Hold on to your hat as competition gets heated. Southwest vs. Hawaiian Airlines.
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68 thoughts on “After $49 Airfares What’s Next | Southwest vs. Hawaiian Airlines”
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Hold on to your hat as competition gets heated. Southwest vs. Hawaiian Airlines.
Get Breaking Hawaii Travel News
Comments are closed.
Hi! My family of 4 is going from San Diego to Maui July 7th. I already booked our return flight on Hawaiian using miles only. I am looking for a flight going. I noticed I can get Nonstop on SWA for $189 each. That is over a $100 less than I can do on Hawaiian right now. My inclination is to jump on it but I wanted to make sure I am reading this right….you are saying there will be times coming up when the price on Southwest will drop lower? Maybe I should hold off??? Also, as far as comfort goes, do you think one airline is way better than the other? My husband is a bigger guy and so I don’t want to make him too uncomfortable. I don’t travel too often so I can’t remember one standing out over the other. Thanks!
Hi Laura.
Not expecting price to much lower if at all for peak summer travel. It is already highly discounted compared with other years.
Aloha.
Aloha and Mahalo for your updates on the Southwest Airlines service to Hawaii. However, I am noticing the words: maybe, not sure, the company doesn’t disclose that, later, no connections, holiday travel is expensive, etc. At this point I think a lot of people are expecting a lot more than Southwest is offering. Everyone expects a $49 fare from California and are frustrated when Southwest offers basically the same fares as all airlines. I think it would make a lot of sense for BOH to compare all the airlines that serve Hawaii with black and white information. Could you please make a chart that includes FAA statistics like: average ticket price, on-time performance, cancelled flight rate, misconnect rate, leg room, seat pitch, number of seats and class of service on each airline, type of aircraft used, flight times, baggage delivery time, lost bag rate, customer complaint rate. It would also be helpful to compare food service, advanced seat assignments, in cabin entertainment options, what services each airline charges extra for, and what does each airline do when they cancel a flight or misconnect their customers. Thank you.
Donna says,
We are looking at flying to Honolulu in December for Christmas either from San Diego or Phoenix. Any idea when Hawaiian will lower their fares from either market during that time frame or would we be better to wait to travel in January. Thanks
Hi Donna.
Christmas will always be the most expensive time, period. So definitely suggest January. Fare sales for January might start from late summer on.
Aloha.
Hi, I’m flying to Kauai July 30-Aug 5, do you think SW will be flying to there by that time? Trying to decide if I should wait to purchase tickets a couple weeks until the announcement. Thanks!
Hi Emily.
You did not say where you are flying from. Looks like Illinois. We do not expect one ticket service on Southwest from Chicago at this point in time. From the west coast we do anticipate they will fly to Kauai this summer.
Aloha.
I looked for fares between OAK and HNL mid May and best SW could offer was just under $1200. HA with full service was over $400 less!
Mahalo for keeping up with all the various options. I have purchased a one way fare from Austin, TX to Honolulu in late July and want to go back early August. How likely do you think it is, that they will introduce red eye flights in the near future? I could just go back on a different airline, but if you think it is imminent I will wait for SW.
Thanks again.
Hi Stig.
It would seem logical for them to get this going right away. On the other hand, they have resisted red eye for years. There were technical issues, which we believe have been resolved. Yet, still no red eyes. So it is anyone’s guess.
Aloha.
I’m looking to go to Kona in late June. From Tampa. What would be my best bet and cheapest way to go round trip.
Hi, I love reading your column.
I’ll be purchasing airfare for 2 from CLT to KOA. Dates:
April 7th to April 21st. Is Southwest going to affect
flights from the East coast?
Thanks
Hi Tracy.
Doubtful that they will impact the pricing you need. Long story, but they don’t have their (east coast) route network ready integration with Hawaii flights quite yet. That should happen soon, but probably not for your trip n ext month.
BTW prices are terrible for your dates and could improve a bit by waiting. Only problem is your Sunday travel dates. Even moving to Tuesdays (which probably isn’t feasible) would lower fares by $200 or more RT.
Aloha.
Hawaii wasn’t on my travel radar for 2019 until my mom called me after hearing about Southwest’s intro fares on the news. Needless to say, we missed out. After reading your updates, I’m cautiously optimistic that we may be able to take advantage during the next round of intro fares. Do you anticipate Southwest will release intro fares for their additional routes/islands in the early morning like they did on Monday? Any strategic suggestions for scooping up one of the specially priced fares during the next round? Thanks for your help!
Hi Jaidyn.
Honestly we don’t know what the next round of fares will be or the timing on their release. Only the airline knows that. Originally they had planned to release the fares at a different time, so obviously this can be very fluid.
