Lastest news on Southwest schedules and fares. Some routes continue to have great deals for summer. Find out more in today’s post.
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1,796 thoughts on “Southwest Hawaii Stiffens Competition: 11 New Daily Flights Exposed”
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We moved from the Bay Area to Reno and miss the large number of direct flight options to Maui. With 500k people now in the rapidly growing Reno area, we hope that SW will recognize this market for Hawaii flights is under served!
I just found your website and I am very excited to see how much I can save with your suggestions – 19 people is a large group. We are planning a week long trip at the end of April and I am hopeful I can use my Southwest points all the way to HNL. I am preparing myself to fall back on plan B – fly Southwest from OKC to San Jose the day before and fly out on Hawaiian Airlines (same on return). I was wondering if you thought I should try a group rate with Hawaiian Airlines. What are your thoughts? Thank you for your help – I really appreciate what you do for travelers.
Hi Kevin.
Yes definitely try for a group rate anytime you have 10 or more traveling together. Savings of perhaps 10%. Try multiple airlines.
Aloha.
Hi! We’re planning a vacation to Hawaii this summer, and your website has become very usedul indeed. Keep up the good work!
I managed to get what I belive is a really good deal flying San Diego to Kahalui, for $191 per person on July 31st. I now (in the next few months) need to book the flight back to the mainland, and due to an already booked onward journey my options are very limited. We need to fly the morning of August 9th from HNL, arriving at LAX that afternoon. I notice that United have a flight departing at 09:16, which would be perfect as it wouldn’t mean waiting too long at LAX for our next flight which is at around 21:30. Problem is, this flight seems to be very expensive for some reason. There are other flights earlier that morning, but waking up extra early only to wait many hours at LAX is not an attractive proposition, and those flights are not that much cheaper either.
What do you think the chances are of the price of this, or other similar flights, coming down significantly in price, considering the arrival on SWA next year? And when might be the best time to book?
Many thanks in advance.
Hi Sam.
We’d say odds are reasonable. July 31 is a little early for prices to drop. We’ll have the SW factor helping however. If it doesn’t work out, just have plans B and C in mind.
Aloha.
Thanks for keeping us updated on SW’s entry into the Hawaiian market. SW has been playing it very cagey with information; this is the most definitive potential timetable I have yet seen. I’m looking forward to less expensive inter-island flights, and a less expensive but more extensive selection to the mainland!
Hi Kiawe.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Thanks for keeping us up to date! I’ve been checking your website once a day hoping Southwest would get its act together in time for my March trip to Hawaii. I finally caved yesterday and bought Alaskan flights. Oh well – I’ll use the Southwest points for my next trip.
Aloha!
Hi Scott.
Good plan. Don’t think we’ll be waiting much longer however to hear from Southwest.
Aloha.
I’m reporting 2 work Jan21st. The 1st wave of employees in both hnl and ogg are reporting that day. Still no time on 1st flights but the fact that they are moving us, hopefully means something
Aloha! Thank you for your awesome information! I am stressing about our upcoming trip to Oahu. We will be leaving from San Jose in early July. I picked that city based on your recommendation of it being a cheap gateway city and for the fact that both Hawaiian and Southwest (hopefully) fly out of this city. Right now I see flights on Hawaiian (days and times that I want) for $2800 for 4 of us. Do you think it is worthwhile to wait for Southwest’s entry into this market? I am nervous because I don’t want to overspend but at the same time I am nervous because I don’t like not having flights for that portion of our trip? What would you suggest? Please let me know your thoughts! Thanks for any information!
Hi Ash.
When SW announces, we won’t necessarily see sales for that peak summer season. That isn’t how airlines work. Sales for summer and generally lower prices in all seasons, will arrive with time.
We’re seeing that route at about $700 RT, and gut feeling is it will come down to $500’s before it is said and done. Not sure what that does to your timing on purchase, but that’s the insight we can offer as of today.
Aloha.
My wife and I are looking at returning to the Islands for the first time in 25 years during the first week of December 2019. I know it is still a year away but we are looking forward to having Southwest as an option. We are traveling from Pittsburgh to Honolulu and were wondering is it best to fly first to one of the west coast destinations that you mention and look for a deal from there or try and book a package from somewhere closer to us like Chicago? Will Southwest make it less expensive to fly from eastern United States spots to the Islands?
