Inexpensive, Efficient, Cold
Written: Feb 07 '07
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Inexpensive for Mainland flights. Efficient service.
Cons: I wish the people were as warm, friendly, and "Hawaiian" as the video.
The Bottom Line: Clean planes, legroom, and efficient service. I'd fly with them again, but I miss the days when they said, "Aloha" and "Mahalo."
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| hularider's Full Review: Hawaiian Airlines |
I believe in diversity and supporting local business. Thus, I was delighted to find that Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines were the two cheapest carriers for a recent trip to San Francisco. Remembering the horrid 2005 trip to Vancouver aboard Aloha Airlines, I gave Hawaiian the legal right to pull a large sum of money from my credit card, and booked my flight.
The on-line booking system was simple enough for me, an e-Luddite, to use. I soon had my printouts in my hot little hand.
Some days later, arriving at Hilo airport, I had only carry-on luggage. I used the electronic ticketing machine in a smooth and painless transaction, and headed for the gates.
One of the things I love about Hawai`i is that it is Hawai`i. It's not New York, or San Francisco, or even Peoria. We were once an independant kingdom with our own laws and language. As a person of Native Hawaiian descent, I really like to hear that language. Frankly, the TSA personnel were friendlier, used "Aloha" and "Mahalo" more, and were warmer than the Hawaiian Airlines personnel.
For an airline that makes such a big deal about being Hawaiian, it would be nice if they acted like they were from here, instead of Chicago. And, I don't think it's just me. Many visitors to our islands comment positively when they hear people using the native language.
I said "Aloha!" to the two people at the gate. One gave me a stony stare. The other said, "Hi." After having my ticket torn and the stub returned, I said, "Mahalo!" Another stony stare.
Boarding the plane, "Aloha no, e komo mai!" would have been a delight. I got "Hi."
"Aloha!" I brightly replied. "Row F?" "That side," she indicated. At least they were friendlier.
Taking my seat, I was quite pleased with the roominess. I could stretch my legs or tuck them up. I could even put my seat back and semi-reline on my side for a nap. Perfect!
But I really missed the greeting they used to give in Hawaiian. Instead, the lovely gracious tape, recorded in my grandfather's native tongue, was replaced by what ammounted to a long advertisement in English for various events. the old tape was in both Hawaiian and English. They could have made the interminable ads more palatable by including Hawaiian voiceovers. At least the tape did use "Aloha," and "Mahalo" occasionally.
Through the round trip booking I had the opportunity to be on four separate planes. Service and attitude were mostly consistent on all flights.
The crews were responsive to passenger needs. The meal to SFX was average for air-fodder, and I ate all of the Mexican-themed beef-something on spanish rice. Returning home, the chicken on rice was a very sweet nasty, slimy mass that I gave up on. Both meals were topped off with two Oreo cookies. I wondered briefly if they were making a statement regarding their corporate culture.
Throughout both trips the crew was polite, efficient, cold, and steadfastly refrained from using any Hawaiian expressions.
Some people grumbled about having to pay for the movie headsets. I consider that a plus. I don't watch the movies. They bore me to tears. I'd rather read. So, I'm quite happy not to pay for other people's headsets on my ticket.
The WCs on all flights were kept clean and odor-free. That's a big one for me.
I like their support of local artists, and they have a nice collection of music videos which they show - and you don't even need a headset for some of it!
Yes, I'd fly them again. They are inexpensive and efficient. They are better than most American carriers I have been on, though not a patch on Asian carriers. They get the job done with minimal physical discomfort. But I sure wish they'd go back to being Hawaiian.
Recommended:
Yes
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Epinions.com ID:
hularider
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Member: Leilehua Yuen
Location: Hilo, Hawaii, USA
Reviews written: 70
Trusted by: 8 members
About Me:
HulaRider is an author, artist, and educator who specializes in Hawaiian culture and arts.
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