An unusual BOGO (Buy One, Get One) Hawaii airfare sale today from long-time second bellwether Alaska Airlines. Fares start in August at $72 per person when two travel on the same itinerary. Last chance to book is Tuesday, July 25, at 11:59 pm Pacific.
Flying to Hawaii for $72 is very rare and not the airline sticker shock we are used to seeing. Today’s Alaska Airlines Hawaii airfare sale is valid in both directions, starting on the mainland or in Hawaii, but only on the routes listed below. This time when we say Hawaii, we actually mean the Big Island.
| “Buy one Alaska Airlines ticket flying from Kona to the West Coast and you’ll score another one for just the taxes & fees. Or take 10% off ANY of our flights from the Hawaiian Islands.” — Alaska Airlines |
Tickets must be purchased soon, as availability is limited, with the entire sale scheduled to end tomorrow evening (July 25 at 11:59 pm Pacific). We suggest buying now. You also have 24 hours to cancel without penalty.
Alaska Airlines KONABOGO sale
See details and dates of availability below. Then enjoy the perfect Hawaii vacation through fall to the Big Island. And, if you are headed beyond the Big Island, there’s still an offer below as well. The first fare is Saver, and the other is Main. Keep reading and we’ll tell you what the difference is so you know which fare to buy.
Remember that these fares are per person and require two people traveling on the same itinerary. Travel is valid from Kona to the lower 48 on Tuesday through Friday. Flights from the lower 48 to Kona must depart Sunday through Wednesday.
Kona to San Diego $72/$92
San Diego to Kona $72/$92
Kona to San Jose $72/$92
San Jose to Kona $72/$92
Seattle to Kona $83/$103
Kona to Seattle $83/$103
Portland to Kona $97/$117
Kona to Portland $97/$117
Other island destinations are “Save 10%.”
Hawaii destinations other than Kona to/from all Alaska Airlines mainland gateways (to/from the lower 48) is at a savings of 10% when using the same KONABOGO code. That includes Kauai, Maui and Oahu.
What’s the difference between the two fares listed for each city pair?
The cheaper of the two fares listed for each sale airfare is for Alaska’s basic economy (Saver) while the higher fare (Main) is for full economy. The question then arises as to whether or not the basic economy to Hawaii is the best choice.
Earlier this year Alaska Airlines basic economy rules changed for the better.
Basic economy (Saver) has more restrictions. No seat selection, last to board, restrictive rules on refunds and upgrades. The difference between Alaska Airlines’ basic and regular economy (Main) is often $30-$40 on Hawaii flights, so the difference of $20 on the sale is more reasonably priced than normal.
Keep in mind that Saver fares earn just 30% of the MileagePlan miles compared with regular economy fares. In addition, as long as you cancel Saver fares at least 14 days prior to travel, you will receive a 50% travel wallet credit plus 100% refund of fees/taxes. That’s an improvement compared with other airlines except Southwest. Alaska frequent flyers on Saver fares are also now eligible for complimentary upgrades on the day of travel.
Alaska also assures family seating in basic economy more so than some other airlines.
Alaska Airlines prepares to launch additional Hawaii route.
This sale comes as Alaska Airlines still has plans for more Hawaii flights. The airline is just months away from adding a brand new Hawaii route that will connect Honolulu and Seattle’s Paine Field. That starts in November.
Although the Eskimo’s sale has passed, for those that hold the Alaska Airlines Visa credit card, they have enhanced a few “perks” that make the Saver fare more compelling, especially after AS implemented a partial 50% refund (as a flight credit).
Even though AS eliminated the ability to reserve seats in advance (when Saver fares started – AS would offer a few seats in the last rows), you can upgrade/purchase Premium class (the first few rows behind First Class) at time of booking.
If you’re an Alaska Airlines Visa cardholder, you receive one checked bag free, and one full size carry-on. Also included (new for 2023) is priority boarding (Group C) unless you have higher priority with elite status (Priority, Group A, Group B) which lets you reach your Saver seat quicker, and the ability to find space in the overhead bins. Without Priority Boarding, Saver seats board last – Group F.
Authorized users with an Alaska Visa card issued in their name now receive all of the checked bag and Priority Boarding benefits without having to be on the same reservation as the primary cardholder (I don’t believe any airline within the U.S. offers this benefit).
Those with Saver fares can check-in and obtain seat assignments at 24 hours in advance, similar to Southwest. If minors are traveling with you on the same reservation, usually AS will reserve a seat assignment in advance, even if you’ve purchased a Saver fare.
Are there flights from Kona to Phoenix? If so the prices please. Thank you.
Hi Suzanne.
We suggest you start your search for flights here using Google Flights.
Aloha.
I love Alaska but the only thing wrong with these flights is that they are mainly on the 737 MAX. You couldn’t pay me to fly on them transcon, let alone across the vast, open Pacific Ocean. We will stick with Hawaiian unless Alaska starts flying their 737-900 ETOPS aircraft to and from the islands once again
Hi Mike.
Yes that’s the way it is now. Largely either 737 MAX or A321neo from the west coast. Except for a smaller number of widebody flights.
Aloha.
I’m perfectly fine flying on the A321neo or the A330 as we have flown on both fleet types and have experienced no issues. Mainly because it is a solid and safe airframe.
I too have been frustrated with HAL’s reservation system.
Waits have been long trying to make a simple change. I repeatedly asked HAL to relocate their reservation system back to Hawaii. This has fallen upon deaf ears. So irritating dealing with people whose first language not English. Many changes should be handled quickly via a up to date computer system.