Hawaiian Airlines offers daily flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii. It also offers inter-island service in Hawaii. In addition, the airline offers flights from Hawaii to neighboring Pacific islands, the Philippines and Australia. There are several ways to upgrade your coach-cabin seating to first class on Hawaiian Airlines, including the use of frequent-flier miles, upgrade purchases at the time of check-in and vouchers for wedding programs.
To upgrade your existing ticket to first class using miles accumulated in your frequent-flier account with Hawaiian Airlines, you may claim the upgrade on the airline's website or by telephone. Visit the "Hawaii Miles" section of the website and choose "redeeming miles" to view upgrade options and claim the award.
Confirm that you have the required number of miles in your frequent-flier account to upgrade your seat. The number needed starts at 7,500 for one-way, inter-island flights and 25,000 for one-way flights from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii. For international flights offered by Hawaiian Airlines, upgrades are to Business Class, with one-way mileage requirements starting from 30,000.
For fliers who hold an existing reservation from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii on Hawaiian Airlines, upgrades to the first class can be purchased 24 hours before the flight departure for a fee of $250. All upgrades are subject to availability and are given on a first-come, first-serve basis. Check in for your flight online and choose the "upgrade" option. For international flights, the costs vary by destination and dates of travel, but be prepared to pay a minimum fee of $400.
If you check in for your flight at the airport rather than online, check with the customer service agent about the possibility of purchasing first-class upgrades. Be aware that other passengers who checked in online may have already purchased the available first-class seats.
If you are planning to be married in Hawaii, register for the Wedding Wings program by Hawaiian Airlines. A confirmed one-way upgrade to first class for the bride and groom or any 2 passengers is available after 40 other guests have registered and booked their airfare on Hawaiian Airlines using a specific STAR file number that is assigned to you. You must register for the program at least 60 days prior to the wedding date, with all forms completed and submitted at least two weeks before the departure date.
