Imagine the soft sand and warm sun on your skin. You’ve dreamed of this escape for months. Now, it’s time for a special trip.
Planning a vacation is exciting, but it’s filled with tough choices. The way you arrive sets the mood for your stay. You want it to be stress-free and comfortable.
Choosing the right flight provider is key. One offers luxury with island vibes, while the other is practical. Both meet different needs and preferences.
We aim to help you choose based on your goals and budget. This comparison covers seat space to baggage fees for your next adventure. We make booking easy for you.
Key Takeaways:
- Your flight provider choice affects your vacation’s comfort and cost.
- Looking at baggage policies and seating options helps find the best value for your trip.
What You Need to Know About These Two Airlines
To make a smart choice, it’s important to know what makes Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines different. Each airline has its own strengths and meets different travel needs.
Hawaiian Airlines: The Island Specialist
Hawaiian Airlines is famous for its island-hopping flights and focus on Hawaiian culture. With over 90 years of history, it offers a special travel experience, especially for those visiting Hawaii. Its fleet includes Airbus A321neo and A330 planes, making your journey comfortable to various places.
Southwest Airlines: The Mainland Favorite
Southwest Airlines is a top choice for mainland travelers because of its friendly policies and good prices. It’s known for being affordable, with a wide network across the U.S. and beyond. Its Boeing 737 fleet is praised for its flexible baggage policy and excellent customer service.
Key Differences at a Glance
To quickly see the main differences between Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines, here’s a comparison table:
| Feature | Hawaiian Airlines | Southwest Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Fleet | Airbus A321neo, A330 | Boeing 737 |
| Baggage Policy | Checked bags fee applies | 2 free checked bags |
| Route Network | Focus on Hawaii and Pacific routes | Extensive U.S. and some international routes |
Knowing these differences helps you pick the airline that fits your travel plans and preferences best.
Route Networks and Destinations Compared
Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines have different routes for various travel needs.
Where Hawaiian Airlines Flies
Hawaiian Airlines is famous for its flights between Hawaii’s islands.
Interisland Routes
It connects major islands like Oahu, Maui, Kauai, and the Big Island.
Mainland and International Destinations
It also flies to the mainland U.S. and places like Japan, South Korea, and New Zealand.
Southwest Airlines Coverage Area
Southwest Airlines covers a wide area in the U.S.
Domestic Network
It has a strong presence in the mainland U.S. and connects many cities.
Hawaii Service
Southwest has started flying to Hawaii, offering another option for island trips.
Best Airline for Your Destination
Choosing between Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines depends on where you’re going.
Pricing and Overall Value
The cost of your flight is key to your travel plans. It’s important to compare the prices of Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest.
Hawaiian Airlines Fare Classes
Hawaiian Airlines has different fare classes for various needs. You can choose from Basic Economy to First Class. Each class offers unique amenities and rules.
For short trips with little luggage, Basic Economy is great. First Class provides luxury services for a premium experience.
Southwest Airlines Pricing Model
Southwest Airlines is known for its clear and competitive prices. It has fare types like Wanna Get Away, Anytime, and Business Select. Each offers different perks and flexibility.
Comparing Total Trip Costs
When looking at total trip costs, remember to check for extra fees. Hawaiian Airlines charges for checked bags on most fares. Southwest, however, lets you have two free checked bags on all fares.
This difference can greatly affect the cost, especially for those with lots of bags.
By looking at both airlines’ fare structures and extra costs, you can choose what fits your travel needs and budget best.
Baggage Policies: Hawaiian Airlines vs Southwest
Knowing the baggage rules of Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines can really affect your travel budget. Both airlines handle baggage differently. This can be a big factor for many travelers.
Carry-On Allowances
Hawaiian Airlines lets you bring one carry-on bag and one personal item. Southwest Airlines also allows one carry-on bag and one personal item. But, they have more flexible size rules.
Checked Baggage Fees and Limits
Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines have different rules for checked bags. Hawaiian Airlines charges for checked bags. On the other hand, Southwest lets you have two free checked bags per passenger.
Hawaiian Airlines Checked Bag Policy
Hawaiian Airlines starts charging $30 for the first checked bag. But, elite members and some credit card holders might get free bags or pay less.
Southwest Airlines Checked Bag Policy
Southwest Airlines lets you have two free checked bags. This makes it a great choice for those with lots of luggage.
Special Items and Equipment
Both airlines have rules for special items like bicycles, surfboards, and musical instruments. Hawaiian Airlines charges for these items. Southwest has specific rules and fees too.
Winner for Baggage Value
If you have lots of bags, Southwest Airlines is cheaper because it lets you have two free checked bags. But, Hawaiian Airlines has perks for its elite members and some credit card holders. These can help reduce baggage fees.
Onboard Experience and Amenities
Choosing between Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines means thinking about the flight experience. Your comfort and fun during the flight greatly affect your trip.
Seat Comfort and Legroom
Hawaiian Airlines has traditional seats with varying legroom. Southwest Airlines lets you pick your seat when you board. You can pay more for a better seat.
In-Flight Entertainment Systems
Hawaiian Airlines has a modern entertainment system with lots of movies, TV shows, and music. Southwest Airlines offers free Wi-Fi for streaming on your device.
Complimentary Food and Drinks
The way each airline serves food and drinks is different.
Hawaiian Airlines Meal Service
Hawaiian Airlines gives free meals on long flights. You get to try local Hawaiian dishes.
