O‘AHU — An industry survey of frequent business travelers, arguably the best judges of airline service quality, has rated Hawaiian Airlines as the nation’s leading carrier for superior meals and cabin service. The October edition of Condi Nasi Traveler magazine
O‘AHU — An industry survey of frequent business travelers, arguably the best judges of airline service quality, has rated Hawaiian Airlines as the nation’s leading carrier for superior meals and cabin service.
The October edition of Condi Nasi Traveler magazine ranks the top domestic and international airlines and hotels of 2003 in its sixth annual Business Travel Awards.
In reviewing Hawaiian, the magazine commented, “The big surprise is Hawaiian Airlines, which receives higher scores for Food/Beverages and Cabin Service than any other major.”
Joshua Gotbaum, trustee for Hawaiian Airlines, stated “That sophisticated travelers rate Hawaiian best for food and service says a lot. Hawaiian’s employees strive to provide the service and graciousness for which Hawai‘i is known, and it’s nice to know travelers appreciate the effort.”
Hawaiian’s meals are designed by award-winning Executive Chef Beverly Gannon of the Haliimaile General Store and Joe’s Bar & Grill on Mau‘i. Chef Gannon., a charter member of the Hawaii Regional Cuisine chefs organization, creates all the menus for First Class and Coach Class service, and regularly visits Hawaiian’s prep staff kitchens in its nine gateway U.S. West cities to oversee and maintain the quality of meal preparation and presentation.
Hawaiian’s cabin service delivers on its promise of “Hawaii Starts Here” by featuring innovative in-flight programs that highlight the people, culture, music, fashion and beauty found throughout the islands.
Overall, Condi Naste Traveler ranked Hawaiian as the fifth best U.S. airline Condi Nast Traveler issued questionnaires to 4,000 readers identified as frequent business travelers.
Airlines were judged in the categories of Seat Comfort/Legroom; Food/Beverages; Cabin Service; Onboard Amenities/Technology; Airport Lounge Clubs; Frequent-Flier Privileges; and Value for Cost. Rankings were based on the overall percentage of readers who rated an airline as “excellent”” or “very good.”
As part of its survey, the magazine noted that travelers cited the airline check-in process as the second biggest improvement over last year, an area in which Hawaiian has introduced major technology-based enhancements this year.
In August, Hawaiian introduced “Hele On Web Check-In” at www.HawaiianAir.com, allowing customers to check themselves in for any transpacific or interisland flight from home or office up to 24 hours before departure.
Earlier this year, the airline installed self-service “Hele On Check-In” terminals at Hawai‘i’s five busiest airports serving Honolulu, Mau‘i, Kaua‘i, and the Big Island of Hawai‘i to speed airport transits. Customers can check in up to six hours before departure, view the aircraft’s seating map and change seats, and adjust their travel schedule to leave out a different flight, if available,
In addition, Hawaiian redesigned its Web site to speed online transactions, provide greater flexibility when making reservations, and offer personalized booking and special discounts for members of HawaiianMiles, Hawaiian’s frequent flyer program.
“The ticketing and check-in process in Hawai‘i has never been as convenient or offered more options than now with Hawaiian Airlines, We’re constantly working to meet the needs and desires of our customers,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and chief operating officer.
Condi Nast Traveler’s ranking is the third major travel award presented to Hawaiian in the past few months. Readers of Travel and Leisure magazine ranked Hawaiian in two previous surveys as the fourth best U.S. airline overall, and fifth best in terms of service.
The airline has also earned numerous industry accolades in recent years, including the 2001 Zagat Survey’s award for Best Overall U.S. Airline in the Premier category, and the 2001 Diamond Award for In-Flight Service from Onboard Services magazine.