Aloha.
We won’t be going to Maui until next February. Will all the newness and good deals be over before we can book? I would book tomorrow for February if possible but southwest doesn’t go out that far.
Since I’m flying out of Sacramento, do you have any idea when those flights post on their website? They say a couple of weeks. Since their aren’t any flights from SMF-OAK, your stuck driving the two hours each way.
Aloha,
Any idea how many 737 Max planes they have received yet? How many do you think they will need to start Phoenix direct to Hawaii service? I know they have to have those because of the distance. Hawaiian really nails us on fares from here.
Thank you,
Kendall E
Hi Kendall.
We are not sure if they would use the Max 8 or the Max 7 for that route. They have 34 of the 8’s and none of the 7’s yet. They are starting to take deliveries this year. Hope to know more soon.
Aloha.
American has 2 flights a day from PHX to HNL and I believe also one a day in to OGG and KOA Hawaiian isn’t the only option
Will there be any cheap price from Dallas/ Austin to Hawaii? I can find depart but not return from Hawaii to Austin from southwest.
Thanks for the fast updates!
We are bringing 15 family members from San Diego to Maui on July 4th to celebrate our 50 anniversary. Wonder if we should keep waiting for Southwest to fly nonstop from San Diego or lock in $600 Alaska tickets now.
Thanks for keeping us informed!
Hi Rich.
Our sense would be to wait. It should not be much longer – maybe a couple of weeks or less until we know.
Aloha.
Any idea when they will expand up the west coast, for instance Oregonor Seattle? Are they also doing any kind of premeir club or miles program?
I’ve been following the Southwest saga on Beat of Hawaii for several months. Because of that, I had been logging onto Southwest’s website a couple of times each day, checking to see if “today was the day.” Imagine my surprise when I logged in early Monday morning and was able to score $176 round-trip fares from Las Vegas to Kahului (through Oakland) for May. Thank you Beat of Hawaii!
Hi Charlie.
We’re so happy for you, and you’re telling us just made our day!
Aloha.
Sorry! I did not read the above before posting my comment. I would be flying from San Diego to Maui. My question is: do you foresee any summertime airfare discounts? July-August travel? It seems as if most discounts being mentioned are for pre-summer/post-sunmer travel. Thank you for your help!
Hi Jeremy.
Most welcome. Yes there is good inventory across carriers and in our opinion there will be good pricing. For that matter, fares are already starting as low $371 in August, which is pretty fabulous. At this point, hang on for a bit, and we think you’ll probably be glad that you did. Mid week, mid August might be from $300 or even less RT. Let us know how it works out.
Aloha.
Thank you for putting out all this info. Exciting to see the coming months
Wendy
A media blogger suggested the reason SWA did not open any other west coast terminals was due to aircraft availability with the recent mechanical issues with SWA fleet. Any thoughts or know press releases on that?
Wow Beat of Hawaii, thank you for keeping us all informed so quickly!
I was prepared to purchase holiday tickets (dec 22 to 5th) HNL to west coast right when the southwest effect took place. I had no idea that southwest did not release travel dates as far out.
Would you recommend waiting for the southwest effect to hit holiday travel dates or purchase now?
Thank you so much!
Hi Courtney.
How the competition will unfold is not exactly predictable. For this year, suspect it might be worth waiting on. Generally, those dates should be bought 330 days in advance. Since you didn’t, and prices are pretty much sky high for those most in demand peak season dates anyway, you might as well see what happens.
Aloha.
Hello from snowy and cold New Jersey…so what do you suggest summer travelers from the east coast do in the meantime? Specifically mid-to-late summer, like August? Should we wait a bit or is airfare as good as it’s gonna be? Thanks!!
Hi Rob.
Yes August is always a good time for airfares and for fewer crowds in Hawaii. With or without SW. Currently priced in $700’s from EWR in August, and potential for a drop of maybe $150RT.
Aloha.
Any thoughts on when Southwest will add service to Kauai?
Even if you are able to get a $49 or $99 Southwest airfare you’ll still have to spend hundreds, or perhaps thousands, of dollars more once you get there on lodging, meals, activities, etc. The airfare savings probably amount to 5%-10% of your total trip cost. Not sure this is the best reason to pull the trigger on a Hawaii trip.
Any idea when is SWA planning to fly direct out of LAX to the islands?
Please could you let me know. I am travelling from Oakland or S.F to Honolulu a wedding April. Should I buy now or wait til Southwest comes out.
Thank you.
Hi Elizabeth.
