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1,796 thoughts on “Southwest Hawaii Stiffens Competition: 11 New Daily Flights Exposed”
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Don’t expect anytime soon the terminal to be where Island Air commuter flights were. The entire building and parking lot has been demolished and is being cleared of the rubble.
Hello – in recent updates I thought I saw that there will be HI flights from Portland, OR (PDX). No mention of PDX flights in this newest update, however. Any news on this? thanks
Hi Jeff.
Portland has never been on any list we’ve seen or in any discussion we’ve had. Perhaps down the road, but not really sure.
Aloha.
I am not interested in flying Southwest. Looking at Delta on July 16 (first class or Delta One). Cost is between 1050 and 1200 ONE WAY from HNL to PIT. Do you think the Southwest Effect will effect first class? I realize SW doesn’t offer such a service so I am not sure if I should buy now or later> THanks!
Hi MC.
Doubt Southwest will impact business/first class at all. $950 one-way is the cheapest we usually see in that market. So that price for your date is reasonable.
Aloha.
Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. I am just so torn on the Delta One vs. regular first class. My understanding is the only benefit is the beds,one stop vs. two stops and aceess to the lounge. Price difference is 200 pp. Delta One is what we flew last summer and enjoyed…Have you ever flown regular Delta First Class? Not Delta One…Was it ok? I appreciate your site!
Hi Scott.
Yes we’ve flown Delta first (767-400) but it has been a while. It was fine – no standout, but comparable with other domestic first. Delta One is going to be great on new A350 for example, which doesn’t fly here, but on other aircraft it may not be as good.
What we do is find specific plane we’re flying, then do a google search for the airline, aircraft type, then first class reviews. Both text and video results that should give you a good idea what to expect.
Aloha.
Aloha BOH!!!
Now that we’re almost into October are there any new updates on a date for ticket sales to begin in October? We are flying to Maui from California (OAK) over the Thanksgiving holiday and decided to try and wait it out to see if SW will be flying by then. The suspense is killing us haha, just hoping y’all might have an update or a date that they’re schedule or expected to provide an update on in October?
Thanks for all the helpful info!!!
Mahalo,
Sam
Hi Sam.
No updates. Nothing has changed and we have had word in past week that process is doing forward. We hope to hear within next 30 days.
Aloha.
Hello, we have a companion pass only valid until the end of the year. It is my understanding that even if you book before it expires, you cannot use it beyond the expiration date. That being said, we have a trip to the islands booked in mid-November and have fingers crossed that flights will be announced soon because we want to use points and companion pass. We would not be able to go in December, so hoping it all works out! My question is, will we (the public) know when these ETOPS Test (proving) flights happen? Just trying to get some indicator of progress. Thank you so much for all of the information, I am following this topic daily! 🙂 Mahalo
Hi Meagan.
Yes we will be advising when the proving flights happen. There is progress as recently as this past week, and as soon as we have a bit more to report, we’ll be updating the situation.
Aloha.
Thank you for your continued updates on this. We still have our hotel booked for early November, and still waiting on Southwest to use our points and Companion Pass. Since we are flying to Kauai, it sounds like IF the flights are going by then, we will have to take an interisland flight from Maui or Oahu to Kauai anyway, which looks like it will be around $300 for the 2 of us. I am tempted to book Alaska airlines, which is currently $285 per person roundtrip. This will cost us $300 more than anticipated, but being that we are less than 1 month away from departure, will give a lot of peace of mind. Decisions, decisions.
Hi Meagan.
While no one knows, it is still possible that even the first Southwest Hawaii flights could have extensions to Lihue or Kona. Something like OAK/HNL/LIH for example. Of course that may not happen and flights might not even start when you need them.
Our gut call is to go with your temptation and book now. There are too many variables out there, leaving us with the sense that it might just not come together in your time frame.
Aloha.
Communication to FA group from Sonya yesterday indicated they are just now submitting in flight ops procedures/manual for ETOPs approval. One step closer to the hawaii LUV.
We have a companion pass, and wondered if we booked for Hawaii when it opens, and still use it next year?. I think our companion pass is over Dec 31st. Is there anyway to book and use it next year? We have points also. Just have waited so long to be able to go and wanted to go this fall, but have a trip planned for next April 2019. Please advise if you have any answers for us. The last trip the other couples mom passed and didn’t get to finish there vacation, so both couples are trying to go back for them. Thanks so much, Debbie
Hi Debbie.
Being based here in Hawaii, we aren’t super familiar with Southwest, but expect to be soon. What does your pass say – booking by 12/31 or flying by 12/31?
Aloha.
