Travel Agent breaks down Hawaii's latest news from the sky, including three new routes recently introduced by Hawaiian Airlines and increased service on 11 United Airlines routes to the Aloha State.
We break down these stories as well as offer some tips on how to secure the cheapest flights to Hawaii.
Hawaiian Begins Sales on Three New Year-Round West Coast Routes
Hawaiian Airlines will expand its U.S. West Coast presence with the arrival of an A321neo fleet by adding three new non-stop daily routes early next year: Portland-Maui; Oakland-Kauai; and Los Angeles-Kona.
The routes will offer guests more options for direct access to Hawaiian's neighbor islands while enjoying the company's single-aisle A321neo aircraft.
"The introduction of A321neo service to the Western U.S. heralds the dawn of a new era for Hawaiian Airlines and its guests," said Peter Ingram, executive vice president and chief commercial officer at Hawaiian Airlines, in a written release. “The A321neo offers an unrivaled combination of comfort and efficiency, allowing our guests to choose from three cabin experiences to customize their journey. We look forward to announcing additional routes in the months and years ahead."
The new A321neo service between Portland (PDX) and Maui (OGG) will launch on January 18. Hawaiian's seasonal wide body service currently offered between Oakland (OAK) and Kauai (LIH) through September 4 will resume April 11 as a daily A321neo flight.
Daily service between Los Angeles (LAX) and Kona (KOA) on the Island of Hawaii launches March 11 with wide body aircraft before the A321neo is introduced in the summer of 2018.
Hawaiian's inaugural A321neo flight between the U.S. West Coast and Hawaii is planned for Jan. 8 on its existing OAK-OGG service. Additional routes will be announced as Hawaiian welcomes 18 new A321neo aircraft between the fourth quarter of 2017 and 2020.
Guests may visit www.hawaiianairlines.com to purchase tickets for all routes operated by Hawaiian Airlines. Sales for additional routes served by new A321neo aircraft will be announced later this year.
Visit www.hawaiianairlines.com/A321neo
United Airlines Increases Hawaii Service on 11 Routes
United Airlines has announced an increase of service on 11 routes connecting the continental United States and Hawaii.
Beginning December 20, United will increase service from its hubs in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco to Hawaii.
The airline will continue operating its daily nonstop service to Honolulu from all seven domestic hubs in Chicago, Denver, Houston, Los Angeles, New York/Newark, San Francisco, Washington, D.C., plus Guam and Tokyo.
Beginning this summer, premium cabin customers on all overnight flights between Hawaii and Chicago, Denver, Houston, New York/Newark and Washington, D.C., will enjoy 180-degree flat-bed seats with custom-designed duvets and pillows provided by leading luxury specialty store and New York-based retailer Saks Fifth Avenue.
The Hawaiian Islands are an important part of United's history, the airline said. With the maiden departure of a United DC-6 Mainliner from San Francisco to Honolulu in May 1947, United played a major role in helping to make Hawaii an easily accessible destination for tourism and business.
"United Airlines has been a leader in air travel between the mainland and Hawaii for 70 years and the airline continues to deliver positive benefits in our communities," said Ford Fuchigami, director of Hawaii's Department of Transportation. "We look forward to welcoming more flights and visitors to Hawaii and another 70 years of partnership."
Visit www.united.com
Getting the Cheapest Flights to Hawaii
Cheapflights.com recently released a list of when to buy the cheapest flights to top travel destinations worldwide. And Hawaii is of course included in the 15 destinations on the list.
According to the site, Hilo, Kona and Honolulu offer the best airports for travel deals in Hawaii.
Flying into Hilo is a good option for travelers aiming to fly in October. Bargain flights can be found last-minute, as they start to pop up in September.
For Kona, October is also a good month for travel, though extra savings can be made when booking flights for late April or early May. Flights here can be booked in November and December.
Honolulu, the state’s capital, offers the most flight options, with airfares from mid-January through early February being among the most affordable of the year. Flights booked as early as September are optimal for travel deals, though last-minute bargains can be found when booking a trip in early February.
Visit www.gohawaii.com and and keep visiting www.travelagentcentral.com for all your latest travel news. Be sure to follow Travel Agent’s Joe Pike on Twitter @TravelPike and Instagram @pike5260.
Related Stories
Horizon Air to Reduce Flight Schedule Due to Pilot Shortage
Jet2.com Is Now Charging Passengers for Hand Luggage
Norwegian Announces New Nonstop Flights From Denver to Paris