Hawaiian’s New Uniforms
Hawaiian Airlines has been on a bit of a evolution lately. The airline recently introduced its first lie-flat premium product, its first premium lounge, and is changing up its catering. They’ve been rumored to be undertaking a rebranding initiative too, which may include a new livery. But for now, the next change we’ll see on-board our Hawaiian Air flights are Hawaiian’s new uniforms.
The new uniforms were unveiled at the airline’s Runway to Runway fashion show, part of Honolulu Fashion Week last Friday. Everyone will be getting uniforms plane cleaners and cargo, to customer service and in-flight crews. Well, almost everyone. Pilots do not appear to be receiving new threads, at least not yet.
What’s interesting, though, is Hawaiian Air’s new uniforms are moving away from the aqua/turquoise color their current flight crews wear. The current uniforms actually matches the color of the seats Hawaiian only recently finished installing on their fleet. Perhaps the new, more subdued colors are meant to provide contrast to the airline’s seats? At any rate, the uniforms look pretty slick. And it’s easy to see why, the print was designed by legendary local designer Sig Zane. You may remember, Sig Zane, as the the man whom also designed Ohana by Hawaiian’s livery. The pattern he created for Hawaiian Air’s new uniforms is called ku makou, which means we stand together as one family in Hawaiian.
Overall, I like Hawaiian’s new uniform design. The only thing I don’t really understand is the new cape for women. It’s, uh, interesting…
At the end of the day, it’s nice to see Hawaiian continue its evolution. The new uniforms are still off in the future, though. They are planned to be rolled out in late 2017 to coincide with Hawaiian’s first A321neo entry into service.
Island Air Bag Fees
Hawaii’s other airline also had some news recently, and it isn’t good news.
Island Air will be increasing first checked bag fees from $15 to $25 for passengers that aren’t members of it’s Island Miles frequent flyer program. Subsequent bags will cost $35 each.
While it’s easy and free to join the program, I’m guessing many don’t actually use Island Miles. After all, you can credit Island Air flights to United MileagePlus, which is arguably a better program. What puzzles me the most about this change, however, is the fact that Island Air’s management seems to be playing monkey see, monkey do with Hawaiian Air. Hawaiian has a similar policy in place, but unlike Island Miles, HawaiianMiles are wildly popular in Hawaii. Further, HawaiianMiles are much more useful than Island Miles, as Hawaiian Air flies to so many more destinations… And partners with so many more airlines. Add in the fact that Island Air flies an all turboprop fleet with a limited schedule (compared to Hawaiian), and ticket prices that are very similar to Hawaiian, and there’s very little incentive to fly the airline. Hell, Island Air doesn’t even fly to Lanai anymore, or Kapalua. They literally do not fly anywhere Hawaiian doesn’t already serve.
So what exactly is the airline’s management thinking? What do they hope to accomplish by making their airline less appealing? I understand the desire to get people hooked onto their loyalty program, but they just don’t have the clout, convenience, and comfort of Hawaiian Air. And this is coming from someone that isn’t exactly a fan of Hawaiian Air to begin with.