The pass is per year so it wouldn’t work for 2019 unless you have already met the requirements to renew your pass for 2019. You could book on points and then if you renew the pass have it rebooked and get your points back. That would be better than paying since you would only get a travel credit good for 1 year from date of purchase.
Hi! We are flying to Maui from Denver Dec 26-Jan 4. I found a round trip on delta for $1,180 which seems like a decent price for that time. Wondering if I should hold out for Southwest in hopes they are flying by then?? Would you please share your thoughts or is that Delta flight worth booking? Thanks!! -Kim
Hi Kim.
While Southwest may well be flying from California by then, it isn’t at all clear how that might impact your situation. We’re seeing that fare at $1,101 as of now. Not a great price, but considering your dates, it is to be expected. We’d certainly prefer the nonstop, but it is about $500 more. Lastly, if you have any date flexibility, you can save further. For example, Thursday return will be $150 less and Saturday return will be $100 less. Hope that helps.
Aloha.
Aloha! Thanks so much for all the great information you provide on your site. We would be grateful for your input please. We are in Sacramento and have had a Maui resort in Lahaina booked for a while now (11/25/18 to 11/30/18). We have been waiting to see what happens with Southwest before booking our flights. We have a companion pass with Southwest, but now also have a single companion fare with Alaska. Alaska flies direct to OGG from SMF on both dates and right now, the flight appears to be around $517 RT. Do you think we should wait and see what happens with Southwest, or should we just go with Alaska and book now. One consideration is we don’t know whether Southwest will fly direct to OGG from SMF and we would really prefer a direct flight if possible. Thank you for any advice you are willing to provide.
Hi Jerry.
Chances of Southwest flying by then are perhaps 30%. More likely in December. Also your dates aren’t idea being weekend and outbound at the end of Thanksgiving period. So not sure you’ll improve by waiting. Likely Southwest will fly that route, but of course no one really knows until they announce.
Aloha.
Interested in flights directly from Denver to Maui. Wife is getting on in age & I worry about her in the layover at LAX. So pleased that SWA is making this GREAT expansion in service. Thank You SWA.!!!
Hawaiian Airlines only flew from Ontario, CA for few months full capacity and stopped their service. Ontario is much easier to get to and convenient. Will SWA have any services in their plans?
Any chance we will have flights available to purchase in November by the end of September? We booked a week at our timeshare in November. Need to buy 4 plane tickets but have been stalling for SWA.
Will SWA have connecting flight schedules from mid-America airports, specifically LIT?
I’m also out of LIT. I’m thinking we’re going to need to connect at least twice out of LIT. Most likely DAL, PHX or LAS, then again in OAK, SAN, SJC or SMF.
There are already direct flights between LIT and DAL, PHX and LAS. When Southwest adds the flights out of those cities to Hawaii it’ll just be one more stop.
Coming back from Hawaii may be interesting since they’ve said there won’t be any overnight flights. Unless you get a really early flight out of Hawaii you might need to stay over a night in Dallas, Phoenix or Las Vegas on the trip home because of the time difference. Hopefully, we’ll know more soon.
Do you know why is there no direct service from Los Angeles International (LAX), or any LA-area airport for that matter?
It doesn’t seem to make any sense to have direct service from Sacramento, San Jose, and San Diego, but not LA. Especially considering LAX has totally renovated there Southwest Terminal (Terminal 1), and there are already several Southwest International flights out of LAX (in other words, they would seem to have the capability for nonstop flights to Hawaii).
Any thoughts or info? Thanks!
Hi Scott.
There are logistical issues right now with adding those SWA flights at LAX. They will be added as soon as those are resolved. Wouldn’t think that will take very long.
Aloha.
Please let us know SWA fairs for November 2018 to Maui from San Diego
Any mention of flights operated out of Portland/Seattle/Spokane to challenge HA, or AS?
We are trying to fly into HNL from SAN on black Friday. I am having major anxiety trying to wait Southwest out. Did they seem really confident about flights beginning in October? The struggle is real when it comes to plane ticket prices!
Thank you!
Hi Amy.
We simply can’t plan on such specifics re Southwest until they actually confirm start dates.
Aloha.
Will we be able to use our “companion passes” on the flights to Hawaii?
I would consider to start nonstop from Phoenix to Hawaii by operated 737-MAX8. The 737-MAX8 has more capabilities, more range, and more fuel-efficient, as well. I am pretty sure about this. If they ever start Phoenix to Hawaii during Fall to Spring. As for Summer, they won’t be flying during high extreme heat weather. However, if the weather will be cool it down in October to April.
