Airlines flying to Hawaii may have price war
Several months ago, the “bad boy” of American aviation — Southwest Airlines — announced that it would begin flying from California to Hawaii this coming summer. Since the price of roundtrip flights between California and Hawaii has remained fixed at around $600, almost as if it were written in stone, the announcement set off consternation among the standard airlines.
“We are not dismayed in the slightest,” announced one executive of a standard carrier in response to Southwest’s plans, thus providing clear-cut evidence that the standard airlines are shaken and apprehensive over this development. Southwest has a tradition of slashing airfares whenever it enters a new market, like Hawaii. The recent downturn in tourism to Hawaii, resulting from the volcanic eruption on the Big Island of Hawaii, only heightens the need for Southwest to slash airfares by a greater percentage than usual. There will be a considerable price war in travel to Hawaii this summer, creating opportunities for cost-conscious vacationers.
These travellers should check the Southwest website regularly in order to be the first in line for exceptionally low Hawaii-bound fares. Early birds will enjoy bargains to Hawaii, starting in just a few weeks from now.
What is most intriguing about the proposed Southwest flights is their decision to avoid flying to Hawaii from either Los Angeles or San Francisco.
Rather, Southwest will be flying only from such lighter-intraffic gateways as Sacramento, San Diego, Oakland and San Jose. Leaving the giant Los Angeles and San Francisco airports to the high prices that have traditionally been charged from them, Southwest will have a powerful opportunity to enjoy major sales.
So, once again: Watch the Southwest website and be ready to seize unprecedented deals to Hawaii.
Note to the reader: Please be sure to confirm all rates and details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip. The information in this column was accurate when it was released, but prices are competitive, sometimes limited and can always change without notice.
Arthur Frommer is the pioneering founder of the Frommer’s Travel Guide book series. He co-hosts the radio program, The Travel Show, with his travel correspondent daughter Pauline Frommer. Find more destinations online and read Arthur Frommer’s blog at frommers.com.