Hawaiian Airlines Cuts Free Meals For Economy Passengers July 1

Above, an Ellison Onizuka Kona Airport boarding gate. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

There was a time when air travel was a joy. Included were friendly first class service, even in Economy. Free meals (well, they were a part of the flight ticket). 

Since then, airlines treat their passengers like cattle and impose charges for any food items above the crappy crackers, cookies and drinks they hand out.

Hawaiian Airlines has joined the list of airlines doing away with free meals to Economy passengers. 

The Travel reported:

Hawaiian Airlines has announced a complete overhaul of its in-flight dining options, and with it comes the end of free in-flight meal service on most transpacific flights connecting the United States mainland to Hawaii. This is the next step in a series of integrations and changes since the airline was acquired by Alaska Airlines that has included revamping its loyalty program and implementing controversial new dress code rules for employees.

Though the new in-flight meals were designed by a James Beard Award finalist and offer far more options than the previous complimentary menu, many customers only see the change as just another cash grab. Initial reactions online are mixed, though we won’t get the full review of the new menu until after it goes into effect July 1.

To read more, go here. 

Hawaiian Airlines Cuts Free Meals In Economy

Above, a Hawaiian Airlines jet at Maui in 2016. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I remember the days when some domestic flights served meals that were a part of the price of a ticket. I only flew to Hawaii and back once and meals were included. This was ten years ago.

Then, gradually, airlines cut domestic meals down to flights over five hours in length. Then they served meals, but charged for them and one must order a meal before the plane even taxies down the runway.

Now, it has been announced that Hawaiian Airlines is cutting free meals from domestic flights from the mainland to Hawaii, except for flights originating from New York's JFK airport. The announcement is being spun like lipstick on a pig.

One Mile At A Time reported:

Historically, Hawaiian Airlines has offered free meals on flights between Hawaii and the United States mainland. That’s an amenity that’s quite rare nowadays, especially outside of the “long haul” Hawaii flights from the East Coast, Midwest, etc., so it was a real point of differentiation.

Well, major changes are coming to Hawaiian’s inflight service, and the airline is certainly burying the lede. The announcement about the change notes how the airline is “elevating onboard service with pre-order dining by celebrated Hawai‘i chefs.” But really that’s just a positive spin on announcing that free meals are being cut in economy.

The changes will be implemented as of July 1, 2026, and entail “a new onboard service program that delivers greater choice, improved quality and a deeper connection to the flavors of Hawai‘i.” The new menu is being developed in partnership with Maui-based, James Beard Award finalist Chef Sheldon Simeon.

To read more, go here.