Starting December 4, Southwest Airlines passengers on interisland Hawaii flights will face a whole new reality. A just-announced policy change will change what travelers can expect on these shorter flights between Honolulu, Maui, Kauai and the Big Island, eliminating even the most basic services like water.

The policy implemented at Southwest Airlines requires the cabin to be prepared for landing at 18,000 feet instead of the traditional 10,000 feet. On interisland Hawaii flights, which typically fly at an altitude of no more than 15,000 feet, this effectively means that passengers remain seated from takeoff to landing, with their carry-on luggage stowed and the seats in an upright and locked position Stay in position.

What this means for Hawaii travelers.

Hawaii’s interisland flights, which average twenty to forty minutes, have long been known for their efficiency. However, the new rules will bring significant changes to passengers’ flying experience. The seat belt sign remains illuminated throughout the flight and large electronic devices must remain stowed.

Perhaps most notably, Southwest flight attendants, who previously offered friendly if limited complimentary water service on these flights, remain seated for the entire duration. This decision, aimed at reducing turbulence-related injuries, eliminates the possibility of brief in-flight interactions.

For Hawaii residents and island travelers, this change may feel like a step backwards in Southwest’s longstanding commitment to quality customer service. There is no doubt that we enjoyed interacting with their flight attendants, even if it was just about water service. Many interisland passengers, including U.S. citizens, rely on these flights for quick interisland travel, and even small amenities were pleasant.

Why Southwest is making this change.

Southwest Airlines has said the new policy is a safety-focused measure based on years of research and data from its flight data analysis program. According to the airline, securing the cabin earlier significantly reduces the risk of injury to passengers and crew during turbulence, a growing problem in the airline industry. Recent incidents cited by Southwest in which turbulence resulted in injuries to passengers and cabin crew, as well as data points, led it to conclude that earlier cabin preparation could prevent such events.

“While the safety benefits are clear, the impact on passengers’ flying experience is equally clear. We can’t help but wonder if this will remain an isolated change just at Southwest or if it will become the new standard for the U.S. airline industry.” – Beat of Hawaii.

How this will affect your Hawaii flights.

While Southwest remains one of the two options for interisland flights, the lack of in-flight service and other restrictions could prompt some travelers to turn to competitor Hawaiian Airlines, which does not currently have the same rules. We actually don’t know of any other U.S. airline that adheres to the 18,000-foot enforcement policy.

At least for now, Hawaiian Airlines can focus on hospitality. Even on the shortest flights, free drinks are still offered. There is coffee in the morning and POG and water during the day.

Interisland Southwest vs. Hawaiian Airlines Comparison.

Southwest and Hawaiian Airlines offer slightly different experiences for interisland travelers, and recent changes highlight those contrasts even more. Hawaiian Airlines operates a fleet of vintage Boeing 717 aircraft dedicated to inter-island routes in a 2-3 seat configuration. This means that couples or small groups can sit together comfortably even without a middle seat. They also offer free and paid seat assignments.

Read: Southwest vs. Hawaiian: Comparing Hawaii Interisland Flights.

Southwest now uses larger Boeing 737 aircraft with a 3-3 seating arrangement to accommodate missions of varying sizes. Hawaiian checked baggage fees, although these will be included free for residents starting in 2025. Southwest still provides two free bags between islands, which are extremely helpful for residents when shopping. Southwest does not have seat assignment options yet, but they will become available in 2025.

Recent cuts to Southwest’s interisland routes to Hawaii also add complexity for travelers. Up to 30% of inter-island flights in the Southwest have been scaled back, leaving travelers with fewer daily options than Hawaiian Airlines’ more robust inter-island service.

While Southwest emphasizes affordability, safety, and maximum legroom, Hawaiian Airlines may offer a more traditional experience.

If you’ve recently flown on an inter-island flight in the Southwest, we’d love to hear your thoughts. Are the changes worth the safety improvements or will they not meet the needs of Hawaii travelers?