It’s the end of an era when it comes to dining in economy on domestic flights in the United States. That’s sort of sad, but also logical…
In this post:
Hawaiian “elevates” onboard dining, by cutting free meals
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.
The menu will vary throughout the day, with dishes ranging in cost from $10.99 to $16.99.
Breakfast options will include corned beef hash and eggs, an Island-style French toast breakfast, banana pancakes, coconut overnight oats, or a cheese omelet. Meanwhile lunch and dinner options will include crispy mochiko chicken and garlic noodles, barbecue teriyaki chicken bento, teriyaki cheeseburger, grilled chicken bánh mì sandwich, sweet and tangy tender greens, cheeseburger mac and cheese, and more.
Pre-order will be available between two weeks and 20 hours prior to the flight. The only exception to this is that for flights to and from New York (JFK), complimentary meals will continue to be available.
If you don’t pre-order a meal, you’ll still have a limited selection of food you can purchase onboard, including snack boxes and items from the snack cart. However, the above meals will primarily be available via pre-order. On top of that, every guest will continue to receive a complimentary local snack.
This was inevitable and fair, but I don’t like the narrative
Hawaiian Airlines eliminating free meals in economy is objectively a negative change. Now, in fairness:
- I don’t blame the airline, since it has been losing a massive amount of money in recent years, and while free food is “nice,” there’s no indication that this was delivering a revenue premium for the airline
- While people like free meals in economy, they also love to complain about the poor quality, so I imagine it wasn’t even helping net promoter scores that much
- With Alaska and Hawaiian belonging to the same airline group, it makes sense that the two airlines would align policies, to create a semi-consistent experience
- The way consumers choose airlines over the years has evolved; nowadays people choose based on value, schedule, loyalty, and perhaps then passenger experience
Honestly, what I detest most about this change is how it’s being announced. This is the kind of gaslighting I’d expect from Lufthansa Group, and not from Alaska Air Group. The press release actually only mentions that free meals are being cut in the FAQs, and otherwise fails to actually acknowledge that.
For that matter, the only Hawaiian employee who is quoted is the company’s Managing Director of Marketing. Maybe it’s just me, but I don’t feel like passenger experience announcements should quote the head of marketing, but instead, they should quote the person in charge of product. Nothing against marketing folks — they’re very important to organizations — but when they’re the ones being quoted in an announcement, you know there’s a lot of spin.
And of course the person in charge of marketing has a quote about how “we’re expanding beyond a single standard meal to offer a broader menu that reflects how our guests want to dine today,” which sounds great, but ignores that free meals are being eliminated. It reminds me of when Lufthansa cut free drinks and snacks in short haul economy, and claimed it was due to “customer feedback.”
Also, can I just ask… if this is such a great change that customers are excited about, why isn’t it being rolled out on the carrier’s longest domestic flight? You’d think those customers would most appreciate the service being “elevated,” no?
Bottom line
As of July 1, 2026, Hawaiian Airlines will stop serving free economy meals on all domestic flights, except those to New York. The airline will instead introduce a pre-order program, with meals available for purchase, ranging in cost from $10.99 to $16.99.
This will certainly represent an improvement in terms of quality and variety, though having an amenity taken away also isn’t something that customers will like. That’s not stopping Hawaiian from marketing this as a positive, and buying the important detail of free meals being eliminated.
What do you make of this change to Hawaiian’s inflight service?
I flew Hawaiian from JFK last summer and their meals were a joke: a single pancake with apple compote for breakfast followed by a hummus sandwich with a sad tomato slice and single piece of lettuce. I've never been so hungry while flying long haul.
Every organization, from AS to Hyatt and beyond, seems to think that by saying a pile of dog **** is fantastic, that it actually is fantastic. It’s not. Your customers know it’s not. And, your customers now think you are dishonest idiots.
Mini Zip Pac!!
The so-called free food was never very much. The last few times I flew it was basically a microwaved hot pocket type of sandwich. Better than nothing, but these meals look a lot better even if you have to pay for them.
