Updated 5/29/20. Fascinating Southwest Hawaii updates in multiple ways. From these changes, it appears Southwest believed Hawaii tourism would restart July 1. Here’s what was announced yesterday. Did Southwest have information on what the state was about to do? Or, were they being proactive in an attempt to move the government off its dime. We have seen that here already with the island mayors creating policies that later forced the governor’s hand.
That came right before Hawaii’s governor indicated his intention to extend the 14-day isolation period beyond June 30. More to follow on that.
Here’s what we learned in seven bullet points below:
1. As of May 28, Southwest Hawaii flights through the holidays (until January 4) became available for booking. Until this announcement, you could only book travel on Southwest through October 31.
2. Hawaii flights have been restored to their schedule, with services to tentatively resume beginning July 1. That is in concert with what the State of Hawaii has indicated, which is that the 14-day isolation period is now scheduled through June 30. We are awaiting updates from the government and expect that you won’t have to wait much longer to know definitively.
3. Southwest will begin increasing interisland flights starting June 7, thus they appear to be indicating their belief or desire that the 14-day isolation on interisland flights end by then. The company will return to a full volume of inter-island services on July 1.
4. Airlines including Southwest are continuing to modify their presumed travel resumption dates. Please check the airline’s website directly for the latest schedules, as this has been changing daily.
5. From now through June 30, the only Southwest Hawaii flights operating are those deemed “essential flights.” Those are mostly comprised of limited services between Oakland/San Jose and Honolulu/Maui plus some inter-island flights.
6. Remember that through June, a mandatory 14-day isolation is required for all arrivals in Hawaii.
7. The plan for the Boeing 737 MAX fleet’s return to schedule has been updated too. See CEO Gary Kelly’s latest on that below.
Updated Southwest Hawaii routes and frequencies:
OAKLAND: Honolulu (2 daily ongoing); Maui (2 daily starting 7/1); Kona (1 daily starting 7/1); Kauai (1 daily starting 7/1)
SAN JOSE: Honolulu (1 daily ongoing); Maui (1 daily starting 7/1); Kona (1 daily starting 7.1); Lihue (1 daily starting 7/1).
SACRAMENTO: Honolulu (1 daily starting 7/1); Maui (1 daily starting 7/1).
SAN DIEGO: Honolulu (1 daily starting 7/1).
HONOLULU: Oakland (2 daily ongoing); San Jose (1 daily starting 7/1) Sacramento (1 daily starting 7/1); San Diego (1 daily starting 7/1); Interisland: Maui, Kona, Lihue, Hilo (increasing starting June 7 to become 4 daily starting 7/1).
MAUI: Oakland (2 daily starting 7/1); San Jose (1 daily starting 7/1); Sacramento (1 daily starting 7/1); Interisland: Honolulu (increasing to 4 daily starting 7/1), Kona (1 daily starting 7/1).
KONA: Oakland (1 daily starting 7/1); San Jose (1 daily starting 7/1); Interisland: Honolulu (increasing to 4 daily starting 7/1); Maui (1 daily starting 7/1).
KAUAI: Oakland (1 daily starting 7/1); San Jose (1 daily starting 7/1); Interisland: Honolulu (increasing to 4 daily starting 7/1).
HILO: Interisland: Honolulu (increasing to 4 daily starting 7/1).
737 MAX return update. Plus, will Southwest Hawaii expansion ever resume?
At this point, Southwest has canceled the return of 737 MAX on their schedule through August 10, which is about to be extended to fall or beyond. Until those planes return, Southwest will be using 737-800 planes for Hawaii flights.
CEO Gary Kelly said to employees recently, “I’m sure this will cause us to have to take the MAX out of the schedule beyond October 1.
Further Southwest Hawaii expansion remains unsure during these turbulent times. It has also been limited by ongoing grounding of their MAX fleet. That problem too will eventually come to an end, and those planes may return to service later this year or early in 2021.
If and when Hawaii expansion resumes, the following is our list of possible expansion cities, in the order of likelihood: Los Angeles, Phoenix, Las Vegas, Denver, Burbank, Salt Lake City, Spokane, and Albuquerque.
Updated 5/28/20.
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Aunty K says
Everyone who is still trying to fly to Hawai’i during this, be a little more considerate. It may sound harsh but we don’t want you coming here right now. Stay home. Your “sanity” is not as important as the lives you put at risk.
Our one advantage in this is island isolation. Please, help us save as many lives as possible by maintaining that.
Rob S. says
The Southwest Airlines’ schedule release date has already changed. “We are currently accepting air reservations through October 30, 2020. On May 28, 2020 we will open our schedule for sale through January 4, 2021. This date is subject to change! Please check back frequently.”
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Rob.
That changed fast. Thanks. We’ve updated the post.