We can’t say definitely. Gut call, if you’re asking for that, is to wait. If it is the first week in April you are traveling, that could stay somewhat expensive due to spring break.
Aloha.
My husband and I are on the large side..long legs and wide seat..please, is there a certain airline that will accomadate us? And is there a way to request a certain plane (one that offers more seating space) and how will we know what type of plane we will be flying on? We are rookies at this whole thing, thank you for your reply
Hi Rhonda.
Space is almost directly related to cost. Economy seating is pretty much but not exactly the same across airlines and planes. Generally expect 31-32 inches of distance between seat rows and a 17″ wide seat. It isn’t much, that is for sure. If you want more legroom, then you can opt for premium seats which have some cost associated with them. You can see these specifications and prices by researching websites of the airlines you are considering flying. For more seat width, however, you’ll end up needing business/first which is going to cost multiple times the lowest economy fare.
Aloha.
Will Southwest offer connecting flights from mid-America, specifically Little Rock to Honolulu. I am planning trip from early December, 2018 to early February, 2019.
Will Southwest be flying Hawaii to Vegas. Hawaiian turned their bulk head seats that people need for medical reason ….now you have to pay 80.00…..can’t sit in the regular cabin seats to tight. The red eye flight they give you a drink and a bag of nuts then you don’t see them till you ready to land…
I sure hope we hear soon. We will be flying to OGG end of February. Personally, I like Hawaiian airlines but I don’t like their prices. I am going to wait as long as I can to book.
I too have been a loyal Hawaiian customer for more than 20 years. Granted, I only travel to the islands once or twice a year. I’ve stuck with Hawaiian through the years because of schedule, price and pure loyalty. But that all ends this year. Hawaiian’s prices have gone up disproportionally vs their competitors, their mileage redemption also seems out of whack. And don’t even get me started on their ridiculous inter-island prices. But they were cheaper than other legacy carriers when it came to luggage. I’ve had their credit card for many years, so that takes care of one suitcase. We travel with our bicycles and Hawaiian has been cheaper than many others. But when I finally took a look at Alaska, I was shocked. Without any sale, their prices were lower and they don’t differentiate between a suitcase of clothes and an oversized bike bag. Yep, Hawaiian charges me $100 from the Mainland to Hawaii. Alaska, $0. Then you add in the $99.00 companion fare for credit card holders which is far above the $100 credit that you get from Hawaiian. Alaska is adding a direct flight from my home airport (SMF) to our favorite island (KOA), and then with Southwest flying from Sacramento hopefully in 2019, I think I may have just flown my last Hawaiian flight.
Right on! Hawaiian Airlines was built on the backs of locals flying inter-island. Now that they’ve gone international perhaps it’s time to show some aloha for the ones who have had minimal choices between islands. Hope SW makes a huge splash!
Not a happy camper.
Bruce M
Aloha. I sure hope SouthWest comes in with inter island flights. Hawaiian has no real competition and charges a fortune. They advertise sales but that is if you fly at 6 am or really late at night. For those of us who have to fly over for medical or business reasons it is completely ridiculous!!!! Not to mention there is NO MERCY if you are involved even in a medical emergency – unless you are in the hospital. Even United is better than that! So over Hawaiian!!
Interesting the AB321, having sat in American Airlines AB321’s I have to admit they have the most uncomfortable seats my wife and I have sat in. Thin padding, lower part of the seat is too short (rear of seat to front of seat). The tray table is too small for even a small laptop, it has a “form fitting” cut out so the tray has an opening where your body is. The tray table was too tight of a fit for even the skinny guy sitting next to me, let along a bigger guy like myself. I can’t imagine a long flight on one of those, we had a short flight from DFW to DEN and were pretty miserable.
Hopefully Hawaiian addresses these issues on their configuration of this aircraft.
Thanks,
Dean
Hi Dean.
Yes compared with legacy wide-body planes, the new single isle ones (both Airbus and Boeing) are very tight. Seems to be the way of the industry rather than airline specific.
We often end up upgrading at extra cost just to get back to the basic comforts of days gone by.
Aloha.
I want to fly from the Bay Area( Oakland or S.F.) to Maui on Sat Nov. 24 returning on Sat Dec. 1st. Since it appears that Southwest won’t be flying to Hawaii by then, when do you suggest I book the tickets and do you think Hawaiian Airline is the best way to go?
Thanks,
Rick N
Hi Rick.
$489 either on Alaska or Hawaiian RT for your Saturday flights. Really good price. Either is great. Wouldn’t wait.
Aloha.