Will flights be scheduled so that we can leave from Dallas and get to Maui or HNL without an overnight stay on the West Coast. Even better will there be a flight where you can get from Dallas to Hawaii without changing planes? Thank you for keeping us updated….we’re planning to take grandkids to Maui next March and would like to fly Southwest.
Hi Charley.
We’re honestly not sure about how these connections will work. So we’ll all find out together.
Aloha.
What’s you definition of “in the midst”? An idea not funded, planned or started is “in the midst”?
Many are curious what Southwest will offer for food on these new long-haul flights.
In previous years, Southwest would offer a “branded” snack box that Southwest would bid out with various
suppliers.
Here’s a link to a snack box that was offered with Nabisco products.
Southwest did not charge for the snack boxes, and there was no selection or choice. The flight attendants would pass through and basically hand your side of the the row three snack boxes. I can’t recall if it was possible to request an additional snack box – I never did. I don’t remember reading anything in the in-flight magazine where a passenger could purchase an extra snack box- similar to purchasing an alcoholic drink.
At the time as Southwest was gearing up it’s long haul flights, the snack box was a nice touch, especially
considering that at the rime post-9/11 and into the late the late 2000’s as other airlines basically removed any type of free food service in coach, the snack boxes were most welcome on those long hauls!
My hunch is that Southwest will dust-off the play book on the snack boxes and offer something very similar with sponsoring vendors – such as the one in the pictures.
In terms of passenger expectations for meal service, Southwest can choose to be very upfront/clear in their marketing as what to expect for the new Hawaii service.
http://www.airlinemeals.net/photos/airline-meals/southwest-airlines/iqq-to-rfd-mar-2006/1d5d/#menu
http://www.airlinemeals.net/photos/airline-meals/southwest-airlines/iqq-to-rfd-mar-2006/1d5c
SC
Is SW going to Vegas? I hope so..
Hi – Have you seen the Motley Fool article published in the last few days suggesting Southwest might not begin flights until 2019? Any reaction and after reading their thoughts do you still believe November might be initial flights? Planning a March 2019 vacation and hoping to use SW points. Thanks for your perspective.
Hi Scott.
I think we heard it from the horse’s mouth, literally. So what you had from us is exactly that. We’ll all see how it pans out, but we expect to see flights this year based on what their exec. VP told us.
Aloha.
Thanks for the response!
There is conflicting information online now. Some news claims SW has made announcement that it will not start the flights until 2019. For example: https://news.get.com/southwest-airlines-likely-wont-launch-flights-hawaii-till-2019/
and:
https://www.hawaiibusiness.com/southwest-airlines-c-suite/
The same Southwest Hawaii meeting on Aug 9, different information?
Hi John.
We just commented on that. Bottom line is we are speaking directly from our communications with SWA executives.
Aloha.
Southwest is moving glacially slow in getting their flights to Hawaii together. From an outside observer it appears to be a management or equipment problem or both covered up by a bunch of PR and free drinks? Given their business model in which passengers can only get into the preferred boarding letter ‘A’ by inconveniently being forced to sign on 24 hours ahead of their flight, even though they bought the ticket months in advance, SW is becoming a less attractive option to Hawaii for those who are planning a ‘winter’ vacation and have been waiting for months for the airline to get their act together.
I hope more people feel like you so I can get your spot with my airline miles I’ve been horading for years like a crazy cat lady.Haha
I know others have asked but any idea if there will be connecting flight from the Midwest? We want to fly in February from Chicago and are hoping to fly Southwest.
Why wouldn’t you just fly direct on United or American from Chicago? They fly large comfortable widebody airplanes direct to Hawaii, why risk a connection?
Because we have enough points to fly free with Southwest so it’s a huge savings we can spend elsewhere on our vacation. I’ll risk a connection for a free flight plus Southwest flies out of Midway which has signifcantly fewer cancellations in Febraury than O’Hare.
Aloha! From east coast and Midwest, will Southwest offer non-stop flights to the 4 California cities flying to the islands? At present, from Cleveland and Pittsburgh, there are no non-stops to San Jose, Sacramento, San Diego or Oakland. There’s a huge difference between a 2 and 3 leg trip. I’m hoping Southwest will take this into consideration so that those who think they live too far away, can finally consider a trip to Paradise! Mahalo.
Hi Trasea.
We all look forward to learning how SWA will be handling connections to their Hawaii gateways. Stay tuned.
Aloha.
Living in Ohio, I would have to connect for a flight to Oahu.,from Oakland. What will fares cost me from Columbus Ohio,to Oahu
Don’t know where you got your information on engine cooling, but it will not be an issue at all. The 717 has no advantage here. The 737 is a short haul beast. Thanks for the info.
