If you’re tired of flying in the same cramped Economy seat and want to experience a more comfortable, premium journey, a Hawaiian Airlines seat upgrade might be the perfect solution. Whether you want extra legroom, priority services, or the luxury of First Class, Hawaiian Airlines offers several upgrade options—some paid, some using miles, and even a few rare complimentary upgrades.
This comprehensive guide breaks down how to upgrade Hawaiian Airlines seats, upgrade costs, bidding options, last-minute upgrades, miles requirements, and insider tips to increase your chances of getting a premium seat.
Quick Overview: Hawaiian Airlines Seat Upgrade
Upgrade Options Available:
- ✔ Paid upgrade (Business, First Class & Extra Comfort)
- ✔ Upgrade using HawaiianMiles
- ✔ Elite status upgrades (Pualani Gold & Platinum)
- ✔ Bid upgrade (auction-style)
- ✔ Last-minute airport upgrades
Typical Upgrade Cost:
- Within Hawaii: $25–$50 (Pualani Platinum = Free)
- North America Routes: $319–$949 depending on city & status
- International Routes: $299–$900 depending on region
Miles Needed for Upgrades:
- Neighbor Island: 7,500–15,000 miles
- North America → Hawaii: 25,000–50,000 miles
- Japan/Korea/Australia/NZ: 45,000–90,000 miles
Best Ways to Save on Upgrades:
- Bid for Business Class
- Use miles instead of cash
- Aim for off-peak flights with low occupancy
- Check for upgrades within 24 hours of departure
Who Gets Complimentary Upgrades?
- Primarily Pualani Gold & Platinum members
- Rarely standard passengers (only when seats are empty)
Recommended For Travelers Who Want:
- Extra legroom
- Lounge access
- Priority services
- Premium dining
- A more relaxed, comfortable flight experience
What Makes Hawaiian Airlines Upgrades Popular?
Hawaiian Airlines is known for its warm service, spacious cabins, and unique island-inspired experience. Passengers often aim to upgrade because:
- Seats in Business and First Class offer more comfort
- Priority check-in and boarding save time
- Lounges provide a relaxing pre-flight experience
- Extra legroom seats prevent fatigue on long-haul routes
- Premium cabins include better dining, entertainment & privacy
Let’s break down all your upgrade options, starting from the easiest to the most rewarding.
Ways to Get a Hawaiian Airlines Seat Upgrade
Hawaiian Airlines offers multiple upgrade methods, each with its own rules and eligibility.
1. Buy a Paid Upgrade (Most Common Method)
If you want guaranteed access to a better seat, purchasing an upgrade is the most straightforward option.
Typical cost range:
- $100 to $150 for most domestic routes
- Varies widely for international destinations (pricing table below)
Paid upgrades must be purchased no later than 24 hours before departure, depending on route and availability.
2. Upgrade Using HawaiianMiles
Don’t want to pay cash? You can use miles instead.
You can upgrade Hawaiian Airlines seats with miles if:
- Your flight is marketed AND operated by Hawaiian Airlines
- You request the upgrade at least 26 hours before departure
- Award inventory is available
Miles required depend on the route and fare type (Saver or Flex).
Full miles chart is provided later in this guide.
3. Elite Status Upgrade (Complimentary & Discounted)
Hawaiian Airlines’ elite tiers—Pualani Gold & Pualani Platinum—can enjoy:
- Free upgrades on Neighbor Island flights
- Discounted upgrade fees on North America & international routes
- Higher priority when complimentary upgrades become available
Elite status upgrades are not guaranteed, but they significantly increase your chances.
4. Credit Card Bonus Miles
By applying for the Hawaiian Airlines credit card, you may earn up to 100,000 miles as a welcome bonus, which can be used for upgrades.
5. Hawaiian Airlines Bid Upgrade (Auction-Style)
If you’re flexible on cost, consider placing a bid for a Business or First Class seat.
- You enter an offer amount
- Provide your credit card details
- If your bid wins, your card is charged
- You receive an email confirmation
More details on bidding are included below.
Hawaiian Airlines Seat Upgrade Cost (Complete Pricing)
Upgrade costs depend on your flight region, elite status, and availability.
