US +1-855-510-5187
If you don’t select a seat before departure, Hawaiian Airlines will assign one during check-in or at the airport. Seat availability, fees, aircraft layouts, and upgrade options may vary by route, fare, and travel date, so always review your booking before your flight.
Quick Answer: Can You Choose Your Seat on Hawaiian Airlines?
Yes. Hawaiian Airlines lets you choose your seat during booking or after purchasing your ticket through Manage Flights, subject to your fare type and seat availability. Standard seats may be included with eligible fares, while Preferred and Extra Comfort seats usually require an additional fee. First Class and Business Class passengers can generally choose their seats at no extra cost.
Hawaiian Airlines Seat Selection at a Glance
| Seat Type | Best For | Included? |
| Standard Main Cabin | Budget travelers | Included on eligible fares |
| Preferred Seat | Faster boarding and quicker exit | Usually paid |
| Extra Comfort | Extra legroom and added travel perks | Usually paid |
| First / Business Class | Maximum comfort | Included with premium cabin tickets |
Is Hawaiian Airlines Seat Selection Free?
It depends on your fare and the type of seat you choose.
Passengers traveling on eligible Main Cabin fares can generally select a standard seat during booking without paying an additional fee. Travelers flying in First Class or Business Class can also choose their seats as part of their ticket.
Main Cabin Basic is more restrictive. Instead of selecting a standard seat in advance, passengers are usually assigned a seat automatically closer to departure. If available, you may still be able to purchase a Preferred or Extra Comfort seat after booking.
Preferred seats, Extra Comfort seats, and other premium seating options normally require an additional payment unless they’re included with your fare or loyalty benefits.
What Seat Options Does Hawaiian Airlines Offer?
Hawaiian Airlines offers several seating options to suit different travel styles and budgets.
| Seat Type | What You Get | Best For |
| Standard Main Cabin | Regular Economy seating | Travelers looking for the lowest cost |
| Preferred Seat | Convenient location closer to the front of the cabin | Travelers who want to leave the aircraft sooner |
| Extra Comfort | Additional legroom and extra travel benefits | Long-haul flights and taller passengers |
| First / Business Class | Spacious seating with premium services | Maximum comfort and premium travel |
The exact seating layout depends on the aircraft you’re flying. Wide-body aircraft used on longer routes offer different seating configurations than aircraft used for shorter interisland flights.
When Can You Choose Your Seat?
You can usually select your seat at several stages of your journey:
- During the booking process
- After booking through Manage Flights
- During online check-in (subject to availability)
- At the airport before departure
Booking early gives you the widest choice, especially if you’re traveling with family or prefer a window, aisle, or extra legroom seat.
If you haven’t selected a seat before check-in, Hawaiian Airlines will assign one based on availability.
What Are Preferred Seats?
Preferred seats are standard Economy seats located in more convenient areas of the aircraft, often closer to the front of the Main Cabin.
These seats don’t offer additional legroom, but they can help you:
- Exit the aircraft more quickly
- Reduce your walk through the cabin
- Reach baggage claim sooner after landing
Preferred seats are generally available for an additional fee unless they’re included with your fare or loyalty benefits
What Are Extra Comfort Seats?
Extra Comfort is Hawaiian Airlines’ premium Economy seating option.
Passengers choosing Extra Comfort typically receive:
- More legroom than a standard Economy seat
- Priority boarding
- Earlier access to overhead bin space
- Additional onboard amenities on selected aircraft
Extra Comfort is especially popular on longer flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland or international destinations. Availability and included benefits may vary depending on the aircraft and route.
Can You Change Your Seat After Booking?
Yes. You can change your seat before departure through Manage Flights, provided another seat is available. If you switch to a paid seat type, you’ll need to pay the applicable fee. If you move to a standard seat included with your fare, no additional payment is required.
Keep in mind that seat availability changes frequently as other passengers book or change their seats.
Can You Upgrade Your Seat?
Yes. Hawaiian Airlines offers several ways to upgrade, subject to availability.
You may be able to:
- Upgrade from Main Cabin to Extra Comfort
- Upgrade to First Class or Business Class on eligible routes
- Accept upgrade offers sent before departure
- Purchase an upgrade during check-in if premium seats remain available
Upgrade prices vary depending on the route, demand, aircraft, fare type, and time of purchase.
Can Families Sit Together?
Usually, yes. Hawaiian Airlines aims to seat children with at least one accompanying adult on the same booking whenever possible.
For the best chance of sitting together:
- Book everyone under one reservation.
- Select seats as early as possible.
- Avoid making separate bookings for family members.
While the airline tries to accommodate families, adjacent seats cannot always be guaranteed on full flights if seats haven’t been selected in advance.
Do HawaiianMiles Members Get Seat Benefits?
Yes, eligible HawaiianMiles elite members may receive complimentary or discounted seat selection benefits.
Depending on your membership tier, benefits may include:
- Complimentary Preferred seats
- Complimentary Extra Comfort seats on eligible flights
- Priority access to available seating
- Discounted upgrade opportunities
Benefits vary by membership level and may change over time, so check your HawaiianMiles account before purchasing a seat.
