Hawaiian Airlines has introduced a new Premium Airport Service at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), offering travelers the opportunity to skip the line and enjoy a more comfortable experience. Unlike other airlines, Hawaiian does not require travelers to have elite status or a specific credit card to access the service. All you need is a Hawaiian flight and the willingness to pay for the service.
The Premium Airport Service offers a range of paid perks, which vary depending on whether you’re arriving, departing, or connecting through Honolulu. These perks include priority baggage handling, an escort through the terminals, and, depending on your plans, a private chauffeur between terminals or to and from the airport’s rental car facility. Departing and connecting passengers also have access to Hawaiian’s exclusive lounge in Terminal 1, called Apartment 1929, named after the year the airline was founded.
However, these perks come at a price. The service starts at $500 for a party of two, which may seem steep compared to the cost of a travel credit card that includes lounge access at airports across the country. But for those who prefer a one-time expense to enhance their airport experience, the new service could be a worthwhile investment.
The centerpiece of Hawaiian’s Premium Airport Service is Apartment 1929, a private lounge located near The Plumeria Lounge in Terminal 1. The lounge features tables and sofas for eating, drinking, or relaxing. Guests have access to a full food and drink menu, including a cocktail list curated by Bar Leather Apron, a James Beard award-winning bar in downtown Honolulu. Visitors to the lounge can enjoy a quiet and relaxing setting with the soft sounds of Hawaiian music in the background. The lounge can accommodate up to 24 guests at a time and includes a private room for up to eight guests. Shower facilities are also available for those who want to freshen up during a layover or before a long flight.
In addition to the lounge access, the Premium Airport Service offers departure, arrival, and connection services. Departing passengers receive priority baggage handling, expedited TSA checkpoint lane access, an escort through the airport, and priority boarding. If your gate is in Terminal 2, you’ll also have a private driver to take you there. For arriving passengers, the service includes a greeting from a Hawaiian representative, assistance with luggage, and a private escort to transportation. If you’re staying on the island of Oahu, the airline will transfer your bag directly to your hotel. For travelers making a connection in Honolulu, a combination of these services is available, along with access to Apartment 1929.
While the Premium Airport Service offers convenience and a more relaxed airport experience, frequent travelers with elite status, lounge access, and TSA PreCheck may need to weigh the costs and benefits. Other travel credit cards, like The Platinum Card from American Express, Capital One Venture X Rewards Credit Card, and Chase Sapphire Reserve, offer a year’s worth of lounge access around the world, including lounges in Honolulu. Additionally, the airport has airline lounges from major global alliances, such as the American Airlines Admirals Club and Delta Air Lines Sky Club.
In conclusion, Hawaiian Airlines’ new Premium Airport Service provides an opportunity for travelers to enhance their airport experience at Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport. The service includes access to the exclusive Apartment 1929 lounge, priority baggage handling, and assistance through the airport. While the service comes at a cost, it may be worth it for infrequent travelers or those seeking a quieter and more seamless experience. Frequent travelers with existing lounge access and elite status may need to consider the costs and benefits before investing in this new service.