Competing Airline Prices to Hawaii: Assessing the Cost-Effectiveness of Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines After Jetstar's Departure
Spicing Up Your Hawaii Holiday: Qantas Vs Hawaiian Airlines for Your Tropical Escapade
Here's the scoop! Jetstar, our budget pal, is calling it quits on its Sydney to Honolulu route in October 2025. But worry not, amigos! We've got some tips for you if you're eyeing a cheap ticket to Hawaii from down under. It's time to check out Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines, the new big players on the block.
So, What's All the Fuss About?
With Jetstar bidding adieu, it's the commencement of a new battle between two major airlines - Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines. If you're planning a tropical getaway to Hawaii, here's the lowdown on what matters most:
- Pricing, comfort, and in-flight experience
- Flight schedules and reliability
- Aircraft type and safety
Hawaiian Airlines: Making a Splash
Our return flight with Hawaiian Airlines sets you back around $1,120 AUD. What's included?
- Meals, snacks, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Standard window seat (rear half of the plane)
- In-flight entertainment via seatback screens and free Starlink WiFi
- 23kg of checked baggage + 7kg carry-on
- USB charging ports
Blankets and pillows are at an additional cost, coming in at $15 AUD each.
Qantas: The Premium Pick
The Qantas return fare hits your wallet at approximately $1,330 AUD. Here's what you get:
- Meals, snacks, and unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- In-flight entertainment via seatback screens, no WiFi
- 30kg of checked baggage + 7kg carry-on
- Blanket and pillow
- Laptop charging ports at each seat
But remember, seat selection costs extra, adding another $90 to your bill. Qantas Frequent Flyer members get free seat selection, and membership costs $90. So, joining Qantas could offset that cost and score you some Qantas Points for your flight!
Keeping it Safe and Sound
Both airlines fly the Airbus A330 on this route, offering a 2-4-2 seating configuration, 31 inches of legroom, and 79 cm seat pitch. Both carriers have an impressive safety record, regularly appearing on lists of the world's safest airlines.
Flight Schedules: Timing is Everything
- Qantas departs Sydney at 8:10 pm and touches down in Honolulu at 9:00 am.
- Hawaiian Airlines departs at 9:40 pm and arrives at 10:30 am.
Return flights:
- Qantas leaves Honolulu at 10:45 am and reaches Sydney at 6:20 pm the next day.
- Hawaiian departs at 12:05 pm and lands in Sydney at 7:45 pm the following day.
Connectivity and Troops: Hawaiian Has the Edge
Both airlines offer in-flight entertainment, but Hawaiian outshines Qantas when it comes to tech:
- Wi-Fi (free on Hawaiian)
- USB charging (Hawaiian)
- Laptop charging ports (Qantas)
Is Qantas Worth the Extra Money?
At first glance, Qantas is $210 more expensive than Hawaiian Airlines. However, let's do some number crunching if your baggage weighs more:
- Excess baggage ex-Sydney: $200 AUD (Qantas offers 30kg checked baggage, while Hawaiian offers only 23kg)
- Excess baggage ex-Honolulu: $200 USD (Qantas offers 30kg checked baggage, while Hawaiian offers only 23kg)
Keeping those factors in mind, it's time to pick your district:
Which Airline to Choose for Your Tropical Vacation?
Go with Qantas if:
- You want Qantas Points
- You need more checked baggage room
- You require laptop charging ports
- You're a Qantas Frequent Flyer member
Go with Hawaiian Airlines if:
- You're budget-conscious
- You can manage your baggage below 23kg
- You want in-flight Wi-Fi
- Blankets and pillows don't matter much to you or can be packed if needed
Wrapping it Up: A New Adventure Awaits
With Jetstar taking a bow, it's the start of a new chapter for flights to Hawaii from Australia. Both Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines provide fantastic, full-service options. As a traveler, your task is easy: compare, search for sales, and decide based on your preferences, luggage needs, and loyalty program choices.
Safe travels and aloha, mates!
- When considering airline options for a tropical vacation in Hawaii, travelers can choose between Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines.
- Qantas offers a more premium experience with added benefits such as unlimited drinks, laptop charging ports, and more generous checked baggage allowance, but at a higher price. Hawaiian Airlines, on the other hand, offers a more budget-friendly option with inclusions like in-flight Wi-Fi and standard window seats, although it offers less checked baggage allowance.
