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Are you planning a vacation to Hawaii and would like to have a more comfortable flight by reclining fully flat? Or maybe you have an important business meeting after landing and would like to be well rested?
If you’re short on time, the answer is that the major US airlines with lie-flat business or first class seats to Hawaii are Delta, American, United, and Hawaiian Airlines. Many routes are served by widebody aircraft with lie-flat seats.
In this comprehensive guide, we will cover which US airlines offer lie-flat seats from the US mainland or other major airports to Hawaii airports like Honolulu, Maui, Kona and more. We go into details on the different lie-flat seat options, routes, and aircraft to help you choose the most comfortable flight.
Introduction to Lie-Flat Seats and Hawaii Airlines
Lie-flat seats have become an increasingly popular option for travelers looking to maximize comfort on long-haul flights. As the name suggests, these seats recline to a fully flat position, allowing passengers to lie down and sleep during the flight.
Several major airlines now offer lie-flat seating in their premium cabins on flights to popular vacation destinations like Hawaii.
The Benefits of Lie-Flat Seats
Lie-flat seats provide significant advantages over standard reclining seats. By lying fully flat, passengers can stretch out and sleep much more comfortably. This is extremely beneficial on overnight flights between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii, which can be 8+ hours long.
In lie-flat mode, seats are typically 6.5 to 7 feet (80-82 inches) long. Airlines may configure the seating in a front-facing or angled herringbone layout. Fine amenities like plush pillows, cozy blankets, mattress pads, and pajamas enhance the experience further.
Many airlines also provide premium dining, entertainment, and lounge access with lie-flat tickets.
Hawaii Airlines with Lie-Flat Seating
A number of popular carriers serving Hawaii offer lie-flat seats today. This includes legacy U.S. airlines and national carriers from countries like Japan and Korea with extensive service to Hawaii.
- United Airlines offers lie-flat Polaris business class seats on its Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner aircraft flying to Honolulu and other major Hawaiian airports.
- American Airlines provides lie-flat Flagship Business seats on its Boeing 777-200s serving Hawaiian destinations.
- Delta features Thompson lie-flat suites in its Delta One cabin on certain Hawaii flights. Seat configurations vary by aircraft type.
- Hawaiian Airlines equips its Airbus A330 widebody fleet with 18 premium lie-flat seats as part of a major multi-year cabin upgrade.
- Japan Airlines (JAL), ANA, Korean Air also offer lie-flat business class products on select flights from Asian gateway cities to Honolulu, Kahului, and other popular island destinations.
Notably, only widebody aircraft like the Boeing 777 and 787 or Airbus A330 tend to be equipped with lie-flat seating due to greater cabin space requirements. Travelers should check seat layout maps when booking to confirm.
Accessibility Considerations
Lie-flat seats can cost thousands of dollars per ticket depending on the airline, route, and seasonal demand. Major U.S. carriers let passengers apply rewards miles from frequent flyer programs towards premium cabin seat redemptions to offset the expense.
Competition among legacy and low-cost carriers like Hawaiian is also driving more affordable lie-flat options. Hawaiian’s lie-flat fares from the West Coast average around $1,600-$2,000 roundtrip during off-peak spring/fall shoulder seasons.
While still a major upgrade cost over economy, lie-flat comfort for the 8+ hour haul to Hawaii is viewed by many fliers as a worthwhile splurge. The ability to arrive refreshed on the islands with minimal tiredness and jet lag is a major plus.
Delta Airlines Lie-Flat Seats to Hawaii
Delta One Suites
Delta offers private lie-flat suites with closing doors on select flights to Hawaii. These Delta One Suites feature 180-degree flat beds and are available on A350 and some retrofitted 767 aircraft. The suites provide added privacy and comfort on long-haul flights to the islands.
Delta One Recliner Seats
On aircraft not equipped with Delta One Suites, Delta offers lie-flat Delta One seats in a recliner configuration. These seats recline to a fully horizontal position to allow sleeping on red-eye flights.
They feature Westin Heavenly bedding, noise-canceling headphones, Tumi amenity kits, and premium dining. Aircraft with recliner seats include 757s and some 767s.
