Hawaiian, Alaska update check-in times, add 737s on Maui flights

HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines announced Friday changes to interisland check-in times and the addition of a new aircraft to supplement Honolulu-to-Maui flights.

Read more Late Hawaii Gov. George Ariyoshi lies in state at Capitol as leaders, community pay tribute

Starting Oct. 3, the carrier said all interisland travelers must check in online via the Alaska Hawaiian app and drop off checked bags at least 50 minutes before departure, up from 30 minutes.

Alaska said nearly all interisland passengers on Hawaiian flights already check in 50 minutes before. The earlier check-in is intended to improve baggage handling and support on-time departures.

Boeing 737-800 to supplement Honolulu and Kahului flights

The airline group is also adding Alaska-branded Boeing 737-800 service on three daily round trips between Honolulu and Kahului.

Alaska said the 737-800 flights bring additional interisland and cargo capacity, connecting two of the carrier’s largest Hawaii hubs while maintaining frequency.

Hawaiian’s 717 fleet will continue serving all islands and will be clearly identifiable when browsing and booking on Alaska and Hawaiian websites and app.

Hawaiian will retire the 717 fleet in 2028, replacing those planes with Hawaiian-branded 737s equipped with “premium interiors and fast, free Starlink Wi-Fi.”

Read more Judge denies new trial for Maui doctor convicted of trying to kill wife on Oahu trail

Additional features include:

The airline said Starlink installation timing will vary by aircraft. Installation progress can be found here.

Read more: Alaska Airlines unveils Hawaiian interisland fleet upgrade

Terminal changes to accommodate 737 operations

The carrier said Hawaiian will combine check-in and bag drop for all international departures at Terminal 2, Lobby 4 starting Oct. 3.

In Honolulu, travelers headed to Kahului on 737s will continue to check bags at Terminal 1, Lobby 3 using self-service bag-tag stations.

In Kahului, travelers to Honolulu on 737s are advised to visit Alaska’s counters, located next to Hawaiian’s, for check-in services and bag drop.

The airline encourages passengers to check their flight information before arriving at the airport and to allow extra time to familiarize themselves with updated lobby locations.

Read more Former Lahainaluna principal pleads not guilty to felony charges