You clearly are overplaying this for clicks. “Meal” is a very lose term for a heated hot pocket / sandwich with zero accompaniments and no options if your vegetarian, gluten free or vegan. It was a heart snack - and no one loved it.
Everyone who flew Hawaiian knew it couldn’t be better and still be free - so this is a logical move.
You've really got to stop saying "So-and-so stops FREE meals" and "so-and-so is no longer allowing a FREE bag." Because NONE OF THIS STUFF WAS EVER FREE.
It was bundled in the price of the ticket.
The headline should be "Hawaiian Airlines is now charging for all meals in economy" because that's what's happening here. And this isn't "tomato, tomahto" - words mean things, and nothing the airlines have included was ever, ever,...
You've really got to stop saying "So-and-so stops FREE meals" and "so-and-so is no longer allowing a FREE bag." Because NONE OF THIS STUFF WAS EVER FREE.
It was bundled in the price of the ticket.
The headline should be "Hawaiian Airlines is now charging for all meals in economy" because that's what's happening here. And this isn't "tomato, tomahto" - words mean things, and nothing the airlines have included was ever, ever, ever "free," even back in the days that people romanticize flying. Call it WHAT IT IS - "a reduction in service amenities with a new cost if the customer still wants it."
Finally, it's going to be a fun time for the FAs when customers, who expected to have lunch on the flight, board the plane having not eaten, and find themselves with nothing to eat for six hours except for a "free(?)" Twix bar.
Why does it matter tho, especially as thats not really how most ppl will view it anyway?
You boarded the plane, you got a meal without having to pay for it. Therefor it was 'free'.
Now, you will board the plane, and not get the meal. Therefore its no longer free.
Are they reducing the price of the ticket to account for no longer giving out a "free" meal? If not, then they're essentially increasing the price of all economy tickets by whatever it costs the passenger to buy this meal (or buy food before getting on the plane). So either the meals were free, or the price of the ticket is being increased.
Exactly. It’s another fee.
He is famous for being pro-airlines. How? Every time they curtail the benefits, he would proactively offer additional justifications for the airlines, which even the airlines did not think of, and no other bloggers would do that.
You see, here Ben said that well Alaska does not have it, so Hawaiian also should follow suit. And, hey, if you fly economy and complain your meal, how about you don't eat?
I guess he finds this to be "fair" arguments on both sides.
I have very low trust when I hear that "more money means better quality". My other domestic example is AA. When they increased both the lounge membership prices and the AA Exec card AF to $595, they said that food would be elevated.
Which is to say, it's been different. Some executive chef thought that ssamjang and gojujang sauce would pair well with absolutely terrible rice and protein options. Rubbery shrimp? Add some sauce and...
I have very low trust when I hear that "more money means better quality". My other domestic example is AA. When they increased both the lounge membership prices and the AA Exec card AF to $595, they said that food would be elevated.
Which is to say, it's been different. Some executive chef thought that ssamjang and gojujang sauce would pair well with absolutely terrible rice and protein options. Rubbery shrimp? Add some sauce and say it's Korean fusion! Crappy sliders? Give that inexperienced chef no guidance as s/he tries to do a number on the innards! Nothing gives "fried rice" like doing too much on the seasoning with no plan!
Long story short: by trying to "elevate", the food is borderline revolting now - I always head to the Alaska or Amex lounge if I'm hungry. And this was the exact same promise and framing we're seeing at HA. The hope is that Alaska will do a little better, at least...
To be clear: I love Korean food. Kalbijjim, bibimbap, tofu soups, banchan, seafood pancakes, everything - I adore it. I just hate seeing people mess up food in such an offensive way.
To be fair the free meal on Hawaiian was pretty… unappealing. In my opinion. Whereas Alaska’s buy-on-board meals have generally been good. So if the tradeoff is I get a meal I actually would eat then yeah I’m happy to pay for it rather than toss everything in the garbage.
I have no problem with this. HNL is my home airport and I mostly fly HA and As in economy. Calling the food currently provided a “meal” is a stretch because it’s just a hot sandwich that wasn’t that great anyway. Nothing more. We already get a beverage service.
