flight credit for a lousy meal. Thanks
Hi Mike.
Thanks. Tell us more about the circumstances, and we’ll see what we can suggest.
Aloha.
I grew up with family on Big Island and so traveled to and fro often, usually on UA (out of SFO); haven’t been on UA to Hawaii in at least ten years (now SEA based and am usually on AS) – the one thing I want to know is do they still play the “halfway to Hawaii” game?!? I’d look forward to playing on each and every flight; I won on my last trip (large box of mac nuts was the prize) and this is still a very fond memory.
Hi Pshen.
No more halfway to Hawaii game. Sorry to say.
Aloha.
It actually depends on the crew. They were still playing it as of just a few weeks ag.
I bought 4 first class tickets to Hawaii the plane was very old no seats to recline into beds no television no radio no nothing I paid $9.700. Got a meal that was gross going to contact lawyer because United airlines will not return calls.
Please check the definition of Polaris class with United, preferably with their corporate offices. It is very specific and to my knowledge doesn’t apply to first class across the board. Unfair to mis-characterize.
United can’t decide whether routes to Hawaii are domestic or international, from anywhere on the mainland. Getting the right mix of revenue, amenities and plane is tricky. These routes are lost leaders, meaning demand is high but from vacation travelers, not corporate execs on expense accounts. Hence lower fares and less revenue. Also, longer route, bigger plane. Bigger plane, more comfort and amenities. West Coast flights are basically over-water, domestic flights. And flying domestically is pretty iffy these days.
My grandson and I flew United economy with a group to Honolulu in June 2023 and were extremely disappointed that there were no back seat video monitors for in-flight movies Or WIFI on the final leg-Frisco to Honolulu. It made the long trip very difficult for some of the high school kids who are usually on their phones all the time. I understand that wifi is iffy crossing the ocean, but think All flights from the mainland to Any of the Hawaiian Islands should have in-flight movies as some kind of entertainment for the long trip.
BOH: Flew UA 2380 from SFO to HNL last night, via a 737-800 MAX. There was no wi-fi or internet about 15 minutes outside SFO. For a plane that was only a few years old, the aircraft’s bulkhead screens were frozen to the previous flight (ORD to SFO) over Davenport, IA which was odd given the age of the A/C.
What was worse was the 24.5 year old 772 from EWR to SFO. During taxi, a light standard cover fell down and thankfully hit no one. And the climate controls for the A/C were frozen (pun intended) on full blase cold. Also, the A/C did not have individual fans for each seat, just the vents that ran the length of the A/C….which blew very cold air the entire time. I had a sweatshirt and two blankets on and was still quite cold.
Hi Justin.
Thanks for the report. According to FlightAware, that was a 737 Max 9 that you flew on last night. We’ll report back after two flights on that plane that are coming right up. Have been lucky to avoid the 772 with 8 across business. And really enjoyed their Dreamliner Polaris.
Aloha.
Aloha BoH!
I looked up thr tail number/registration (N77558) and you are correct: it was a 737-9MAX. My apologies!
I have flown United to HNL through Houston (and often connect the same day- so I have a back end time constraint) at least once, sometimes twice a year, since 2008 from either DCA or IAD. I competitively shop other airlines, dates, times, you get the picture. In 2008-1011/2012 my ticket was no more than 850-900. In April 2021 it was just under 1700 for economy plus (upgraded for free bag and seating in that area); I flew American through Phoenix to Maui to connect later that afternoon this April and did a similar type of upgrade for just under 2K.
I am already looking at this April and man would I like some of that magic juice BOH is drinking to get the prices you are!
Have you sent in comments to United regarding the catering and about how you prefer a multi course service rather than a single tray? I also love multi course service, but my sources at United have told me that most customer’s have asked for one tray, and don’t want multiple courses anymore. I think the only way for it to change is Lots of customer feedback.
Hi TT.
United has already seen this. Thanks for your input.
Aloha.
Love BOH. Maui residents for 15 years. Somehow, BOH got “pushed” on me via Google, probably based on my search history (aside, anyone who thinks we still have any privacy is living in the early 20th century). Anyways, keep the articles coming!
Hi Robert.
Thanks, welcome and will do! We hope to hear from you again.
Aloha.
When we went to Hawaii in 2021 the rates for 1st class were fairly inexpensive ($400 RT Via SFO).
