QF Honolulu lounge reopening?

[chooms]

Update: having flown back from Honolulu yesterday, as I was flying JétStar 4. After spending about an hour in the check-in queue at HNL (long queues due to doc checks and what not - I thought the DPD was supposed to solve all of this?), I finally managed to get checked in for the flight. I enquired to the agent about QF Lounge access and was told that wasn't available since the QF lounge was closed however, they have an arrangement whereby I am granted access to the Delta Airlines SkyClub lounge, and that I would need to go to the customer service desk (located beside the QF check in area) to get a pass handed to me. (I should point out parenthetically that TSA pre-check is not offered when flying JétStar, although the queue wasn't long but it did feel weird having to take off my shoes and what not in a US airport, having last done that during the Bush administration!).

Headed over to the QF Customer Service desk and was handed this:
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Interestingly, the expiry date on the pass is for the end of June, which makes me wonder if QF might reopen their world renowned international business lounge at HNL in July?

For those curious of what the Delta SkyClub lounge at HNL is like, I'd say it's easily one of the best US domestic lounges I've been to (aside from perhaps the newish United Club at LAX). Good selection of food and drinks, sadly the bar was closed despite 7 AM being booze o'clock back home. Does it hold a candle up to the QF Lounge at HNL? I'll let you decide...

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Business Centre:
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There didn't appear to be a shower at this particular lounge so no shower review from yours truly. However, one interesting addition is the inclusion of moisturizers as you exit the water closet:

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Overall, I was satisfied with this lounge, and it certainly gives me yet another reason to go for Delta status this year (I'm status matching in July with one trip on a deep discount J fare on KLM from YYZ to GLA which will allow me to hit the qualification requirements for DL Status match).

-RooFlyer88

Thank you! This is v useful as we’re off to Hawaii on QF on Saturday. Wasn’t sure if directed to Sakura or not. Sakura wasn’t too bad pre-covid but by the looks of the JAL website they are still not serving food etc. Won’t rush to the airport to get home…

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Thank you! This is v useful as we’re off to Hawaii on QF on Saturday. Wasn’t sure if directed to Sakura or not. Sakura wasn’t too bad pre-covid but by the looks of the JAL website they are still not serving food etc. Won’t rush to the airport to get home…

I've heard mixed reviews of the Sakura lounge at HNL, even pre-COVID. The Delta lounge @ HNL is certainly one you could spend an hour in, particularly for its decent selection of food, drinks (see the Delta exclusive Mai-Tai) and ample seating. Does it have shower and massage facilities? Sadly no! But it's worth a visit as a QFF!

-RooFlyer88

 

[mrsterryn]

Is the delta lounge closer to the departure Qantas gate ?

Post automatically merged: Jun 1, 2022

Thank you! This is v useful as we’re off to Hawaii on QF on Saturday. Wasn’t sure if directed to Sakura or not. Sakura wasn’t too bad pre-covid but by the looks of the JAL website they are still not serving food etc. Won’t rush to the airport to get home…

I think there are a few of us flying on Saturday via various airlines to Hawaii

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Is the delta lounge closer to the departure Qantas gate ?

Post automatically merged: Jun 1, 2022

I think there are a few of us flying on Saturday via various airlines to Hawaii

The Delta lounge is located across from Gate F1 in Terminal 2 whereas the Qantas/JetStar flights take off from the D Gates in Terminal 2. It's about a 5-10 minute walk air-side from the lounge to the gate I'd say. Most airlines take off from Terminal 2 BTW (with the exception of inter-island flights).

One thing to keep in mind about HNL, and this is the first time I've ever seen this at any US airport to be frank, is the departure gate is walled in and it's my understanding that once you cross into the departure gate you can't get out (you'll be considered exited the US). So I would recommend maximizing your time in the lounge before taking the stroll down to the departure gate area.

-RooFlyer88

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Well, one of my website trackers came back today to report that the Honolulu QF lounge website has been updated:


Make of that what you will, but it's good to see QF publicize that there are options for those of us valued elites travelling middle seat at the back of the bus on JQ from HNL!

-RooFlyer88

 

[FishFood]

As someone about to head back to Honolulu airport, I'm guessing being a partner lounge they won't accept lounge vouchers?

That seems to be the main downside of switching from a first party to partner lounge

 

[kangarooflyer88]

As someone about to head back to Honolulu airport, I'm guessing being a partner lounge they won't accept lounge vouchers?

That seems to be the main downside of switching from a first party to partner lounge

Difficult to say on this one given their lounge remains closed despite them having virtually all other lounges open. In my case I was flying on a JQ Starter Plus fare which by itself doesn't provide any QF lounge access. It is merely the QF Gold status I hold that provides that access meaning in theory QF could've very much left me high and dry in that case - after all their lounge was closed. But they didn't do that! On the other hand, the dynamics of using an instrument like a voucher might be different than simply using an entitlement you have as a frequent flyer.

My recommendation would be to go to the Qantas service/check in desk, explain that you have a lounge voucher with them and see if they'll issue you the Delta lounge pass in lieu of the QF access you would get. From the standpoint of Delta, all they care about is seeing that JQ/QF boarding pass and receiving the QF issued lounge certificate shown above.

