The secret will satisfy even the most fussy of travelers. Almost first class Hawaii flights at a fraction of the cost.
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39 thoughts on “Save 73% | Cheap Alternative To First Class Hawaii Flights”
The secret will satisfy even the most fussy of travelers. Almost first class Hawaii flights at a fraction of the cost.
Fantastic idea but maybe not necessary in the short term. Check your flights to Hawaii between now and Christmas. Most are going out and returning at plus-or-minus 50% capacity right now. Recent flight had flight attendants saying “Everyone take your own row. Plenty of room.” Surely the airlines will adjust. I always check sold seats before I book and look for those less desirable (read: likely empty) flights.
Can you do this when flying into European countries?
So when the airline sees that there are only 2 people checking in do you honestly believe that they are not going to try to fill that seat with an actual body regardless of whether or not you paid for it!? It might work some of the time but don’t get your knickers in a knot if They decide to sell that seat to someone else.
Hi Don.
It’s never an issue. Airlines are completely familiar with this And it is completely within their fare rules.
Aloha.
Amazing tip!! Thanks so much for sharing. We have our accommodations booked for our yearly visit in 2024 but not our tickets. We may try this for the flight over. For flight home we always use our FF Miles on Delta to upgrade to first class so we can rest better.. But if the 3 regular seats work out we may switch to that and save the miles for a different trip.. 🙂
BOH: “There’s no great recline or beds to be had on narrow-body flights to Hawaii, period.” Beg to differ. We have flown United’s 757 First Class Polaris a number of times DEN-LIH-DEN and will again next February. Lots of room, lie flat seats (although the foot cubbyholes are a little cramped), and the normal first class extras. Food is OK, not always great, but the service has always been excellent. I usually give the flight attendants Starbucks gift cards and that is always appreciated. I await your review of Polaris to compare notes.
Hi Rob.
You’re right. That is the sole exception. But it represents very few flights. We’re referring to 737 and A321 which is the great majority. That UA757 business is sometimes called Fauxlaris because it is called Polaris but isn’t really. We’ll review that product as well.
Aloha.
I agree. Those UA 757’s aren’t true Polaris when compared to the 777’s and 787’s, but even though they are “Fauxlaris”, lie flat seats, a 76″ pitch, and 21″ width sure make for comfortable flying. I was wrong calling those flights first class, as they are actually business class. There is no first class on those flights. Also, have you flown United’s Premium Economy, available internationally?
Mahalo Nui Loa
Hi Rob.
You beat us to it. We will also be doing the review of United premium Plus, their true premium economy product, on the non-stop from Washington DC to Honolulu. Thanks for asking.
Aloha.
😀 Brilliant idea, BOH!
Mahalo
Never thought of doing that – booking an extra seat hmmmmmm
Will try next time I make reservations since I usually book 2 aisle seats and first class on return flight. Thank you.
Hi Marilyn.
Please let us know how that works for you.
Aloha.
You know…. It would be really nice if you’d explain to your readers how to actually book the empty seat. There’s nothing on the UA app that allows for it. I just looked. Your story could have been much more informative than it was.
Hi Andy.
It’s best to call the airline first And it is not done online with United. We did update that information accordingly.
Aloha.
They did say you need to call, that it doesn’t work on-line
Thanks for the great tip BOH. You guys always have such good advice. Just wondering how it works purchasing an extra seat. When purchasing the extra seat, do you or your companion traveler purchase two tickets in your name? Can it be done online during your initial purchase or do you have to make a totally separate purchase? Hope this makes sense. Mahalo nui loa.
Hi Pam.
Hopefully our response to Andy and the updates we just did to the article answer those questions. It depends on the airline, and the only one that clearly allows it to be done online is Delta. Even then, we suggest calling first just to be sure you have done it correctly.
Aloha.
Regarding more or less the same topic, I have a recent story your readers might find interesting. I’ll try to make a long story very short.
I had an aisle seat in a 3 seat row from Miami to Phoenix. The middle seat was empty and a 30’ish male occupied the window seat. The middle seat was empty. However, the guy quickly took over the entire middle seat by placing his jacket and other stuff on it. Later he leaned his back against the window and lay his feet literally about 1 inch from my lap as he tried to sleep.
But, it gets worse! About 2 hours into the flight he changed positions and put his head face-up 1 inch from my lap. . Now, it was getting creepy! He told me he paid for the seat, but I later learned it was a big lie. Crazy!!