Flying from Los Angeles (LAX) to Honolulu (HNL) on a basic economy ticket, I had the chance to check out American Airlines’ economy class in an exit row seat on the Airbus A321neo.
This trip also included a quick stop at the Admirals Club at LAX Terminal 5, where I sampled a few snacks before exploring the terminal’s shops and restaurants. Here’s a full breakdown of the experience, from the lounge to landing back home.
Booking & Seat Selection
Ticket Price: $103 (Basic Economy), thank you Google Flights.
Seat: Exit row (thanks to AAdvantage status)
Basic economy on American Airlines can be restrictive—no changes, no refunds—but my elite status allowed me to select an exit row seat, a perk that made a huge difference on this long-haul flight. If you’re flying basic economy and have status, it’s something to keep in mind when choosing an airline.
If you can’t get an exit row and don’t want to splurge for first class, consider a different aircraft that has Premium Economy. I have reviewed this cabin class from Hawai’i to DFW and PHX.
LAX Terminal 5 – Admirals Club Lounge & Dining Options
Before boarding, I stopped by the American Airlines Admirals Club in Terminal 5. While not the most luxurious lounge, it offered a comfortable place to relax and grab a bite.
Lounge Food & Drinks:
Empanadas – Hearty and filling, a solid pre-flight snack.
Street Corn – Good flavor, a bit of a surprise offering.
Chinese Chicken Salad – Or at least that’s what I think it was—either way, it was tasty.
Terminal 5 Highlights:
For those not using the lounge, there are plenty of dining options in Terminal 5, including:
Ford’s Filling Station – A gastropub-style bar with an East Coast vibe.
Rock & Brews – A concert-themed bar & grill that stayed busy the entire time I was there.
Lemonade – A unique spot with a standout sloping sign design.
Farmers Market – A deli style counter with lots of grab and go options, bar in the back.
Boarding & Seat Comfort (A321neo)
Boarding was smooth, aside from a minor delay caused by a passenger struggling with their carry-on. This gave me time to check out both sides of the A321neo cabin, aside from first-class, these are the best seats in the house.
Exit Row Perks:
Legroom: Exceptional—I could fully extend my legs with space to spare.
Seat Features: Standard drop-down tray table, device holder, and power outlets.
Exit Door Armrest: Initially, it seemed like a nice touch, but it was placed too far forward to be useful. See video for more.
For a 5+ hour flight to Honolulu, the extra legroom made a significant difference, especially since I was flying on a basic economy ticket.
In-Flight Experience
Departure & Views
Takeoff from LAX was stunning. The aircraft quickly reached the coastline, offering spectacular Pacific Ocean views under clear skies. Unlike my last red-eye flight out of Honolulu, this one had incredible scenery the entire way.
Service & Food
Drink Service: The usual ginger ale and Biscoff cookie combo.
Meal Service: None.
A five-hour flight without a meal or snack service feels lacking, especially if you’re used to flights of similar length on international airlines. If you’re flying this route, bring your own food, especially if traveling with kids.
Speaking of kids here is my list of fun things to do on a flight to Hawai’i, this may save your sanity one day.
Arrival in Honolulu
As we approached Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), the left-side window seat provided gorgeous views of Kapolei, Ewa Beach, and Pearl Harbor. The soft evening light and the warm island hues were the perfect way to end the flight.
Final Thoughts
What I Liked:
✔️ Great price ($103) for a Hawai’i bound flight.
✔️ Exit row legroom was fantastic.
✔️ Smooth boarding and a clean, modern aircraft.
✔️ Admirals Club snacks were solid.
What Could Be Better:
❌ No meal service for a 5-hour flight.
❌ Exit door armrest was oddly placed.
For an economy flight, American Airlines delivered a solid experience, especially with the exit row perk. However, food options onboard were lacking, so plan ahead.
Next up: I’ll be flying to Lanai (LNY)—stay tuned for that review!
