You can be treated like a rock star when flying Hawaiian Airlines, escorted to the front of security, whisked away into a private lounge with shower, meal service, and award-winning cocktails, and then be chauffeur-driven or walked to your gate. If this sounds either intriguing or like you, read on for more details on what this new premium service is all about and our take on it.
Some of the best airport lounges in the world are private and only available to select travelers. But Hawaiian opens access to anyone from $500 for two people traveling together. It’s possible you may have seen the entrance door to this lounge marked 1929 (which is the year Hawaiian Airlines was founded).
Hawaiian Airlines’ executives recently invited us for an inside look behind the door at Apt. 1929. Here’s what we found and our own observations.
Apt. 1929 and premium airport service is available no matter what class of service you are ticketed in on Hawaiian Airlines. Offerings are tailored for passengers departing HNL, connecting to another Hawaiian flight, or arriving at HNL (note that international arrivals are excluded).
Before you gasp at the price, at least first consider what’s included. And, this could be a perfect gift for a special event like a honeymoon, birthday, or anniversary. Most of the services we saw appear best-suited for departing passengers. Connecting or arriving passengers may participate in this, although available services will depend on how much time a guest has at HNL.
Departing passengers are greeted curbside at HNL and receive an escort to the front of the TSA screening line. They’re then taken to Apt. 1929. While there, they can shower and have a pre-ordered meal with appetizer, entree, dessert, and cocktails from the nearly impossible to get into, James Beard award-winning, Bar Leather Apron. The maximum time allowed is 2 hours before departure.
There is a large private living room, common seating area near the bar, and outside sofas and chairs. The “astroturf” flooring outside seemed somewhat out of place as did an excessive number of very large potted plants. The rest of the design, however, is comfortable and the service is highly personalized. Part of the quirkiness of the facility stems from it having been a state-owned private lounge before this incarnation.
Connecting passengers will be met on arrival at the aircraft door with a lei greeting and escorted personally to Apt. 1929 if time allows for cocktails and beverages. They are then escorted or driven to their next flight.
Arriving passengers will receive a lei greeting too, and luggage transfer to their Honolulu hotel. Again, their time in Apt. 1929, and services offered will vary based on the amount of time available. A shower can be arranged in advance, for example, before heading to the hotel.
Does this sound like you? If so, contact Hawaiian Airlines at least 72 hours in advance to set everything up for you. Their phone number is 1 (808) 470-3988 or email [email protected].
Our take on Apt. 1929/Hawaiian Airlines Premium Airport Service.
It’s certainly a fascinating service that is somewhat akin to the Private Suite (“PS“) at LAX. PS, however, costs far more, starting at $1,095 per person, and has different tiered costs. This is a move by the Hawaii bellwether towards providing the feeling of flying private, but without the extreme associated expense. When paired with a business-class suite on Hawaiian’s Dreamliner, this will set a new standard, especially for flights commencing in Honolulu.
Would you pay for this service? We probably would not, if for no other reason, because we are not based in Honolulu and see this as largely a departure-based service. Others, however may feel quite differently.
Please let us know your thoughts on Apt. 1929.
No thanks. A departing passenger can only use the lounge for 2 hours prior to departure? So, if a flight boards, say, 45 minutes before departure, that gives you about 75 minutes in the lounge. And during that time, you’re supposedly able to shower, then eat an appetizer, entree, and dessert, and have cocktails?
HA has unquestionably the very Worst lounges at their home airport, which should be a showplace for them. As a Hawaii resident, I was shocked at the shabby appearance and lack of Aloha from an incredibly nasty staff member manning the front desk. That was the last time I flew HawIian First Class overseas. Delta, United and the Japanese carriers are vastly superior.
They name this Apt1929. Interesting. I guess if it is a 2 hour apartment is could be taxed 12.75% plus excise and transient tax. Total is 18 percent by the state since it is on Hawaiian soil and considered a short term 2 hour rental. Drinks maybe considered food supplied and a shower and furniture make it a private booking. Just do the math. 500 dollar x 18% equals 90 dollars times 12 bookings per day. 90×12 equals 1080 dollars per day. That times 30 days per month equals 32,400 dollars per month in state taxes only. What if your flight arrives late or your arrival is delayed? Sorry no refund? You pay and no stay. Sure it’s not 590 dollars total not 500.
IMO terrible for tourists good for the state.