Hi Bill.
We’ll know soon enough how SWA will handle this. It would seem you can build your trip from Pittsburgh or another nearby location all the way to Hawaii. Stand by for more information soon. Since you’re traveling in low season, don’t stress about booking it soon. Might work better to wait until late summer.
Aloha.
Thanks for all the great information. I can’t wait to use our SWA points to fly to OGG. I check your website every day, just waiting for the news!
Great Info…Thanks for keeping us posted.
Hi! Thanks for the info! As a high school graduate of Pearl City, due to Military move, I have been excited for the opportunity to go back and visit the Islands at reasonable rates. It has been over 10 years since I have been back, thank goodness for social media.
My question, do you think that SWA will have a 24hr, or so, deeply discounted rate to Hawaii for there inaugural flights? I know they and plenty of Airlines have done this sort of thing in the past when they start a new route to a prime destination. Thanks again!
Hi Daniel.
The fare wars that will occur will be long lasting – you don’t have to worry about that. This will go on for months to years.
Aloha.
Wow! Just have to say this is very helpful and in depth information. Thanks for all you do. Mahalo!
Thanks Erin!
Aloha.
We are looking at a Feb 22 thru March 3 trip to Maui. Traveling from ICT Wichita Ks. What do you think are the odds that SW will be flying to OGG by that time? Thanks
Hi Leonard.
As you can see from what we published today, it isn’t clear that they will or will not be flying.
Aloha.
I wanted to return to Hawaii for spring break for the past several years, but found the cost prohibitive. I instead went to Mexico from San Diego on Volaris Airlines, but for 2019 I nabbed a reasonable fare on a major airline a month ago. It was about $200 cheaper from San Diego with a short haul connection to LAX than it was from LAX to Hawaii.
I am hoping to fly to Maui approx the 3rd week in January for 9-10 days. I’m flexible with my dates. Where is better to fly to Maul from when leaving from Calif? Is there a site like Google Flights that show you Alaska and Hawaiian air? Thanks!
Hi Jamie.
Yes you can check on Google Flights or any other OTA (Expedia, Priceline, etc.). Oakland, San Jose, and San Diego are generally the lowest priced gateways.
Aloha.
Hi, I was waiting for Southwest to fly to Kona so I could visit Waikaloa Village end of December. I don’t think this is going to happen through Southwest, so wanted to ask you what is a good flight price for the week before Christmas?
Thanks!
Hi Shaun.
You didn’t say where you are traveling from, but IP says Bay Area. Also without specific dates, it is hard to help. For example, OAK-KOA on 12/16-12/25 is $341 on Alaska. That’s the cheapest date pair. Goes up from there to about $900.
I recently heard from a old coworker that’s is now a SWA flight attendant that reservations for Hawaii will start on January 1st. She didn’t have info in the first flight date.
I am planning a trip to the island of Oahu and traveling from Los Angeles or Long Beach, looking to stay 7 days starting June 17. I know this is peak time but still looking to save where I can. Should I bundle? When is the best time to book? Any suggestions?
Thanks!
Val
Hi Val.
Bundle only if you like that concept, but not to save money. Very expensive time. Southwest should help with that, but still expect to spend in $500’s RT. Probably would wait if you are flexible and can stand not knowing. Then Anytime you see that target, go for it.
Aloha.
Thanks for sharing such a nice post. Please keep on posting such informative post in future so that it can help me out – once again thanks a lot.
I believe SWA is using the new Boeing 737 Max 8, which is the same plane that crash in Indonesia. See the Wall Street Journal article regarding the Angle of attack sensors and Pilots not being brief on new anti-stall system.
This is probably holding up SWA as well.
If SWA delays any longer, will they have missed their window when starting service to Hawai’i made business sense? The market seems already oversupplied — with so many fare bargains — after United and Hawaiian expanded their footprint. What if the economy becomes more iffy?
Just a little correction… (i)messaging inflight is free of charge. The only entertainment option that comes with a fee is WiFi at $8.00 per device.
Thank you Steven.
Aloha.
