Simple Flying Aviation News Podcast
May 29, 2026 · 27 min · 10 segments
In episode 293 of the Simple Flying Podcast, your host Channing discusses: Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants forced to drop leis & aloha shirts American Airlines announces Starlink Qantas Project…
Channing ReedHost
And one of those new developments that I wanna jump into right now happens to be with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
Now, for Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants, the flower in the hair isn't just part of the uniform.
Well, now, on certain routes out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, that flower has to stay behind.
As Alaska Air Group works to merge its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings into a single operating structure, the company is navigating what executives call unchartered territory, running two entirely separate airline brands under one roof.
And the flashpoint that's emerged first isn't a fleet decision or a route strategy, it's a hair accessory, believe it or not.
About 250 Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants have been reassigned to a new Seattle base to staff long-haul international routes to Europe and Asia, routes now marketed as Alaska Airlines service, but flown on Hawaiian's, or Hawaiian's former Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
On those flights, Hawaiian's crew are no longer permitted to wear flowers in their hair, lei, or aloha shirts.
Elisa Onishi, who oversees Hawaii marketing for both carriers, acknowledged the friction directly this week.
She said some crew members who have worn the flower as part of their professional identity for up to 40 years are finding the adjustment difficult.
Even those operated on Alaska branded equipment, the traditional accessories remain permitted.
The line, executives say, is about keeping the two brands distinct in the eyes of passengers.
Eric Edge, vice president of brand and marketing for both airlines, said allowing the two brands to gradually merge would be among the worst outcomes of the integration.
The strategy extends beyond uniforms to onboard products, in-flight dining, marketing, and technology.
Alaska's cabin runs on Stumptown Coffee, Tillamook cheese, and Filson-branded amenity kits.
The Association of Flight Attendants, which represents crew at both carriers, said it will hold the company accountable to its promise to preserve Hawaiian's brand identity.
Contract negotiations combining the two workforces are g- ongoing, and the next joint bargaining session is scheduled for early June.
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are expected to begin operating under a single FAA operating certificate this October.
A new permanent uniform program said to be, said to incorporate designs by Hawaiian designer Sig Zane is currently in development with employee input.
And one of those new developments that I wanna jump into right now happens to be with Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines.
Now, for Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants, the flower in the hair isn't just part of the uniform.
Well, now, on certain routes out of Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, that flower has to stay behind.
As Alaska Air Group works to merge its $1.9 billion acquisition of Hawaiian Holdings into a single operating structure, the company is navigating what executives call unchartered territory, running two entirely separate airline brands under one roof.
And the flashpoint that's emerged first isn't a fleet decision or a route strategy, it's a hair accessory, believe it or not.
About 250 Hawaiian Airlines flight attendants have been reassigned to a new Seattle base to staff long-haul international routes to Europe and Asia, routes now marketed as Alaska Airlines service, but flown on Hawaiian's, or Hawaiian's former Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners.
On those flights, Hawaiian's crew are no longer permitted to wear flowers in their hair, lei, or aloha shirts.
Elisa Onishi, who oversees Hawaii marketing for both carriers, acknowledged the friction directly this week.
She said some crew members who have worn the flower as part of their professional identity for up to 40 years are finding the adjustment difficult.
Even those operated on Alaska branded equipment, the traditional accessories remain permitted.
The line, executives say, is about keeping the two brands distinct in the eyes of passengers.
Eric Edge, vice president of brand and marketing for both airlines, said allowing the two brands to gradually merge would be among the worst outcomes of the integration.
The strategy extends beyond uniforms to onboard products, in-flight dining, marketing, and technology.
Alaska's cabin runs on Stumptown Coffee, Tillamook cheese, and Filson-branded amenity kits.
The Association of Flight Attendants, which represents crew at both carriers, said it will hold the company accountable to its promise to preserve Hawaiian's brand identity.
Contract negotiations combining the two workforces are g- ongoing, and the next joint bargaining session is scheduled for early June.
Alaska and Hawaiian Airlines are expected to begin operating under a single FAA operating certificate this October.
A new permanent uniform program said to be, said to incorporate designs by Hawaiian designer Sig Zane is currently in development with employee input.
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