Hawaii travelers may not know that two of the airlines that carry a large share of passengers to the islands – United Airlines and Alaska Airlines – are in contentious labor disputes with their flight attendants. Both groups were operating without new contracts, leading to growing tensions that people report are affecting the Hawaii travel experience.

United and Alaska flight attendants are waiting for fair contracts.

United Airlines flight attendants, represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), recently authorized a strike to demand better wages and working conditions. Alaska Airlines’ flight attendants are in a similar situation, as their most recent contract offer was overwhelmingly rejected earlier this year. Together, these two airlines account for a significant portion of all flights to Hawaii, putting their labor disputes in the spotlight for travelers heading to Hawaii.

The lack of contracts means that many flight attendants work under outdated pay and work rules, unlike other companies. A Beat of Hawaii commentator, Franklin M, noted, “It should be illegal for an employer to expect an employee to complete their duties on the plane but not be paid until they are turned away.” This frustration becomes Shared across the industry, as transport pay – a key demand in ongoing negotiations – remains a sore point for flight attendants.

Where are the Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants?

Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants face uncertainty as post-merger integration with Alaska Airlines moves forward. The five-year contract, signed in 2020, will remain in force until it expires, securing their pay, benefits and working conditions. However, the integration of two flight attendant groups within the framework of a joint collective agreement (JCBA) is in sight.

Hawaii flight attendants have expressed concerns about the merger’s impact on seniority protections, route assignments and pay scales. Known for embodying the “Aloha spirit,” a hallmark of the airline’s service culture, some wonder whether that signature style will thrive under Alaska’s leadership or be eclipsed by a larger, mainland-focused corporate framework.

Additionally, Alaska’s extensive West Coast presence raises questions about potential changes in Hawaiian flight attendant opportunities and careers, which have long been based on Hawaii’s unique work-life balance.

Although job protections have been ensured during the transition, the long-term impact remains largely uncertain. Will Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants see improvements in their roles or will they face challenges maintaining the unique identity that has defined their brand?

Are passengers feeling the impact of flight attendants’ concerns?

The strain on flight attendants has not gone unnoticed by passengers. Comments shared on Beat of Hawaii illustrate that service levels can vary widely and often reflect crew morale and working conditions. Michael described a disappointing first class flight on Alaska Airlines and compared it to a better experience on Hawaiian Airlines: “Alaska was terrible… the flight attendants never once offered us anything. Hawaiian was excellent.”

Others were shocked by the unpaid work flight attendants do during boarding. Guy F shared: “To think they won’t get paid while they push us into our seats… is disrespectful to the airline’s employees and their customers.”

Despite these challenges, many passengers praise the professionalism of the crews stationed in Hawaii. Kim B noted that Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants “continue to provide some of the best inflight services in the U.S. market,” underscoring the commitment that many crews continue to demonstrate even under industry-wide pressure.

What’s at stake when traveling to Hawaii?

Hawaii’s tourism industry relies solely on air travel, so any concerns related to ongoing labor disputes are a major concern. While a prolonged standoff or strike remains highly unlikely, even the possibility could impact bookings, result in flight cancellations or impact service quality – while Hawaii’s visitor numbers are just beginning to recover slightly.

The potential impact goes beyond labor issues. Flight attendants are critical to ensuring safety and providing a positive travel experience, especially on long-haul flights, which are critical to Hawaii’s tourism. As James M noted, “Boarding pay has nothing to do with being a Hawaii resident…It is fair compensation for all flight attendants for seating assistance, disabled guests, unaccompanied minors, and (and) enforcement.” Regulations.”

The outcome of these negotiations could set a precedent for how airlines balance service quality and costs. However, one thing is certain: the costs of any changes will ultimately be borne by passengers.

What travelers should know.

It’s important for passengers heading to Hawaii to stay informed. Monitoring airline announcements and updates can help travelers manage potential disruptions as the situation evolves.

At the heart of these labor disputes is a broader discussion about the value of the people who make air travel possible. While some argue that perks like free flights make up for lower wages or the practice of only starting pay after the boarding gate closes, others highlight a fundamental issue of fairness. As Jim T commented, “Not paying administrators for necessary tasks is an outdated concept… How many people would say that firefighters shouldn’t be paid until a call comes in for their services?”