I can’t believe it! Hawaiian finally updates their app! And while the new app is gorgeous, I have some serious issues with the new app. Let’s take a look.
The Old App
In case you’ve forgotten or didn’t know, this is what Hawaiian Air’s old app looks like.
You could barely call it an app, in my opinion. In reality, Hawaiian’s old app is a CSS Shell; when you open the app, it’s really Hawaiian’s website opening. It was slow, clunky, and didn’t have biometric login options. But it worked, I guess, and you could obtain a mobile boarding pass through it. Better than nothing, I suppose?
My biggest issue with the app, though, is that it doesn’t support notifications. I mean, Hawaiian is already terrible with communicating updates, so would that really make a difference?
The New App
The new app is a huge departure from the old one. It’s gorgeous, with beautiful graphics, videos, better navigation, and biometric login. Hawaiian’s new app also provides access to the WiFi-based entertainment system of their new A320neo aircraft.
Guess what? Hawaiian’s new app has push notifications too now! I’m not holding my breath that’ll it’ll make a difference, though. The airline has major operational changes that need to happen to make notifications effective, so we’ll see.
Half-Baked?
As gorgeous and slick as Hawaiian’s new app is, the thing seems half-baked. Why do I say this? Because the app appears to be missing stuff and has questionable functionality. For example, while you could log in with your e-mail address or your HawaiianMiles number on the old one, you must have your HawaiianMiles number for the new one.
Oh, and get this, while you could book flights on the old app (though you couldn’t book award flights), you can’t do so with the new app. Like, not at all. The app opens Hawaiian’s website in your browser and requires you to sign on again ??♂️.
Then we have Hawaiian’s terminal maps. Though they operate in quite a few airports, they have maps for only three of them. And the three maps they do have include only two Hawaii airports and LAX. Like, seriously?
Then there’s the “Get a Ride” function. That’s a stupid “function” of the app. All it is is a menu with Uber and Lyft in it, and once you select one of those options, it opens their respective app. I mean, I guess it can make things a little more convenient, but really?
New App Sweepstakes
To celebrate the launch of their new app, Hawaiian Air is holding a sweepstake. One lucky winner of this sweepstakes will win 140,000 HawaiianMiles. Those miles, by the way, will get you seven one-way segments in economy between Hawaii and the mainland or three one-way first class segments.
To enter the Hawaiian Airlines mobile app sweepstakes, download the new app and enable push notifications. Then, head over to hawaiianairlines.com and fill out the entry form. Entries must be received by 11:59 pm HST on March 18, 2019. Winner selection will occur on March 19.
Hawaiian FINALLY Updates Their App, Final Thoughts
Again, Hawaiian’s app is a huge upgrade. However, how can you release a new app that has fewer functions than the old one? I feel like an airline app that doesn’t allow you to book flights is a major fail. Nevermind the fact that the app contains only a fraction of Hawaiian’s airport maps at launch too. Seriously. Come on, Hawaiian. Get your act together! Either way, though, make sure you download their new app and enter the contest.