If you are wondering how you can upgrade your seat on Hawaiian Airlines then you should better look at the Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade policy. This policy provides complete A to Z details on how to get a first-class upgrade, the bidding process, the cost of upgrading to first class, free upgrades, seat discounts, and more. As a renowned airline, Hawaiian Airlines offers excellent options for upgrading your flight, along with some useful tips on how to secure a first-class or business-class seat.
How to Upgrade To First/Business Class On Hawaiian Airlines?
Looking for extra comfort on your Hawaiian Airlines flight? Upgrading your seat can enhance your travel experience with more legroom, priority services, and additional amenities. Here’s how you can upgrade your booking to business or first class:
Check Eligibility: Before upgrading, ensure your flight is eligible for an upgrade. You can check this online to keep your options flexible.
Online Upgrade: Visit the official Hawaiian Airlines website. Log in to your HawaiianMiles account using your ID and password. Select the best-priced business or first-class option and use your HawaiianMiles points to upgrade your existing reservation.
Pay for Upgrade: If you're not a HawaiianMiles member, you can still upgrade by paying the extra cost. This option is ideal for travelers who prefer to pay for added comfort.
Airport Upgrade: Upgrading can also be done at the airport. You can use your miles points or pay with a credit card to upgrade your cabin before departure.
Timing: Make sure to request your upgrade at least 26 hours before your flight's departure time to ensure availability.
By following these steps, you can enjoy a more relaxed and comfortable journey with Hawaiian Airlines.
Understanding Hawaiian Airlines Upgrades
Here's a breakdown of Hawaiian Airlines upgrade options, from different types of upgrades to how you can secure one for your upcoming trip. Whether you're aiming for a First Class experience or just need a bit more legroom, this guide will help you navigate the upgrade process and elevate your journey.
Ways to Upgrade Your Hawaiian Airlines Flight:
Pay for an Upgrade: Cover the fare difference to move up to a higher class.
Bid for an Upgrade: Participate in Hawaiian Airlines' Bid Up auction system.
Redeem Miles: Use your HawaiianMiles to secure an upgrade.
Complimentary Upgrades: Elite status members of HawaiianMiles may receive free upgrades.
Service Classes on Hawaiian Airlines:
Main Cabin Basic: A budget-friendly economy option available on all flights.
Main Cabin: Standard Economy/Coach available on all flights.
Business Class: Offered exclusively on international routes.
First Class: Available on domestic U.S. (North America) and inter-island flights.
Types of Hawaiian Airlines Upgrades:
Seat Upgrades:
Economy Extra Comfort Seats: Equivalent to Economy Premium.
Elite Status Perks: Free seat upgrades within the same cabin class.
Paid Seat Upgrades: Available for Economy Main Cabin fares (not Basic Economy).
Important Note: Miles cannot be used to upgrade to Extra Comfort seats; cash payments are required.
Class Upgrades:
Upgrade to Business or First Class: Available for a fee, starting 24 hours before departure via online, phone, or airport kiosk/counter.
Complimentary Class Upgrades: Offered to elite status frequent flyers, sometimes at a discount.
Bid Upgrades: Submit an upgrade offer through Hawaiian Airlines' Bid Up auction program up to 28 hours before departure.
Upgrade Notifications: You'll be informed of your bid status at least 24 hours before departure.
Upgrade with Miles:
HawaiianMiles Members: Use miles to upgrade by contacting Hawaiian Airlines reservations at least 26 hours before departure.
Mileage Requirements: Upgrading to First Class can range from 7,500 to 15,000 miles for neighbor island flights and 25,000 to 90,000 miles for North America or other international routes.
Eligibility: Pualani Platinum, Gold members, and HawaiianMiles credit cardholders may receive complimentary or discounted upgrades.
Important Note: Miles cannot be used to upgrade to Extra Comfort or Preferred seats, except for elite status members who may receive complimentary upgrades to Extra Comfort seats.
This guide will help you navigate the upgrade process and ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable flight with Hawaiian Airlines.
Hawaiian Airlines Bid For Upgrade
Hawaiian Airlines offers a Bid Up program that allows passengers to bid for an upgrade to First Class on North American flights or Business Class on international flights. You can submit your bid online up to 28 hours before departure on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights.
Advantages of Upgrading to First or Business Class
Two Free Checked Bags
Priority Baggage Handling
Priority Check-In through dedicated First Class lines
Priority Pre-Boarding
Access to Premier Club Lounges (where available)
Award-Winning Regional Cuisines
Unlimited Beverages
Complimentary Access to Movies, TV, and Music
Free Headset for in-flight entertainment
How Does Bid Up Work?
Check Eligibility: If your flight qualifies, you'll receive an email invitation to participate in the Bid Up program. You can also access the offer by entering your booking confirmation code and last name online or through the "My Trips" section.
