Flying with Hawaiian Airlines? You May Have to Pay Extra for Food Soon

 

Are you the one who used to enjoy free meals in Hawaiian Airlines Economy class? Well, it is time to say goodbye to it as the airline has cut free meals for passengers traveling in Economy Class. However, you can still enjoy snacks and local treats that the airline will continue to offer in its Economy cabin on Hawaiian Airlines flight.

Hawaiian Airlines is introducing a new rule to its onboard service program, or Hawaiian Airlines meal policy, under which economy passengers on most flights between Hawaii and the United States will no longer receive a free meal starting July 1, 2026. This change applies to all domestic transpacific flights, excluding the long-haul flight between Honolulu and John F. Kennedy in New York, where passengers will still be able to enjoy free meals. 

By bringing this change to the menu and meal policy for its Economy Cabin, Hawaiian Airlines said this action reduces food waste and packaging. 

In the release, the Hawaiian Airlines managing director of Hawaii marketing, Alisa Onishi, stated: "We designed our new Main Cabin meal program based on guest preferences for more control and choice, while allowing us to deliver food that better reflects the richness of Hawaii's culinary traditions. By moving to a preorder model, we are expanding beyond a single standard meal to offer a broader menu that reflects how our guests want to dine today."

What will be the new food menu of Hawaiian Airlines?

In place of the free meal, the airline will begin serving a Hot Pocket-style sandwich, typically with the pre ordered dishes available for purchase up to 20 hours before your flight's departure. The new options introduced by Hawaiian Airlines in its food menu are inspired by the flavors and comfort foods of Hawaii. The new Hawaiian Airlines menu is created in partnership with Sheldon Simeon, a Maui-based chef, restaurateur, and James Beard Award finalist. 

Simeon stated, "For me, food is about sharing where you are from and the people who shaped you. This menu is inspired by the flavors I grew up with in Hawaii, comforting, familiar, and full of heart. I am excited to bring those dishes onboard so guests can experience a true taste of home, wherever they are headed." 

The new menu of Hawaiian Airlines introduced food items like barbecue teriyaki, chicken bento on a bed of white rice; a baby kale salad with li hing mango, edamame, quinoa, and toasted almonds; and delicious fried mochiko chicken with garlic noodles. 

For breakfast, the Hawaiian Airlines meals items for passengers include French toast made with Hawaiian bread, served with eggs and Portuguese sausage; coconut milk overnight oats with chia seeds and macerated berries; and a cheesy omelet with roasted breakfast potatoes and chicken sausage. The other changes coming with the overhaul include more food items for first-class flyers and complimentary onboard bites in its premium cabin.