Upgrades
How to get upgraded on Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines offers 3 upgrade paths into a premium seat: Complimentary upgrades (Pualani Gold/Platinum), Miles upgrade, Cash upgrade (bid). For most travelers, achieving elite status is the most reliable route — or use the bid upgrade option on any fare class.
Upgrade options on Hawaiian Airlines
- 1Complimentary upgrades (Pualani Gold/Platinum)
- 2Miles upgrade
- 3Cash upgrade (bid)
Elite status upgrades
Pualani Gold: complimentary upgrades on a space-available basis within 24 hours. Pualani Platinum: within 100 hours and priority over Gold.
Upgrading with miles or points
HawaiianMiles: typically 7,500–30,000 miles for First Class upgrades depending on route. Interisland upgrades cost as few as 2,500 miles.
Cash & bid upgrades
Hawaiian Upgrade Bid: offered via email or app before departure. Enter a bid above the minimum; if successful you are charged and upgraded.
Who gets upgraded first
Pualani Platinum > Pualani Gold. Within tiers, sorted by miles flown.
Best tip to maximize upgrade chances
Use HawaiianMiles for interisland First Class — at just 2,500 miles each way, it is one of the lowest-cost premium upgrades in US aviation.
How do I get upgraded to first class on Hawaiian Airlines?
Hawaiian Airlines offers several upgrade paths: Complimentary upgrades (Pualani Gold/Platinum), Miles upgrade, Cash upgrade (bid). The most reliable approach for most travelers is to achieve elite status and monitor upgrade availability at the complimentary upgrade window. Use HawaiianMiles for interisland First Class — at just 2,500 miles each way, it is one of the lowest-cost premium upgrades in US aviation.
What elite status do I need for free upgrades on Hawaiian Airlines?
Pualani Gold: complimentary upgrades on a space-available basis within 24 hours. Pualani Platinum: within 100 hours and priority over Gold.
Can I upgrade with miles on Hawaiian Airlines?
HawaiianMiles: typically 7,500–30,000 miles for First Class upgrades depending on route. Interisland upgrades cost as few as 2,500 miles.
How does the upgrade bid work on Hawaiian Airlines?
Hawaiian Upgrade Bid: offered via email or app before departure. Enter a bid above the minimum; if successful you are charged and upgraded.
More Hawaiian Airlines guides
Upgrade policy data verified . Elite upgrade windows, miles requirements, and bid pricing are subject to change — confirm current terms at Hawaiian Airlines's official website before flying.