Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines Update Interisland Check-In Times, Add 737s on Maui Flights
Hawaiian and Alaska Airlines are tightening interisland check-in deadlines while adding bigger planes between Honolulu and Maui — a mixed bag for local travelers, who get more seats and free Wi-Fi but less wiggle room at the airport.
- Starting next month, interisland travelers must check in and drop bags at least 50 minutes before departure, up from 30.
- The airlines are adding three daily round trips between Honolulu and Kahului using Alaska's Boeing 737s.
- The larger planes add passenger and cargo space and offer free Starlink Wi-Fi.
- International departures from Honolulu are also being relocated within the airport.
Outlook: Expect more capacity and longer airport lead times on the Honolulu–Maui route as the two carriers keep merging their operations.