Alaska Adds Hawaii Flights for $159!; Fee and Rule Changes

As long predicted, Alaska Air is continuing its rapid yet strategic expansion along the California corridor, in direct competition with former partner Hawaiian Air. Alaska will now operate over 100 weekly flights to Hawaii during winter.

This is good news for visitors, as it will extend downward pricing pressure in these markets, until one or both of these carriers either merges or is acquired.

New Services

1. San Diego/Maui $159. New daily service begins October 1. Look for more deals, adding to what we’re already seeing, which is some of the best pricing in years from San Diego to Hawaii.
2. Portland/Kona $159. New seasonal service, Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday from November 12 to April 9 (and likely longer if it proves cost-effective for them).
3. Seattle/Kona. A second seasonal flight is being added to their existing service. It will operate Tuesday, Thursday and Sunday from November 11 through April 7. This is the benefit of flying smaller planes and adds to Alaska’s competitive power against Hawaiian.

Note:  One-way fares of $159 plus tax for tickets purchased by May 4 for travel through Feb. 11 on all Hawaii flights from Portland and San Diego.

Baggage and other fee/rule changes

1. Bags.  Alaska is raising its first checked bag fee from $15 to $20 on tickets bought starting May 1 for travel after June 16.  Additional checked bag fees are unchanged.
2. Unaccompanied minors.  The company is lowering the unaccompanied minor fees from $75 to $25 on non-stops and $50 on connecting flights.
3. Standby.  Standby for same day flight changes is not longer possible.  Confirmed same day changes will not cost $25.
4. Baggage delay assurance.  Alaska will now guarantee that your bags will arrive at baggage claim within 20 minutes (previously 25 minutes).  Beyond that, Alaska will pay you either 2,000 Alaska miles or a $20 voucher.

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