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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Yeah 99 dollars for a flight is a rip off for what youd have to deal with right now. The airlines were just bailed out and are not earning any profit on 99 dollar fares either.
They should be paying people 99 dollars just to fly to hawaii and visit people that don’t really want you there? Id like to see actual numbers on that, but how many people have latent hatred for America?
Wow! I have been 4 times this year, and am taking all 5 grandchildren to Hawaii in March. I honestly have not experienced anything negative at all. Every single person I have come into contact with has been welcoming and extremely accommodating. The Aloha Spirit is alive and well. Yes we must test prior to coming, and wear masks. And yes it is different but the beauty of Hawaii is breathtaking. I will continue to come to Hawaii. The locals have suffered so much, but as far as I am concerned, they have and continue to fight the Covid Pandemic to make the islands safe wonderful place to vacation.
pay no attention to the negative nelly CF
you are a broken record CF. Why are you still here months later complaining about Hawaii? Please find another forum to complain on and save us your daily negativity.
Pretty sure the max 800 at southwest aren’t etops certified yet. I wouldn’t expect to see them on these routes if they are not.
Every time I have checked Southwest has been significantly more expensive than the legacy carriers going out of Sacramento. I would prefer to fly Southwest but not when their flights cost 50% more.
But bags fly free!
And no change or cancellation fees, refunds if prices decrease, and so on.
From what I understand you have to TAKE the test within 72 hours of your flight and pray you get your results in time!
Do you think the state of Hawaii will accept vaccination with Moderna vaccine in place of the covid-19 tests?
Will Southwest step up and do testing before people fly to the islands??
Like what Hawaiian and Alaska and United do currently.
Hawaiian Airline has mileage program, is South West Airline will have same program soon?
SWA has the top rewards program in the industry, called Rapid Rewards, never any blackout dates, seats available on every flight!
Following
I live in Michigan and anxious to go to Hawaii anytime after June, 2021 through Dec. 17, 2021
Please let me know when you have specials…would like to travel to Kona or Kawai.
Thanks,
Paula S.
Hi Paula.
Feel free to subscribe to our email updates that include airfare sales. https://beatofhawaii.com/subscribe.
Aloha.
I suggest just book SWA as soon as the dates load into their systemas long as the date(s) work for you. With SWA, you can book with comfort knowing 1) their fairs are decently low 2) you an change to lower fair if it comes up, with no change fee
Here is where it tells you how far out SWA flights are ticketing for – just check this page frequently to see when new bookings open up
Southwest.com/air/flight-schedules/
@Jim, all airlines are now allowing more flexibility. Depending on where you live, Southwest may not be feasible because of their “no-redeye” policy. For example, I had a ticket booked on Delta earlier this month. I cancelled and have credit good until 2022.
In light of the new found flexibility, I would research airlines to see who has the lowest fares for your travel data. Make sure to research the airline’s change policy. For example, on Delta, if the fare goes down on your dates, you will have to cancel the existing reservation , get a credit, and rebook a new reservation.
You have a typo at the end of item #3 at the start of this page.
“June 5,2020” should probably be “June 5,2021”.
I’ve been a fan of your website and an email subscriber for more than 20 years. I wish we could afford to visit Hawaii, especially Kauai, again, but Social Security provides us too little income. Your newsletters and website always makes us feel close to our honeymoon destination of 20 years ago. 🙂
Hi Bruce.
Thank you! Typo fixed. We hope that you can return at some point to relive your honeymoon.
Aloha.
mahalo!
this needs updated
sacramento to maui is now nonstop
Hello, I am searching for the most cost effective way to travel to Hawaii to be with my daughter toward the end of June to the middle of July as she and her husband welcome their baby. He is stationed at the Army Base at Schofield on Oahu. While I realize traveling in May may be less expensive, I am a teacher and cannot leave until after the school year ends.
My exact travel dates are flexible. Any advice or suggestions for travel would be greatly appreciated.
Thank you,
Hi Terri.
Subscribe to our updates and we’ll see together how things unfold for next summer. https://beatofhawaii.com/subscribe/.
Aloha.
