Southwest Airlines has announced plans to offer flights to Hawaii next year and that is great news if you’re planning (or wishing you were planning) a trip to the islands. Why? Because it means not only will there be more flights heading to the island (yay!), but it might make them cheaper, too!
Earlier this year, United Airlines announced they’re increasing service to Hawaii from their hubs in Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles and San Francisco beginning this December. Then, Alaska Airlines acquired Virgin Airlines and plans to provide more choices for customers. Now with the addition of Southwest flights to Hawaii, it’s looking increasingly likely that Travel + Leisure’s prediction that we’ll see cheaper fares to Hawaii could be right on.
You heard that right. We’re thrilled to share our intention to bring our world-famous hospitality and value to the Hawaiian Islands! pic.twitter.com/NoVNXlsSH7
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) October 12, 2017
“One of the most asked questions I get, wherever I go, whatever Southwest employee that I run into, they want to know, ‘When are we going to go to Hawaii,’” said Southwest Airlines Chairman and CEO Gary Kelly. “Hawaii is an important place for Southwest Airlines because so many people count on us to take them everywhere they want to go reliably and affordably. We’re ready and excited to address a request we’ve heard for years.”
Southwest anticipated a big reaction to the news and started spreading the word on social media. The company streamed a Facebook live broadcast to make the big announcement to customers.
Ticket sales for Southwest flights to Hawaii will begin in 2018. While there’s no saying how much they’ll cost just yet, the current prices for United Airlines flights to Hawaii, departing from San Francisco, Los Angeles, Chicago or Denver start at $439 roundtrip and go up to $786. Kelly said Southwest flights to Hawaii will be departing from California.
Hawaii has always been a popular tourist destination and even scored spot No. 3 on our survey of America’s favorite states to visit. So, Southwest’s announcement is sure to excite a lot of travelers.
Feeling upon reading this news … pic.twitter.com/YVhZ5MrxBr
— TheContentAlchemist (@contentalchemy) October 12, 2017
When you find out #Southwest is going to start flying to #Hawaii🌴 pic.twitter.com/FkcEinIrvV
— Emily Smith (@MissEmsFJA) October 13, 2017
— Joseph E Coulson (@oahu74) October 12, 2017
As soon as the first flight is available I want to be on it. Just put it on my account. I'll adjust my schedule for you.
— Gerard Braud, CSP, Fellow IEC (@gbraud) October 12, 2017
dreams do come true
— Cheryl Lesniak (@clesniak) October 12, 2017
I am so happy about this. Saving my points. Taking my wife there for a honeymoon we never got.
— Harold Jenkins (@hrjenkins668) October 13, 2017
And here’s to hoping predictions about the cost of flights to the islands are right and we can all travel a little cheaper, too!
Many travelers rely on Southwest to save them significant money on their airfare. But, did you know beyond their sales, you can find other ways to save? Whether its changing the day you book, finding free drink days or even changing your flight date, you can score even better deals.
About the Author
Kaitlin is a freelance multimedia journalist with a background in newspaper and broadcasting. She has a degree in journalism and psychology, enjoys writing, editing, animals, music and movies/TV. When she's not writing, you can usually find her on her yoga mat, whipping up a new vegetarian dish or at a wine tasting with friends. You can email her at kaitlingateswrites@gmail.com or find her on Facebook at Facebook.com/KaitlinGatesWrites. Learn More.
