Comparing Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines: Discovering Affordable Options for Flights to Hawaii Following Jetstar's Departure
Headline: Competing for a Cheaper Escape to Hawaii: Qantas vs Hawaiian Airlines in the Post-Jetstar Era
With Jetstar Australia ending its Sydney–Honolulu service in October 2025, travelers still have options for affordable flights to Hawaii from major Australian cities like Sydney, Melbourne, and Brisbane. Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines offer direct flights, while United Airlines occasionally provides an alternative.
If you're planning a tropical getaway and seeking the best airline for your Hawaii-bound journey, here's what we looked at:
- Pricing, Comfort, and Inflight Experience: Qantas often has slightly higher fares compared to low-cost carriers, but competitive direct ones exist in off-peak periods. Hawaiian Airlines' fares are frequently similar or slightly lower than Qantas, offering a comfortable Economy cabin and Hawaiian hospitality.
- Flight Schedules and Reliability: Qantas has regular direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane, while Hawaiian Airlines primarily operates from Sydney and occasionally from Brisbane. Both airlines provide multiple weekly departures.
- Aircraft Type and Safety: Both Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines usually use Airbus A330 aircraft for Australia-Hawaii routes and boast excellent safety records.
Quick Comparison
| Feature | Qantas | Hawaiian Airlines ||------------------------|------------------------------------------|------------------------------------------|| Pricing | Average $1,074 (off-peak lower) | Frequently competitive with Qantas pricing || Comfort | High service standards, meals, good seat pitch | Comfortable Economy cabins, aloha spirit || Flight Schedules | Regular direct flights from Sydney and Brisbane | Direct flights from Sydney; limited or seasonal from Brisbane || Aircraft Type | Airbus A330 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner | Airbus A330 or Boeing 767 || Safety | Excellent safety record | Excellent safety record || Inflight Experience| High-quality entertainment, good food, attentive service | Hawaiian hospitality, complimentary meals, good onboard entertainment |
In the face of increased competition after Jetstar's exit, the takeaway for travelers is simple: comparing prices, checking for sales, and choosing based on personal preferences will help you find the best deal for your Hawaii holiday. Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines both offer high-quality full-service experiences for modern-day explorers.
When deciding on the best airline for your Hawaii vacation after Jetstar's exit, consider Qantas and Hawaiian Airlines. Qantas, with its high service standards and regular direct flights from major Australian cities, competes with Hawaiian Airlines that provides comfortable Economy cabins and direct flights from Sydney, often with prices slightly lower than Qantas. Both airlines assure safety and offer quality inflight experiences. Your choice between them would depend on pricing, comfort, flight schedules, aircraft type, and personal preferences to ensure the best deal for your Hawaii holiday.
