The End of an Era? Hawaiian Airlines Drops Complimentary Meals on Most Mainland Flights

For decades, flying Hawaiian Airlines came with a small but meaningful perk that set it apart from nearly every other major U.S. carrier: a complimentary meal in economy class. Now, that is coming to an end.

Beginning July 1, Hawaiian Airlines will stop serving free meals in Main Cabin on most flights between Hawaii and the continental United States. Instead, passengers will be able to purchase meals from a new pre-order menu developed in partnership with Maui chef Sheldon Simeon, a James Beard Award finalist and two-time Top Chef finalist.

The change marks the end of an era for many frequent flyers on what has become widely considered the last major U.S. airline still offering complimentary meals in economy class on domestic long-haul routes.

While the airline is framing the move as an upgrade to its onboard dining experience, some travelers are lamenting the loss of free meals.

Hawaiian Airlines Main Cabin menu is getting an upgrade

Under the new system, Main Cabin passengers on most mainland routes can pre-order meals up to two weeks before departure and as late as 20 hours before takeoff through the airline’s website or app.

The new menu features Hawaii-inspired dishes created by Chef Simeon, whose Maui restaurants, Tin Roof and Tiffany’s, have earned significant followings. Travelers can choose from options including Banana Pancakes, Crispy Mochiko Chicken and Garlic Noodles, and Sweet and Tangy Tender Greens.

Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and child meals are also available on most international flights by request, at least 48 hours prior to the flight.

“For me, food is about sharing where you’re from and the people who shaped you,” Chef Simeon said in a press release. “This menu is inspired by the flavors I grew up with in Hawai‘i — 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.”

In announcing the change, Hawaiian Airlines has also promoted the new program as delivering a fresh, specially curated menu intended to provide a stronger taste of Hawaii onboard.

“At Hawaiian Airlines, food has always been a core expression of our Hawaiian hospitality — our special way of welcoming guests onboard and inviting them into our island home,” Hawaiian Airlines Managing Director of Marketing, Alisa Onishi, said in the press release. “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 Hawaiʻi’s culinary traditions.”

The airline has also explained that the pre-order model allows for greater variety than the standard meal previously offered to all passengers. According to Onishi, the shift enables the carrier to offer “a broader menu that reflects how [the airline’s] guests want to dine today.”

Prices for meals range from $11.99 to $16.99. However, complimentary snacks will remain available, and passengers flying between Honolulu and New York’s JFK Airport will continue to receive a free meal in Main Cabin because of the route’s length. International and interisland flights are also unaffected.

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Hawaiian Airlines has long marketed itself as offering a different kind of flying experience—one rooted in hospitality, or what the airline calls “Mea Hoʻokipa.” Complimentary meals became part of that identity and helped distinguish the carrier from competitors that eliminated free economy meals years ago.

While the airline has emphasized that Hawaiian culture and service remain central to the brand, some travelers view the meal change as another sign of the industry’s gradual move toward unbundling services that were once included in increasingly expensive ticket prices.