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When comparing Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines generally offers a better overall experience for domestic travelers, while Hawaiian Airlines excels in providing unique services for those traveling to and from Hawaii.
Alaska Airlines is known for its extensive route network on the West Coast and offers a variety of destinations in the mainland U.S. and Alaska. It is often praised for its customer service and loyalty program, Mileage Plan.
Hawaiian Airlines, on the other hand, focuses primarily on inter-island and transpacific flights, connecting travelers to Hawaii and beyond. Their customer service is tailored to provide a unique Hawaiian experience, which can be appealing to those traveling to the islands.
When it comes to pricing, Alaska Airlines often features competitive fares, particularly for frequent flyers. Hawaiian Airlines may have higher prices due to its niche market but provides value through its unique offerings and experiences.
### Hawaiian Airlines vs. Competitors
Hawaiian Airlines stands out from other airlines like United, Alaska, and Southwest mainly due to its focus on the Hawaiian experience. They offer unique programs such as the “HawaiianMiles” loyalty program, which rewards travelers with benefits that cater specifically to those traveling to Hawaii.
The airline also provides complimentary meals on many inter-island flights, a rarity among U.S. airlines. This focus on customer service, along with Hawaiian-themed amenities, sets them apart from competitors who may prioritize different aspects of air travel.
| Feature | Alaska Airlines | Hawaiian Airlines |
|—————————|——————————–|———————————|
| Route Network | Extensive on the West Coast | Primarily to/from Hawaii |
| Customer Service | Highly rated | Unique Hawaiian experience |
| Loyalty Program | Mileage Plan | HawaiianMiles |
| Complimentary Meals | Limited | Often included on inter-island |
| In-Flight Entertainment | Standard options | Hawaiian-themed experiences |
Pro Tip:

If you frequently travel to Hawaii, consider signing up for HawaiianMiles. They offer advantageous redemption rates for flights and upgrades, which can lead to significant savings on future trips.

### Flight Comparison Tool
Here’s a simple tool to compare flight costs between Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines. Enter your departure and arrival cities, along with your travel dates, to get an estimate of the average costs.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only.

What are the baggage policies for Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines?

Alaska Airlines allows one carry-on and one personal item for free, with checked baggage fees dependent on the fare type. Hawaiian Airlines also permits one carry-on and one personal item, with similar checked baggage fees based on the fare class.

Which airline has better frequent flyer programs?

Alaska Airlines’ Mileage Plan is widely regarded as one of the best in the industry, offering more flexibility and options for earning miles. Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles program is excellent for those traveling to Hawaii but may have fewer options for earning miles on non-Hawaiian routes.

Are meals included on flights with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines?

Alaska Airlines typically offers complimentary snacks and beverages, with meals available for purchase on longer flights. Hawaiian Airlines often provides complimentary meals on many of their inter-island flights, enhancing the travel experience.

What is the cancellation policy for both airlines?

Alaska Airlines allows free cancellations and changes for refundable tickets, while non-refundable tickets incur a fee. Hawaiian Airlines also allows changes and cancellations, but fees may apply depending on the fare class and timing.

Which airline has better on-time performance?

Historically, Alaska Airlines has maintained a strong reputation for on-time performance. Hawaiian Airlines performs well, especially on inter-island flights, but may face delays due to seasonal weather changes affecting the islands.