Yesterday we watched Hawaiian CEO Peter Ingram speak during a webcast of an investor presentation at the 2020 Wolfe Transportation and Industrials Conference. Peter made reference to an “incredible destruction in revenue,” saying that Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t “even know right now where demand is” That as a result of the still in force 14-day mandatory isolation, now set to extend through June 30.
Optimism at Hawaiian Airlines.
Peter expressed “some optimism” that vacation travel would recover more quickly than business travel. Peter said that visitor intent on booking has started noticeably increasing.
While businesses can meet on Zoom, he stated what we all know, saying he is not “sure this is how people are going to want to take their next Hawaii vacation.”
A plan for lifting of 14-day period essential.
“I think putting a timeline on the lifting …would be very helpful to give people a little more certainty about booking, particularly for the third quarter…We are seeing a little bit more activity looking in the fourth quarter.” — Peter Ingram.
Beat of Hawaii. To us, Peter’s comment is a huge understatement. At this challenging time in so many ways, who in their right mind would put down money for a trip to Hawaii, until they feel assured that they will be able to travel without going into a two-week lockdown? That, even before all the considerations of how safe and comfortable people feel traveling in today’s altered circumstances.
Peter believes that how things are going in terms of case counts, in Hawaiian’s “bread and butter” markets of California, Oregon, and Washington, will be pivotal to Hawaii’s decisions. He said, “I think that is going to inform how people make their decisions locally.”
Other changes already in place.
Last week the company implemented additional wide-ranging initiatives. Those include blocking middle seats, increasing and improving aircraft cleaning, modifying boarding, limiting it to only three to five rows at one time, and requiring personnel and customers to wear face masks. Hawaiian Airlines also said it concurs with the Airlines for America plan to require passenger and employee temperature checks. The full list of their health and safety plans is found here.
Interisland restrictions may be lifted sooner.
Peter confirmed what we have been hearing for weeks, which is that the interisland travel restrictions will soon be lifted, ahead of June 30. He said “Hawaiian is in a unique situation in that we are the entire highway system for the state.”
We look forward to normal interisland travel resuming.
Beat of Hawaii photo at Lihue, Kauai. ©
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Casey O says
Aloha BoH,
We have direct tickets SAN to KOA, for late August. I understand that the airlines have cancelled direct flights to the neighbor isles. Under the DOT, are we eligible for refunds, as our direct flight will be cancelled?
Mahalo nui loa,
Casey
Beat of Hawaii says
HI Casey.
If your flight is canceled then you will be eligible. It is far too soon for that or to even say what the situation will be unfortunately.
Aloha.
Laurie C says
Our trip to Kauai is booked from Aug 31-Sept 23. We know these are uncertain times, but do you think travel will be open by then?
Thank you!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Laurie.
The situation is too fast-moving to say. We’d like to think the answer is yes. But we will know with much more certainty, in the next weeks. So that will hopefully give you plenty of time to plan.
Aloha.
Ian M. says
I cancelled my trip for April and opted for the Voucher!! Hawaiian Airlines now has a 2 year extension, which I am sure I will use for my Wife and I to travel in November 2020 if the Islands are open and safe for Tourism!! Mahalo Hawaiian Airlines for your help. Best and Cheapest days to travel are Tuesdays or Wednesday’s where the public can save $$$.
Mit B. says
Hawaii airlines just cancelled my direct flight that I booked weeks ago stating it was due to the “14 day quar antine”. Then after frantically looking for flights from different cities I found they still offered flights just for a lot more money. Since I live there and have to get my family of 5 back and forth often I will not be purchasing tickets from them in the future. I will not depend and support a company that lies to it’s customers and really put us in a tough position so close to our flight date.
Daniel J. says
It is unbelievable to me that decisions take this long from the Governors and other elected official offices. I understand the laid back attitude on the Islands is what makes it a special place, but there is no Aloha in costing good people to lose their jobs, homes, businesses, and self respect. All of this in the name of “Safety” by so-called “leaders” polarized by fear! The numbers are staggering, for example; On Maui, 61% of businesses on the island report NO revenue for the entire month of April!
There is a way to bring visitors to the islands safely, with travel resuming in 1 week or less. Perhaps a mandatory test upon arrival, and every three days subsequent to that up to two weeks or there about. Those fearful of flying wont come anyway till a vac cine or cure comes along, and this will automatically result in a gradual return to normalcy!
