Hawaii
These Hawaii Flight Attendants Don't Get Paid For This
Flight attendants for major airlines flying to, from, and within Hawaii—such as Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Southwest, American, and United—are at different stages of addressing compensation issues. Here’s a look at each airline’s current status and what’s ahead as Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines prepare to unite their flight attendant workforces under a single operating certificate.
Hawaiian Airlines.
Before joining forces with Alaska, Hawaiian Airlines has yet to introduce boarding pay for its flight attendants, which covers time spent assisting passengers before takeoff. Despite being a key carrier to, from, and within Hawaii, HA hasn’t taken public steps to implement boarding pay, and their union has not indicated any immediate moves toward achieving this compensation. As industry trends shift, pressure may mount on Hawaiian to reconsider its stance, especially as the integration with Alaska progresses.
Alaska Airlines.
Alaska Airlines (pre-Hawaiian acquisition) flight attendants rejected a contract proposal in August that didn’t include boarding pay. Represented by the Association of Flight Attendants (AFA), they continue to push for this benefit, aligning with the growing trend for fair compensation.
The rejected three-year deal would have increased pay by 32%, offered retroactive pay, and included highly desired boarding pay. As negotiations continue, Alaska’s flight attendants remain focused on securing improved compensation, especially in light of the impending integration with Hawaiian Airlines.
Southwest Airlines.
Southwest’s flight attendants ratified a new contract earlier this year that included a 22% pay raise but did not feature boarding pay. Despite discussions around this issue during negotiations, Southwest’s focus on shorter domestic routes may have made boarding pay less of a priority. This decision aligns Southwest with other major carriers that don’t compensate flight attendants for boarding time.
American Airlines.
American Airlines recently became the first major unionized airline to secure boarding pay, marking a significant win for its 28,0000 flight attendants. Following a prolonged campaign and a strike authorization, American’s flight attendants will now receive half their regular rate during boarding. This groundbreaking achievement set a new industry standard and re-energized flight attendants across other airlines in pursuing similar compensation.
Delta Air Lines.
Delta made headlines in 2022 by introducing half-pay for boarding, becoming the first U.S. airline to offer this benefit despite not having a unionized flight attendant workforce. This move was seen as an effort to stay competitive and help curb unionization efforts.
Delta’s decision created momentum across the industry, influencing negotiations at American Airlines and encouraging flight attendants at other carriers to pursue similar compensation packages. It’s estimated that, on average, a Delta flight attendant might earn an additional $20 per flight for boarding time.
United Airlines.
United Airlines flight attendants actively demand boarding pay in their ongoing contract negotiations. They have planned a significant “day of action” on October 17 at United’s corporate headquarters in Chicago to protest the stalled talks, reflecting a growing dissatisfaction with the current pay structure. The recently inked deal at American Airlines might add momentum to United flight attendants’ efforts, potentially influencing their ability to secure boarding pay as well.
What’s Next for Hawaii Flight Attendants at Alaska and Hawaiian?
Here’s what their flight attendant union said about the joint labor force as a single carrier:
When they unite as a single carrier, the union representing Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants aims to “combine the best from each Flight Attendant Contract in addition to other improvements.”
The tentative joint contract will require approval from all flight attendants in the merged group. This includes negotiating boarding pay, an issue gaining momentum across the industry. With Delta and American Airlines leading the way, pressure is mounting for Hawaii-serving airlines to compensate flight attendants fairly, potentially reshaping industry pay standards.
Do you think Hawaii flight attendants should receive boarding pay?
Hawaii
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Hawaii
Redesigned Hawaii IDs begin rolling out statewide
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – Newly redesigned Hawaii driver’s licenses and state IDs are beginning to arrive in mailboxes statewide.
The Department of Customer Services said more than 50,000 residents who renewed or obtained a license or state ID starting in mid-May began receiving the new cards last Friday.
Officials said the updated cards are made of 100% polycarbonate, with laser-engraved photos and added security features intended to deter tampering, fraud and identity theft.
The department said existing driver’s licenses and state IDs remain valid until their expiration dates and do not need to be replaced.
“There’s no reason for them to request a duplicate unless they would like the new card design,” said Kim Hashiro, director of the Department of Customer Services.
Residents were also reminded that temporary paper licenses are not accepted by the Transportation Security Administration for air travel. Travelers using a temporary credential should bring another acceptable form of identification, such as a passport.
Permanent plastic cards are typically mailed within six to eight weeks after an application is submitted, officials said.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
Hawaii
Lahaina dive shop to reopen after nearly three-year closure
HONOLULU (HawaiiNewsNow) – A Maui dive shop will welcome customers back this weekend after its Lahaina storefront was destroyed in the 2023 wildfires.
Maui Diving & Sporting Goods will hold a grand opening on Ulupono Street on Saturday, beginning at 9:30 a.m.
“Losing the shop in the fire broke my heart, but reopening in Lahaina was never in question,” said store owner Jessica Pickering. “This town gave me everything I have right now. Rebuilding right here in Lahaina is my way of saying we’re still standing, we’re still here for our community, and we’re ready to enjoy this life with you.”
The business will offer the same services it’s known for at the new locations, including scuba instruction, guided dives, snorkel tours, freediving, as well as gear rentals and sales.
The grand opening will include a blessing followed by giveaways, games, and other activities.
Copyright 2026 Hawaii News Now. All rights reserved.
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