Hawaiian Airlines economy passengers on most flights between Hawaii and the continental U.S. can say goodbye to their free meal beginning July 1.
The airline announced an overhaul to its onboard service program “that delivers greater choice, improved quality and a deeper connection to the flavors of Hawaii” in a May 28 news release. The change applies to all domestic transpacific flights, except for the long-haul flight between Honolulu and John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York, in which free meals will still be served.
The new program will replace the complimentary meal handed out to main cabin passengers – typically a Hot Pocket-style sandwich – with pre-ordered dishes available for purchase up to 20 hours before departure.
By “aligning meal production with actual guest demand,” Hawaiian said it will reduce food waste and packaging.
“We designed our new Main Cabin meal program based on guest preference for more control and choice, while allowing us to deliver food that better reflects the richness of Hawaii’s culinary traditions,” said Alisa Onishi, managing director of Hawaii marketing for Hawaiian Airlines, in the release. “By moving to a pre-order model, we’re expanding beyond a single standard meal to offer a broader menu that reflects how our guests want to dine today.”
The new options are inspired by the flavors and comfort foods of Hawaii, created in partnership with Sheldon Simeon, a Maui-based chef, restaurateur and James Beard Award finalist.
“For me, food is about sharing where you’re from and the people who shaped you,” Simeon said in the release. “This menu is inspired by the flavors I grew up with in Hawaii – comforting, familiar and full of heart. I’m excited to bring those dishes onboard so guests can experience a true taste of home, wherever they’re headed.”
The new menu will feature items such as a barbecue teriyaki chicken bento on a bed of white rice; a baby kale salad with li hing mango, edamame, quinoa and toasted almonds; and fried mochiko chicken with garlic noodles.
For breakfast, passengers can choose from 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.
Other changes coming with the overhaul include more food items for first-class passengers and complimentary onboard bites in its premium cabin.
Even if economy passengers choose not to purchase a meal, they’ll still be served a free welcome beverage plus a locally made snack and “sweet treat” like a cookie or chocolate.
Kathleen Wong is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY. She’s the author of “The Conscious Traveller Hawai’i” and is based in Hawaii.
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