I already pre-purchase the AS stuff when I fly them since I get a discount with my AS card, and the food isn’t bad. I...
I have no problem with this. HNL is my home airport and I mostly fly HA and As in economy. Calling the food currently provided a “meal” is a stretch because it’s just a hot sandwich that wasn’t that great anyway. Nothing more. We already get a beverage service.
I already pre-purchase the AS stuff when I fly them since I get a discount with my AS card, and the food isn’t bad. I like the chef they’re bringing onboard and wouldn’t mind buying onboard food. Hopefully less of a need since I have lounge access to HA and AS lounges now.
Yes, they’re taking away something they used to provide for free, but they’re also just matching what the competition did many years ago. You can’t realistically expect any business in any industry to highlight the loss of something they’re taking away. Obviously, the spin is that higher quality food will now be available albeit at a cost. And the new menu choices do look a whole lot better than the free meals they currently offer...
Yes, they’re taking away something they used to provide for free, but they’re also just matching what the competition did many years ago. You can’t realistically expect any business in any industry to highlight the loss of something they’re taking away. Obviously, the spin is that higher quality food will now be available albeit at a cost. And the new menu choices do look a whole lot better than the free meals they currently offer or the free meals all carriers continue to provide on the 10+ hours long flights between Hawaii & the East Coast.
Hyatt devalued their program and their management lied to our face, that its not a devaluation. Than their CEO was on WSJ saying the response has been positive.
Now Hawaiian guys are cutting service and telling us thats a good thing.
Always wonder why is there no push back to such blatant white lies.
I would not take this as a positive. That being said if the BOB is of quality then maybe it's worth the extra money.
As a local, I can assure you that those free meals are free for a reason. They aren't a meal. It's a gross pizza pocket type thing that half the cabin turns down. The waste is outstanding because they stock for almost everyone saying yes . Anyone who is a regular flyer packs a bento themselves for the flight!
This is an absolute improvement. The Alaska meals are tasty and priced very fairly. I expect...
As a local, I can assure you that those free meals are free for a reason. They aren't a meal. It's a gross pizza pocket type thing that half the cabin turns down. The waste is outstanding because they stock for almost everyone saying yes . Anyone who is a regular flyer packs a bento themselves for the flight!
This is an absolute improvement. The Alaska meals are tasty and priced very fairly. I expect these to be the same, yet with a Hawaiian angle. And yep, we're known for out unhealthy fried carb heavy cuisine =)
On the whole Alaska has been doing a great job getting Hawaiian back to where it should be. I'm impressed and expect the "dual brand" to be a success.
There's two ways to look at things but to me the way this article is presented it really smacks of click bait. Free is certainly not always something to celebrate, but by gosh losing free will get clicks ;)
It’s not click bait to say that Haiwaiian is clearly under playing the loss of free meals. Sure, maybe this is better overall but just own the decision.
i flew Vegas to HNL last year with Hawaiian. it was the best flight ive had in years. service was great, friendly attendants. came with a free meal and Mai tai with alcohol.
While I’m not against this completely, this is a terrible way to roll it out, especially in advance of the summer season. My family purchased flights on Hawaii, with the meals being a contributing factor to choosing Hawaiian. It wasn’t THE reason, but it pushed us that way. When you have kids, the ease and novelty of an airline meal makes a difference. I’m going to reach out and see if they are offering any...
While I’m not against this completely, this is a terrible way to roll it out, especially in advance of the summer season. My family purchased flights on Hawaii, with the meals being a contributing factor to choosing Hawaiian. It wasn’t THE reason, but it pushed us that way. When you have kids, the ease and novelty of an airline meal makes a difference. I’m going to reach out and see if they are offering any recovery for people who were already booked with this expectation. I’ll report back if they do.
Meals were never free. They were included in the price of the ticket. Much like non alcoholic or alcoholic beverages. The fact that airlines are trying to fee people to death, especially in economy, is ridiculous. Early boarding, bags, seating with slightly extra legroom, and now long haul economy meals.
Don't airlines see the rising popularity of all inclusive resorts? Less friction, less transactions.
