Hawaiian Airlines Launches Premium Airport Service with Exclusive Lounge Access
Apartment 1929 is part of Hawaiian’s new Premium Airport Service, a VIP path through the airport starting a $500 per group of two
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines passengers can now pay for a smoother journey through Honolulu’s Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL), including downtime in an intimate new lounge.
Hawaiian’s VIP offering, unimaginatively dubbed the Premium Airport Service, can be booked by departing, connecting, and arriving customers. The airline hasn’t revealed exact prices for the service but says they’ll start at $500 for a couple.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines
While many travelers won’t want to shell out the cash simply for a breezier trip through the airport and a dedicated lounge, certain visitors to the archipelago will be seduced by the tranquility and privacy. In particular, couples celebrating weddings and anniversaries in the tropics might want to splash out for the occasion.
According to Hawaiian Airlines, departing passengers will enjoy:
- Pre-arrival check-in on their behalf
- Curbside greeting, either at the terminal or rental car facility
- Priority baggage handling
- Access to an expedited line at the TSA security checkpoint
- Private escort to the gate, including a private driver service for flights departing from Terminal 2
- Option to board the aircraft first
Arriving guests will benefit from:
- Aircraft door greeting
- Assistance with carry-on luggage
- Priority baggage handling
- Baggage delivery to their final destination on Oahu
- Premium lei greeting
- Coordination with transportation
- Private escort to transportation, including a private driver service for those arriving in Terminal 2 or with rental co
Connecting travelers can expect:
- Aircraft door greeting
- Premium lei greeting for those whose final destination is in Hawaii
- Assistance with carry-on luggage
- Private driver service within the airport for guests arriving at Terminal 2
- Option to board the aircraft first
By perks and price, Hawaiian’s premium service is comparable to VIP services from larger airlines, such as American’s Five Star Service and Delta’s VIP Select.
Uniquely, Hawaiian is also opening a dedicated retreat for its paying guests.
The brand-new Apt 1929 can be accessed by paying departing and connecting guests. Named for the year the airline was founded, the intimate lounge is a “quiet and relaxing setting brimming with the soft sounds of Hawaiian music,” according to the airline.
In Apt. 1929, guests can recline on sofas, both indoors and outdoors, and order from a full food and drinks menu. Departing guests can also pre-order meals through the Apt 1929 before their arrival at the airport.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian has put particular effort into the lounge’s drinks menu, which has been curated by Bar Leather Apron, a James Beard-winning speakeasy in downtown Honolulu.
The space, located in Terminal 1, also has two private restrooms with showers, which can be reserved by departing guests.
Paying homage to the carrier’s heritage, Apt 1929 is decorated with vintage Hawaiian Airlines posters. Neutral yet luxurious furnishings have been provided by Noho Home.
The lounge can accommodate up to 24 guests. Guests after even more seclusion can book a 330-square-foot soundproof private room for an additional fee. That room offers lounge seating, complimentary snacks, refrigerators, and a 65-inch television.
Photo: Courtesy of Hawaiian Airlines
After a soft launch for select guests in December, Apt 1929 started welcoming all fee-paying ticket-holders earlier this week. Guests don’t need to be flying first or business class or have Hawaiian Miles elite status, as they do to visit the airline’s nearby Plumeria Lounge. They just have to pay the fee for Premium Airport Service.
To tap into Hawaiian’s new VIP service, call the dedicated phone line (808.470.3988) or send an email to PremiumAirportService@HawaiianAir.com.
The VIP service and exclusive lounge are the latest investments Hawaiian has made to elevate customer experience. The airline also recently launched complimentary high-speed in-flight Wi-Fi on certain planes, powered by SpaceX’s Starlink satellites.