Aloha.
PJ says
Hi – Will southwest give a refund for a flight cancelled on 4/10/2020? I have travel credits but would rather have the refund. If so, how does that happen?
Debbie C. says
Thank you for your continuing updates of all the news in this uncertain time. With this date being putting out there, what is the likelihood that the mayor of Kaua’i and/or the state governor will start allowing visitors back? I have a flight scheduled for June 6 to my favorite place — Kaua’i.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Debbie.
It is too early to say. Check back in a month and we should know a lot more.
Aloha.
Barney G says
Mahalo for all your information. This small connection to Kaua’i during these times help to keep me (semi) sane!😊
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Barney.
Thank you.
Aloha.
Claude L. says
I suspect it will only be a matter of time that Alaska, American Airlines, and United follow what Southwest and Hawaiian airlines have just done. Sad day for everyone.
TL says
American and Alaska already have cut to a ske link et ok n schedule. United is the outlier, probably because of the Guam and Micronesia service.
Dee S says
We cancelled PHX to ABQ mid April with no trouble but could not get a refund or credit for early seat assignment. Should I try harder? Mahalo for keeping us informed.
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Dee.
If you cancelled due to either a flight cancellation or a significant change in the flight date/time, then the DOT rules will apply and yes you should. If that isn’t the case, then it will be discretionary.
Aloha.
Kelly S says
Hello, I was just wondering if the fare differences could go up on Southwest if our trip is postponed due to this? I was looking at buying tickets for July 1-13. The prices are great of course, but I worry that if I have to re-book for next summer, I will have to pay the difference as prices go back up by hundreds of dollars. Thanks so much! Love your website!
Kelly
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Kelly.
We have asked and looked but have not heard anything definitive about SWA waiving fare differences. Wouldn’t be surprised to see that possibility.
Aloha.
yuka says
why are you still bringing people to hawaii? do you know its home for us not just a vacation destination as you think. we have our family, loved ones, kids live on this island. please stop spreading.
Steve M says
Not sure why BOH isn’t commenting on SWA cancelling all but 2 flights to and from mainland and cutting back almost all interisland flights. The State now has 14 day indoor quar antine for all airline passengers entering the state. Police are authorized to stop and charge violators.
ROB T. says
Hi SWA
Any update on when you will be offering direct flights from SAN to LIH?
we are eagerly awaiting this as a non stop way to get out to Kauai:)
thanks
Sherrie H. says
Are you going to stop flights from Sacramento to Maui because of the quar antine. I saw that they want visitors to stay home. If they come they will have to stay in for 14 days.
Chip B says
saw flights from ATL to KOA last week, but they are gone now. Can you explain? Mahalo!
Beat of Hawaii says
Hi Chip.
Not sure exactly what you are looking for. Schedules are all in state of flux for near term.
Aloha.
Cynthia says
I would love to fly Southwest round trip to Kauai from Dallas but we can’t get back in a reasonable time.
Kirk P says
Any idea when swa might fly San diego to Kauai?
Daniel L. says
The Max plane is dead. Everyone might as well expect a different version of 700 to be created, or SWA will start buying Airbus. These airlines are not going to wait around for the Max Plane forever. Besides people, won’t fly the plane anyway. There is no rush to bring that plane back into service, so at this point, you might as well stop calling it a delay.
jamie l says
was there a major scheduling change in last few days? a few days ago there were routes every day from reno to lihue (thru SJC). now its only on weekends at twice the price
Renee says
Do you think or do sources indicate that only the potential Basic Economy tickets would have no free checked bags, and would lack the no change fees? Or would all ticket price levels be affect? Could you do a special article on how basic economy, once introduced, changed other airlines and how it could change the face of Southwest as I know and love it?
Stephen says
The buildup for SW flights is mildly exciting. Visiting Kauai mid-February and booked my tixs on Hawaiian last July for less than $100 more RT. Peace of mind is important to some flyers, that would be me, and waiting, and waiting, for SW to get their act together doesn’t give me that but perhaps they’ll do better in the future.
Dave m says
Swa has also ordered the 700 max. Those are also sitting with the 800 max right now. It is the 700 max that will have the power and range to start phx, las, den, ect. So its coming. We just don’t know when
Mark says
I understand Southwest doesn’t do red eyes and thus that limits availability from airports east of Denver but why will they not make *any* itineraries from those origins available? The first flights from the East Coast can still get to HNL by dinnertime. Is it because they won’t return a one-way unless it can be booked as a round trip?
Very frustrating at the moment, especially since they stopped nonstop service to SJC from my airport (RDU). Until they add PHX, LAS, or DEN as Hawaii origins, this is going to be a major problem for anyone on the East Coast. Those three airports are faaaaar easier to get to compared to OAK, SJC, SAN, and SMF.