We decided to splurge and pay for 1st but I told my wife we could Only book flights on one of United’s triple 7s. No way I’d pay 1st class on a narrow body.
We didn’t tell our daughter about the seats and she was surprised and excited to see the lie flat seats. Being over 21 she immediately went for the booze but sadly United wasn’t serving Mai Tais during covid, and she had to ‘settle’ for champagne.
Nice review. So having wifi is imperative to draft an article on a computer that does not need wifi to work?
Hi Kimom
Thanks. While we do takes notes in offline Docs, to be honest, it is way better to work in the online website editor directly.
Aloha.
Chill out. For $300-odd for a flight half way across Pacific and you are complaining about WiFi?
United Airlines in Hawaii was very disappointing. They cancelled my son’s non stop flight to LAX and put him on two 27 hour flights with 2 cancellations and rebookings through Denver and finally arrived at LAX 27 hours later. We had always flown United airlines every couple of of years or more but are now reconsidering and will now decide bto fly other airlines, rather than United after flying with them exclusively for 30 years.
In March 2022 I flew American Airlines from Dallas to Honolulu and we were served a cheese sandwich LOL
Good for you because my flight from Washington, DC with American Airlines via Phoenix literally had 0 food (not even for purchase!) when I returned to Maui earlier this month. What was worse is we were told 5 minutes before boarding that there will be no food on the plane, so fries at Wendy’s across from the gate was my only option not to miss the flight!
i have had that same flight and ditto!
I think business class everywhere has gone downhill. We flew back from Paris to O’Hare in May and I’ve never had a worse meal ever and then the snacks were non-existent. The service was serviceable. Lounge at the airport at Charles de Gaulle was very nice and the food was very good but we didn’t want to eat lunch because we were going to be eating on the plane, bad mistake!
So interesting to read other’s experiences. We’ve been flying to Kauai for many years, on Delta, American, Southwest, and most recently United. We had heard negative things about United over the years, so avoided the airline. About 4 years ago, United had a credit card offer I couldn’t refuse, so we began flying on United. Boy, were we surprised! United has now become our favorite, and not just to Kauai. We’ve flown it all over the US, even to Alaska. We rarely fly first class, usually just “preferred seating”, and are very comfortable. Good service, and plenty to eat. Flying on United to Kauai on Wednesday, and hoping the positive trend continues.
PS. Flying out of Denver, flights are $1000+ for direct flight mid-week
OH My! I am flyng Americannad have to as they would not refund from the Maui fire, but offered credit. Anyway, I am dreading the narrow body plane. I really dont care about eating as it is annoying and smelly and then everyone has to have their dumps in the tiny biffy. But I sure woiuld love leg room, and water, water, water. I am very tall and can not afford extra 6″ seating, so am just actually dreading the flight, plus now reading about bed bugs, and the iffyness on be welcomed to Maui. its been way too stressful to go on a paradisical trip, that if I had not planned it with a friend, would just not go. Dreading the air flight~whatever the company.
Aloha
When booking a flight, it shows the plane, however, I’ve also had the occasion where it was switched out after booking to a different aircraft. That would thwart attempts to have the kind of flight experience I’d like.
Am I understanding this correctly that you paid less than $400 for a flight from Europe to Hawaii on 1st class? If so, I wouldn’t complain, but agree it should not bee called “1st class” if the food is bad etc. We stopped flying United a long time ago.
Hi Eva.
No that was the cost for that segment only. Still a great price.
Aloha.
Can you please review Hawaii Air nonstops from Mainland to HNL. In September we flew HA nonstop from Phoenix to HNL. We were in the seats/class immediately behind first class. At altitude, the attendant came through offering a breakfast sandwich in a wrapper. I asked for water, juice & coffee. The attendant seemed annoyed that I did. Good thing I did. After that we had no cabin service except for 2 walkthroughs offering water. Nothing else! Nadda on a 5+ hour flight. We were told if wanted coffee to go to a service area. If you wanted a snack, go to the back of the plane & buy something. Really? No other service on a 5+ hour flight? Unbelievable. Living in Kauai we’ve been loyal to HA, but that may change. We were so disappointed.
Hi Tom.
We’ve have done many Hawaiian reviews. And we’ll do more soon.
Aloha.
We received exactly the same service early this week in the 4th row of extra comfort on an A330 flight from PDX to HNL which is the same service we received back in April between PDX & OCG on an A321.