Dreaming of upgrading your travel experience on Hawaiian Airlines? If you’ve already booked your ticket and are looking for a little extra legroom, access to premium amenities, or more luxury in the skies, a Hawaiian Airlines upgrade makes it all possible. In this blog post, we’ll explore the various upgrade options available on Hawaiian Airlines and provide tips on how to secure that coveted seat with an upgrade to First Class (or Business Class).
The Basics of Hawaiian Airlines Upgrades
The section below covers the basics of Hawaiian Airlines upgrades, including the different types of upgrades available and how to secure one for your next trip. Whether you’re dreaming of upgrading to First Class or simply want a little extra legroom, this guide will help you navigate the world of Hawaiian Airlines upgrades and make your journey even more enjoyable.
- How to get an upgrade on Hawaiian Airlines
You can upgrade your Hawaiian Airlines flight in the following ways:- Pay for an upgrade (applicable fare difference)
- Bid for an upgrade via Bid Up, the airline’s auction system
- Redeem an upgrade with miles
- Get a complimentary upgrade if you’re an elite status member of HawaiianMiles
- The 4 service classes offered by Hawaiian Airlines are:
- Main Cabin Basic (discounted economy), available on available on all flights
- Main Cabin (Economy/Coach), available on available on all flights
- Business Class, available only on international flights
- First Class, available on domestic U.S. (North America) and inter-island flights
- Hawaiian Airlines upgrades are of 2 types:
- Seat upgrades to Economy Extra Comfort seats (the equivalent of Economy Premium)
- Elite status members are eligible for free seat upgrades, or
- Paid seat upgrades are available only for Economy Main Cabin fares (not Basic)
- Class upgrades (to a higher travel class, such as Business or First Class)
- Seat upgrades to Economy Extra Comfort seats (the equivalent of Economy Premium)
- Elite status frequent flyers are eligible for free seat upgrades (within the same cabin class) and free (or at least discounted) service class upgrades to a higher travel class.
- Paid seat upgrades
- Paid Economy Class seats can be upgraded to Extra Comfort seats with cash.
- Only Main Cabin (Economy) seats can be upgraded (Basic Economy seats cannot be upgraded).
- You’re not allowed to upgrade to an Extra Comfort seat with miles. If you don’t have elite status, you’ll have to purchase the upgrade with cash.
- When booking your ticket online, you’ll be provided the option to purchase an Extra Comfort or Preferred seat on the seat selection page.
- You can only purchase an Extra Comfort seat with cash or gift cards, but not with miles.
- Economy Class seats purchased with miles cannot be upgraded with miles to Extra Comfort seats but can be upgraded with cash for USD 9 – 399, depending on your route and seat location.
- Main Cabin seats can be upgraded to better-located Preferred Seats.
- Paid service class upgrades
- If you’ve purchased a Main Cabin Economy Class ticket, you can purchase an upgrade to Business or First Class starting 24 hours prior to departure online (via Manage Flights > My Trips), by phone, or at the airport (kiosk/counter).
- Bid for upgrades
- You can bid for an upgrade to Business or First Class through the Hawaiian Airlines Bid Up auction program.
- If your flight and ticket are eligible, you’ll receive an email inviting you to place an upgrade offer with the airline.
- You can also check the upgrade offer by accessing your flight booking online from the airline’s homepage via Manage Flights > My Trips.
- You must submit your bid online up to 28 hours before departure.
- You’ll be notified about your bid status (either way) at least 24 hours before departure.
- Upgrade with miles
- If you’re a HawaiianMiles member, you can upgrade your fare with miles by calling Hawaiian Airlines reservations at least 26 hours prior to departure (within 26 hours, the miles upgrade option is not available).
- Depending on location, the total number of miles required to upgrade to First Class ranges from 7,500 – 15,000 miles for neighbor island flights and from 25,000 – 90,000 miles for North America or other international flights.
- Pualani Platinum and Gold members, as well as HawaiianMiles credit card members, are entitled to complimentary or discounted upgrades.
- You can’t use your miles to upgrade to an Extra Comfort or a Preferred seat. However, elite status members are entitled to complimentary upgrades to Extra Comfort seats.
Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade to First Class
You can upgrade to First Class on Hawaiian Airlines by bidding for an upgrade (North American flights only) or purchasing an upgrade with miles/points or cash.
