They constantly like to tell you about their award winning in-flight service and after flying twice with them HNL/BNE I'm still wandering what all the fuss is about. Despite being a 'full service' airline IMHO the food their provide isn't adequate as you'll still be hungry so take your own.
I'm over hearing about how they're a full service airline, particularly when they charge you extra for the portable DVD players as there is no in-seat IFE, charge you extra for the snacks then forget to load the mobile eftpos machines so you can't even purchase them. The only thing 'full service' about HA is the airfares they charge.
HA checkin at HNL is a complete rockshow as everyone must use the kiosks which is a nightmare if you've got active kids in tow as you have to weigh each individual suitcase again each persons name then affix the right tag to the right bag as the weight is printed on it.
The catering hasn't changed in about 18 months (does it ever?) so dinner will be a few tiny pieces of chicken in gravy with white rice and three asparagus spears on top with a square dish of salad and a square piece of guava cheesecake. The lunch falls way short of the mark as a main course and barely fit into the category of appetiser.
The above which is HA's version of a 'high tea' consists of a sandwich, two bite size macadamia shortbread biscuits and a chocolate coated macadamia nut. It's served about 90 minutes prior to landing in BNE however there's a big gap of 6 hours between when 'lunch' is served after departing HNL.
When HA started flights from BNE to HNL, how much were the fares when they first started flying, if that makes sense?
There is talk of HA commencing flights from MEL to HNL and want to get an indication of price compared to Jetstar. I flew to HNL with Jetstar with fares purchased during the Australia Day sale last year.
You'd probably in front dollars wise by flying Jetstar and paying extra for your baggage and meals (and plus bundle if applicable).
Economy fares from Brisbane started at about $900. The loads must be reasonably good as they don't appear to have many sales. Typical fares for economy now start around $1100 but this includes a couple of bags, inflight meals and drinks. I have flown HA numerous times from both Australia and from mainland USA and could never fault them.
They don't really have anything super special as I think QLDers must be just happy enough to fly direct ex BNE to HNL particularly if if they're flying from regional QLD. If their TA books them on QF eg ROK QF BNE HA HNL all on the one pnr then their bags can be through checked to HNL.
Meggsy you must be an extremely easy going person as I've never heard someone speak of HA in such glowing terms.