Place Your Bid: You can submit a bid for an upgrade for all passengers in your booking. The system will evaluate your bid and display its strength after you enter the amount.
Successful Bids: If your bid is accepted, your credit card will be charged, and you'll receive a confirmation email 24 to 48 hours before departure.
Unsuccessful Bids: If your bid isn’t successful, you’ll be notified 24 hours before departure. In this case, you’ll travel with your original ticket and no charges will be made.
Who Can Join the Bid Up Program?
To take part in the Bid Up program, you need to meet these criteria:
Confirmed Ticket: Your flight booking must be confirmed.
Eligible Routes: At least one of your flights should be operated by Hawaiian Airlines, either:
Between North America and Hawaii, or
Between Hawaii and an international destination.
Restrictions: You won’t be eligible if you are:
Traveling on a Basic Main Cabin fare.
Booked as an unaccompanied minor.
Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade Tips
Elevate your journey to the Aloha State with these 9 strategies to help you secure an upgrade to First Class or Business Class on Hawaiian Airlines:
Sign Up for HawaiianMiles: Start earning miles by joining Hawaiian Airlines’ frequent flyer program. Accumulate points through flights, partner purchases, or credit card use to increase your upgrade chances.
Leverage Your Miles: Use your accumulated HawaiianMiles to upgrade from Economy to First or Business Class. Keep an eye out for promotions that might offer upgrades with fewer miles.
Place a Bid: Participate in Hawaiian Airlines' bidding system, where you can make a competitive offer for available upgrades. A well-placed bid could land you a premium seat as per Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade policy.
Opt for a Higher Fare: Booking a higher fare class can enhance your chances of securing an upgrade if there are unsold premium seats.
Travel During Off-Peak Hours: Flying during less crowded times boosts your likelihood of snagging an upgrade due to increased seat availability.
Dress the Part: While not guaranteed, dressing in smart attire might sway gate agents when they’re allocating upgrades.
Maintain a Positive Attitude: Courteous and friendly interactions with airline staff can work in your favor when they’re considering passengers for upgrades.
Highlight Special Celebrations: Inform the airline if you're celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary. They might prioritize your upgrade request if premium seats are available.
Hawaiian Airlines Free Upgrade
How to Score a Free Upgrade on Hawaiian Airlines
If you’re an elite status flyer, Hawaiian Airlines offers complimentary seat and service class upgrades that can make your journey even more comfortable.
Free Seat Upgrades (Same Cabin Class):
Pualani Gold and Platinum members enjoy complimentary upgrades to Economy Extra Comfort seats on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights, depending on availability.
Platinum members can also extend this benefit to up to 6 passengers on the same flight reservation.
Both award and revenue tickets (except Basic Economy) qualify for these complimentary upgrades.
Free Service Class Upgrades (Higher Cabin Class):
North American and International Flights:
Pualani Platinum members, who fly 40,000 miles or complete 60 flight segments annually, receive 2 upgrade certificates.
Each certificate covers 3,500 miles and can be used for a one-way upgrade from Economy to Business or First Class.
For flights over 3,500 miles, both certificates will be needed to complete the upgrade.
Members can also earn an additional 6 upgrade certificates after flying 75,000 miles in a calendar year. Plus, for every 10,000 miles you fly beyond that, you'll receive one extra certificate.
Inter-Island Flights:
Pualani Platinum members are automatically assigned First Class seats during check-in, subject to availability. If no First Class seats are open, they’ll be placed on a waiting list, and seats will be assigned based on check-in time if they become available before departure.
Frequently Asked Questions On Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade
What is the cost to upgrade to first class Hawaiian Airlines?
According to Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade policy, the cost of upgrading to First Class on Hawaiian Airlines varies depending on your flight route and frequent flyer status. For non-stop flights between cities like Long Beach, Oakland, and Honolulu, the upgrade starts at $399. However, Gold level members can upgrade for $319, and Platinum level members for $269.
For flights from cities like Austin and Phoenix to Hawaii, prices begin at $489. Gold members can upgrade for $399, while Platinum members pay $349. For longer routes, such as those from John F. Kennedy or Boston Logan to Honolulu, the cost begins at $1,049, but Gold members can upgrade for $939 and Platinum members for $869. These prices may fluctuate based on availability and specific flight details.
How many miles does it take to upgrade to first class on Hawaiian Airlines?
Neighbor Island Flights: Upgrading to First Class requires between 7,500 and 15,000 HawaiianMiles.
North America or International Flights: The mileage needed ranges from 25,000 to 90,000 HawaiianMiles, depending on the route.
How do I locate the upgrade chart for Hawaiian Airlines?
You can find the Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade chart details on their official website.
How can I obtain an upgrade certificate for Hawaiian Airlines?
Upgrade certificates are usually issued to Hawaiian Airlines' elite status members, such as Pualani Gold and Platinum members. You can earn certificates by accumulating miles or through specific membership benefits.
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