Love SW and can’t wait (but patiently will have to – hoping to be able to visit my parents on the East Coast around Christmas). Here’s one thing I’m really hoping/wishing for that hasn’t been considered anywhere, yet. Currently Alaska is the only airline that allows in-cabin pets inbound into Hawaii. I’ve flown with SW and our cats, before and really do value their service. It would be awesome if they would allow pets in-cabin, too.
Please no pets in the passenger cabin. So many of us are allergic to cats and even dogs. Whenever we’ve traveled we board our pet with friends or family. Can’t you do the same?
Well, I’m allergic to kids …. guess what, my pets are family, too, and not everyone is traveling just for vacation – especially to a place such as Hawaii. So, leaving pets with friends and family is not always an option (and I doubt the majority actually brings them with them for vacation, given the stringent import laws). If your allergy is THIS severe, maybe YOU should make accommodations and not ask EVERYONE else to tailor to you.
Did you know that airlines during certain times of the year don’t even allow pets in cargo because of environmental conditions? Go figure…
Pets in the cabin are not allowed outside their carrier and you could ask to sit FAR away. Besides, service animals are allowed in cabin (not to Hawaii of course) and they serve a reason. You’re essentially asking other people to risk their lives for your own comfort.
Sorry but pets are not people and they may be barred by the carrier if they feel having pets onboard makes the humans uncomfortable. Service or not, they have the right to refuse pets. I hope the trend continues with swa to get rid of all pets in the cabin.
You don’t understand, do you? Service dogs are actually essential for some people to survive. So, by law, they are allowed on the plane. This is not to be confused with emotional support animals which indeed may be barred on the airlines call.
Pets actually die in the cargo hold. I’m sure you’ve seen the news.
Why is everyone always thinking only about themselves and never considers other people, other families? I fly a lot and I hardly ever see pets on the plane – I experience a lot of children being a nuisance though. Why can’t we ALL be more considerate towards others? Again, if your allergy is THIS severe, don’t ask EVERYONE else to make accommodations for you. Make your own arrangements. As you would do EVERYWHERE else you go. If your only reason is “just because” and because you’re annoyed…well, guess what, just stand over it just as I have with all the many things I’m getting annoyed of when flying. Why can’t we all just get along?
But I guess families moving to Hawaii just gotta swim with their pets or something like that…
So sounds like they do plan to be flying for Thanksgiving just not bookable until an announcement in October?
Were y’all able to get a sense from them on whether or not they plan to offer daily service? I know some of there other international island routes only offer flights in specific days of the week… hopefully that’s not case for Hawaii.
Thank you so much for keeping us in the loop. We will be flying to Maui in February and are really hoping to fly Southwest, although Hawaiian would be our next choice, depending on cost.
Will Southwest be flying to Hawaii from Seattle?
Your blog posting was ‘good news/bad news’ for us. Makes us nervous to wait to book our flights – BUT – may have to do some deep breathing and RELAX. We will have a companion pass for SWA and we were sure hoping to use it for our February trip to Hawaii.
Thank you so much for keeping us posted on how it is all going. Appreciated the GREAT news about WiFi and FOOD. will there be a charge for using the WiFi?
Keep up the good work Jeff. Good to hear they will be flying inter island too – just in case we end up in Honolulu first, ha ha.
Hi Colleen.
Good to hear from you! Yes there will be a charge for WiFI. Some airlines allow texting at no charge, but we don’t know about Southwest in that regard.
Aloha.
I once had the opportunity to fly from HOU to SNA on the 737 MAX. Nice plane and the staff were excited to tell my children and I that it would be the model they were planning to use for their Hawaii expansion plans. My question is: does the MAX require the engine cool off period of the standard 737-800’s? The staff told us that the MAX was really the perfect plane for them to service Hawaii – were they not taking inter-island into account?
Any inquiries/comments regarding assigned seats? I prefer assigned seats when traveling as a family with small children.
Per SWA’s CEO on the Q2 2018 Earnings Call- “”Let me be very blunt,” [Gary] Kelly said. “We are not looking at assigning seats right now. We are not talking about assigning seats now. And we’re not talking about looking at it sometime in the future.'”
From Jan B.
We are going to a wedding in Hawaii in January and have waited to book flights wanting to hear about Southwest’s decision. Do you think we should book now with another airline or wait to hear from Southwest.
Thanks so much!
Hi Jan.
That’s your call. We will have more information quite soon.
Aloha.
Jan B.
We are going to a wedding in Hawaii in January 2019 and have been waiting to book flights based on the information about Southwest. Should we go ahead and book or should we wait until October and see what Southwest is doing?
Will SW offer connections from other cities, e.g. Chicago?