Hawaiian Airlines Seat Selection

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06 July 2025

How Hawaiian Airlines Seat Selection Works?

To pick a seat sounds simple—until you're flying long hours and get stuck in the wrong row. With Hawaiian Airlines, the seat selection process isn’t confusing, but it helps to know what to expect before you book. There are options, there are fees, and yes—there are better seats on the plane. This guide from WinkTravelDeals explains exactly how Hawaiian Airlines seat selection works. Be it if you are flying Main Cabin, Extra Comfort, or Business Class, you'll know what you're paying for—and what to skip.
 

How Does Hawaiian Airlines Seat Selection Works During Booking?

When you book your flight directly on Hawaiian’s website, seat selection happens during the booking flow. After you choose your flight and enter traveler info, you’ll be shown a seat map. This is what you’ll see:
 
Standard Main Cabin seats are available across most of the plane. These are included with your fare on many routes but not all.
 
Preferred seats show up with a small fee next to them. These are still economy seats but in better spots—closer to the front, quicker offboarding, or window/aisle combos.
 
Extra Comfort seats offer more legroom, early boarding, and dedicated overhead space. These are clearly marked with a different color and price.
Business Class or First Class if you booked it, lets you pick any available seat in that cabin for no extra fee.
 
The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have on the map.
 
 

Can You Skip Hawaiian Airlines Seat Selection and Still Get Assigned One?

Yes. If you don’t pick a seat, Hawaiian will assign one to you automatically when you check in. This could be:
 
  • A middle seat in the back
  • A row with no overhead bin space left
  • Separate from your travel companions
  • Some travelers take the risk to avoid the fee, but it’s not a smart move on long flights—especially to Hawaii. If you care where you sit, pick a spot early.
 

What is Hawaiian Airlines Extra Comfort Seating?

Extra Comfort is Hawaiian’s version of premium economy. It’s still in the Main Cabin, but it gives you:
 
  • 5 inches more legroom than standard seats
  • Early boarding
  • Dedicated overhead bin space
  • A headrest with adjustable wings
 
You’ll find Extra Comfort seats in the front few rows of the economy section. They’re marked differently during seat selection and always come with a price tag. The cost depends on route and demand—anywhere from $45 to $150.
 

When is the Best Time to Select Seats on Hawaiian Airlines?

The best time to select your seat is at the time of booking. That’s when the seat map is wide open. Here's how to play it smart:
 
  • Book early. Waiting just a week could mean losing the seat you want.
  • If you're traveling with others, confirm you're seated together before checkout.
  • If you booked Basic Economy (Main Cabin Basic), you're not allowed to choose a seat unless you pay to upgrade.
  • For long-haul flights like JFK to HNL or Boston to Honolulu, Extra Comfort seats go quickly—grab them early if you want the space.
  • Even if you don’t pick a seat at first, you can go back to "My Trips" on Hawaiian’s site to choose one later—if any are left.
 

Can you Change your Hawaiian Airlines Seat after Booking?

Can you Change your Hawaiian Airlines Seat after Booking

Yes, you can change your seat after booking, as long as your fare type allows it and the seat map has availability. This is how:
 
  • Visit HawaiianAirlines.com
  • Click on "Manage Flights"
  • Enter your last name and confirmation code
  • View or modify your seat selection
 
If you originally picked a free seat and now want Extra Comfort, you’ll need to pay the price difference. If you paid for a seat and want to downgrade, don’t expect a refund. Hawaiian doesn’t usually issue credits for lower-priced swaps.
 

How does Hawaiian Airlines seat selection work for families?

If you're flying with family, it’s crucial to pick seats together when booking. Hawaiian doesn’t automatically seat families next to each other—even with kids.
 
  • If you skip seat selection, there’s a real chance your group will be split
  • For Main Cabin Basic, there’s no free seat selection at all
  • Paying for seat selection during booking is the only way to guarantee you're not scattered across the plane
  • Extra Comfort is a good option for families who want to sit close, board early, and have room to breathe. It’s not cheap, but it beats the stress.
 

Are there Free Seats Available on Hawaiian Airlines?

Yes—on many routes, Hawaiian offers standard Main Cabin seats at no extra charge. These are basic economy seats, but not the restrictive "Main Cabin Basic" fare. This is what’s true:
 
  • You can choose these standard seats at no charge while booking
  • They’re usually in the middle or toward the back
  • If the flight is full, free seats go fast
  • If your fare includes free selection and there’s nothing left you like, you can still upgrade to Preferred or Extra Comfort anytime before departure.
 

Can You Get Hawaiian Airlines Seat Upgrades at the Airport?

Sometimes. If there’s space left, agents at the gate or check-in counter may offer you a chance to buy an upgrade. Prices vary based on flight load. It’s not guaranteed, but it doesn’t hurt to ask.
 

Final Thoughts

Seat selection with Hawaiian Airlines is pretty straightforward—but it pays to do it early. You’ll have more choices, better placement, and avoid last-minute stress. Whether you’re traveling solo or with family, picking your seat ahead of time keeps your trip smooth. Extra Comfort gives you more space if you’re willing to pay, while standard seats still work fine for shorter flights. WinkTravelDeals recommends checking the seat map during booking and again before check-in. One small decision can make a long flight way easier to handle.
 
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