Upgrade on the day of departure. A Hawaiian Airlines upgrade to First Class on the day of travel will cost you:
- USD 50 per way for neighbor island flights
- USD 349 per way (or higher) for North American flights
- USD 495 per way (or higher) for international flights
Upgrade during check-in. You can also upgrade to First Class during online/kiosk check-in starting 24 hours before departure.
The upgrade charges for North American and international flights will vary by season and route.
| First Class Upgrade Cost (North America Flights) | |
| Upgrade Cost/Price | |
| Non-stop flights between Oakland/Long Beach/Portland/Ontario/ Sacramento/San Jose and Honolulu/Kahului (Hawaii)/Lihue/Kona. | Starts from USD 399 |
| Discounted Price for Gold Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 319 |
| Discounted Price for Platinum Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 269 |
| Nonstop flights between Austin/Harry Reid (Nevada)/Phoenix (Sky Harbor)/Los Angeles/San Diego/Seattle/San Francisco and Honolulu/Kahului (Hawaii)/Lihue/Kona | Starts from USD 489 |
| Discounted Price for Gold Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 399 |
| Discounted Price for Platinum Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 349 |
| Flights between John F. Kennedy/Boston Logan and Honolulu | Starts from USD 1,049 |
| Discounted Price for Gold Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 939 |
| Discounted Price for Platinum Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 869 |
Hawaiian Airlines Business Class Upgrade
Hawaiian Airlines upgrade to Business Class explained
The cost of upgrading to Business Class on international flights will depend on your route, as shown in the tables below.
| Business Class Upgrade Cost (International Flights) | |
| Australia | Upgrade Cost/Price |
| Australia to North America/Hawaii | Starts from 1200 AUD |
| North America/Hawaii to Australia | Starts from 900 USD |
| Japan | |
| Japan to North America/Hawaii | Starts from JPY 70,000 |
| North America/Hawaii to Japan | Starts from USD 600 |
| Korea | |
| KOREA (ICN) to North America/Hawaii | Starts from KRW 650,000 |
| North America/Hawaii to Korea | Starts from USD 550 |
| New Zealand | |
| New Zealand (AKL) to North America/Hawaii | Starts from NZD 1300 |
| North America/Hawaii to New Zealand | Starts from USD 850 |
| Cook Islands | |
| North America/Hawaii to Cook Islands (RAR) | Starts from USD 429 |
| Discounted Price for Gold Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 349 |
| Discounted Price for Platinum Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 299 |
| Cook Islands (RAR) to North America/Hawaii | Starts from NZD 690 |
| Discounted Price for Gold Status Pualani Members | Starts from NZD 560 |
| Discounted Price for Platinum Status Pualani Members | Starts from NZD 480 |
| Papeete | |
| The Islands of Tahiti (PPT) to North America/Hawaii | Starts from USD 429 |
| Discounted Price for Gold Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 349 |
| Discounted Price for Platinum Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 299 |
| Pago Pago | |
| America Samoa (PPG) to North America/Hawaii | Starts from USD 429 |
| Discounted Price for Gold Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 349 |
| Discounted Price for Platinum Status Pualani Members | Starts from USD 299 |
Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade Bid
How does Hawaiian Airlines bid for upgrade work?
Hawaiian Airlines bid upgrade program, Bid Up, allows you to upgrade to First Class on North American flights (only) and Business Class on international flights (only). You can place your bid offer online till 28 hours prior to departure on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights.
Some of the benefits of upgrading to First Class include:
- 2 free checked bags
- Priority baggage handling
- Priority check-in via First Class lines
- Priority pre-boarding
- Access to Premier Club lounges (where available)
- Award-winning regional cuisines
- Unlimited beverages
- Free access to movies, TV and music
- Complimentary headset
How Bid Up Works?
If your flight is eligible, you can place a bid for an upgrade online by entering your booking confirmation code and last name. You will receive an invitation by email asking you to participate in the airline’s Bid Up program. You will also be able to locate the bid offer by accessing your itinerary through My Trips.
You can submit your bid offer (one per segment) for all the passengers in your booking. The airline’s system will assess the strength of your offer and show it to you after you enter the bid amount.
- If your offer is successful, your credit card will be charged for the amount you bid and a confirmation email will be sent to you 24 – 48 hours before departure.
- If your offer is not successful, you’ll be notified 24 hours before departure. You will not be upgraded and you’ll travel on the original ticket issued to you.
Who Can Participate in the Bid Up Program?