1. Neighbor Island Flights (Within Hawaii)
| Traveler Type | Upgrade Fee |
| General Passenger | $50 |
| Pualani Gold | $25 |
| Pualani Platinum | Free |
2. North America Routes
Flights from: Long Beach, Oakland, Ontario, Portland, San Jose, Sacramento, Honolulu, Kauai, Lihue, Kona
| Status | Fee |
| General Passenger | $399 |
| Pualani Gold | $319 |
| Pualani Platinum | $269 |
Flights between Las Vegas, Oakland, Austin ↔ Honolulu, Kauai, Lihue, Kona
| Status | Fee |
| General Passenger | $489 |
| Pualani Gold | $399 |
| Pualani Platinum | $349 |
Long-Haul Flights (Boston, New York JFK, Orlando → Honolulu)
| Status | Fee |
| General Passenger | $949 |
| Pualani Gold | $839 |
| Pualani Platinum | $769 |
3. International Flight Upgrade Costs
Australia ↔ Hawaii / North America
| Route | Fee |
| Australia → Hawaii/North America | $850 |
| Hawaii/North America → Australia | $900 |
Japan ↔ Hawaii / North America
| Route | Fee |
| Japan → Hawaii/North America | $540 |
| Hawaii/North America → Japan | $600 |
Korea ↔ Hawaii / North America
| Route | Fee |
| Korea → Hawaii/North America | $530 |
| Hawaii/North America → Korea | $550 |
New Zealand ↔ Hawaii / North America
| Route | Fee |
| New Zealand → Hawaii/North America | $850 |
| Hawaii/North America → New Zealand | $840 |
Papeete ↔ Hawaii / North America
| Traveler Type | Fee |
| General Passenger | $429 |
| Pualani Gold | $349 |
| Pualani Platinum | $299 |
Pago Pago
| Traveler Type | Fee |
| General Passenger | $449 |
| Pualani Gold | $369 |
| Pualani Platinum | $319 |
How to Upgrade Hawaiian Airlines Seats Using Cash
If you want a straightforward paid upgrade, follow these steps:
- Visit the Hawaiian Airlines website or mobile app
- Log in and open My Trips
- Select your reservation
- Check if upgrades are available
- Choose your preferred seat (Business, First, or Extra Comfort)
- Pay the upgrade fee
- Receive your confirmation email
Cash upgrades are also available at:
- The airport check-in counter
- Hawaiian Airlines customer service (phone)
How to Upgrade Hawaiian Airlines Flight Using Miles
To upgrade with miles, call Hawaiian Airlines customer service, then request a miles upgrade.
Miles Required for Seat Upgrades
| Route | Saver | Flex |
| Neighbor Island | 7,500 | 15,000 |
| North America → Hawaii | 25,000 | 50,000 |
| Samoa/Tahiti → Hawaii | 30,000 | 60,000 |
| Australia → Hawaii | 45,000 | 90,000 |
| New Zealand → Hawaii | 45,000 | 90,000 |
| Japan → Hawaii | 45,000 | 90,000 |
| Korea → Hawaii | 45,000 | 90,000 |
Miles Upgrade Requirements
- Must call at least 26 hours before departure
- Flight must be operated AND marketed by Hawaiian Airlines
- Upgrade inventory must be available
Last-Minute Hawaiian Airlines Seat Upgrades
If you want an upgrade during the final 24 hours before departure:
- Use the website or kiosk check-in
- Look for available last-minute upgrades
- Prices are different and often higher
Last-Minute Upgrade Pricing
| Region | Business Class | First Class |
| Neighbor Island | $50 | Free |
| North America | From $379 | From $269 |
| South Pacific | $129 | $349 |
| International | $269 | $495 |
Hawaiian Airlines Bid Upgrade Process
Bidding is a popular way to save money while still securing a premium seat.
How to Bid for an Upgrade
- Visit the Hawaiian Airlines website
- Open My Trips
- Check if your booking is eligible for bidding
- Choose the amount you want to bid
- Add your payment method
- Agree to terms and submit your offer
- Hawaiian Airlines notifies you by email if your bid wins
Bid Upgrade Requirements
- Must have a confirmed reservation
- Flight cannot be booked through a third party
- Hawaiian Airlines must operate the flight
- Upgrade is subject to seat availability
- Passengers with infants, pets, or basic fares may still participate
Final Thoughts
Upgrading your seat on Hawaiian Airlines can completely transform your flight experience. Whether you choose to pay cash, use miles, place a bid, or leverage elite benefits, Hawaiian Airlines seat upgrade offers flexible options for every traveler.
If you need guidance on the best upgrade method for your route, feel free to reach out to Toursntravelpro Call Us : +1-866-679-5070.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes — especially on long-haul flights. Passengers upgrading to Business or First Class enjoy:
- Fully reclinable seats
- Priority check-in & boarding
- Complimentary meals, beverages & cocktails
- Access to airport lounges
- Extra privacy and comfort
For many travelers, the experience is worth the additional cost.
Hawaiian Airlines follows TSA’s 3-1-1 rule for liquids:
- 3 oz bottles max
- 1 quart-sized bag
- 1 bag per passenger
This applies to carry-on luggage only.
You can bid through the My Trips section on the official website. Enter your offer amount, add payment details, and wait for confirmation.
Extra Comfort seats offer:
- Up to 5 inches more legroom
- Priority boarding
- Early access overhead bins
- Enhanced entertainment options
- Personal power outlets
Great choice if you want comfort without the price of First Class.
Yes — especially for travelers on:
- Long domestic flights
- Overnight routes
- International travel
The added legroom and priority services make the journey significantly more comfortable.
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