Be sure to check the flight numbers before booking if you have qualms about flying the MAX 8 to Hawaii. They will be back in the air any minute. SWA and other airlines are giving customers the opportunity to choose NOT to fly the MAX 8 BUT make sure the flights will work for you before booking. They are supposed to contact you IF they decide to use the MAX on the flight you booked on another plane model. Checked PHX flights and they say they are using the 737-800 but ‘MAY’ be using the MAX.
Here is what it says when you click the flight number:
Boeing 737-MAX8 Aircraft are currently grounded by the FAA. Until the MAX8 aircraft returns to service, Southwest plans to operate MAX8 flights with a different aircraft type. Flight schedules and aircraft type remain subject to change per the Contract of Carriage.
That means that these planes will be back in service as soon as possible and they are planning to use these planes for their Hawaii flights. No thank you. Too soon for us. Even $99 fares won’t get us on one. Not yet. :0/
The 737 MAX will be the most closely scrutinized plane ever. I have not concerns about flying on it and will be happy to be one of the first to do so. 🙂
They will be more poked and prodded than an 18 year old on their way to boot camp in peacetime…
Same here. MAX will be great
Put me on a Max, should be A-OK !
ONT would be wonderful. We can dream…
Planing a two island stay July 2021. We will fly Hawaiian Airbus, my family will never fly a max. SWA used to be our default carrier, now we choose flights by aircraft.
There will be no Max to Hawaii for now. They are not etops certified.
I’m trying to find out what days Southwest flies to Hawaii to visit family that transferred in June. It seems each day I try there isn’t a flight. Looking to go mid December and return early January 2021.
Thanks “Mahalo” !
It appears that the beginning date for OGG, KOA and LIH nonstops is now 10/1 as a result of further restrictions/conditions reported last week— also having been updated on their website’s reservation link. Please verify, and thank you.
Hi David.
It would not be safe to assume that 10/1 is a firm date for any island. It is still an unknown. We will know more, probably around the middle of September.
Aloha.
Hi Guys, can you clarify something for me re: Covid testing. I have an upcoming trip to OGG on September 4th (government permitting, without 14 quarantine of course). If the new regulation is to provide a Negative Covid test 72 hours prior…… I am scheduled to take my test Thursday, August 27th. Typically turn around time in SF is 1-2 days. Assuming my test is returned on Saturday or Sunday (Aug. 29th or 30th), is this acceptable? 72 hours prior, does this mean the test date showing negative needs to be returned on Aug 31st (specifically) in order to board the flight September 3rd? Not sure I’m finding that information amidst all the chaos of Hawaii travel news and the government press is confusing. Mahalo for your help!! Val
Hi Val.
There is very little chance that September 1 happening. When travel does resume without quarantine, we expect the state to provide much-needed clarification, as you are asking for.
Aloha.
Oh, ok. I asked because I received an update from Hawaiian Airlines advising me of an update to my outburst Maui flight. That’s why I inquired about test date clarification. Instead of updating flight information, they should be canceling itineraries. And the confusion continued (not upset, just frustrated and sad), but my priority is having a safe & healthy Hawaii population.
We are at a crossroads – we cancelled a multi week Maui star last month. We are now planning another one for next summer. Should we pull the trigger???
I have one question for all the people that want Hawaii to open and do business as usual. Does anyone realize that this virus is most likely carried on every flight, and picks up passengers, and delivers them to a new destination?
As a flight attendant of 44 years duration and continuing,the most proven contamination is likely to occur traveling within the airport terminals! Cabin air on all modern aircraft changes every 2-3 minutes with a air particle filteration of 99.9% including viruses. In the older days of flying till around mid-80’s, flight attendants were plague by catching constant colds from passengers! Now with the new filteration on planes, respiratory infections, colds etc have been reduced by more than 70%!! Face mask are required due to the possibility of transfer of particles in the air when in less than 6 feet distancing. The air filtering on a aircraft however is catching majority of such said. In addition,after each flight, a new method of santization is happening with a thorough cabin spraying of a disinfectant that kills all viral germs and more. The CDC has noted the safest part of a airline journey is on the aircraft!! Less exposure and better air environment! All airlin’s crew and staff were heavily briefed on this subject with constant updates. So fly and enjoy it!