Whether it's worth redeeming the voucher for this visit is very much going to be a value judgement on your end. The lounge itself doesn't have showers, but they do have a good breakfast spread and at the times JQ/QF flights leave, they tend to be quite empty. If the voucher is about to expire, I wouldn't hesitate to redeem it. On the other hand, if it doesn't expire and you are departing internationally on a QF/JQ flight from a major Australian port like Sydney, Melbourne, or Brisbane, I would argue you would get better "value" from the voucher there.

-RooFlyer88

 

[Sapk]

Hi, we’re heading to Honolulu in early September and my husband is a platinum frequent-flier. My daughter and I are not. Normally we are allowed in the lounge with him but now that it’s Delta do you think we’d have any luck getting in?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Supposing your husband is travelling with you, then I reckon that'll be a yes since guest access is typically granted with Gold and above at QF lounges along with OneWorld lounges and I see no reason why QF would not provide an additional pass for his guest given their lounge is closed off. Other lounge options supposing you are flying QF that may be available in September include the Japan Airlines Sakura lounge.

One thing I should point out is that it's unclear how long the QF lounge will remain closed. For instance, on the lounge pass I received from QF as a Gold flying JetStar last month, it clearly states the lounge pass is valid until June 28, 2022. This could potentially mean a couple of things. First, that QF is intending to reopen the lounge by June 28. After all, why would they pick such a specific date as June 28 (which falls on a Tuesday and is not the last day of the month or quarter?). Another possibility is these lounge passes are printed on a computer and a set to expire exactly one month after issued. I find this unlikely since that would require IT QF likely doesn't have.

In terms of which is better the DL lounge or the QF lounge at HNL, I cannot say since I haven't tried QF lounge at HNL but was quite satisfied with the food on offer along with relatively empty and peaceful it was at the DL lounge.

-RooFlyer88

 

[mrsterryn]

Delta was excellent. Just went into it a couple of days ago prior to coming home on a late QF104. It is in the opposite direction of the Qantas gates but only a few mins walk

 

[chooms]

Huge improvement on QF lounge… except no showers. The old QF lounge was a zoo but this was quiet. Not sure if due to less pax as last time we were here the flight was on a 744. No passes handed out, QF now coding on BPs.

 

[kangarooflyer88]

Good to see QF coding the entitlement onto the boarding pass, although I reckon that won't be possible with JQ boarding passes, hence the need to hand out those separate lounge passes.

The shower thing for me isn't a huge deal since we're dealing with morning flights and unless you are coming in from Europe you should already be fresh and ready for the flight in that regards. In any event, I absolutely loved how quiet the lounge was. This reminded me of the QF lounges last year when everyone was too scared to travel. The food wasn't bad either!

-RooFlyer88

 

[theatreperson]

Anyone know the current status of the Delta vouchers?

Flying tomorrow Jetstar business fare, Qantas Club member (silver FF)

 

[blackcat20]

Anyone know the current status of the Delta vouchers?

Flying tomorrow Jetstar business fare, Qantas Club member (silver FF)

Apparently no access to the delta lounge at the moment, but a terminal voucher instead.

 

[theatreperson]

Apparently no access to the delta lounge at the moment, but a terminal voucher instead.

I'll report back

 

[Anna]

For QF WP flying J today on QF104, it was 2x$20 vouchers that could only be used for food and drink items. 2 outlets open, both with long lines. I tried to buy a Starbucks souvenir Hawaii foldable shopping bag but they wouldn’t accept vouchers for it

 

[kangarooflyer88]

For QF WP flying J today on QF104, it was 2x$20 vouchers that could only be used for food and drink items. 2 outlets open, both with long lines. I tried to buy a Starbucks souvenir Hawaii foldable shopping bag but they wouldn’t accept vouchers for it

I think the DL lounge access is more valuable. Good food and beverage selection, not crowded (at least not when I was flying out on JQ4 back in May) plus of course the Delta Club signature drink for Hawaii Mai-Tai. I'll take that any day over lukewarm coffee and a partially soggy bagel.

-RooFlyer88

 

[Basaka]

That does not sound great for my trip next week on QF103/104 - will be flying out of HNL on the 13rd. It seems if QF lounges are not open and I don't get Delta Club access the only OW option would be the AA/JL Club/Sakura lounge which currently does not serve food?

 

[kangarooflyer88]

That does not sound great for my trip next week on QF103/104 - will be flying out of HNL on the 13rd. It seems if QF lounges are not open and I don't get Delta Club access the only OW option would be the AA/JL Club/Sakura lounge which currently does not serve food?

I think your best bet would be using those vouchers. I'd be curious if any HNL natives and/or those who frequent HNL regularly might suggest reasonable restaurants to use said vouchers at the airport, particularly for the morning JQ/QF flights.

For me I could easily use that at Starbucks given Australia doesn't have any Starbucks and I always like to enjoy myself a Starbucks before heading back.

-RooFlyer88

 

[antycbr]

I think your best bet would be using those vouchers. I'd be curious if any HNL natives and/or those who frequent HNL regularly might suggest reasonable restaurants to use said vouchers at the airport, particularly for the morning JQ/QF flights.

For me I could easily use that at Starbucks given Australia doesn't have any Starbucks and I always like to enjoy myself a Starbucks before heading back.

-RooFlyer88

Australia has Starbucks… there’s one on the corner of Park and Elizabeth st in Sydney CBD.

There are however a lot fewer than there used to be.