What Happens If Your Aircraft Changes?
Sometimes Hawaiian Airlines changes the aircraft assigned to your flight for operational reasons.
If this happens:
- Your original seat may no longer exist on the new aircraft.
- The airline will normally assign a comparable seat whenever possible.
- If a comparable paid seat isn’t available, you may be eligible for a refund of the seat selection fee.
It’s a good idea to review your booking a few days before departure to make sure your seat assignment hasn’t changed.
Which Hawaiian Airlines Seat Is Best for Your Trip?
The best seat depends on your travel priorities.
| If you want… | Best seat |
| Lowest cost | Standard Main Cabin |
| Quick exit after landing | Preferred Seat |
| More legroom | Extra Comfort |
| Maximum comfort | First Class or Business Class |
| Better sleep on long flights | Window seat |
| Easy access during the flight | Aisle seat |
For short interisland flights, a standard seat is usually sufficient. On longer mainland or international flights, many travelers find Extra Comfort worth the additional cost.
Real Travel Scenarios
You’re traveling on a budget
If you’re flying on an eligible Main Cabin fare, choose your free standard seat during booking. This helps you avoid paying extra while still securing a window or aisle seat before the flight.
You’re traveling with your family
If you want everyone to sit together, reserve your seats as early as possible. Although Hawaiian Airlines tries to seat children with an accompanying adult, selecting seats in advance gives your family the best chance of staying together.
You’re taking a long flight
Flying from the U.S. mainland to Hawaii? An Extra Comfort seat can make a noticeable difference with additional legroom and priority boarding, especially on flights lasting five hours or more.
You’re hoping for an upgrade
If you booked Economy, keep checking Manage Flights before departure. Upgrade offers to First Class or Business Class sometimes become available closer to the travel date, giving you the chance to enjoy a more comfortable journey without paying the full fare difference.
Tips for Choosing the Best Seat
- Select your seat as early as possible for the widest choice.
- Compare the cost of Extra Comfort with First Class upgrades before paying.
- Check your HawaiianMiles benefits before purchasing a seat.
- Review your seat assignment again before departure in case of aircraft changes.
- If you’re traveling with family, reserve seats together as early as possible.
For more travel planning, see our Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Fees Guide, Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Rules, Airline Seat Selection Guide, and Airport Check-in Guide.
Key Takeaways
- Seat selection is available during booking and after purchase.
- Standard seat selection is included on eligible fares.
- Preferred and Extra Comfort seats usually require an additional fee.
- First Class and Business Class passengers receive complimentary seat selection.
- Families should choose seats early to improve the chances of sitting together.
- Upgrade opportunities are available before departure, subject to availability.
- Seat fees, availability, and aircraft layouts may change, so always review your booking before your flight.
FAQs
How does Hawaiian Airlines seat selection work?
You can choose your seat during booking or later through Manage Flights, subject to availability. If you don’t select a seat, Hawaiian Airlines will assign one before departure or during check-in.
Is Hawaiian Airlines seat selection free?
It depends on your fare and the seat you choose. Eligible fares include complimentary standard seat selection, while Preferred Seats and Extra Comfort seats usually require an additional fee.
How much does Hawaiian Airlines charge for seat selection?
There is no fixed price. Seat selection fees vary based on the route, fare type, seat location, aircraft, and demand. The exact price is shown when you select your seat.
Can I choose my seat after booking?
Yes. You can select or change your seat through Manage Flights before check-in, provided seats are still available.
What are Hawaiian Airlines Extra Comfort seats?
Extra Comfort seats offer additional legroom along with benefits such as priority boarding and extra personal space on eligible flights. They are available for an additional fee unless included through your fare or loyalty benefits.
Can I upgrade to First Class after booking?
Yes. Hawaiian Airlines may offer upgrades before departure through Manage Flights, during check-in, or at the airport, depending on seat availability and your fare type.
Can I change my seat after check-in?
In many cases, yes. Available seat changes may still be possible through airport staff or at the departure gate, although options become more limited once check-in has opened.
Which Hawaiian Airlines seats have the most legroom?
Extra Comfort seats and eligible exit row seats provide the most legroom in Economy. First Class and Business Class cabins offer the highest overall comfort on applicable aircraft.
Before You Fly
Before heading to the airport, take a few minutes to review your booking:
- Confirm your seat assignment.
- Check if better seats or upgrade offers are available.
- Review your HawaiianMiles benefits if you’re a member.
- Verify your aircraft type, as seat layouts may differ.
- Recheck your reservation if your itinerary includes partner airlines.
Seat availability, fees, aircraft assignments, and upgrade offers can change at any time. Always review the latest seat options in your Hawaiian Airlines booking before departure.
Flytripinfo.com provides independent travel information and is not affiliated with Hawaiian Airlines.
All information is provided for general travel guidance only. Seat selection policies, fees, aircraft configurations, upgrade options, and loyalty benefits may change without notice. While we strive to keep this guide accurate and up to date, always verify the latest seat selection options directly with Hawaiian Airlines before your flight.