Thanks for this helpful info!
Just a follow up. We pulled the trigger and started booking our next singer Hawaiian visit, but instead of the normal 2 weeks, we added on another 2 weeks as “make up” for this past summer’s cancellation ; )
Those Max’s will never fly. People just need to move on. They won’t be in the Air in October, or January, or Next Summer. The FAA is going to be so strict with those planes, Boeing might as well start over.
Why is Oregon not on this list? Our cases are way less than anyone around us? Just curious
Why has LAX been removed from list?
Would there be enough people traveling for Spokane for a nonstop
Has Spokane had a non stop to Hawaii? I hadn’t heard of one after Allegiant pulled out of the Hawaii market.
Mahalo! Always appreciate your up to the minute news and analysis.
Hi Vicky.
Thank you!
Aloha.
Interesting as LAX is not in this article or Santa ANA, (SNA) as that is one of Southwest’s most busiest hub?
SNA’s runway is too short, at least that’s what I’ve always been told as to why they don’t have any Hawaii flights on any carrier.
Aloha. We had flights booked on American for Sept 25 – Oct 5 and cancelled them this week. With all the contradictions from the state and local governments in Hawaii and increases in cases in all locations, we doubt that September will happen. So we cancelled in order to be sure we were able to get our award miles and funds spent refunded in time. Good luck, everybody. We hope to return to Hawaii soon, but not that soon.
Hi Diane.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Do you think southwest will start flying more interisland flights now that the quarantine is lifting between islands
Aloha,
Did you notice that starting on 11/1/20, the HNL-SAN route is discontinued? Do you think this is permanent?
Thanks,
Will
Hi Will.
We’ve also noticed a lot of unexplained changes in Hawaii schedules on multiple airlines. Our take is that is that it is too soon to say which routes will continue and which may be culled. Once things restart we should soon get a better idea.
Aloha.
I have SJC to OGG booked in September. I think that’s far enough out but we’ll see.
Anyway, when I check for lower prices I see a ton of unavailable, including the dates I have 9/5-9/12. I haven’t gotten a cancellation yet. Is it really full? I find that hard to believe. I’m wondering what’s happening. Any ideas?
Middle seats are blocked on all Southwest flights through 9/30 so planes could indeed be full. That’s a lot of seats blocked. Just my thought.
We flew to Florida 10 days ago and flying back home in 2 days and ALL seats were full. They were not skipping ANY seats and they said most planes weren’t skipping seats anymore.
I have reservations july 11th to Kona one week n one week after that to Kauai I called condo they say to wait not to cancel yet cause quar antine might be lifted also united airlines. Other wise I lose m_ money. Timeshare says they have condo open. Weird since you can’t go anywhere.
I suspect Southwest’s decision to resume flights July 1st will change based on David Ige’s announcement today that he is going to continue the 14 day quarantine on visitors from the mainland and foreign countries beyond June 30th. Tourism is Hawaii’s lifeblood and he’s destroying Hawaii’s economy because of his ignorance. It’s going to take YEARS for Hawaii to recover and until then the residents are going to continue to suffer.
Thank you for allowing me to express my frustration with Ige’s latest edict.
Hi Goldie.
Thanks.
Aloha.
Interesting in that I just read that the Governor is saying he plans to extend the quarantine to out of state visitors beyond June 30.
Just saw that the governor is going to extend the quarantine into July.
I’m looking ahead at the Southwest schedule for October and the OGG to SAN non-stop is not showing. Above you mentioned that that flight will start July 1. Are you thinking they may not have published all their considered routes yet? I read your newsletter faithfully, Mahalo for all of your great information!
Hi Vicky.
You are correct. That route now appears to have been removed from their schedule. Thanks for the update and we’ve corrected the information.
Aloha.
Just spent some time on google flights searching nonstop flights to Kauai. By the second week in July there will be at least 10-12+ nonstop flights per day just to Kauai. Southwest does not participate on Google flights so I didn’t include them.
