Hawaiian Airlines implements stricter rules affecting all connecting and return flights for passengers who miss their initial departure
Hawaiian Airlines has implemented a new no-show policy that automatically cancels all subsequent flights in a passenger’s itinerary if they miss their initial departure, with no refund or credit offered for unused fares.
The policy, which took effect Thursday, May 15, applies to all non-refundable tickets purchased in the United States, according to a report by Hawaii News Now.
Under the new rules, passengers who fail to board their ticketed flight will have their entire reservation canceled, including any layover and return flights. Money or miles spent on the ticket will not be refunded, nor will they be available as credit toward future flights.
Hawaiian Airlines defines a no-show passenger as someone who has confirmed a reservation but does not board their ticketed flight. The airline advises passengers to contact them in advance if they anticipate missing their flight.
The most severe aspect of the new policy is that all fares associated with the ticket are forfeited after the departure of the flight. However, passengers already at the airport during departure time are advised to contact an airport customer service agent at kiosks or check-in counters, suggesting flights may be held for passengers who are present but have not yet boarded.
The policy makes no exceptions for corporate clients, HawaiianMiles or Mileage Plan Elite Members. However, the airline notes that corporate travelers may be eligible to receive travel credit based on their specific fare agreements.
Hawaiian Airlines specifically recommends that customers attempt to change flights to a different date or destination when situations arise that might prevent them from making their scheduled departure.
To change a flight, customers must access their trip on HawaiianAirlines.com, click “Manage Flights,” select “My Trips,” and enter their confirmation code, ticket number and last name. If online changes are possible, a “Change flight” button will appear with instructions. When online changes aren’t available, customers should contact the airline’s Reservations Department.
From the airline’s perspective, the policy helps address revenue losses from empty seats that could have been resold had the company known about the no-show in advance.
Passengers benefit from Hawaiian’s no-change-fee policy, though fare differences may apply when rebooking. Online changes have no ticketing fee, while changes made by phone incur a $25 fee per passenger, and changes at U.S. airports cost $35 per passenger.
No-show policies are common throughout the airline industry. According to information from Going.com, some carriers not only withhold refunds for missed flights but also charge additional no-show fees ranging from $100 to $200, depending on the airline and fare class.
Some airlines offer more flexibility, particularly when notified before departure, sometimes accommodating passengers on the next available flight with minimal fees under what is informally known as the “flat tire rule.”
Unlike some competitors, Hawaiian Airlines currently does not charge additional no-show fees when passengers miss their flights, making the policy somewhat less punitive than others in the industry.
Key Takeaways
Hawaiian Airlines’ new policy cancels all subsequent flights if a passenger misses their initial departure.
No refunds or credits will be issued for unused portions of tickets after a no-show.
Passengers should notify the airline in advance if they anticipate missing their flight.
No change fees are charged when rebooking, though fare differences may apply.
Unlike some competitors, Hawaiian does not currently charge additional no-show fees.
