Hawaiian Airlines Will Offer iPad Minis for In-Flight Entertainment

As if it were possible, going to Hawaii just got even better.  Starting on September 1, passengers flying Hawaiian Airlines (HA) will receive an iPad mini upon ascent into the air. Thanks to the airline’s contracting company Blue Avionics, its in-flight entertainment systems (IES) will be switching up to include 1,500 iPads on 14 Boeing 767-300 planes. Anyone on-board can rent a small tablet.

According to HA Vice President Blaine Miyasato, “Hawaiian Airlines’ signature on-board hospitality is already very popular with travelers, but we wanted to go even further to ensure our customers’ travel experience is more enjoyable. With the help of Bluebox Avionics, we’re building on our acclaimed inflight service by incorporating the latest in popular consumer tech products to enhance our in-flight entertainment options.”

With the Ipad mini, Hawaiian Airlines travelers can enjoy more than 100 hours of latest film releases, television shows, and a variety of interactive games. The iPad minis are complimentary in Business Class on all B767 routes and available for rent in Economy Class for $15 if reserved in advanced prior to boarding, and subject to availability, $17 on the spot.

Although the concept of iPads on a plane is not new (American Airlines and Alaska Airlines have been renting them for years), Hawaiian Air is the first to offer them for in-flight entertainment and to all (first and second class) passengers. HA is also the only carrier flying between U.S. Mainland and Hawai’i to offer complimentary meals and snacks in Economy Class.

Why don’t we all just fly ONLY to Hawaii – why bother going anywhere else? As they say in Hawaiian, A hui hou kākou or goodbye, until we meet again.