Does Hawaiian Airlines Have WiFi? Find Out Here!

Flying soon with Hawaiian Airlines and asking yourself, “Does Hawaiian Airlines have WiFi?” Don’t worry, you’re not the only one! Many travelers want to browse in the air, to do work, chat, or watch their favorite programs. The airline provides WiFi on its flights so passengers can stay connected. 

In this post, you will know about their WiFi, such as which flights are available and how to sign on. Readers will get to know about the speed and price as well. Whether on your way to Hawaii or elsewhere, knowing their WiFi services means you can make informed plans. Get all the facts so you’ll be surfing the internet in the air in no time. Keep reading to see how Hawaiian Airlines keeps you connected and improves your travel experience!

Current WiFi Options on Hawaiian Airlines

It currently provides complimentary, high-speed WiFi on most of its flights. It allows passengers to remain connected in flight more easily. They have partnered with Starlink, SpaceX’s satellite internet service, to offer quick and trustworthy internet. Below, check out more about their WiFi options:

WiFi on Airbus A321neo and A330 Aircraft

This airline has installed Starlink WiFi on all 18 Airbus A321neo and 24 Airbus A330 aircraft. These planes fly transpacific routes between Hawaii and the continental U.S. If you’re boarding one of these planes, find a “High Speed Internet by Starlink” sticker on the door. This verifies that free WiFi is available as soon as you board. No payment or login is required! You must connect to the “Starlink WiFi on HawaiianAir” network via phone, tablet, or laptop.

WiFi on Boeing 787-9 Aircraft

Hawaiian Airlines will install Starlink WiFi on its new Boeing 787-9 airplanes flown on long-distance routes. This installation has not yet occurred; no launch date got set. Currently, WiFi might not be offered on these flights, but the airline is in discussions with Boeing and SpaceX to enable it at some point. 

No Boeing 717 WiFi for Inter-Island Flights

It flies Boeing 717 aircraft on short inter-island flights within Hawaii. The planes lack WiFi & won’t receive Starlink in the future. It is because the flights are not long enough to support the cost. Instead, flyers get other perks like complimentary in-flight entertainment through their app.

How Starlink WiFi Works?

Starlink uses low-orbit satellites to provide high-speed internet, even across the Pacific Ocean. Flyers witness up to 346 Mbps, which allows them to stream movies, browse social media, play games, or work online. You may connect several devices, such as your phone and laptop, without restrictions. It prohibits video or voice calls, though, to maintain cabin quiet. In case of connectivity problems, crew members can help, but specific issues require Starlink technical assistance.

Routes with WiFi

WiFi gets offered on all international and trans-Pacific Airbus A330 and A321neo flights. It opens flight routes between Hawaii and U.S. cities. Verify your plane type through their website; WiFi is aircraft-specific, not route-specific. Check out the route locations below:

Flights between Hawaii & the Continental U.S	Austin Boston Las Vegas Long Beach Los Angeles New York (JFK) Oakland Ontario, California Phoenix Portland Sacramento San Diego San Francisco San Jose Seattle
International Locations	Auckland (New Zealand) Cook Islands (Rarotonga) Fukuoka (Japan) Osaka (Japan) Pago Pago (American Samoa) Papeete (Tahiti) Sapporo (Japan) Seoul (South Korea) Sydney (Australia) Tokyo (Japan)

How to Access Hawaiian Airlines WiFi?

It has free WiFi on most flights, so you can remain connected while flying. They keep connecting easily, using a phone, tablet, or laptop. This section takes you through the steps to connect, what you’ll need. Use these simple steps to access speedy, free internet on your flight.

Step-by-Step Instructions to Connect

Check out the steps to know how to connect to this WiFi:

• Check for WiFi Availability– See if your flight has WiFi. When boarding, check for a “High Speed Internet by Starlink” sticker on the plane door. 
• Turn on Airplane Mode– Turn your device into airplane mode. This makes your device follow flight safety regulations but permits WiFi use.
• Enable WiFi– Go to your device’s WiFi settings and enable WiFi. 
• Select the Network– Find and choose the “Starlink WiFi on HawaiianAir” network. It automatically shows up on compatible flights.
• Connect Without a Password– There is no login or payment required. The WiFi is free, and the connection begins immediately when you choose the network.
• Test the Connection– Launch a browser or app to ensure you’re online. You may stream, surf, or work immediately.

Starlink Partnership & Its Effect

The airline partnered with Starlink, a SpaceX service, to provide free, high-speed WiFi on their flights. This is a game-changer for how passengers remain connected in the air, particularly above the Pacific Ocean. Below, see the details of the partnership, its advantages, and its implications for travelers and the airline world.

How the Partnership Began

It agreed with SpaceX in 2022 to have Starlink’s WiFi fitted on their long-distance fleet. They wanted free internet that acts like home WiFi even on long oceanic flights. They collaborated with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to approve the technology, ensuring it’s safe for travel. This cooperation is a big move for Hawaiian, which didn’t have WiFi previously.

What Starlink WiFi Provides?