Sure wish SW would look into the immense market in the inland empire of southern California. We all hate the 3-4 hour drive to get to LAX in the morning traffic to depart to Honolulu. They would do very well to figure out a Hawaii route from Ontario, CA Airport
The simple realty is ETOPS certification is a serious deal and a big step for SWA.
Their operation has always been geared to keeping costs down any way they can,
some of that philosophy runs counter to long haul overwater flying where their is less room
for cost savings….leasing engines, farming out maintenance work etc. ETOPS is not a slam dunk
like they apparently thought
I
While looking at flights from San Jose to Maui for Sept. of 2019, I noticed that Hawaiian is utilizing the A321 instead of the 767 that we’re used to. Is this a permanent arrangement? We love the 767.
Hawaiian is retiring their 767s. They should all be gone by December or January, and they’re being replaced by the A321s.
Just a quick correction regarding mainland to Hilo flights. Although the post says there is only one weekly flight from the mainland to Hilo, in fact United files daily from LAX to Hilo
Thanks!
Aloha.
It could just be coincidence, but Hawaiian Airlines flight #HA45 from SJC to OGG has always departed (as far as I can remember) at 7:15am. Starting on September 3rd, 2019 the same flight now shows departing 10:30am. Not sure if that has to do with Southwest and their intentions to start Hawaii service. Could one airline bump another for a specific time slot?
I am ‘treating’ my family to a trip from San Diego to Maui next April. I’ve always appreciated SWA for their service, routes and pricing. What makes me nervous is the wait. I can book Alaska or Hawaiin Air now, but at what I believe will end up being a substantially higher fare. But if I wait and SWA doesn’t end up flying to Hawaii, will I be out of luck? I don’t want to wait too long. Of course government red tape is not accurately predictable. My question is simple; what might be the latest SWA will announce Hawaiin destinations, and what is the latest flights might begin?
I am in Jeff B’s position too, with a trip to Maui next May; I have been waiting for the SWA announcement (We will still fly Hawaiian) to drive down the prices for other airlines, but also wonder, how late should I go before caving and booking on Hawaiian?
What is the likelihood that Southwest flights to Hawaii will be available for travel dates 12/22-12/30?
I would be curious about this as well. 0% chance, 25, 50%? I know Southwest says it depends and that the pundits are saying January. But, Southwest also said specifically that they wouldn’t start flying on Christmas Day. Which leads me to believe that they think that time frame is a real possibility.
We are traveling to Oahu and Maui from Grand Rapids, Mi in February for two weeks. Should we wait for Southwest to start selling tickets or book now through another carrier? Right now tickets are $700 round trip. Thank you for your time, have a great day!
Robert M.
Hi Robert.
Sorry for the delay in responding. Probably the best fare you’ll find by waiting is high $600’s. We do expect SWA to be operating by then if you choose to wait. How they will build and price trips from beyond the west coast won’t be known for a while however.
Aloha.
Southwest won’t offer redeyes, so it’ll be impossible to fly back to Grand Rapids unless they have a 7am flight from Maui/Oahu or you’re willing to spend an overnight layover in California. Additionally, Southwest won’t have non-stop flights from Grand Rapids to any of the Hawaii gateways (San Diego, Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento), so you’ll have at minimum two layovers. You may want to wait to see if Southwest forces others to lower fares, but given the likely lack of Southwest options to/from Grand Rapids, you may be better off looking at one-stop options on United, American, or Delta.
Thanks Tom, I’m thinking that I will purchase our tickets no later than cyber Monday. Never know, could find a great price. And yes, I would want to have only one layover.
Will swa Feed from locations that they service to west coast
We are traveling in mid-January 2019. Are you still thinking Southwest will announce flights to Hawaii by end of Oct. 2018? Any update on Southwest completing ETOPS with FAA? Has Southwest begun hiring employees at Honolulu airport?
Hi Kurt.
We are on this as much as is possible and we provided updates as soon as we have substantive information. Stand by for more soon.
Aloha.
Hi
Just wanted to first say thanks for all the helpful info you provide. I’ve been using your advice for years on this site and it has definitely saved us money as we are frequent Hawaii guests. Right now my wife and I are waiting with our Southwest companion passes to fly SJC to HNL 12/20-12/29. Do you think I should keep waiting or go ahead and purchase my tickets through another carrier now. Again thanks for the time and energy you guys put into this to help!