Competition is not what this should be about! Lower prices don’t come from competition. Prices of flights is generated by how many people fly to a certain destination and returning from that destination, fuel prices and consumption for the flight, employee wages benefits to get the flight scheduled and on to it’s destination and back,ground handling of baggage’s and cargo, air craft maintenance and pre-flight inspections, safety training for flight crew and ground handling crews. The flight times schedule bidding. Every major Airlines that are at the top 10 in America has this cost to factor into ticket pricing each passenger. These are just a few of thing that go into consideration and cost of getting us there and back safely. Competition just adds more flights to go to certain destinations.
Paul,
While a cost-of-services analysis is key to determining airfares of any given airline, it is ultimately 100% controlled by competition’s pricing because people speak with their wallets. However, the lower pricing introduced by competitive airlines will force others to follow suit to prevent losing market share. Therefore, competition will overrule most other factors, including desire for profit.
Yes, it’s called “the Southwest affect”, google it, it’s a phenomenon that says every market Southwest enters, they eventually dominate it, but in doing so, their competitors are forced to lower air fares as a result.
It is long past due for Hawaiian to have some formidable competition after years of arrogant, selfish and uncaring policies by its former CEO. His only purpose was to make money for himself and HA shareholders with little regard for passengers, crew and employees. As a decades-long, loyal customer of Hawaiian since Aloha met its demise, I was treated with little respect or value even as I nearly earned Platinum status just from vacation flying after retirement. Even appeals to supervisors and a letter to the CEO went unheeded. I’ll never pay for another Hawaiian flight, but will continue to use up my built-up Hawaiianmiles until they are exhausted or Hawaiian goes under.
Aloha. I’m a HUGE fan of Southwest & love NO baggage fees! This is my 1st trip to Hawaii to celebrate our 15th anniversary in September. It seems like price gouging for Hawaii Air to charge $25/bag for a 35 minute flight on top of ticket fees. I’m paying for the trip with my social security for this #1 bucket list dream (4 islands in 3 weeks.) This will be the only time I can afford to do it. For our 2 checked bags it will cost us $250 in bag fees on top of almost $2K in airfare. Southwest = cheap fares & no bag fees. Hawaiian Air = lots of money. Heavy sigh.
Dawn, it is probably too late if you already bought your ticket, but if you get a Hawaiian Credit card, your bag is free. I travel to Hawaii a lot and it really helps. Although I usually fly United, I have a CC there as well.
Have a wonderful trip. Aloha
Join Hawaiian air mileage program. It’s free and when you’re a member the baggage fees are cheaper ($15 vs $25 for 1st bag, $20 vs $35 for 2nd bag) for inter island flights. I did this last year and saved $60 In fees by signing up me and my family. Enjoy your trip!
We never check luggage to Hawaii any more; carry-on only. No problem, and no lost luggage!
I totally understand what you are saying about plane costs. yes southwest is the best .hoping it starts soon as my daughter moved to the big island two yrs ago. I live in florida so it makes it more costly. I fly united because I have the credit card and with it get free bag ,priority boarding, even priority security which is good as I am retired and disabled. this past month I flew the shortest flight which was tampa to denver ,denver to Kona. we had to drive 2.5 hrs to airport but it was still cheaper. my ticket was 921.00 plus think 56.00 for the insurance. I recommend whatever airline you use to get the insurance. I t takes me six months to save for a ticket and little spending money. oh forgot one thing with a united credit card I also pay nothing for my seats unless I want first class. Happy 15th anniversary to you
Will southwest be flying from LAX to maui by september this year?
I live in Dallas and we have a neighborhood couple that both work for SWA. They are saying not to count on LAX to HNL or OGG anytime soon. Evidently SWA concerned about a big percentage of those flights being taken by “non revenue” points holders, particularly from CA and TX. I personally have over 100K SWA points and am waiting anxiously as well.
Unfortunately, no. My husband and I will be relocating to Hawaii when Southwest opens flights. Though we have received the initial confirmation of selection for relocation, there has not been any additional updates to final dates. The initial date we had was possibly “mid” Oct, but that is coming up fast and no update yet.
Hopefully, the first revenue flight will be OAK-HNL on an aircraft adorned with “State of Hawaii” livery.
Thank you for this informative information!
So we plan to travel at the end of June from Las Vegas to Maui. We were hoping for Southwest to be in action by then. So reading this makes me think, we should book now? What do you advise?
Hi Diane.
No they won’t be flying by then. Suggest booking now.
Aloha.
Diane, have you tried try the Hopper app? I use it quite often. It is a price predictor for when you want to fly. It gives you an idea of when to book, now or wait.
We NEED true inter-island service that would break the choke hold that Hawaiian has had for some time now. We need AFFORDABLE, competitive inter-island. And we need it yesterday!