November 4, 2025 — 5:00 AM
For travelers embarking on the long-haul journey from Sydney to Honolulu, Hawaiian Airlines offers a compelling upgrade option that promises to enhance the flying experience. The airline’s Extra Comfort class, available for an additional $175, provides a significant boost in comfort and amenities, making it a worthwhile investment for those facing the nine-hour overnight flight.
Enhanced Comfort and Amenities
The Extra Comfort section on Hawaiian Airlines’ A330 aircraft offers a 2-4-2 seating configuration with a generous 36-inch seat pitch, providing five inches more legroom than standard economy. This added space is particularly beneficial for overnight flights, allowing passengers to stretch out and relax. The seats are located just behind the business class cabin, separated by a sheer curtain, offering a sense of exclusivity.
Passengers are greeted with a soft pastel green blanket and a small cushion featuring a delicate fern print. Shortly after boarding, a flight attendant presents an amenities kit from Hawaiian homewares brand Noho Home, which includes essentials such as an eye mask, toothbrush and toothpaste, earplugs, earbuds, a pen, hand and body balm, and lip balm. A USB port is available for charging devices, ensuring that passengers can keep their electronics powered throughout the journey.
Service and In-Flight Experience
The service on Hawaiian Airlines is characterized by the friendly and efficient demeanor of the flight attendants, who sport floral print shirts and sometimes a frangipani tucked behind their ears. The first meal service begins within half an hour of takeoff, with a second service occurring about 90 minutes before landing, allowing passengers ample time to rest in between. The crew makes regular rounds to offer water and collect rubbish, maintaining a clean and comfortable cabin environment.
The in-seat entertainment system features a robust selection of movies, music, and children’s TV shows, including several films shot in Hawaii, such as “Jurassic Park” and “The Descendants.” Additionally, passengers can enjoy Starlink internet, which is fast and easy to use, requiring no cumbersome logins.
Sustainability Efforts
Hawaiian Airlines is committed to sustainability, with a goal of achieving net-zero emissions by 2050. This includes the use of more fuel-efficient aircraft and initiatives to conserve fuel. The airline also aims to eliminate single-use plastics in its cabins by 2029. The amenity kits provided in Extra Comfort are crafted from felt and designed for reuse, featuring a bamboo toothbrush and pen, and a hand and body balm in a tube made from 50% recycled plastic.
Loyalty and Future Developments
In October 2025, Hawaiian Airlines transitioned to Atmos Rewards, a new integrated loyalty program with Alaska Airlines, following its acquisition by the carrier in 2024. The airline is set to join the oneworld Alliance in the US spring of 2026 and maintains a partnership with Qantas Loyalty. These developments enhance the benefits for frequent flyers, providing more options for earning and redeeming rewards.
Looking ahead, Hawaiian Airlines plans to open a new premium lounge at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport in late 2027. This facility will be five times larger than the existing lounge, offering an upgraded experience for premium passengers.
The Verdict
Flying with Hawaiian Airlines in Extra Comfort feels like the vacation begins the moment you step on the plane. The added legroom and thoughtful amenities make the $175 upgrade a valuable investment, especially for overnight flights. With a focus on comfort, service, and sustainability, Hawaiian Airlines continues to enhance the travel experience for its passengers.
Our rating: ★★★★
The writer flew as a guest of Hawaiian Airlines. For more information, visit hawaiianairlines.com.
