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1,796 thoughts on “Southwest Hawaii Stiffens Competition: 11 New Daily Flights Exposed”
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Why is Southwest Not flying out of SFO to Hawaii? Also, I noticed UAL’s cheaper flights you recently published were not out of SFO either – isn’t San Francisco one of United’s hubs? I’d have to take a train and shuttle to get to OAK or SJO which would be a real pain.
I have miles built up on SWA, so I will wait for them, but not happy if I have to go to another airport cause I am so close to SFO.
I am so good with an OAK because it is so much closer to me than SFO!
OAK is one Southwest’s “hubs.” Doubtful they’ll start flying out of SFO, given their strength at OAK and the fact that United, Alaska, and Hawaiian already fly out of SFO. They’ll almost certainly concentrate on their stronghold of OAK, probably knocking Alaska out of the airport in the process.
We are using our time share and only have one date…arrive Kona 7-27 leave on 8-3 to Las Vegas. There are 6 people including the kids,
I am seeing expensive flights:( Oh Please… Where do I go for the best flights?
I too was hoping SW would be up and running….
Appreciate your advise.
Thank you sooo much
Hi Melanie.
$756 to low $800’s. Doubtful it will go down by waiting so suggest buying sooner rather than later. There is no place to buy them for less than on the airline sites or online travel agencies. No Southwest by then.
Aloha.
If you are willing to drive or can get like a $49.00 fare each way check Lax, Sfo ,san airfares to Hawaii you may save some real money. From San I rent a car 1 way to fly out of Lax its way cheaper to Europe. Even sometimes like Phoenix may be cheaper check all airports within driving distance.
have fun. it just cost me 923.00 to fly to kona from florida. last year it was 1200.00 .my daughter moved there last yr for a better job . if you need any help with anything just send me a message. I will be going may 31 to june 19. I used united airlines because I get the miles and trying for a free ticket. I so wish sw would hurry up. as I used to live in california for 27 yrs so have family and friends that I can stay with for a few days then fly straight to kona. not sure if you ever have been there.enjoy yourself
Looking forward to someday in the future of being able to fly from Nashville TN directly to Hawaii!
My gut feel is that you will be waiting for awhile for direct non-stop flights from your wonderful state to Hawaii.
The direct flights will only be from the California airports, other cities will have layovers and multiply layovers depending on city
I fly Southwest whenever I can; that is whenever you go where I want to go. I have a tournament in Hawaii in November and I really want to fly Southwest there the day after Thanksgiving early morning. Can you PLEASE work to start flights in time for me?
Would love to be notified when the dates will open up for Southwest of fly to Hawaii !
Hi Julie.
If you are signed up to receive our free email updates, you’ll know as soon as we do.
Aloha.
Interested in beginning flight dates from OAK to HNL.
Phoenix shouldve been first! California has the ocean already! We are in the desert , melting , need water! Just kidding… or maybe not! Love this site and helping us stay informed and connected mahalo! Ill be there in June to renew my vows!
Aloha!
I keep hearing the that SWA is inquiring about SNA to Hawaii given southwest’s big presence there and pent-up demand in the OC with no competition.
Any insight would be appreciated!
Hi Gregg.
We have heard nothing like that. Very unlikely.
Aloha.
SNA’s runway is generally too short for flights to Hawaii. Only airplane that could make it in Southwest’s fleet is the 737-700, and I don’t believe ETOPs was requested for that fleet, just the -800s and Max8s.
My wife and i are flying to Hawaii on December 12, of this year. So I’m guessing it’s a better idea to find a different flight agency since they MIGHT start sometime in December? Really wanted to fly SWA.
It will be wonderful, to have Southwest, fly interisland flights. Hawaiian Airlines has had, a monopoly, for years..Unfortunately, the rates, have been quite spendy, for the kamaainas, or local people!
My wife and I enjoy flying Southwest. We have family in Hawaii and travel there often. We heard last year that Southwest was going to start flying to Hawaii in 2018 and we signed up for a Southwest Rapid Rewards program. We signed up to fly mostly to Hawaii. Since the flights are not likely to start until the end of 2018, will Southwest extend the Companion Program into 2019? We look forward to flying Southwest in the future.
