Hold on to your hat as competition gets heated. Southwest vs. Hawaiian Airlines.
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Home » Blog » Hawaii Travel News » After $49 Airfares What’s Next | Southwest vs. Hawaiian Airlines
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