Starlink employs over 5,000 low Earth orbit satellites to provide low-lag, fast internet, unlike conventional, slow systems over oceans. Travelers have access to the “Starlink WiFi on HawaiianAir” network when they get on board, with no payment or sign-up required. They can watch movies, play video games, work, or surf social media at speeds up to 346 Mbps. 

Advantages for Passengers

It provides passengers with free and trustworthy WiFi. They can remain productive, email colleagues, or post vacation photos in real time. The wifi speed adapts with many devices, so business travelers or family members can all get online. Flight attendants love it too, reporting that it simplifies their job. Hawaiian’s complimentary WiFi stands out, enhancing customer satisfaction and loyalty.

Challenges and Delays

The launch faced setbacks. They wanted to begin in 2023 but pushed it back to 2024 because of FAA approvals and Starlink’s requirement for additional satellites. Putting antennas on aircraft was time-consuming, and they experienced minor technical issues initially. Some customers witnessed problems getting back to the WiFi gateway after opening links. The service now operates without disruptions, even at takeoff and landing.

Future of the Partnership

It will combine Starlink into their Boeing 787-9 fleet as new aircraft roll in through 2027. They will not install it on Boeing 717s for shorter inter-island travel but concentrate on longer routes. However, Hawaiian’s recent sale to Alaska Airlines leaves questions in the air. Alaska charges around $8, and it’s unknown if they will continue maintaining Hawaiian’s free Starlink service. 

WiFi on Various Aircraft Of Hawaiian Airlines

It provides complimentary, high-speed WiFi on most of their flights. They want to keep the passengers connected, particularly on long flights over the Pacific. WiFi availability is subject to aircraft type and route. Below, know which aircraft offer WiFi so you know what to expect when you fly.

Airbus A321neo

The airline has installed Starlink WiFi on all of its Airbus A321neo aircraft. When they board, travelers can log onto the “Starlink WiFi on HawaiianAir” network. The WiFi offers streaming, browsing, and work, with reported speeds of up to 346 Mbps. Search for a “High Speed Internet by Starlink” sticker on the aircraft door to ensure WiFi is enabled.

Airbus A330

All 24 of their Airbus A330-200 planes got prepared with Starlink WiFi. The onboard WiFi is free from boarding to landing, providing quick and consistent connectivity for streaming, gaming, or emailing. Customers enjoy the service, with one noting they streamed an entire football game from Honolulu to San Diego without any problems.

Boeing 787-9

It uses two Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, with 10 others on order up to 2027. They do not yet have Starlink WiFi, though. The carrier intends to equip them with it, but no specific timeline was provided. Installation might begin in 2025; however, rebuilding these new aircraft might take a while. If you’re flying a 787-9, check with Hawaiian Airlines before your flight to see if WiFi is available, as it’s not guaranteed yet.

Boeing 717

The airline uses 19 Boeing 717-200 aircraft for short inter-island flights between the Hawaiian Islands. These planes do not have WiFi and won’t get Starlink in the future. The flights are brief, between 30 and 45 minutes. So the airline centers on other perks, such as complimentary in-flight entertainment via the app. You can watch movies, TV programs, or games directly on your device via the “HawaiianAirWifi” network, but it’s not internet-enabled.

Tips for Remaining Connected on Hawaiian Flights

Now that you know the answer,” Does Hawaii Airlines have WiFi”? You must know some tips to keep it smooth. If you want to stream, work, or post vacation photos, these simple tips let you get the most out of your WiFi and other features. 

• Check Your Plane Type Before Flying- Verify that your flight operates an Airbus A321neo or A330, as these aircraft offer free Starlink WiFi. 
• Connect to WiFi as Soon as You Board- Join the “Starlink WiFi on HawaiianAir” network right after boarding. Look for the “High Speed Internet by Starlink” sticker on the plane’s door to confirm WiFi is available. 
• Turn on Airplane Mode- Turn on airplane mode on your phone, tablet, or laptop before takeoff. Later, enable WiFi to connect to the Starlink network. 
• Download the Hawaiian Airlines App- Download the Hawaiian Airlines app before your flight. It provides complimentary in-flight entertainment, such as movies, TV programs, and games. 
• Don’t Make Video or Voice Calls– It prohibits voice and video calls, such as Zoom or FaceTime, to maintain quiet in the cabin. 
• Plan Offline Content- Take offline entertainment for non-WiFi flights, such as inter-island travel on Boeing 717s. Download movies, music, or podcasts onto your device in advance. 
• Charge Your Devices- Carry a charged device and a portable charger. WiFi and streaming drain battery life, particularly on extended flights. 
• Test Your Device’s WiFi- Ensure your laptop, tablet, or phone connects to WiFi networks before departure. Update your device’s software to prevent connectivity issues. In case of a problem on board, request assistance from a flight attendant.
• Prepare for Long-Haul Flights- Starlink WiFi excels on trans-Pacific and overseas flights. Check the connectivity early in the flight so it becomes useful for your requirements.
• Be Informed About WiFi Expansion- It will begin adding Starlink WiFi to Boeing 787-9 planes shortly. Look for the latest information on their website or call customer service before your flight. 

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