To be eligible to participate in the Bid Up program, you must fulfill all of these conditions:
- Your ticket must be confirmed
- One of your flights (at least) must be operated by Hawaiian Airlines between:
- North America and Hawaii, or
- Hawaii and an international route
- You should not be:
- Travelling on a Basic Main Cabin ticket
- Flying with an infant or a pet
- Travelling on an unaccompanied minor booking
What am I Entitled to if my Upgrade ID is Successful?
If your upgrade bid is successful, you will be entitled to the complete First or Business Class experience, including:
- More beverage and food options
- Priority security
- Priority boarding
- Priority baggage handling
Note
- The fare rules of your original will continue to apply to the cancellation policy, change fee, HawaiianMiles accrual, and bonus miles.
- Primary cardholders of Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard who have paid for their bids with the Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard will earn 3 miles per every dollar they spend on the upgrade.
- Additional baggage allowance
- If you are successfully upgraded to First Class on a North American flight segment, you will be entitled to additional baggage allowance only for the upgraded segment of the trip.
- If you are successfully upgraded to Business Class on an international route, you will not be entitled to any additional baggage allowance for the upgraded segment of your trip.
- Only the first passenger (with eligible attributes) listed on your flight booking will receive the invitation email to participate in the Bid Up program.
- You can check your eligibility through this link (enter your booking confirmation code and last name). If you’re eligible, place your bid by following the prompts.
- You can submit, modify, or cancel your bid up to 48 hours before departure, provided it hasn’t already been accepted and your card charged by the airline.
- If you change your bid and the route of your itinerary remains the same, your bid will be transferred to your flight and you will be notified. However, if the route of your new itinerary is changed, your original bid will stand cancelled and you will be notified about the change in your itinerary. You will then need to submit a fresh bid for your new flight (if it is eligible) through the link provided in your new invitation email.
- Your bid amount must be within the default range set by the system.
- You’re allowed to bid different amounts for each eligible flight segment.
- You can submit a bid even for a single flight segment.
- The bid offer amount submitted by you will be multiplied by the number of passengers in your original booking. If your flight booking contains 4 passengers, your offer amount will be applied on a per-passenger basis to all 4 passengers. The total payable amount will be shown to you before you submit your offer.
- You can check whether your upgrade is reflected in your booking via My Trips by entering your booking confirmation code plus your last name. You’ll also be shown your new seat assignment.
- You won’t be able to select your seat post-upgrade.
- Submitting Bid Up offers is free of charge. However, your card will be charged with your bid amount if your bid is successful.
- MasterCard and Visa credit cards will be subject to a USD 0 authorization charge, whereas American Express cards will be subject to a USD 1 authorization charge. Debit cards with PIN requirements will not be accepted.
- If you want to change your credit card information, you must cancel your bid offer at least 48 hours before departure and submit a new bid offer with your preferred card.
- The fee paid for Extra Comfort seats is non-transferable and non-refundable.
- If Hawaiian Airlines reaccommodates you on another flight, your bid offer will be transferred to the new flight subject to seat availability.
- If your bid offer is successful, you will not be entitled to a refund, credit, or exchange unless Hawaiian Airlines:
- Cancels your flight and re-accommodates you on another flight in your original (not upgraded) cabin class, or
- Is unable to seat you in the upgraded cabin class
- If your bid is successful, the fee paid for purchasing an Extra Comfort/Preferred seat will not be refunded.
Hawaiian Airlines Miles Upgrade
The Hawaiian Airlines Miles Upgrade program allows you to enhance your travel experience by using your miles to upgrade to a higher class of service. Whether you’re looking for a more comfortable seat, extra legroom, or access to exclusive amenities, the Miles Upgrade program provides flexibility and convenience. By redeeming your miles, you can enjoy the perks and privileges of premium cabins, such as priority boarding, enhanced meal options, and spacious seating arrangements.
You can upgrade your existing reservation with HawaiianMiles to Business or First Class by phone up to 26 hours before the scheduled departure time of your flight.
Mileage Upgrade Prices
Hawaiian Airlines provides 2 types of miles upgrades to Business or First Class:
- Business Saver/First Saver upgrades, the lowest type of award upgrade offered.
- Business Flex/First Flex upgrades, available for 2x the miles above (if the above upgrade is not available).
A one-way Hawaiian Airlines upgrade to First Class on flights between North America and Hawaii will cost you 25,000 or 50,000 miles, whereas a one-way upgrade to Business Class on international flights will cost you 45,000 miles for Saver fares and 90,000 miles for Flex upgrades.
All upgrades depend on seat availability in the higher travel class.
