Hawaii service used to be something special. That isn’t really true anymore. It was an exciting development when Southwest Airlines added the state to its route map, especially for holders of the Companion Pass (designated companion flies for just the taxes whether you’re paying for your ticket with points or cash). But the product is standard Southwest — no meals or seat power — and the journey relatively long.
Hawaii service used to feature some of the most glamorous products, even on routes served by the least glamorous of airlines. American Airlines today is run by pre-merger US Airways leadership, which was in turn run by pre-merger America West management. American Airlines CEO Doug Parker joined America West in 1995 as Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer. Just before Parker’s arrival America West got rid of its ex-KLM Boeing 747-206’s. These were three-cabin aircraft which flew between Honolulu and Las Vegas, Phoenix, and Nagoya, Japan as well as New York JFK and Las Vegas and Phoenix.
In recent years the most luxurious commercial product in the sky has been the Etihad Residence, a three-room suite for up to two passengers which includes a bedroom, living room, and private bathroom with shower. It’s at the front of the first class cabin on Etihad’s Airbus A380s.
But did you know that United Airlines used to offer its own version of the Residence on Boeing 377 Stratocruisers to Hawaii? These aircraft featured a private state room at the very rear of the aircraft.
Three course meals with hot entrees were served in the main cabin. The pre-arrival meal was a buffet with salads, meats, and ice cream served two hours out from Hawaii.
Down a spiral staircase was a lower deck lounge with a refreshment bar and tables.
The private state room, though, is something I never knew existed. There was a door that separated it from the rest of the aircraft for privacy. It was “decorated in rose and grey.” Passengers could dine beside each other, and there were two full-sized berths for sleeping.
This 1950 United Airlines promotional video is truly a world apart.
On arrival flights were met by traditional Hawaiian dancers as passengers disembarked.
I watched this recently, and was amazed at how comfortable it looked. The Hawaiian lounge, as it was dubbed added to the sense of occasion.
It’s depressing to see how low standards have fallen.
While this is nice, what exactly is the point here? Are you proposing that we go back to the regulated era when fares were sky high but they supported lavish onboard service, but fewer people could afford to travel?
Yes, the statrocruiser flew to hawaii, but that was 70 years ago, the journey took a lot longer, and it was WAY more expensive in every term possible. It was truly for the rich.
Why the discussion of parker / the 747 at America West? That was prior to his time, and an airplane that was way too large for the carrier.
What does Parker have anything to do with this? Both references seem like non-sequiturs.
The Etihad Residence is nice, but the fare is very high, and doesnt go anywhere near Hawaii in terms of routes served..
i think the market is spoken – they’d rather have relatively affordable fares to go to Hawaii, and forego the over the top airborne experience for better experiences at hotels and restaurants at the destination.
Really confused at what this post is trying to accomplish.
Good God, Jason, chill. You must be fun at parties.
Gary said exactly what he thought – the Stratocruiser private state room is something he hadn’t heard of before (and neither had I, and I personally found it interesting. I also never knew the Stratocruiser had a lower deck lounge, and found the linked video interesting. Even if I hadn’t, I’m not bored enough that I would have gone out of my way to broadcast in the comments section as you feel the need to).
What was the price, both adjusted for inflation and relative to median wages at the time?
Gary,
I just got to know where the pic in this post is; it looks very familiar. My guess is Kaanapali in West Maui.
Jason needs a Xanax. The information is interesting. Is it absolutely relevant to the current situation? No, but you still provide a vivid backdrop for where things now stand.
@Buddy M nailed it
@DM I don’t mean to state the obvious but you were bored enough to take the time to respond to his comment.
Loved watching the video. Better food than the swill United has on Polaris flights.
Imagine the blogs and flyertalk when they switched to DC-7 service in the mid 50s because the Stratocruiser was unprofitable, while PanAm kept using them.
“cheap UA”
“will lose all the HVFs”
“nickel and diming”
Also missing…wine, liquor.
Being able to fly from virtually anywhere in the country to anywhere else in the country in a matter of hours affordably with almost 100% guaranteed safety is an incredible luxury in and of itself – those who flew on the plane discussed here would be beyond envious of the opportunities we have today
Couldn’;t see Dr. David Dao in those crowds.
From one documentary I watched, I recall the cost being about $5,000 one way for a San Francisco to Honolulu flight on a 377.
Actually, in favor of prices increasing and maybe we dump some of those who belong on a greyhound bus,not a plane.
Why is it we never hear of drunken fights on Emirates or Qatar?
I consider myself fortunate to have been able to experience some of the glory days of commercial aviation, even before becoming an airline pilot. Some of the airlines I got to experience on the Hawaii service were Pan American, United, Continental, Western Airlines, THE (The Hawaii Express), Pacific East Airlines and Air Hawaii. Those lovely islands are littered with The Legion of Forgotten Airline’s logos. Thanks for the memories Gary. BTW, Western Airlines was my favorite . . . “The only way to fly”
How far we’ve fallen
Did they keep the jackets and neckties on while sleeping in the comfy suite? Just saying… 🙂
Boeing 377 Flt time SFO-HNL 9 to 10 Hours! No thanks! I was based in HNL as a UA FA for 20 years. Had a HNL colleague who flew on the 377s. Some great stories. Cheers!
People shouldn’t judge who belongs on a bus or a plane every has the right to see the world
Nicely dressed and behaved wife and kids. Served and entertained by ethnic minorities. White man’s paradise lol.
No, Ellen, it is NOT a right.
It’s a privilege that some don’t know how to use with manners.
Gary, I actually “get” your point. You were just trying to convey to your audience some historical information. You did a great job! As was said, the posh treatment was reserved for the very wealthy. In coach as well as first class. That time is over & Hawaii is often overrun with tourists because the fares are reasonable, if not really good to get there. Also, there is a lot of competition with the airlines nowadays.
Loved the volcano with lava flowing. It was some kind of Hawaiian Punch drink.
@Gary
Fascinating! Any idea what the fares were for these flights and the private quarters back in the day?