LAX
Hawaiian now has one now but not every day. Same with Delta.
United adds two more per day on July 6th.
American adds 1 per day on July 8 and then quickly goes to 2.
Some days in July have 5 nonstop flights from LAX.
SFO
Currently no nonstop flights
United goes from none to 2 flights per day on July 6th.
SEA
Currently none. Alaska adds 2 on July 1.
Delta adds one on July 2.
3 per day ongoing.
DEN
Currently none from Denver. United resumes this nonstop route on July 6.
PHX
American resumes its Phoenix non stop on Aug 8. With the inclusion of this flight I believe this fully restores flight levels to the pre pan demic level.
Thanks for all your work keeping up with the latest news. We’re scheduled for our annual visit to Kaua’i 1/4 and return in early March. I really hope it happens but the unknown of this disease plus the uptick at states that have opened doesn’t give me a warm fuzzy feeling! I’d love to book our return to OAK on Alaska but I’m not sure that route will survive the competition with SWA and Hawaiian. Any thoughts? thanks again! Enjoy the ocean and the island!
Hi Barney.
Thanks. It is just too soon to say what will happen with those three companies in terms of Hawaii. That given the unique environment we are now in. Stay tuned, as we learn more.
Aloha.
We have tickets bought for SMF to Lih 8/10 to 8/26 Can you please advice us what to do. Thank You
Hi Geraldine.
Not sure what you are asking about. That is operating via Honolulu. Outbound departs 10:15 AM, arriving 4:10 PM. Return is at 10:45 AM, arriving 9:40 PM. If anything else, just let us know.
Aloha.
I was waiting until today to see the schedule release for Nov. 1 for SWA and the flights I need are showing indeed. My dilemma–I’d rather fly Alaska Airlines for our Sacramento to Kona trip in early November 2020 (I like the times better and have availability of the $99 companion fare) but I’m not really thinking Alaska is going to be actually flying to neighbor islands by that time so I’d be reduced to mainland to HNL on Alaska and then have to get inter-islands on SWA or HA–in which case I might as well book the Southwest flights to start with for cost savings.
Can you peek into your crystal ball and see if my thinking (e.g. no Alaska flights to neighbor islands by November) is likely? The May 31 deadline for Alaska Air to make flights which are rebookable once at no extra fee is my timeline push right now…
Hi again Tonya.
We appreciate your comments. Hard to say how this will play out. The airlines will jockey for repositioning in Hawaii. Both Alaska and Southwest are well set to stay here, although arguably Southwest is even better positioned out of California since they are dominant there. We really can’t call this one yet.
Aloha.
Don’t forget, you never lose your money when traveling in Southwest. You can always use your funds for later flights!
I think they extended June the ability to change your flight for Alaska airlines. Double check today.
Most airlines flying to Hawaii are offering a free schedule change without fees on tickets purchased before May 31. This policy has been extended a couple of times but I’m concerned that it will not be continued past the May 31 date.
Please, have you heard any hints, rumors or information indicating what will be the change policy going forward in June?
Also, is it possible that the state will release updated quar antine (or hopefully lack of) rules by May 31 in case the airlines do not extend their fee change waivers?
Unfortunately there are no Southwest flights (on their website) for travel from my current mainland city to Kona in early July. Perhaps they just haven’t been added yet.
Thanks for the timely updates. You are my best source of information in the attempt to get back home without house arrest.
Hi Mike.
Thanks for your comments and nice words! We have not heard but are wondering the same thing. We definitely hope that the state will provide a definitive statement soon. But as much as we’d like to say we’ll have an answer, given the disarray here, we just can’t say it will happen in the next 4 days.
Aloha.
Very interesting indeed. Govenor Ige 1h ago announced that the traveler quar antine will be extended beyond June 30. as expected. (Continued high case numbers on the mainland states where Hawai’i travelers come from.) He didn’t provide an end date. At the same time, as you reported, some airlines are opening up their schedules July 1st. Awe! Are airlines possibly forced to bring these flights back, even empty, due to government subsidies, airport landing slot terms, or bailout terms? What gives?