Pualani Platinum/Gold members and Hawaiian Airlines® MasterCard holders are entitled to discounted rates on Hawaiian Airlines, as shown in the table below. These rates can also be checked online by logging into your account.
| Upgrade Rates in MilesPlatinum/Gold and Hawaiian Airlines® MasterCard Holders | ||
| Flight Route (One Way) | Saver Fares (Business/First | Flex Fares (Business/First) |
| Neighbor Islands | 7,500 | 15,000 |
| North America – Hawaii | 25,000 | 50,000 |
| Samoa/Tahiti – Hawaii (Business)* | 30,000 | 60,000 |
| Australia – Hawaii (Business)* | 45,000 | 90,000 |
| New Zealand – Hawaii (Business)* | 45,000 | 90,000 |
| Japan – Hawaii (Business)* | 45,000 | 90,000 |
| Korea – Hawaii (Business)* | 45,000 | 90,000 |
| *Without stopovers. The miles must be redeemed from a single account. If you’re a U.S. citizen flying to an international destination, you must show your return ticket at check-in. | ||
Hawaiian Airlines Miles Upgrade to First Class
You can use your miles to upgrade to First Class on all eligible flights. To learn how many miles you’ll need to upgrade, refer to the flight award chart. If you’re a Pualani Platinum/Gold, Premier Club member, a Hawaiian Airlines® World Elite Mastercard®, or Hawaiian Airlines® Business Mastercard® cardmember, you are entitled to discounted upgrade rates on Hawaiian Airlines.
Day of Departure Upgrades
You can upgrade to Business or First Class (for a fee, as shown below) from 24 hours before departure until your flight’s minimum check-in time on the day of departure, subject to space availability.
| Note. Starting April 18, 2023, you will only be able to upgrade to Business/First Class through an agent at the airport. The upgrade facility is temporarily unavailable through the airline’s website, mobile app, or kiosk. |
Pualani Platinum and Gold tier members are entitled to an upgrade discount on flights within Hawaii, and between Hawaii and North America, for upgrades purchased within the U.S. (excl. American Samoa), as shown in the tables below.
A one-way Hawaiian Airlines upgrade to First Class on the day of departure is priced at:
- USD 50 for neighbor island flights
- USD 25 for Gold Status Pualani Members
- Free for Platinum Status Pualani Members
- USD 349 (or more) for North America flights
- USD 495 (or more) for international flights
Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade Cost
The upgrade cost on Hawaiian Airlines will depend on your travel class, route, and type of upgrade. Hawaiian Airlines provides both paid upgrades and complimentary upgrades to eligible passengers.
- First Class upgrade cost. The cost of a paid upgrade to First Class for North American flights:
- Starts from USD 399 for non-stop flights between Long Beach/Oakland/Ontario/ Portland/San Jose/Sacramento and Honolulu/Kahului (Hawaii)/Lihue/Kona (but from USD 319 for Gold level members and USD 269 for Platinum level members).
- Starts from USD 489 for non-stop flights between Austin/Harry Reid (Nevada)/ Phoenix (Sky Harbor)/Los Angeles/San Diego/Seattle/San Francisco and Honolulu/Kahului (Hawaii)/Lihue/Kona (but from USD 399 for Gold status members and USD 349 for Platinum status members.
- Starts from USD 1,049 for non-stop flights between John F. Kennedy/Boston Logan and Honolulu (but from USD 939 for Gold status members and USD 869 for Platinum status members).
- The cost of a paid upgrade to Business Class for international flights starts from:
- AUD 1,200 from Australia to North America/Hawaii and USD 900 from North America/Hawaii to Australia.
- JPY 70,000 from Japan to North America/Hawaii and USD 600 from North America/Hawaii to Japan.
- KRW 650,000 from Korea (ICN) to North America/Hawaii and USD 550 from North America/Hawaii to Korea.
- NZD 1,300 from New Zealand to North America/Hawaii and USD 850 from North America/Hawaii to New Zealand.
- USD 429 from North America/Hawaii to Cook Islands (from USD 349 for Gold status members and USD 299 for Platinum status members), and from NZD 690 from Cook Islands to North America/Hawaii (but from NZD 560 for Gold status members and NZD 480 for Platinum status members).
- USD 429 from Tahiti (PPT) to North America/Hawaii (but from USD 349 for Gold status members and from USD 299 for Platinum status members).
- USD 429 for flights from American Samoa (PPG) to North America/Hawaii (but from USD 349 for Gold status members and from USD 299 for Platinum status members).
- For miles upgrade cost, refer to the section titled Hawaiian Airlines Miles Upgrade.