Delta Routes and Planes With Lie-Flat Seats to Hawaii
Delta offers lie-flat seats on the following routes to Hawaii:
- Atlanta to Honolulu – A350, 767
- Los Angeles to Honolulu – A350, 767, 757
- Los Angeles to Maui – 757
- Minneapolis/St. Paul to Honolulu – A350
- New York-JFK to Honolulu – 767
- Seattle to Honolulu – A350, 767
- Seattle to Maui – 757
In 2023, Delta will take delivery of additional A350 and A330neo aircraft equipped with the latest Delta One suites. These new jets will likely service popular routes to Hawaii like Los Angeles and Seattle.
Delta’s premium forward product continues to be enhanced providing an exceptional business class experience to the islands.
American Airlines Lie-Flat Seats to Hawaii
American Airlines Flagship First
American Airlines offers their premium Flagship First product on select routes to Hawaii. This includes lie-flat first class seats with direct aisle access. Flagship First features an upgraded dining experience with customized multi-course meals, premium wines, champagnes, and spirits.
Passengers also receive priority services like expedited check-in and security clearance. Routes with Flagship First class to Hawaii may include Dallas/Fort Worth to Honolulu.
American Airlines Flagship Business
For business class, American Airlines has their Flagship Business product available on more routes to Hawaii. This features lie-flat seats with direct aisle access. Flagship Business provides upgraded dining with more menu choices compared to economy.
There is also an enhanced wine, champagne and spirits selection. Business class passengers can take advantage of the Admirals Club lounge access before their flight. Some routes with Flagship Business seats to Hawaii are Dallas/Fort Worth, Los Angeles, and Phoenix to Honolulu or Maui.
American Airlines Routes and Planes With Lie-Flat Seats to Hawaii
Here is an overview of the American Airlines aircraft and routes likely to have lie-flat seats to Hawaii:
- Boeing 777-200 – Used on routes from Dallas/Fort Worth to Hawaii. Features lie-flat First and Business seats.
- Airbus A321neo – Used on routes from Los Angeles and Phoenix to Hawaii. Has lie-flat Flagship Business seats.
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner – Potential future aircraft to Hawaii with lie-flat premium seats planned.
| Route | Lie-Flat Seat Options |
| Dallas/Fort Worth to Honolulu | Flagship First, Flagship Business |
| Los Angeles to Honolulu/Maui | Flagship Business |
| Phoenix to Honolulu/Maui | Flagship Business |
In 2022, American Airlines stated they expect over 90% of widebody aircraft seats to Hawaii will feature lie-flat seats by the end of 2023. This includes further retrofits of existing planes and deliveries of new Airbus A321XLR and Boeing 787 aircraft.
United Airlines Lie-Flat Seats to Hawaii
United Polaris Business Class
United Airlines offers lie-flat seats to Hawaii in their premium Polaris business class cabin. The Polaris seat is a private pod with aisle access that reclines into a 180-degree flat bed for sleeping.
These premium seats provide enhanced comfort and amenities for the long 6+ hour flights from mainland US hubs to Hawaiian destinations.
The Polaris business class features include:
- Lie-flat seats with elevated footrests and gel pillows for optimal rest
- Plush bedding like duvets, mattress pads, and pajamas for sleeping
- Increased privacy with closing doors on some configurations
- Enhanced dining with restaurant-style meals, welcome drinks, and mid-flight snacks
- Priority services like expedited check-in and security clearance, and early boarding
Travelers can access the United Polaris business class on flights from the airline’s main hubs in Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C., Newark, San Francisco and Los Angeles. This provides routes to all major Hawaiian island destinations like Honolulu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island with lie-flat accommodations.
United Routes and Planes With Lie-Flat Seats to Hawaii
United primarily flies Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner aircraft equipped with Polaris lie-flat seating on routes from west coast hubs to Hawaii. These modern jets allow direct long-haul service from mainland cities.
Specific United Airlines routes to Hawaii with lie-flat business class seats include:
- Los Angeles to Honolulu – Boeing 777
- San Francisco to Maui – Boeing 787
- Houston to Kona – Boeing 787
| Route | Plane |
|---|---|
| Newark to Honolulu | Boeing 787 |
| Chicago to Lihue | Boeing 777 |
As of 2023 over 75% of routes and flights to Hawaii offer lie-flat Polaris seats, with continued growth expected. Travelers should research their specific flights for aircraft equipped with United’s premium reclining seats when booking award tickets or paying with cash.
