Alaska Airlines Launches New Inter-Island Flights, Adjusts Check-In Times
Alaska Airlines is launching 737 flights between Honolulu and Kahului on Saturday, and Neighbor Island check-in times will now be 50 minutes.

Honolulu, HI, October 2, 2026 — Alaska Airlines is set to introduce new flight service connecting two major Hawaiian islands. Beginning this Saturday, the carrier will operate Boeing 737 aircraft on a route between Honolulu (Oahu) and Kahului (Maui).
This expansion of service aims to provide additional travel options for passengers moving between these popular destinations. The introduction of the 737 aircraft signifies a potentially larger capacity on this specific inter-island route compared to previous offerings.
In conjunction with the new flights, Alaska Airlines is also implementing a change to its check-in procedures for Neighbor Island travel. Effective from Saturday, passengers on flights within the Hawaiian islands will be subject to a new minimum check-in time. The airline has stated that Neighbor Island check-in times will now be 50 minutes prior to the scheduled departure.
Details regarding the specific flight schedules, frequencies, and booking information for the new Honolulu-Kahului route were not provided in the summary. Passengers are advised to consult Alaska Airlines’ official website or customer service for the most current and detailed information regarding flight times, check-in requirements, and any potential updates to their travel plans.
The airline has not specified the reasons behind the adjustment to Neighbor Island check-in times, beyond the general operational change associated with the new service launch. The operational implications or benefits of the 50-minute check-in window for passengers and the airline are also not detailed.
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