I'm going to Hawaii at the end of May. I've been looking for the last three or so months at Orbitz, etc. for flights from PHL to OGG (Maui). US has consistently been $900 or more per person for coach tix (they're $966 per person right now). After quite a bit of searching, I have reluctantly decided to fly Southwest to PHX and then Hawaiian to OGG on two separate sets of purchased tickets.

The price? $660 per person. And I don't have to suffer through a long flight in a crappy 757 (Hawaiian may have crappy 767's, I don't know, but at least they're widebodies).

It pains me to fly Southwest and not to get US miles for these flights, but I'm saving over $300 per person for three people! LCC?? I'm not so sure.

In these situations, it's always best to stay loyal. Some would say that flying the new US will be easier, which leads to a more enjoyable flight. Dont try the cheap-o airline, fly highclass on USAIRWAYS.

flyphl: According to a recent article on the Hawaii service, they're actually making a profit off it and load factors have been high. Looks like people are paying the big bucks for those 757s... why, I can't figure out either! :confused:

Notwithstanding the Southwest legs, you will be happier on HA than HP for the flight to/from HNL. Newer planes (widebody, as you pointed out), more comfortable seats and free in-flight hot meal service, even in Y.

Just be sure to give yourself plenty of time in PHX both directions, as you'll have to claim your bags, re-check them and then process through security again.

In these situations, it's always best to stay loyal.

Why? $900 to credit miles to one program vs. another


Some would say that flying the new US will be easier, which leads to a more enjoyable flight. Dont try the cheap-o airline, fly highclass on USAIRWAYS.

Maybe some would. Many wouldn't. And the longer of the two flights, to OGG, is on a much better plane with Hawaiian. "highclass" is on dumpy narrowbodies.

It is possible that by the end of May some of the Hawaiian routes will be flown with a 767 or two since some of the Euro markets will get the ETOPS 757s. Not that they're great in coach, but F will be comfortable seating (Envoy seats)