For additional details and most up-to-date United Polaris routes, visit the airline’s Polaris business class webpage.
Hawaiian Airlines Lie-Flat Seats to Hawaii
Hawaiian Airlines offers premium first class seating on flights between the Hawaiian islands. Their First Class cabins provide luxurious comfort, including 180-degree lie-flat seats on certain aircraft. This allows travelers to arrive at their island destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore paradise.
First Class seats feature plush leather upholstery, adjustable headrests and footrests for customized comfort. Passengers can also enjoy priority boarding, complimentary meals, and premium beverages. Entertainment options abound with seatback touchscreen monitors providing movies, TV shows, games and music.
With exceptional service from the friendly crew, Hawaiian Airlines First Class makes getting to the islands a delight.
Hawaiian Airlines Routes and Planes With Lie-Flat Seats Within Hawaii
For intra-island flights, Hawaiian Airlines offers lie-flat first class seats on their Airbus A321neo fleet. These state-of-the-art aircraft mainly fly between Honolulu on Oahu and the islands of Maui and Kauai.
Specifically, lie-flat seating is available on Hawaiian Airlines flights 90, 91, 196, 295, 393, 394, 395 and 396. This includes popular nonstop routes connecting Honolulu International Airport (HNL) to Kahului Airport on Maui (OGG) and Lihue Airport on Kauai (LIH).
The duration of these interisland flights ranges from 23 minutes for HNL-LIH to 54 minutes for HNL-OGG, providing ample time to relax in fully reclined comfort.
So whether heading from Oahu to picturesque Hanalei Bay on Kauai or the Road to Hana on West Maui, passengers can arrive feeling refreshed. Hawaiian Airlines’ lie-flat first class seats create a smooth and pleasant start to any island-hopping Hawaiian vacation.
Other Airlines With Lie-Flat Seats to Hawaii
In addition to Hawaiian, United, and American Airlines offering lie-flat seats on flights to Hawaii, there are a few other carriers that provide this premium option as well.
Delta Air Lines
Delta operates daily nonstop flights from Los Angeles and Seattle to Honolulu using Boeing 767-300ER aircraft. These planes feature lie-flat Delta One seats in a 1-2-1 configuration, providing direct aisle access for everyone.
Travelers can expect premium amenities like Westin Heavenly bedding, Tumi kits, and restaurant-style dining on these routes.
Japan Airlines
Japan Airlines (JAL) flies nonstop from Tokyo Narita to Honolulu up to twice daily, using Boeing 777-200ER planes. Their JAL Suite business class product has fully lie-flat seats in a 1-2-1 layout so every passenger has direct aisle access.
As you’d expect from a Japanese airline, the food and hospitality are simply outstanding.
Korean Air
Korean Air operates a daily Honolulu flight from Seoul Incheon using an Airbus A330. This aircraft features the airline’s newest Kosmo Suite 2.0 business seats, which transform into long lie-flat beds for the 10+ hour journey over the Pacific.
Travelers praise Korean’s gracious flight attendants and authentic bibimbap meal choices.
Comparison of Lie-Flat Seats to Hawaii
| Airline | Routes | Lie-Flat Seat Details |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaiian Airlines | 13 mainland U.S. cities to Honolulu | Reverse herringbone seats, 18.5-20 inches wide |
| United Airlines | Los Angeles, San Francisco to Honolulu/Maui | Polaris business class, all aisle access |
| American Airlines | Dallas-Ft. Worth to Honolulu | Flagship Business, fully lie-flat |
| Delta Air Lines | Los Angeles, Seattle to Honolulu | Delta One suites, Westin Heavenly bedding |
As you can see, travelers looking to fly lie-flat seats between the mainland U.S. and Hawaii have several excellent options to choose between. While Hawaiian Airlines offers the most nonstop routes with this premium seating, the quality and amenities of the seats themselves can vary greatly between carriers.
Conclusion
To summarize, Delta, American, United, and Hawaiian Airlines currently have lie-flat seats on flights to and within Hawaii. Delta and United offer business class lie-flat suites, while American and Hawaiian offer angled lie-flat seats in Flagship or First Class.
We’ve covered the different seat options, routes, and planes for each airline to help you choose the most comfortable option for your trip. Have a restful flight and enjoy your vacation or meetings in Hawaii!
Safe travels and don’t forget your sunscreen!
