Hawaiian Airlines is ending complimentary meals for Main Cabin passengers on most routes between Hawaii and the continental United States, effective 1 July. The airline will replace the free service with a pre-order dining programme, allowing travellers to purchase meals before their flight.
Passengers can order meals via the airline's website or app from two weeks before departure up to 20 hours before the flight. Prices are expected to range from approximately $10 to $17 per meal. However, flights between Honolulu and New York's John F. Kennedy International Airport will continue to include a complimentary meal for Main Cabin passengers.
The new menu, created in partnership with Maui chef and James Beard Award finalist Sheldon Simeon, features dishes inspired by local Hawaiian flavours, such as mochiko chicken with garlic noodles, barbecue teriyaki chicken bento and corned beef hash with eggs. Meals will be made with fresh ingredients and prepared within 12 hours of departure. Gluten-free and plant-based options will also be available.
Alisa Onishi, Managing Director of Hawai‘i Marketing at Hawaiian Airlines, stated: “At the heart of this transformation is what has always defined Hawaiian Airlines: authentic Hawaiian hospitality. We’re still going to keep the authentic parts of our hospitality, free beverages, free local snacks, (and) the sweet treat at the end of the flight.”
Members of the Huakaʻi by Hawaiian loyalty programme, as well as travellers who join by 24 June, will receive their first two meals free. The airline plans to rotate menu selections throughout the year and add new dishes in the coming months.