Southwest Airlines Snacks and Beverages
Southwest Airlines sells snacks and drinks. They don’t give free meals, but you can buy food and drinks.
| Onboard Amenity | Hawaiian Airlines | Southwest Airlines |
|---|---|---|
| Complimentary Meals | Yes, on longer flights | No |
| In-Flight Entertainment | Modern entertainment system | Free Wi-Fi for streaming |
| Seat Selection | Assigned seating | Open seating |
When picking between Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines, think about what you want. Do you like local food or choosing your seat? Each airline has its own perks.
Frequent Flyer Programs Worth Joining
Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines have loyalty programs with unique benefits. They cater to different types of travelers.
Both airlines reward their loyal customers. But, their programs have different structures and advantages.
HawaiianMiles Program Benefits
HawaiianMiles is great for those who often fly to Hawaii or with partner airlines.
Members earn miles on Hawaiian Airlines, partner airlines, and through other activities. This includes using specific credit cards.
Southwest Rapid Rewards Advantages
Southwest Airlines’ Rapid Rewards program is flexible. It has no blackout dates, appealing to many travelers.
Members earn points on Southwest Airlines flights and through partner activities. They can redeem points for flights without blackout dates.
Earning and Redeeming Points
Earning and redeeming points or miles is key in any frequent flyer program.
HawaiianMiles members earn miles by distance flown and fare paid. Southwest Rapid Rewards members earn points by fare paid.
| Program Features | HawaiianMiles | Southwest Rapid Rewards |
|---|---|---|
| Earning Basis | Distance flown and fare paid | Fare paid |
| Redeeming Options | Flights on Hawaiian and partner airlines | Flights on Southwest Airlines |
| Blackout Dates | Yes, on some awards | No |
Which Program Fits Your Travel Style?
Choosing between HawaiianMiles and Southwest Rapid Rewards depends on your travel habits.
If you often fly to Hawaii or with partner airlines, HawaiianMiles is better.
If you prefer flexibility and flying with Southwest Airlines, Rapid Rewards is more suitable.
Reliability and Customer Service
When choosing between Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest, knowing about their reliability and service is key. Both airlines stand out in these areas, affecting your travel experience greatly.
On-Time Performance Records
Hawaiian Airlines is reliable, especially for flights within Hawaii. It has a strong record of being on time. Southwest also has a good record, but it can change based on the route and other factors.
| Airline | On-Time Arrival Rate | Cancellation Rate |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines | 85% | 1.5% |
| Southwest Airlines | 83% | 2.1% |
Customer Satisfaction Scores
Southwest Airlines is loved for its friendly staff and easy policies. Hawaiian Airlines also gets high marks, especially for its service in Hawaii.
Flight Changes and Cancellation Flexibility
Southwest Airlines is great for changing or canceling flights without extra fees. Hawaiian Airlines also offers flexibility, but it depends on your ticket type and other details.
How Each Airline Handles Problems
Both airlines have ways to deal with customer complaints. Hawaiian Airlines is known for its personal touch in solving issues. Southwest is praised for its quick action in fixing problems.
Conclusion
When choosing between Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines, think about what’s most important to you. The Hawaiian vs Southwest comparison shows each airline’s unique strengths.
Hawaiian Airlines offers a special island culture experience. It has many routes within Hawaii and to major U.S. cities. If you’re going to or from Hawaii, Hawaiian Airlines is your top choice.
Southwest Airlines is known for its customer-friendly policies. It offers free checked bags and flexible change policies. This makes it perfect for travelers who value comfort and flexibility.
Your choice should match your travel needs and preferences. Whether you prefer Hawaiian Airlines’ specialized service or Southwest Airlines’ flexible approach, you can make a smart choice. This will improve your travel experience.
Consider route networks, pricing, baggage policies, and onboard experiences. This will help you pick the airline that suits your travel style best.
FAQ
Is Hawaiian Airlines better than Southwest for interisland travel?
It depends on your schedule. Hawaiian Airlines offers more frequent flights between the islands, but Southwest often provides lower fares and includes two free checked bags, which is rare for short flights.
Do you get free food on Southwest Airlines flights to Hawaii?
No, Southwest does not serve full meals. They provide complimentary snacks and non-alcoholic beverages. In contrast, any Hawaiian Airlines review will highlight that they serve a free hot meal on transpacific routes.
How do Hawaiian Airlines routes compare to Southwest for East Coast travelers?
Hawaiian Airlines is generally better for the East Coast as they offer non-stop service from cities like New York and Boston. Southwest Airlines destinations are primarily reached via a connection on the West Coast.
Is there an airline comparison for baggage fees between these two?
Yes, Southwest Airlines allows two free checked bags per person. Hawaiian Airlines charges for checked bags unless you have specific elite status or a co-branded credit card.
Which airline has better in-flight entertainment, Hawaiian or Southwest?
Hawaiian Airlines often features seatback screens on their larger aircraft. Southwest provides free streaming entertainment, but you must use your own device (phone or tablet) to watch it.
Are there more Southwest Airlines destinations in Hawaii now?
Yes, Southwest has significantly expanded and now flies into Honolulu (Oahu), Kahului (Maui), Lihue (Kauai), and both Kona and Hilo on the Big Island.
Does a Southwest Airlines review typically mention assigned seating?
No, because Southwest uses an open seating policy. You are assigned a boarding group and position, and then you choose any available seat once you get on the plane. Hawaiian Airlines uses traditional assigned seating.
Which loyalty program is better in the Hawaiian vs Southwest debate?
HawaiianMiles is excellent for those who specifically travel to Hawaii often. Southwest Rapid Rewards is highly valued for its lack of blackout dates and ease of use across their entire domestic network.
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