Airline; First Class Comparison

Question

We have always flown Alaska First Class to Maui. Thinking about changing to Hawaiian First Class. Could anyone who has flown both please offer their experience, opinion and preference?

Answer

Both Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines offer excellent First Class experiences, but they do have some key differences that may impact your choice depending on what you value most in your flight experience. Below is a comparison based on various factors such as comfort, service, food, and overall experience to help you decide which airline might be the better fit for you.

1. Seat Comfort

Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines First Class offers a comfortable, spacious seat with more legroom than Economy. The seats are recliner-style, and there’s ample room for a comfortable flight. On longer flights like to Maui, the seats are wider with adjustable headrests and footrests, which adds to the comfort. Some flights also feature a power outlet and more USB charging options.

Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines First Class seats are also very comfortable, with a bit more of a premium feel than Alaska’s. The seats are more padded and the recline offers more of a “lie-flat” feature, though they don’t go completely flat like you might find in international business class. The Hawaiian seats have an island-themed decor which adds to the overall ambiance of the flight, giving a relaxing “Aloha” vibe right from the start.

2. Service

Alaska Airlines: Alaska is known for its excellent customer service, with friendly and attentive flight attendants. They make sure to address your needs promptly and efficiently. Service can vary slightly depending on the flight crew, but overall, Alaska consistently receives high marks for service in First Class.

Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines also prides itself on providing exceptional customer service with a warm and friendly “Aloha spirit.” Flight attendants are very attentive, and Hawaiian Airlines' First Class experience often includes a more personal touch, reflecting the island’s welcoming culture. They tend to provide a more relaxed, comfortable service to set the tone for the Hawaiian vacation ahead.

3. Food & Beverage

Alaska Airlines: In First Class, Alaska offers a good selection of food that includes a combination of snacks and meal options depending on the time of day. Meals can range from light bites to more substantial offerings, with a rotating menu of fresh, healthy options. Drinks are complimentary, including wine and cocktails. However, on some shorter flights, meals may be more limited, and they may just offer snacks or breakfast items.

Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines is often praised for its meal offerings, especially on longer flights. Their First Class service features a full meal service with a focus on island-inspired cuisine, including dishes like teriyaki chicken, poke bowls, and fresh tropical fruit. Hawaiian Airlines goes above and beyond with a very robust beverage selection, which includes wines from local vineyards and tropical cocktails. The food quality is often considered superior in terms of freshness and theme.

4. In-Flight Entertainment

Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines has a solid in-flight entertainment system, offering free streaming via their Alaska Beyond app to personal devices. Their movie selection is decent, though it doesn’t have as extensive a catalog as other airlines. First Class passengers enjoy complimentary premium movies, but the selection can be hit or miss depending on the flight.

Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines offers complimentary in-flight entertainment on large screens. They have a broad selection of movies, TV shows, and music, as well as travel documentaries that highlight Hawaiian culture and history. Hawaiian Airlines tends to have a more extensive catalog than Alaska, and the experience is more immersive with larger screens and higher-quality sound, making for a more enjoyable flight.

5. Overall Experience

Alaska Airlines: Alaska Airlines provides a great balance of comfort and service, and their First Class cabins offer a modern and relaxing feel. However, because Alaska is a major carrier with a large number of flights, the experience can sometimes feel a bit more standardized and less personalized compared to Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines offers a truly premium, island-inspired experience from the moment you board. The seats, food, and service are all crafted to reflect the beauty and spirit of Hawaii, making it a fantastic choice if you want to get in the vacation mood right from the start. The experience feels more like you’re starting your vacation as soon as you board, which can be a huge plus for some travelers.

6. Price

Alaska Airlines: Generally speaking, Alaska Airlines tends to offer more competitive pricing for First Class, especially when booked in advance. You may find better deals or promotional fares, especially if you are a Mileage Plan member or have elite status with the airline.

Hawaiian Airlines: Hawaiian Airlines First Class can sometimes be more expensive than Alaska, especially during peak travel seasons. However, if you’re looking for a premium island experience, the higher price may be worth it for the food, service, and overall ambiance that Hawaiian offers.

Final Thoughts:

If you value a relaxed, island-inspired atmosphere, excellent food, and a smooth flight experience, Hawaiian Airlines First Class could be a great choice for you. The service, meals, and overall Hawaiian feel of the flight make it a perfect way to begin your vacation.
If you prefer a more affordable option with reliable service, good food, and decent entertainment, Alaska Airlines First Class offers a great experience as well. It’s a bit more businesslike but still very comfortable.

Both airlines are great options for flying to Hawaii, so the decision comes down to whether you prefer the Hawaiian vibe of Hawaiian Airlines or the efficiency and competitive pricing of Alaska Airlines. Either way, you’ll have a comfortable and enjoyable flight!