The southwest companion program has been going on for several years. There is no reason to think it will not extend it to 2019. Take this from a loyal Southwest traveler for many many years. Good luck! Looking forward to Hawaii trips
If you earned the 2018 companion pass by being in California and signing up for the credit card toward the end of 2017, no that will not just extend to 2019. You can still earn the companion pass by meeting the normal requirements, though.
Now that Southwest has taken another step closer to flying to Hawaii, when do you think they will start their service from Seattle, Wa area.
I have heard Southwest will be operating one flight out of Sacramento, California to compete with Hawaiian Airlines and Alaska, is there any way you might be able to confirm this rumor for me please. Thank you in advance for your consideration.
Hi Mark.
At this point it is all rumor. We have provided the quotes and whatever insights we have. Stay tuned, this is going to get interesting.
Aloha.
Oh please fly out of Sacramento we are so tired of paying Hawaiian prices!!!!
Now that Southwest has taken another step closer to flying to Hawaii, when do you think they will start their service to Kona? Wondering if I should buy my late August 2018 tickets from San Diego!
Hi Angie.
It is anyone’s guess. We think December 2018 is earliest likely start dates. Late August is a time you can wait on anyway, since availability isn’t an issue and good prices should prevail.
Aloha.
Thank you guys for the nice updates on SWA. I eagerly read each one! We will be flying back to Kona in early 2019 (50th Anniversary trip) and will probably go with Hawaiian again. Even if SWA is flying by then, we will wait and give them a bit of time to get things going well and hopefully add Phoenix to their mix.
We may use our points for a SWA flight in 2020. :o) We don’t haul a lot of luggage so the two free bags isn’t a big draw for us. Have to take food along and buy chargers for our toys. But the big one is leaving from Phoenix. We usually do a overnight there with family – breaks up the flight for us.
Much aloha two you both! Keep up the good work!
Hi Colleen.
Hope you guys are doing well! We definitely expect to see more offerings from Phoenix in the not distant future.
Thanks and aloha.
Hilo needs some LUV. ITO could be a huge market for WN! It’s so underserved and the business is there! I hope WN serves ITO to the mainland and maybe even inter island. ITO please!!! Are you listening WN? Let ITO show you some aloha and LUV!
Hello– am wanting to travel from cincy to kona after christmas for 2 weeks- do you think $859 is a good price? Any thoughts you can give would be appreciated — thank you — Barbara
Hi Barbara.
You didn’t mention if that means December or January – high or low season. Generally good price. We would not anticipate any easing in prices for departures before about January 8. After that prices could be starting $750 or so. December departures are high $900’s and above.
Aloha.
First of all let me say that I LUV SWA! It’s my favorite Airline. Unfortunately on flights of this length, my Wife & I prefer first class travel. I know this would mean new aircraft with different seating configuration so I’m sure it won’t happen, but I can hope.
I wish SWA the best of luck, but we will keep our SWA flights to domestic travel.
I wish Southwest would bring the eastern big island along on this service extension. It’s still difficult to get reasonable fares and ANY kind of fare deal to Hilo.
We are here now and coming back next February. We love Hawaiian airlines but would prefer SW. I hope they are flying by then!
Wow, so excited to hear this. SWA is my go to airline. Love everything about it, especially your flight attendants! We are celebrating our 50th Anniversary in July. I have flight booked to from CMH to Vegas and hotel accommodations on Maui but have not booked flight from Vegas to Hawaii. I know I need to get on the stick and get that done but keep hoping for a miracle that you will announce schedule soon for Hawaii. Any chance?
Hi, I am wondering if you think SW will be flying to Hawaii by Dec.2018? I am looking to book but holding out for a cheaper price right now. Any information you can give me would be appreciated. Flying out of Iowa. Thank you so much.
Hi Peggy.
That’s probably the earliest. But seriously no one knows. Even Southwest probably doesn’t know as there are variables outside of their control. When they feel those variables are nailed down, they will announce.