For information or assistance regarding upgrade costs, contact Hawaiian Airlines directly.
Hawaiian Airlines Extra Comfort Upgrade Cost
The upgrade cost for Extra Comfort seats on Hawaiian Airlines ranges from:
- USD 5 – 49 per person, per way for neighbor island flights.
- USD 9 – 399 per person, per way, depending on location, for North American flights.
- USD 9 – 399 per person, per way, depending on location, for international flights.
Hawaiian Airlines Seat Upgrade Cost
Hawaiian Airlines seat upgrade cost from a standard Main Cabin seat to an Extra Comfort or Preferred seat:
- For Neighbor Island flights is USD 5 – 49 per passenger, per way.
- For North America flights is USD 9 – 399 per passenger, per way, depending on location.
- For International flights is USD 9 – 399 per passenger, per way, depending on location.
Hawaiian Airlines Free Upgrade
How to get a free upgrade on Hawaiian Airlines
Elite status frequent flyers are eligible for a free seat upgrade and free service class upgrade.
- Free seat upgrades (within the same cabin class)
- Pualani Gold and Platinum members are eligible for complimentary upgrades to Economy Extra Comfort seats on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights, based on availability on a first-come, first-served basis. They can upgrade after booking or when they check in for their flight.
- Platinum members are entitled to free seat upgrades for up to 6 passengers booked on the same flight reservation.
- Award and revenue tickets (excluding Basic) are also eligible for complimentary upgrades.
- Free service class upgrades (to a higher travel class)
- On North American and international flights
- Pualani Platinum status members (40,000 miles or 60 flight segments per year) are entitled to 2 certificates.
- A single certificate is valid for 3,500 miles, which can be applied for an upgrade (one-way) from Economy Class to Business or First Class.
- For flights exceeding 3,500 miles, you must use both certificates to upgrade.
- You can earn 6 extra upgrade certificates after traveling 75,000 miles in a calendar year, along with 1 additional certificate for every 10,000 miles you travel more than 75,000 miles.
- Pualani Platinum status members (40,000 miles or 60 flight segments per year) are entitled to 2 certificates.
- On inter-island flights
- Pualani Platinum status members will be allotted First Class seats automatically during check-in, subject to availability. If no First Class seats are available, they’ll be put on a waiting list. In case seats are available before departure, they’ll be assigned a seat based on their check-in time.
- On North American and international flights
Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade at the Airport
Hawaiian Airlines provides an upgrade option at the airport. All airport upgrades depend on availability. If seats are available, you can upgrade your seat or service class to Business or First Class and enjoy spacious seating, enhanced amenities, personalized service, better meals and beverages, and a wide range of entertainment options.
Airport upgrades (service class) include priority boarding and baggage handling.
Upgrade During Check-in
You can also upgrade to First Class during online/kiosk check-in starting 24 hours before departure (temporarily unavailable).
For details, refer to Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade to First Class and Hawaiian Airlines Business Class Upgrade.
Hawaiian Airlines Upgrade Tips
Hawaiian Airlines provides a range of upgrade options that can enhance your travel experience to the Aloha State. Here are 9 tips to help you secure an upgrade to First Class (or Business Class) and make the most of your Hawaiian Airlines flight:
- Join HawaiianMiles: Enrolling in Hawaiian Airlines’ frequent flyer program is the first step towards earning upgrades. Accumulate miles through flights, partner purchases, or credit card spending to increase your chances.
- Upgrade with miles: Use your HawaiianMiles to upgrade from Economy to First or Business. Keep an eye out for promotional offers that may allow you to use fewer miles for an upgrade.
- Bid for an upgrade: Hawaiian Airlines has a bidding program that allows passengers to bid for available upgrades. Make a competitive offer and cross your fingers for a successful bid.
- Purchase a higher fare class: Booking a higher fare class increases your chances of being upgraded if unsold seats are available in premium cabins.
- Fly during off-peak times: Traveling during less busy periods increases the likelihood of securing an upgrade due to greater availability in premium cabins.
- Check-in early: Be among the first passengers to check in online or at the airport to increase your chances of getting upgraded if there are last-minute changes or availability.
- Dress appropriately: While not guaranteed, dressing smartly can sometimes influence gate agents when considering upgrades.
- Be polite and friendly: A positive attitude goes a long way when interacting with airline staff. Being polite and friendly may make them more inclined to consider you for an upgrade.