Hi Daniel.
Thank you. We just don’t really know the answer definitively. Seems like it should line up for you by then, but there is no guarantee. If your vacation is set otherwise, you might be best off with another carrier. Alternative is to wait and not know. Unfortunately, for your dates, that could become problematic in terms of both price and availability. Wish we had more to offer. Maybe more information within next week if you want to hold until then.
Aloha.
Have been to Hawaii many times,have relatives their. will we have flights from Milwaukee to connect to go to Hawaii. looking to go in june of 2019.
Hi BOH!!!
Any new predictions for SWA? We are coming up on the dreaded 30 day advanced purchase date for Thanksgiving…. are you still thinking they’ll announce this month?
Thanks so much for keeping all informed 🙂
Hi Samantha.
We don’t know anything definitive, but announcement or not, we’ll be sharing what we have just learned shortly. Still chance of announcement before month end. But as for flying on SWA for Thanksgiving, that’s unlikely.
Aloha.
As for Southwest, its already mid October and crickets from them. Not one word about Hawaii.
From what I hear the ETOPS is getting held up for a proper engine monitoring protocol.To save money SWA actually only leases
their engines so it makes it hard to do the necessary engine tracking required for 2 engine overwater ops.
Not sure how they’ll get around that but perhaps if Trump can get his personal pilot to head the FAA it will be easier to make deals with them…..They can focus on business more and less on silly things like safety!
There are some things SWA is not telling you. Notice they are not flying non-stop flights to and from LIH. Their ETOPS 737-800s do not have the Short Field Performance package. Not possible to get a 737 off the ground with passengers and fuel without it. Even with the MAX-8 which is SFP, Southwests configuration makes those aircraft very heavy and ETOPS is not about range, it is about weight and time. SWA is figuring that out.
Good luck competing with Hawaiian inter-island, no one has been successful so far.
DEN-HNL in a 737… not with passengers and bags on the plane. Maybe at night… in the winter.
Thanks for the update story on Southwest’s efforts to add Hawaii to their service. We have a vacation to Oahu Dec. 14-22, 2018 and have booked our housing. Have not secured air fares yet as hoping they will become a bit more competitive. We will fly from IND (Indianapolis, Indiana). Am I correct in understanding that when Southwest adds Hawaii, they will roll out with departing flights solely from California? Thanks in advance for your reply
Hi Kathy.
That’s correct. California only – and just the cities we have listed. We don’t know how they will build the connections from other cities at this point.
Aloha.
We they are not selling tickets yet all a lot of hot air.
Looks like the haven’t given there mechanics a pay raise in 7 years according to news articles wont they need them to do the special stuff to fly over water.Not sure I trust a company that is so cheap.Think I would stick with the more professional airlines that have been doing this stuff a long time.
Have fun spending your hard earned money on overpriced tickets. All airplanes are flying garbage cans. There is no product differentiator so why would you pay more for the flight and then pay more for the bags. Profit maximization will ground your elite airline in the end. Don’t believe me? Ask Micheal Porter, he is a Harvard professor of economics. Are they all competing on price? Then the company cannot be a product differentiator, if you try to do both you screw yourself. Look at how much more DAL spends to make roughly the same amount of money.
I, for one, am looking forward to the new service and particularly the Vegas expansion. Hawaiian dominates this market with three flights a day and they NEVER put Vegas on sale (with no competition). It’s time someone else served the market.
Saw a recent Lee Cataluna article referencing the fact that the island of Kauai feels they are at max capacity for tourism…..no more room on the roads and accommodations are hard to find. Wonder how SWA trying to bring in large volumes of tourists will play out?
I live on Maui and we recently started to feel like we’re at capacity, too. There’s still a lot of development, but our roads just can’t handle the traffic. Within the 2 years alone that I’ve been living here I could already feel the change. Every flight from/to the mainland I’ve been on recently, no matter if off-season or not, has been cramped.
While I welcome SW flying into Hawaii for more affordable ways to get to the mainland to see family, and back (and I absolutely love SW), I’m a little concerned about that, too.
Maybe you should move back to the mainland and free up some space on Maui!