You Trip Report

	DATE	FLIGHT NUMBER	SEAT	AIRCRAFT
07 Nov 22	HA 12	37B	A330-200
CLASS	VIEWS	LANGUAGE	AUTHOR
Economy	43492	English	jetsetpanda

Prologue:

Hello and welcome to this report with Hawaiian which many travelers consider the "best" domestic airline in the US.

For those unfamiliar with this company you will discover why HA is held in such high regard, particularly by yours truly. I was presented with the opportunity to fly them earlier in Nov. when I took a weekend trip from SFO to HNL with family and couldn't pass the chance to book them at least for one segment to see how the airline has changed and adapted its service in this new post Covid era.

Arrival into HNL airport.

Check in was smooth using the kiosk machine.

Security was relatively quick and we are on our way to HA hub lounge.

Going up the stair to the second level where the Plumeria loung was located.

We were welcomed by a professional and friendly agent.

The lounge is an open space with little privacy. At times it became very crowded and there was a line of people waiting outside. I'm sure that being a member of Priority Pass has played a factor in its full capacity.

Lots of packaged snacks.

Some fresh fruits.

Chicken karaage (Japanese style fried chicken pieces) and noodles in addition to soup were the only hot items.

The lounge became really full at one point.

Sugar coated chocolates are always a delight.

Alcoholic beverages.

Pastries.

We took a shuttle bus to get to the gate.

Our plane.

Boarding was conducted in an orderly manner and we were the first ones to board because we had a wheelchair pax.

Cabin interior.

A friendly crew showed us to our seats and suggested us to put our luggage in the center bins since they were a little more spacious.

Literature in the seat pocket.

OK legroom.

Crew positioned throughout the cabin to assist pax.

Safety video with a local touch.

Great plane spotting.

About 30 min. after dept service commenced. A BOB menu was passed.

I purchased a set of branded pillow and blanket along with a cheese plate.

Crew was very friendly and attentive.

Rum cocktail is available for free as a welcome gesture.

HA is the only domestic airline that offers free food in Y on domestic flights to the mainland.

It's not much but at least it is a hot sandwich.

Mood lighting.

Cabin viewed from the rear.

WC

Coconut scented soap.

Galley.

BOB snack box with local items.

Arrival in SFO.

========== Honolulu Intl (HNL) - ==========

Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10

Access and parking: 9/10

Services and activities: 9/10

General cleanliness: 9/10

========== Hawaiian Airlines Plumeria lounge ==========

Staff Service: 9/10

Entertainment: /10

Business Center: /10

Food: 7/10

Lounge Design: 8/10

Spa and Bathroom: 8/10

Wifi: 10/10

========== Hawaiian Airlines - Airline ==========

Cabine comfort: 9/10

Crew: 10/10

Entertainment: 9/10

On-time performance: 9/10

Appetizer: 0/10

Starter: 0/10

Main Meal: 10/10

Main Meal-2: 0/10

Cheese: 0/10

Desserts: 0/10

Alcohols: 0/10

Mid-flight snack: 0/10

Breakfast or light meal before arrival: 0/10

========== San Francisco Intl Arpt (SFO) - ==========

Security/Immigration efficiency: 9/10

Access and parking: 10/10

Services and activities: 10/10

General cleanliness: 9/10

Summary:

The Plumeria lounge at HNL might not be the best but it provides a service for what it's worth. Hawaii is a leisure market and nobody expects a true world class lounge facility like the ones you will find in a major financial hub airport.

It was a pleasure to fly HA and still find free meals onboard even through it is a hot sandwich instead of a regular meal. Considering that no other competitor offers free food this is already a major advantage in their favor. Crew is probably one of the major assets with this airline and in my limited experience I have always found them to be friendly and professional.

13 Comments

Thomas — Dec 31,2022

The NH lounge is so premium given the 380 coming with a real FC. I've always been amazed by how many pax are flying btw Japan and HNL. Prior to the pandemic, If I'm not mistaken, they used to send 3x 380.
Good review my friend, enjoy the NY'eve and thank you
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 01,2023

Hi Thomas,

I plan to visit the NH lounge when I go in Feb. Hopefully they won't deny me entry because I don't think that this lounge is *A Gold designated. I think the A380 was exclusively operated to HNL and you might be right about the frequency.
Vendredi13 — Dec 31,2022

Ouaf ! JetSetPanda !

Woww Adan !
You make us dream with this report published on this December 31 !
On board, this economy class catering is really a big plus. You did well. Definitively.
I love this blanket with its inflatable cushion. I can't do without it now;)
Your photos, cabins and aerial views are gorgeous.

Thank You so much my friend for this beautiful ytr !
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 01,2023

Oauf!

HA is a very good airline and Hawaii is a fantastic destination. I'm happy to know that my gift is being put to good use. :)
Capoune — Dec 31,2022

Hey Ada!
Thank you for letting us discover HA!!!
The lounge is not exceptional but as you say it is a leisure market and it has the merit of existing, it should just be enlarged a little.
Onboard the cabin is beautiful and there is even a free offer that you can complete with BOB, what else!!???
Thank you for this beautiful TR and the beautiful photos!
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 01,2023

Hi Seb,

Ever since HA Plumeria joined Priority Pass the crowding issues has gotten worse. I remember a couple of years back when I used it and it was a very relaxing place without any overcrowding issues.

HA strikes a great balance by offering a free snack plus B.O.B. It's a win-win.
Bibopaul — Jan 01,2023

A great report Adan. HNY and all the best for 2023!
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 01,2023

Hi Paul,

Thanks for reading and Happy 2023 to you as well.
Emile — Jan 01,2023

superbe report
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 01,2023

Hi Emile,

Thanks for visiting. Best for 2023!
Casper — Jan 03,2023

Hey Amigo, Thanks a lot for this report and Happy New Year.
See you soon !
Reply

jetsetpanda — Jan 04,2023

Happy New Year to you as well Casper. Thanks for commenting.
AAFlyer — Jan 06,2023

An excellent review Adan. Thanks a lot for sharing.
Reply