November 4, 2025 — 5:00am
For travelers embarking on the overnight journey from Sydney to Honolulu, Hawaiian Airlines offers an enticing upgrade option that promises to enhance the flying experience. With a modest investment of $175, passengers can enjoy the airline’s Extra Comfort class, which provides a significant boost in comfort for the nine-hour and 31-minute flight.
The flight, HA452, departs at 9:40 PM and arrives at 11:40 AM, operating five times weekly. This schedule allows ample time for passengers to connect to other Hawaiian islands upon arrival. The aircraft, an A330, is equipped with an Extra Comfort section that boasts a 2-4-2 configuration and a generous 36-inch seat pitch, offering five inches more legroom than standard economy seating.
Check-In and Boarding Experience
Check-in for the flight was slightly delayed due to a seating mix-up involving two passengers, but the situation was handled smoothly by the airline’s staff, turning a potential inconvenience into a light-hearted moment. Passengers in Extra Comfort are greeted with a soft pastel green blanket and a small cushion adorned with a delicate fern print, setting the tone for a relaxing journey.
Shortly after boarding, passengers receive an amenities kit from Noho Home, a Hawaiian homewares brand. The kit includes essentials such as an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs, earbuds, a pen, and balms for hand and body care, all contributing to a more comfortable flight experience.
In-Flight Amenities and Service
The in-seat entertainment system offers a diverse selection of movies, music, and children’s TV shows, including several films shot in Hawaii, such as Jurassic Park and The Descendants, to help passengers get into the Hawaiian spirit. The availability of Starlink internet ensures a fast and reliable connection without the hassle of logging in.
Flight attendants, dressed in floral print shirts, provide friendly and efficient service throughout the flight. The first meal service begins within 30 minutes of takeoff, with a second service starting 90 minutes before landing. This schedule allows passengers ample time to rest, with the crew making regular rounds to collect rubbish and offer water.
Food and Beverage Offerings
The culinary offerings on board are simple yet satisfying. The first meal includes a chicken and lettuce sandwich served in a brown paper bag, complemented by a pineapple-shaped cookie from the Honolulu Cookie Company. As the flight nears its end, passengers are treated to a hot breakfast, with options including an egg frittata or waffles, accompanied by a small bowl of melon and a muffin.
Sustainability and Future Developments
Hawaiian Airlines is committed to sustainability, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. This goal will be achieved through the use of more fuel-efficient aircraft and operational initiatives to conserve fuel. The airline also plans to eliminate single-use plastics in cabins by 2029. The amenity kit provided to Extra Comfort passengers is designed for reuse, featuring a bamboo toothbrush and pen, and balm tubes made from 50% recycled plastic.
Looking ahead, Hawaiian Airlines is set to join the oneworld Alliance in the US spring of 2026, following its acquisition by Alaska Airlines in 2024. The airline’s loyalty program, Atmos Rewards, is now integrated with Alaska Airlines, offering passengers more benefits and flexibility.
Pricing and Verdict
The cost for a standard economy seat starts at approximately $850 for a return trip, with the Extra Comfort upgrade available from $175 one way. For those seeking additional comfort on an overnight flight, this upgrade is a worthwhile investment.
Flying Hawaiian Airlines feels like your holiday starts the second you step on the plane, and the added leg room in Extra Comfort is totally worth it on an overnight flight.
In a move to enhance the passenger experience further, Hawaiian Airlines plans to open a new premium lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in late 2027. The new facility will be five times larger than the existing lounge, offering more space and amenities for travelers.
The writer flew as a guest of Hawaiian Airlines. For more information, visit hawaiianairlines.com.