- Special occasions/honeymoon upgrades: Celebrating a special occasion like a honeymoon or anniversary? Inform the airline beforehand as they may prioritize such requests for upgrades, especially if there’s availability.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hawaiian Airlines Upgrades
If you want to make your flight experience more enjoyable, you might be considering an upgrade with Hawaiian Airlines. But before you take the plunge, you probably have some questions. This section answers some of the most frequently asked questions about Hawaiian Airlines upgrades. If you’re curious about upgrading your Hawaiian Airlines flight, check out the answers below.
Yes, you can use your HawaiianMiles to upgrade your service class from Economy Main Cabin to First Class or Business Class, subject to seat availability.
The cost to upgrade to First Class on Hawaiian Airlines will depend on your route. The upgrade cost for non-stop North American flights is:
–USD 399 (or more) for flights between Oakland/Long Beach/Portland/Ontario/ Sacramento/San Jose and Honolulu/Kahului (Hawaii)/Lihue/Kona. The cost to upgrade is USD 319 (or more) for Gold Status Pualani members and USD 269 (or more) for Pualani Platinum members.
– USD 489 (or more) for flights between Austin/Harry Reid (Nevada)/ Phoenix (Sky Harbor)/Los Angeles/San Diego/Seattle/San Francisco and Honolulu/Kahului (Hawaii)/Lihue/Kona. For Gold status members, the upgrade fee starts from USD 399, and for Platinum status members, it starts from USD 349.
–USD 1,049 (or more) for flights between John F. Kennedy/Boston Logan and Honolulu. For Gold status members, the upgrade cost to First Class is USD 939 (or more), and USD 869 (or more) for Platinum members.
The Hawaiian miles required to upgrade to First Class during off-peak periods to South Korea, Japan, New Zealand, or Australia is 45,000 miles. During peak periods, the same upgrade can cost you 90,000 miles. Upgrading your flight to American Samoa or French Polynesia can cost you 30,000 miles during off-peak periods and 60,000 miles during peak periods.
Hawaiian Airlines First Class Upgrade offers a range of benefits such as priority boarding, more comfortable seating with extra legroom and ample recline, and personalized service throughout your journey. In addition, you’ll have access to premium amenities such as complimentary meal service, including a selection of delicious Hawaiian-inspired dishes and a wide range of beverages. First Class passengers also receive complimentary access to the airline’s in-flight entertainment system, offering a variety of movies, TV shows, music, and games.
The amount you should bid to upgrade with Hawaiian Airlines will depend on your flight and the service class you want to upgrade to. You must bid within the price range provided on the bidding page (you cannot bid lower or higher than the pre-set range).
Keep in mind that upgrading will depend on availability and there is no guarantee that your bid will be accepted. Factors such as how many seats are available in the desired class and the demand for upgrades on a particular flight can affect the likelihood of your bid being successful. It’s always a good idea to consider how much value an upgrade would provide to you personally and what you are willing to pay for that enhanced experience.
If you’re an elite status HawaiianMiles member, you may already be on Hawaiian Airlines upgrade list. Pualani Platinum and Gold level members enjoy limited access to complimentary upgrades to Extra Comfort, Business, and First Class seats.
If you’re not an elite status member with HawaiianMiles, you could get on Hawaiian Airlines upgrade list by asking an agent at the check-in counter or gate, or a flight attendant after you’ve boarded your flight (but before the doors close).
A seat upgrade on Hawaiian Airlines refers to the option of upgrading to a more comfortable (Extra Comfort) or a better-located (Preferred) seat within the same cabin class. Seat upgrades depend on availability and can be purchased either during the booking process or at check-in, depending on availability.
Hawaiian Airlines First Class upgrade bid is a unique opportunity for passengers to enhance their travel experience. The bidding process allows eligible customers who have purchased a Main Cabin ticket to place a bid for an upgrade to First Class (or Business Class) and enjoy the amenities and personalized service that First Class offers.
If your itinerary qualifies for a bid upgrade, you will receive an invitation email to participate in the bid. On the bidding page, simply enter the amount you want to pay for the upgrade (up to 28 hours before departure). If your bid is successful, you will be notified at least 24 hours before your flight’s departure, your card will be charged with the amount you bid, and you will receive your new upgraded itinerary by email.
If your bid is not successful, you will still be informed at least 24 hours before departure. Your card won’t be charged and you can travel on your original ticket.
Hawaiian Airlines does not generally offer honeymoon upgrades. However, if you’re celebrating your honeymoon, inform the airline before travelling, in which case your upgrade request may be prioritized if seats are available.