David L says
Who in their right mind would continue the destruction of their own economy? This unconstitutional “shutdown” is ruining not only the travel industry but the lives of millions of Americans. The destruction this is doing is far worst than the actual vi rus. Wake up people! Never sacrifice your FREEDOM!
Linda J says
I’m still waiting for my refund on a flight I had on May 29th that I had to cancel. I don’t want a voucher I want a cash refund. Tickets were purchased through Expedia.
Art says
I just got my refund from Hawaiian Airlines. We booked our trip for first week in May back in November LAX to HNL, and an inter-island leg. I asked for a refund in late March and then canceled a few weeks later, since I hadn’t heard anything. I received an email earlier this week saying I would receive a refund credited to my credit card for all 6 tickets purchased, but that it would take 1 or two billing cycles. I checked my credit card this morning and I had already been credited for every single cent. It’s not cash but now I have a credit on my card I can use whenever and wherever I want. Will be rebooking once it’s clear.
Brenda V says
Hi, I was also told I had a credit for my expedia Hawaii flight, but I went online and asked for a refund..waiting for it to go back on my credit card, they sent me an email saying g it would be refunded
Susan H. says
Please know the entire bed and breakfast small business owners are behind you 100%. If there is a way to petition or Lobby the governor and mayors please Let us know.
Mahalo,
Monique G. says
Our family booked tickets to HA back in October for June as a grad gift. Then we was forced to get a voucher because we couldn’t get a refund. We had to cancel our flight because our hotel had canceled our rooms because of the quar antine. It cost us another $175.00 to get the voucher after we already paid over $1900.00 for our tickets to HA. I have went to school and lived in HA. It is disappointing and we specifically pick Hawaiian Airlines and can’t even transfer the tickets to another airlines to travel somewhere else.
Mahalo
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Monique.
Thanks for sharing that. Sorry to hear how it went.
Aloha.
Judy B says
I have a trip scheduled from Lax to Kona and then to Maui in October do you expect this to be open then without 14 day quar antine
Rachel says
No thank you to visitors not following the mandatory quar antine of 14 days. Has anyone noticed Kauai, HI and American Samoa are the only places with no new or active cases at this time? The reason for that is our travel quar antining. I’m not comfortable with lifting it. I’m a 38 year old wife and mother of 3, two have disabilities, and I myself have MS. I’m compromised as it is. No thank you. Please go look at places with people coming and going from other places and look at statistics. NO THANK YOU TO LIFTING QUAR ANTINE!
Elaine O says
Aloha, I am responding from Canada. My husband and I live in a small Canadian town that so far has not seen a case. We also own a condo in kauai and would love to visit it. Canada’s curve is flat especially in B.C. where we live.
I feel we are being lumped in with mainland USA which has a much bigger infection rate and has not always handled the vi rus well.
Mahalo Elaine and Lorne
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Elaine.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Sandra O says
We had a trip planned beginning of May but had to cancel, rebooked timeshare and AirBNB for beginning of September.But haven’t gotten flights yet. We are so hoping you’ll be flying to Maui from Phoenix by then! We’re actually doing a two island trip, going to Maui first then Kauai, so will be doing a interisland flight, then flying out of Kauai back to Phoenix.
Jamey H. says
We booked our trip to oahu back in jan for aug24 – sept 2 with alaska airlines from seattle for my daughters 21st birthday. We are staying at a air b&b on the north shore. What’s the chances this is still going to happen?? This stuff is stressing me out. Thankyou. Jamey H
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Jamey.
It is stressful for everyone including those of us here in Hawaii. We are hopeful it will work out and expect to have much more definitive information soon.
Aloha.
Maleko says
As with other airline CEOs, HA is no different. They continually flout the DOT regs by not refunding passengers. They made millions through various fees and their still complaining they have no $$$. Have they gone through all those millions already? They used to be considerate of Hawaii residents back in the day. Now it’s all about the almighty dollar. Guess that happens when the CEO is from a foreign country.
Alew says
Maleko,
Email HA with your reservation number and specifically say that you want a refund to your credit card and you do not want credits or voucher. Copy yourself on the email.
If You don’t see the refund in 2 weeks, print the refund regulation from the DOT website. Send your email and the refund regulation to your credit card and dispute the charge.
I booked my flight to Maui with Alaska Airlines. I got my refund, no questions asked and a sincere apology.
I booked my flight return flight with HA, I’m disputing it with my credit card. HA is an ethical company and I hope it will go of business.