Serious question Alonzo, if you please? In your opinion is this a U.S. airlines wide phenomenon or limited to just a few examples? I ask this question quite simply because I have absolutely NO personal experience of U.S. domestic airlines.
It would never enter my head to travel on a U.S. domestic flight, never mind in economy. As for actually eating onboard that would be a great stretch of my imagination.
Don't love "[w]hile people like free meals in economy," which could stop at "free meals." By this definition of free, "free meals" are also served in business class of much better quality accompanied by a wine program. My guess is economy passengers would appreciate free upgraded food and beverage.
Airlines pull a ton of pricing levers to maximize profit by ruthlessly matching product to price. Outside RM, customers are all just people who appreciate, or...
Don't love "[w]hile people like free meals in economy," which could stop at "free meals." By this definition of free, "free meals" are also served in business class of much better quality accompanied by a wine program. My guess is economy passengers would appreciate free upgraded food and beverage.
Airlines pull a ton of pricing levers to maximize profit by ruthlessly matching product to price. Outside RM, customers are all just people who appreciate, or feel entitled to, free stuff, the higher quality, the better.
Do not be fooled. The Hawaiian Airlines brand will disappear in the next 12-18 months. The costs of two brand identities are probably not worth it. It's clear that AS wanted HA not so much for the Hawaiian network, but for the assets to build out SEA into a true, long haul hub. I see the HA brand pivoting to a more pronounced "inspired by Alitalia" motif down the road. Some Hawaiian themed branding here...
Do not be fooled. The Hawaiian Airlines brand will disappear in the next 12-18 months. The costs of two brand identities are probably not worth it. It's clear that AS wanted HA not so much for the Hawaiian network, but for the assets to build out SEA into a true, long haul hub. I see the HA brand pivoting to a more pronounced "inspired by Alitalia" motif down the road. Some Hawaiian themed branding here and there on what will ultimately be AS painted planes.
The future of the 717 fleet is likely to be 737s or E-190s.
Just trying to figure out with what is wrong with the Hawaiian Brand disappearing. It’s realistically a failed company or they would have been the company buying someone else rather than Alaska buying them.
Now the truth is i do not wish to see the Hawaiian Brand disappear because Hawaii is such a uniquely fabled destination and cultural gem of our United States history, but lets face it, airlines are here to make money...
Just trying to figure out with what is wrong with the Hawaiian Brand disappearing. It’s realistically a failed company or they would have been the company buying someone else rather than Alaska buying them.
Now the truth is i do not wish to see the Hawaiian Brand disappear because Hawaii is such a uniquely fabled destination and cultural gem of our United States history, but lets face it, airlines are here to make money to provide jobs, not loose money to loose jobs.
Anyway from all intents and purposes Alaska has not indicated their goal is to wrap the airline all up into one brand in any way yet from what i am reading. Breath deeply change is hard but the results are far better than an Aloha Airlines fate.
I genuinely don’t think the Haiwaiian brand will disappear any time soon. Alaska made too many promises to keep it and have invested too much in differentiating the brands. Even these Haiwaiian meals are an investment in not just being Alaska. But a decade from now? If it’s all just too complex and a new CEO is at the helm? Very possibly.
I know a number of HA flight attendants and they all see the writing on the wall that the HA brand will disappear. They don’t know when exactly, but they’re expecting, sadly.
The brand has been a huge part of Hawaii’s modern history. It will be so sad to see it go.
James, how much do you know about Hawaiian history? Broken promises by the mainland is *absolutely the norm* for the islands. :o|
The photo of 6 or 7 banana pancakes is enough for 3 people . Yet you may receive merely 1/3 of a banana or a coconut .
Great example of the level-headed assessments delivered by OMAAT.
Not, however, a great advertisement for Hawaiian/American cuisine. Largely calorie-laden slop. Not sure this would “elevate my experience”,
It is perfectly fine to mention Lufthansa in this context; however, British Airways, Iberia, and—above all—KLM are following the exact same path: eliminating services and then acting as if that is exactly what the passenger wants.
KLM is very bad anyway
If it saves them money, of course it's a positive for them.