Flying Hawaiian Airlines Extra Comfort to Japan with a 4-Year-Old: Is It Worth It?
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For our recent trip, we flew Hawaiian Airlines Extra Comfort with my husband and our 4-year-old daughter, and I wanted to share an honest review of what worked, what didn’t, and whether I’d choose it again for a long-haul family flight. This was our second time flying to Japan during the winter season, but this time we traveled from Honolulu to Osaka (KIX) on an approximately 10.5-hour flight.
If you’re considering flying Hawaiian Airlines to Japan with kids, here’s exactly what our experience was like.
Sign up for the Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan using my link—it’s an easy way for families to earn rewards while flying.
When booking our flights to Japan, we were looking for the right balance between comfort and cost. Hawaiian Airlines was the only carrier offering a direct flight to Osaka, which made the decision easier - but it’s our first time flying with them. We also had a $200 airline credit from our Amex card, which we used to upgrade our seats to Extra Comfort.
Extra Comfort Seats & Legroom
The biggest advantage of Extra Comfort is the additional legroom, and honestly, that alone made a noticeable difference. We were seated in a four-seat middle row in a 2-4-2 layout (seats 16C/D/E). Both my husband and I appreciated being able to stretch our legs—especially my husband, who’s taller than I am.
The extra space also made it much easier for our daughter, and we didn’t feel as cramped when she was moving around or sleeping. For our daughter, the added legroom meant she could sit cross-legged, play with her toys, and sleep more comfortably without feeling boxed in. On a long flight, those extra inches really made a difference.
Boarding & Flight Experience
On the day of our flight, Hawaiian Airlines was dealing with a TSA PreCheck glitch. We decided to arrive super early at the airport just in case we had to go through the regular lane. Luckily, we got through TSA preCheck lane quickly and without any issues… and then, of course, our flight got delayed by about 45 minutes. Because, parent life, right?
One thing that really helped was Extra Comfort’s priority boarding. For a family with a 4-year-old, those extra minutes at the gate made a difference. We were able to settle in without feeling rushed, stash our carry-ons easily, and get our daughter comfortable before the cabin filled up.
In-flight Service & Meals
The in-flight service was friendly and exactly what we’ve come to expect from Hawaiian Airlines. The meals were decent for airline food, and I had requested a kid’s meal before the flight. Our daughter was happy with her meal—simple, familiar, and just the right portion for a 4-year-old. It made me realize how much little things like a kid-friendly meal can make a long-haul flight feel a lot less stressful.
First snack
Child’s meal
In-flight meal
Second snack
In-Flight Entertainment & Keeping a 4-Year-Old Busy
One of the best parts of the flight was having free Wi-Fi—Hawaiian Airlines uses Starlink, and it was surprisingly fast! I was even able to get some work done while in the air. That said, we didn’t rely on the seatback screens alone to keep our daughter entertained.
What worked really well for us:
Streaming shows and movies on the iPad
Coloring books and stickers
Small toys and favorite plushie
These simple activities kept our daughter entertained for much of the flight, making the long flight feel a lot more manageable.
Also, Hawaiian Airlines provided a small pouch with an eye mask, toothbrush, and a few essentials—simple but nice for a long flight—plus a cozy blanket and pillow.
Sleeping on the Flight
Since our flight was in the afternoon, our daughter was able to take a nap in the middle of the journey—and thank goodness for the extra space! She could stretch her legs and shift positions comfortably. No miracles here, but it was definitely a much better experience than standard economy.
P.S. One of the staff told us not to hook the blanket or hang anything on the seat back—just a heads-up :)
Was Flying Hawaiian Airlines Extra Comfort Worth It?
For us, yes.
Hawaiian Airlines Extra Comfort gave us just enough space to make a long trip to Japan manageable with a 4-year-old. It’s not luxury, but it was comfortable, family-friendly, and definitely worth the upgrade for our family.
If you’re traveling to Japan with kids and wondering whether Extra Comfort is worth it, I’d say it’s a solid choice. The extra space and convenience make a long flight feel easier—without breaking the bank.
Safe travels, and may your next family flight be as smooth (and spacious) as ours!
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