Have you ever wondered what it's like to fly on Hawaiian Airlines' brand new Boeing 787 Dreamliner? Join us as we embark on a journey to paradise, experiencing both economy and first class on this state-of-the-art aircraft. From the tropical-inspired cabin interior to the enhanced inflight entertainment, we'll explore whether it's worth splurging for your next trip to Hawaii.
As we stepped into the main cabin of the Hawaiian Airlines 787 Dreamliner, we were immediately struck by the fresh, bright, and tropical colors and finishes. The airline has done an excellent job of setting the mood for your Hawaiian getaway from the moment you board.
The economy class seats, including the extra comfort seats, feature a sturdy tray table and a crisp IFE screen. You'll find two USB power sources, including USB-C, and a headphone jack conveniently located under the screen. The seats offer ample legroom, with the extra comfort seats providing an additional 4 inches of space compared to the standard economy seats.
One of the standout features of flying Hawaiian Airlines is the complimentary hot meals served in economy class. While the sausage, egg, and cheese English muffin may not be gourmet cuisine, it's a much-appreciated gesture in an era where many airlines have eliminated free meals on flights to Hawaii.
For our flight from San Francisco to Honolulu, we opted for Hawaiian Airlines' extra comfort seats, which cost an additional $123 per person. These seats offer 4 more inches of legroom, priority boarding, and security screening. While the extra space is noticeable, whether it's worth the added cost depends on your personal preferences and budget.
On our return flight from Honolulu to San Francisco, we had the opportunity to experience Hawaiian Airlines' first class on the 787 Dreamliner. The cabin features 34 fully-enclosed suites, providing an elevated level of privacy and comfort.
The first class seats on the Dreamliner are well-designed and offer ample legroom, storage, and amenities such as a reading light, mirror, headphones, power outlets, and even wireless charging. The attention to detail in the cabin's design, with its wood paneling, creative lighting, and Hawaiian-inspired accents, is truly impressive.
The inflight dining experience in first class was a pleasure, with a choice of two main courses and a delightful grilled papaya salad that showcased the flavors of the islands. The service throughout the flight was exceptional, with the crew demonstrating a genuine warmth and proactive approach to ensuring passenger comfort.
For our first class tickets from Honolulu to San Francisco, we paid approximately $900 per person, which is more than 2.5 times the cost of our extra comfort seats on the outbound flight. While the first class experience is undoubtedly luxurious, the value proposition for a 5-hour daytime flight may not be as strong as it would be for a red-eye flight, where a lie-flat seat can make a significant difference in your comfort and ability to sleep.
Currently, Hawaiian Airlines operates its 787 Dreamliner on routes from Honolulu to San Francisco, with plans to expand service to Los Angeles and Phoenix in the near future. As the airline takes delivery of more Dreamliners, it will be exciting to see how they deploy this advanced aircraft to potentially open up new destinations, such as the East Coast or Asia Pacific.
Compared to Hawaiian Airlines' existing A330 aircraft, the Dreamliner offers a more modern and fuel-efficient option for the carrier. While the A330 has served the airline well, the introduction of the 787 marks an exciting new chapter in Hawaiian Airlines' fleet development.
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The economy class cabin on Hawaiian Airlines' 787 Dreamliner is generally laid out in a 3-3-3 configuration, with some rows offering a 2-2-2 layout that is ideal for couples traveling together.
At the time of our flight, Hawaiian Airlines did not offer Wi-Fi service on their 787 Dreamliner aircraft. However, the airline may choose to introduce this feature in the future as they continue to refine their product offering.
For our economy class tickets on the 787 Dreamliner, we were required to pay $30 per person for checked luggage, as our fare did not include a complimentary checked baggage allowance. It's always a good idea to review the specific baggage policies for your fare type before travel.
Overall, Hawaiian Airlines' 787 Dreamliner offers a comfortable and enjoyable way to travel to and from the Hawaiian Islands. While first class provides an undeniably luxurious experience, the airline's economy class and extra comfort seats still deliver a pleasant journey with a touch of Hawaiian hospitality. As Hawaiian Airlines continues to grow its Dreamliner fleet, we look forward to seeing how this aircraft shapes the future of travel to the Aloha State.