We are not keeping this under cover. Southwest has been in the news recently with canceled flights, technology issues, and today a Southwest passenger who couldn’t keep their pants on and was arrested by the time they got to Phoenix. So let’s check in on Southwest Hawaii flights from the airline with “heart, hospitality and spirit” as reflected in their logo and mission.
We begin with two of our readers who were in contact about upcoming changes to Southwest Hawaii flights.
Reader Carl said, “In the latest schedule there is no longer a PHX LIH non-stop. Very disappointed about that. Planned out a trip based on the non-stop flights but will have to settle for a layover at HNL. Any idea why this is the case and if it’s just adjusted for seasonal travel?”
Reader Steven added, “Not sure if you’ve seen the new fall line up of flights. Schedule changes coming up for interisland and now bookable starting in September.”
This follows the release last week of the latest flight schedule that goes until fall 2022. The airline said, “We are currently accepting air reservations through November 5, 2022. On June 16, 2022 we will open our schedule for sale through January 4, 2023.
The following are the Southwest Hawaii flight changes reflected in the latest schedule.
Phoenix to Hawaii. Nonstop flights will be eliminated to two of Hawaii’s airports. Starting this fall, Southwest will no longer serve either Kona or Kauai directly from Phoenix. It isn’t clear whether those routes could return later, and we’ll need to wait until June to find out more when their next schedule is released.
San Diego to Hawaii. Here too, nonstop flights will be eliminated to the same two Hawaii airports and SWA will no longer serve either Kona or Kauai directly from San Diego.
Sacramento to Kona. Nonstop flights will be discontinued, at least for now, and no other airline will operate that route.
What to expect regarding prices.
Lower interisland fares, and those from the mainland, too, seem to be eroding. As Southwest and Hawaiian compete longer, they are both trying to learn to live together in a way that doesn’t totally destroy profitability flying between the islands. Thus, the current $45 fares on most interisland routes are rising to the mid-$80’s, starting in May. We don’t know if they can make those much higher airfares stick or not, given this significant new competition.
What became of the 50% Off summer flights to Hawaii?
When last we reported, mainland-to-Hawaii fares on both Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest Airlines were often running at about half-off traditional summer costs from many west coast gateways. And there’s still some good news. As just one example, Los Angeles to Maui was just $174 each way. The traditional fare on that route in the summer starts at $350 each way. And those great prices are still available from both Los Angeles (SWA, HA and others) and San Francisco (HA and others). Most of the remaining west coast gateways, however, have returned to traditional summer-high Hawaii airfares.
Will Southwest expand further in Hawaii?
The answer is that it is entirely possible, and how and where that could happen is below. We even have a surprise addition.
Book Southwest Hawaii holiday travel starting June 16!
For those of you planning an end of year holiday in Hawaii, Southwest will open reservations for that on June 16. Until then, you can only book travel through November 5, 2022.
Complete Southwest Hawaii nonstop routes:
LAS VEGAS: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
LOS ANGELES: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
LONG BEACH: Honolulu. Maui .
OAKLAND: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
PHOENIX: Honolulu. Kona (ending). Maui. Kauai (ending).
SAN JOSE: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
SACRAMENTO: Kona (ending). Honolulu. Maui.
SAN DIEGO: Honolulu. Kona. Maui. Kauai.
HAWAII INTERISLAND: Hilo. Honolulu. Kauai. Kona. Maui.
Will Southwest Hawaii expand further?
Southwest Hawaii’s expansion beyond their current routes remains unsure. However, should it resume, the following is our list of possible nonstop-to-Hawaii cities.
Denver
Burbank
Palm Springs (New)
Salt Lake City
Spokane
Albuquerque
Updated. 4/4/22.
Photo credit: SWA.
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Krista w says
Not sure if you saw this but SWA is removing their nonstop i believe sept 2022, from SMF to OGG. only airline now is Hawaiian that does it. Swa comes with layover in Honolulu now.
MG says
It seems strange they have no nonstops from Seattle, no?
Gregg F. says
Hello,
We are looking at booking flights for the February Winter Break around Presidents day week. Would it best to wait until Southwest’s booking window opens up for that time period or just go ahead book Hawaiian Airlines from Oakland to Maui? Would appreciate any advice on this. Tahnk you
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Gregg.
Unless you have SW in mind for a particular reason, available flights are reasonable; priced at $159-$189. It will probably not get cheaper and could get more expensive if you wait.
Aloha.
Gregg F says
Thank you for your response. I am sorry I should’ve been more specific right now the fares on Hawaiian air for days we are going February 18 to 25 is $754 RT. My question is should I wait until Southwest enters this time window with their fares or is this probably the best fares we will get on Hawaiian? Thank you again.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Gregg.
No one knows, but our take is that when SW announces those dates, it won’t make any difference to your specific holiday weekend travel. Based on the pricing, availability might be the bigger concern.
Aloha.
John says
Going to Hawaii on Hawaiian Air is a much better deal then SW unless you are trying to use up SW miles.
Andy C says
Why do you think that? Just curious, seeing as how swa gives you so many things for free that the other airlines charge for. Fares are basically similar but with the free add ons not to mention the far superior legroom on SWA, I find them a better option. I just flew United AND Hawaiian to kona from the mainland… the legroom (in economy) was inhumane. The legroom on swa was like economy plus on the other airlines. That alone makes it a better choice for me.
John says
Andy, it’s the cliché but true fact that when you get on a Hawaiian flight you are already in Hawaii. It’s a substantially different vibe.
Obviously some get it more more then others just like some people love Hawaii and what it offers and others don’t have an appreciation for it.
Nancy A says
Are the restrooms on SWA as small as on Alaskan? My husband is a big dude and he has zero wiggle room, almost impossible. So are all the restrooms the same size?
JulieC says
Spokane … Puhlease!!!!