Hawaiian Airlines Launches Self-Service Bag Tag Stations Nationwide

This article is based on an official press release from Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines is overhauling its airport lobby experience by introducing self-service bag tag stations across its network. According to a company press release, the Airlines will roll out upgraded software on its existing lobby kiosks in phases, starting with its five Airports in Hawai’i later this month.

The initiative is designed to reduce lobby congestion, minimize wait times, and eliminate the waste associated with printed boarding passes. By mid-April, the new technology will be deployed across Hawaiian’s continental U.S. and international lobbies, aligning the carrier’s check-in process with modern, mobile-first travel expectations.

This transition is a key component of Hawaiian Airlines’ broader integration with Alaska Airlines, which successfully implemented similar self-service technology across its own network in 2023.

Transitioning to a Mobile-First Experience

How the New Process Works

Under the new system, Hawaiian Airlines is shifting away from traditional kiosk check-ins. The press release notes that guests are now expected to check in via the airline’s mobile app or website up to 24 hours before departure. Upon arriving at the airport, travelers will scan their digital or home-printed boarding passes at the new bag tag stations to print their own luggage tags.

Once the tags are attached, passengers can proceed directly to designated bag drop areas. The updated kiosks will no longer print boarding passes, a move that supports the airline’s Sustainability goals by reducing paper waste.

“We consistently hear from our guests that they want to spend less time in the airport lobby and prefer to get on their way as quickly and easily as possible,” said Shelly Parker, Head of Hawai’i guest operations for Hawaiian Airlines, in the press release.

Integration with Alaska Airlines Systems

Proven Success and PSS Integration

The shift to self-service bag tagging closely mirrors the lobby experience at Alaska Airlines. According to the press release, Alaska Airlines transitioned to the same system in 2023. Data from Alaska shows that guests who pre-pay for their luggage spend an average of less than 60 seconds at the bag station, a metric Hawaiian Airlines hopes to replicate as travelers adopt the new technology.

This hardware and software update is also a preparatory step for a major technological milestone. Parker noted that the transition is an important part of the airline’s readiness for the integration of its passenger service system (PSS), which is scheduled for April. By the end of April, all Alaska and Hawaiian stations, including international locations, will be equipped with the bag tag stations.

Financial Incentives and Guest Support

Discounts for Pre-Paying

To encourage adoption of the mobile-first process, Hawaiian Airlines is introducing a financial incentive for travelers. Effective April 22, guests flying on North-America itineraries will receive a $5 discount on their first checked bag fee if they pre-pay online or via the mobile app at least four hours before departure. The press release clarifies that guests who wait to pay at the bag tag station will be charged the full price.

Continued Agent Assistance

Despite the push for digital self-service, Hawaiian Airlines emphasized that human support will remain available. The airline stated that customer service agents will continue to staff the lobbies to assist guests who do not have smartphones, require printed boarding passes, or need help with complex reservations and ID verification.

AirPro News analysis

At AirPro News, we view the transition to self-service bag tagging as a clear indicator of the rapid operational alignment between Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska Airlines following their corporate integration. By standardizing the lobby experience across both carriers ahead of their April passenger service system (PSS) merger, the airline group is minimizing potential friction for travelers navigating the combined network. Furthermore, the shift toward a mobile-first check-in process reflects a broader airline industry trend aimed at reducing overhead costs, cutting paper waste, and optimizing terminal footprints. The $5 incentive for pre-paying baggage fees is a strategic nudge to change consumer behavior, ensuring that the physical kiosks are used strictly for tag printing rather than time-consuming transactional processes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the new kiosks print boarding passes?

No. According to the press release, the upgraded bag tag stations will only print luggage tags. Guests must obtain their boarding passes via the mobile app, website, or by speaking with a customer service agent.

When will the rollout be completed?

Hawaiian Airlines expects all of its stations, including continental U.S. and international locations, to have the new bag tag stations operational by the end of April.

What if a passenger does not have a smartphone?

Travelers without smartphones can check in on the Hawaiian Airlines website and print their boarding passes at home, or they can receive full assistance from a guest service agent at the airport.

Sources

• Hawaiian Airlines Press Release