Aloha.
I am crossing my fingers for a slightly earlier time (thinking Oct or Nov) !!!
Now that Southwest has taken another step closer to flying to Hawaii, when do you think they will start their service to Kona? Wondering if I should buy my late August 2018 tickets!
Will seating be more comfortable and roomy, or will the flights be with the current seating?
Thanks,
Kim
Hi Kim.
No changes to what is currently offered in terms of seating. Southwest is no worse than its competitors in that regard.
Aloha.
It’s nice that maybe soon S.W will offer flights to Hawaii BUT why not from Dallas Love Field and Portland, OR ???? …. two MAJOR cities for Southwest. Portland residents hate having to first fly to Seattle or L.A/San Fran to make connections and those of us in the mid-West or further East don’t like flying all the way to West coast to make connections.
Because Portland on its own likely does not have enough of a market for flights to Hawaii, and isn’t as large of a hub for airlines as Seattle or SF/LA. And if you read the article, Denver is out of reach even on the 737-800, so Dallas is even more out of reach.
I am very happy to learn that sometime in the near future SWA will be flying to Hawaii, I have a reservation in Oahu,October 2018, I probably won’t be so lucky, its good to know. SWA is my favorite airline. Keep it up, thank you.
I am very interested in flying to Hawaii and when you have the first flight scheduled and/or any early deals please keep me posted. What are the avenues you may take to fly from STL?
Flying to Hawaii in mid September. Want to hold out for Southwest (our favorite airline,)however concerned that no dates have yet been officially announced (and, in the mean time, some great specials from other airlines).
Do we hold our breath and wait, or try to accept that we need to select another airline?
I would not hold your breath on SWA IF you see fares on other airlines which are acceptable for you.
Southwest released their schedule through October 1, 2018, and no Hawaii service was announced. Looks like you’ll have to fly someone else in September.
You may be able to still keep your fingers crossed – I have heard SWA has been known to add flights to schedules ones they have come out with the official schedules, but I do not know first hand how often that happens.
I want to enter any contest you might have for a trip to Hawaii. I want it for my son and daughter in law…who deserve something like that so much!
I always fly Southwest when I travel but who knows when that will happen again.
If there is no contest, oh well…I love you guys anyway and I am going to save my money for a trip for them.
Cheers!
How excited I am to see SWA be a part of Hawaii travel. Our friends are going there and asked us to join them since they have a timeshare on Maui. However, I want to fly with you! Any flights going from Cincinnati or preferably Indianapolis?
Kind regards, Diane
Hi Diane.
We’re all awaiting more news. Flights will be from the west coast with the possibility of connections from cities like those you mentioned.
Aloha.
Aloha,
Thank you. I like the staff and the no fuss for seating with the option to do early bird, and the checked luggage free option. It’s this that makes you who you are. As far as I’m concerned, Southwest is the best. The quote, ‘The difference between ordinary and extraordinary, is that little ‘extra’. Thank you, thank you.
Sincerely,
Diane
My wife and I are looking forward to the new SWA service to Hawaii. We love SWA’s service and frequently fly to the big Island, so this new route would be wonderful! Please keep us appraised as to when you will start these new routes, especially out of San Diego.
Hi John.
Will do!
Aloha.
How do you apply for Customer Service Agent jobs with Southwest in Hawaii and which Island
will have a station?
It has always been a dream to fly on SWA and now my kids just move to HI! That too has been a dream-since I turn 60 in October I would be thrilled to celebrate it in HI!
Thank you
Good Morning!
Are you anticipating any special pricing? Do you know if flights will be available beyond 2018 in February? I’m looking for a Spring 2019 trip. Thanks in advance!
Best,
Renee
Hi Renee.
You commented on SWA post, so it seems like you’re asking when SWA will announce, and if Spring 2019 is viable. Yes we do expect they will be flying here from indicated cities by early in 2019 if not a bit sooner.
Aloha.
Do you think they will let us use points and companion passes?
