Hawaiian Airlines becomes the latest US carrier to say 'aloha' to change fees

Oh, do I miss Hawaii. The 50th state's namesake airline just detailed plans to join its mainland counterparts, Alaska Airlines, American, Delta, United — and of course, Southwest — in permanently retiring change fees.

Unlike some policies, Hawaiian's extends to all of the carrier's destinations, including those overseas. Previously, for all voluntary changes, the carrier applied a $30 fee for interisland flights, $200 for mainland flights and up to $300 for international flights, in addition to a difference in fare.

As of today, customers will still be responsible for paying a fare difference for voluntary changes, but the change fee itself will no longer apply. Note that with this change, customers moving to a less expensive flight will not receive a refund or credit for the residual amount.

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Change fees are waived for all award tickets as well, though a redeposit fee of $30 for interisland and $150 for all other travel will apply for all canceled awards.

Related: Which US airlines are blocking middle seats and requiring masks?

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Note that Main Cabin Basic — Hawaiian's version of basic economy — will still have the same restrictions as before. Basic tickets purchased in 2020 are covered under the airline's COVID-19 waivers, with date changes permitted for any flights booked this year.

After the current waiver expires, Main Cabin Basic tickets cannot be changed or refunded, unless canceled within 24 hours of booking and at least seven days before travel.