Prologue:
Hello and welcome to this nostalgic TR on HA.I hope everyone is safe at their homes during these challenging times. A lot of us avgeeks take this moment of isolation to reminiscent about past travels and relive those memories with a more appreciative perspective.
This report illustrates that longing perfectly because it reminds us of a perk that no longer exists and will probably be entirely removed in our near future. I'm referring to complimentary full meals on U.S. domestic flights.
Before 9/11 offering meals in Y on domestic flights was the rule and something that every passenger expected. Following this event airlines decided to eliminate this benefit slowly. At one point only transcon flights had them and later on that was taken away too. Recently the airlines decided to reintroduce this concept of a free meal in Y on transcon flights again with AA offering a sandwich or fruit plate to all Y pax and UA doing a more generous meal but only for Economy Plus pax on their LAX/SFO-EWR flights. DL also implemented something similar.
HA was the only U.S. that did not eliminate meals in Y and still offered a full meal up until an announcement was made in late Nov. 2017 that meals will be updated to a warm sandwich with sides. This was viewed as a cost cutting measure by many but the airline still provided a free meal which set it apart from competitors.
Next stop was HA's Plumeria Lounge. I have been curious about HA's lounge products (Plumeria and Premier) and this was the perfect opportunity to visit both. With my status I was able to access the Premier lounge but the Plumeria was only complimentary for Business passengers on international routes. However any passengers flying on HA could gain access by paying a USD 40 (EUR 3585) entrance fee. There is a sliding scale for elite members - Golds pay USD 35 (EUR 3137) and Platinums USD 30 (EUR 2689) respectively.
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I was greeted by a friendly agent upon entering and after presenting my boarding pass and credit card she invited me to sit down while she processed my entrance fee. A couple of minutes later she brought me my card and a receipt.
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The Plumeria lounge was recently inaugurated in June 2015 and is approximately 3000 sq feet - not really big for being a hub lounge. It has a very open feel lacking private partitions. There is a buffet counter in the back with manapua (Chinese pork bun or char siu bao) packaged snacks miso soup powder ramen bowls sandwiches wine cookies and beverages.
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There are disposable plastic plates and utensils (similar to the ones at the AA clubs) except for glasses next to the wine.
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My snacks.
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Toilets are located all the way in the back of the lounge.
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Premier Lounge I then explored the Premier Lounge located near gate 56. The agent was busy on the phone and when I presented my boarding pass showing my status she gestured me to come in. The lounge was crowded and only offered beverages and snack mix. I did not stay here for long and after a few minutes I was on my way to the gate.
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========== Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria lounge ==========
Summary:
Flying on HA was a very enjoyable experience and I would not hesitate to do it again. From the friendly crew to the free meals in Y, this airline delivers true Hawaiian hospitality and is the best way to fly from the mainland to its home base of Hawaii. In this day and age, it is remarkable that a domestic carrier offers free meal in economy, let alone a glass of wine to accompany the meal. The inflight entertainment was very limited and you had to pay in order to access the movie selections.The Plumeria lounge was cozy but small for being a hub lounge. The sitting arrangement is very open so there is a lack of privacy, but it never became full so it was enjoyable. Catering consists of snacks and food is limited to hot manapuas (pork buns) and sandwiches. The Premier lounge was disappointing with just snack mix and basic drinks, but the separate room for premier and elite members is appreciated.
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