Hi,
Please tell me Southwest will be flying to HI before September 2018. I graduate with my masters in Hi and have 10+ family members going, and would love to fly Southwest as opposed to other airlines. I am a loyal Southwest flyer and will be flying from the Los Angeles area.
Thank you!
Hi Danielle.
No one knows definitely. But let’s just say extremely unlikely for September.
Aloha.
Why is Sept 2018 extremely unlikely? We are still seven months away – does it take more than that to schedule flights ?
Or perhaps we can come with you on one of your test flights – especially if that happens in June !!! Test flights are not dangerous and scary, though – right? Are they free?
The test is just for time, for landing, etc etc etc, right?
LOVE SWA !
Hello SWA !!!
Firstly, I am very very happy that you will have direct flights from PHX to HI and back. Thank you very much for that !
We celebrate our 35th wedding anniversary this year in June. We have always wanted and planned to celebrate it at the Big Island – fly to Kona first, travel from west to the east, and come back to PHX from Hilo. I understand that you may not have inter-island flights yet initially – but that’s alright…
From above’s announcement, it looks like you will not be ready yet to fly in June, our anniversary month… That is ok – we don’t have to make it June, as long as we hope to go to the Big Island this year, in celebration of our 35th anniversary. And we would love to make SWA a part of that important milestone in our lives ! We are empty-nesters now, so our time is more adjustable.
One thing I have always wished for, though – is to be on your initial flight to this destination, where it is as special for the guests as much as it is for the crew ! I would LOVE us to be on this special maiden flight (is that what you call it?)…
Please, please, please keep me posted – I wish to have this dream come true with SWA ! We love SWA for everything – price, itinerary, system, both ground and flight crew, food (no matter how simple), etc etc etc …
LOVE IS IN THE AIR !!!
I look forward to fly with southwest to Hawaii, please keep me posted when you will start. thank you
Please, please tell me that SouthWest will be flying from Seattle to Hawaii before September 2018! My hubby and I are going for our 15th anniversary (I’m 66 so I can’t wait too much longer) to renew our vows. My dream of many many years has been to visit Hawaii. It’s #1 on my bucket list. I can pronounce 27 letter words, I have an extensive Hawaiian artist CD collection, I’ve been studying Hawaiian mythology and trying to learn some of the language (not bad for an old haole.) It has to happen before my hubby retires as there’s no way we’ll ever be able to afford to go after that. I’m paying for this out of my social security so you know it’s the most important thing to me…I’d even give up my grandchildren for a period of time.
Please and thank you for good news!!!
Hi Dawn.
No they will not. But Seattle sees great prices anyway. Hang in there a bit for sales – it will surely work out.
Love your sense of humor.
Aloha.
Why are you not flying out of Sacramento airport?
BEAT OF HAWAII
What month do you anticipate the first flight from Oakland to Hawaii?
Can you use points for the Hawaii flights?
Will you be able to use the companion pass for Hawaii flights?
Aloha!
Why do you always exclude SNA as a likely airport to service Hawaii when in fact it checks all the boxes, most important of which is pent up demand in the OC area combined with the lack of competition (no other airline provides that service from SNA)???
Mahalo!
Hi Greg.
It does not seem that anyone will fly from SNA. It’s a complicated airport to use, especially for Hawaii flights. That’s probably in part why Hawaiian just jumped on Long Beach instead.
Aloha.
Complicated? How?
Hi Greg.
Short runway and extreme noise abatement lead to payload considerations, just for starters.
Aloha.
No way a fully loaded 737 with the necessary fuel to go to Hawaii can use SNA Rwy 2OR (the only one long enough for a 737) and have adequate performance… SNA to Hawaii not happening (unless you charter a smaller jet). Sorry.
Aloha airlines served sna before closing. They utilized 737-700s loaded and flew to multiple islands. Sna is capable.
Aloha Airlines flew out of SNA to Kona and other destinations in Hawaii in 737’s in the early 2000’s. It would seem it would still be possible.
Regarding noise abatement, all the planes need to do (as they do now), is throttle back for a very short period of time/area when taking off. I would not think this should be a main concern on using SNA