Competing Airline Pricing on Flights to Hawaii: A Comparative Analysis Between Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines Following Jetstar's Exit
Title: Qantas vs. Hawaiian Airlines: A Closer Look at Airfares and In-Flight Experiences for Flights to Hawaii from Australia
Date: May 20, 2025
By Sharon Petersen
Jetstar's upcoming exit from the Sydney-Honolulu route, effective October 24, 2025, leaves Aussies seeking a budget alternative for flights to Hawaii. As a result, the contest between Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines heats up, offering full-service solutions for cost-conscious travelers.
Comparing each airline's offerings requires considering pricing, comfort, and in-flight experiences, flight schedules, aircraft types, and safety records.
Pricing, Comfort, and In-Flight Experiences
A return flight with Hawaiian Airlines costs approximately $1,120 AUD, complete with meals, snacks, and beverages, inflight entertainment, seatback screens, and free Starlink WiFi. Qantas tickets cost $1,330 AUD, featuring unlimited drinks, seatback screens, 30kg checked baggage, along with a blanket and pillow for overnight flights.
Qantas Frequent Flyer members can enjoy complimentary seat selection, incurring $90 for seat selection if you're not a member. By joining Qantas' loyalty program, the increased cost is offset, allowing members to collect points on their flight as well.
Flight Schedules and Reliability
Qantas departs Sydney at 8:10 pm and arrives in Honolulu at 9:00 am, while Hawaiian Airlines departs at 9:40 pm, landing slightly earlier at 10:30 am. In contrast, Qantas departs Honolulu at 10:45 am, with an arrival time in Sydney at 6:20 pm the following day, and Hawaiian departs at 12:05 pm, landing at 7:45 pm the next day.
Aircraft Type and Safety
Both airlines utilize the Airbus A330 with a 2-4-2 configuration, ensuring a consistent passenger experience. Both have maintained a fatality-free record in the jet era and continue to rank among the world's safest airlines.
In-Flight Connectivity and Tech
Hawaiian Airlines offers USB charging ports, superior for charging smaller devices, while Qantas features laptop charging outlets for each seat. Hawaiian Airlines offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Starlink for free, outpacing Qantas' in-flight connectivity.
The Value Equation
Though Qantas appears more expensive, the greater baggage allowance and in-flight amenities can quickly offset the gap if your luggage weight exceeds Hawaiian's 23kg limit. Additionally, the Australian departures are overnight flights, with Qantas offering blankets and pillows whereas Hawaiian charges for these or requires passengers to bring their own.
Choosing Your Hawaiian Holiday Airline
- Choose Qantas if...
- You are a Qantas Frequent Flyer and want to collect points
- You require a more extensive baggage allowance
- You prefer the comfort of blankets and pillows provided
- You plan to work on the flight and need laptop power
- Choose Hawaiian Airlines if...
- Your family can distribute baggage weight effectively
- You're budget-conscious and want the lowest fare
- You can fit within Hawaiian's 23kg baggage limit
- You want to stay connected throughout the flight
- You don't require blankets and pillows or can bring your own.
The end of Jetstar's 19-year service to Hawaii marks the start of a new competition between Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines. Calculate the benefits of each airline and choose the one that best suits your preferences and needs for a memorable Hawaii vacation.
When selecting an airline for your Hawaiian holiday, consider Qantas if you're a Qantas Frequent Flyer, require a more extensive baggage allowance, prefer comfort with blankets and pillows provided, or need laptop power during your flight. Alternatively, opt for Hawaiian Airlines if your family can distribute baggage weight effectively, aim for the lowest fare, can fit within Hawaiian's 23kg baggage limit, and wish to stay connected throughout the flight, without needing blankets and pillows or bring your own. Keep in mind the differences in pricing, comfort, in-flight experiences, flight schedules, aircraft types, safety records, in-flight connectivity, and tech features when making your decision for an enjoyable and cost-effective trip.
