Comparing Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines: Which Airline Provides the Optimal Pricing for Flights to Hawaii Following Jetstar's Departure?
Article Redraft
20 May, 2025
3 min read
Budget Blow: Airline Competition Heats Up on Sydney-Honolulu Route
Get ready, sun-seekers! With Jetstar bailing on the Sydney-Honolulu route this October, two major carriers are stepping up their game to cater to Aussie travelers chasing cheap flights to Hawaii. A new battle emerges between Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines, replacing the budget-friendly Jetstar.
What's At Stake for Hawaii-Bound Travelers
When choosing an airline for your Hawaii adventure, consider these key factors:
- Affordability, Comfort, and In-flight Experience: How does Hawaiian Airlines and Qantas measure up when it comes to meals, baggage, and entertainment?
- Flight Timing and Reliability: Are the departure and arrival times wallet-friendly and reliable?
- Aircraft Type and Safety: How do the airlines stack up in terms of aircraft used and safety records?
Hawaiian Airlines: Boosting the Budget
Our return trip with Hawaiian Airlines set us back AU$1,120. Here's what's included:
- Meal, snack, and beverages (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- Standard window seat (rear half of the plane)
- In-flight entertainment via seatback screens and free Starlink Wi-Fi
- 23kg of checked baggage + 7kg carry-on
- USB charging ports
Blankets and pillows are not included in the base fare but can be purchased for AU$15 apiece, totaling AU$1,135.
Qantas: Stepping Up the Luxury
The Qantas return fare came in at AU$1,330. Included in the price:
- Meals, snacks, and unlimited drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic)
- In-flight entertainment via seatback screens, no Wi-Fi
- 30kg of checked baggage + 7kg carry-on
- Blanket and pillow
- Laptop charging ports at each seat
However, seat selection costs an extra AU$90 return, bringing the total to AU$1,420. But Qantas Frequent Flyer members get free seat selection, with a membership costing only AU$90. Grabbing membership lets you rack up Qantas Points too!
The Balance of Safety: Carriers on Equal Ground
Both Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines fly the Airbus A330 on this route in a 2-4-2 configuration, with:
- Seat pitch: 31 inches (79 cm)
- Seat width: 17-18 inches
Both carriers boast a fatality-free record in the jet era and have consistently graced our list of the world's safest airlines.
Clock Watching: Scheduling-wise, Who Takes the Lead?
- Qantas departs Sydney at 8:10 pm, arriving in Honolulu at 9:00 am.
- Hawaiian Airlines departs at 9:40 pm, arriving at 10:30 am.
Return flights:
- Qantas departs Honolulu at 10:45 am, returning to Sydney at 6:20 pm the following day.
- Hawaiian Airlines departs at 12:05 pm, landing in Sydney at 7:45 pm the following day.
The Tech-Savvy Advantage: Hawaiian Airlines Ahead
Both airlines offer seatback screens with extensive entertainment libraries at no additional cost.
- Both airlines offer seatback screens with extensive entertainment libraries at no extra charge.
- Qantas includes laptop power outlets at each seat.
- Hawaiian offers USB ports, ideal for charging smaller devices such as phones and tablets.
- Qantas does not provide Wi-Fi on this route.
- Hawaiian offers complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi powered by Starlink, allowing passengers to work, stream video, or game at home-like speeds for free.
The Value Equation: Is Qantas Worth the Extra AU$210?
At first glance, Qantas is AU$210 more pricey than Hawaiian Airlines. But if excess baggage exceeds Hawaiian's 23kg allowance, that gap can quickly close, making Qantas the better value:
- Excess baggage ex-Sydney costs AU$200
- Excess baggage ex-Honolulu costs US$200 (approximately AU$270)
Additionally, Qantas is the only airline providing blankets and pillows on the overnight Australian flights. If you're flying Hawaiian, remember to factor in the cost of purchasing these onboard or bring your own.
Decision Time: Which Airline fits Your Vacation?
Choose Qantas if:
- You're a Qantas Frequent Flyer looking to collect points
- You need a generous baggage allowance
- You want the convenience of a blanket and pillow provided
- You plan to work or need laptop power during the flight
Choose Hawaiian Airlines if:
- You're traveling as a family and can distribute baggage weight
- You're on a budget and simply want the lowest fare
- You can comfortably stay below the 23kg baggage limit
- You're tech-savvy and want to stay connected during the flight
- You don't require blankets and pillows, or can pack your own within the 7kg carry-on allowance, easily avoiding the extra charge.
Finale: A New Beginning for Flights to Hawaii from Australia
As Jetstar steps away, a new era of competition arises on the popular Hawaii route. Both Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines continue to provide robust, full-service experiences, making it essential for travelers to compare their options before booking. Keep tabs on promotions, and select your carrier based on your travel style, baggage requirements, and loyalty program choices.
- With the withdrawal of Jetstar from the Sydney-Honolulu route, the lifestyle section of airline news might discuss the increased competition between Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines in offering affordable flights, comfort, and an excellent in-flight experience to travelers seeking a Hawaiian adventure.
- For tech-savvy travelers planning their Hawaiian vacation, the lifestyle section could highlight the advantage of choosing Hawaiian Airlines over Qantas, as the former offers free high-speed Starlink Wi-Fi during the flight, allowing passengers to stream video, work, or game at home-like speeds without additional charges.
