Hawaii-based Airlines - HA Pualani Status

My main travels are from SF Bay Area to the Islands, about 10 times a year along with interisland trips (1-2 each time I'm there).

For over 15 years UA has been my exclusive airline for travel, but with the UA/CO merger, I'm thinking of switching to HA. OAK is more convenient to fly out of (even SJC) since I live in the East Bay.

I'm Premier Gold at UA for 2012 with no status (except for paying for Premier) on HA. I always have 2 checkin (sometimes 3) bags on the mainland flights.

Is it worth it to get to Pualani Status and then fly HA exclusively? If I qualify in 2012 do I get benefits in 2012 or just 2013? It wasn't clear from what I see on the site.

Mahalo!

I would never, ever give up consistently being able to fly in E+ (and the chance at least an occasional comp upgrade) for the prospect of Y on HA and no free upgrades

I had been Pualani Gold for several years. Last year I switched and flew UA almost exclusively out of LIH. For me inter island lounge access, early boarding, and the bag allowance does not compare to UA'S E+ seating and possibility of upgrades. On my returns I don't have to catch another flight out of HNL as I fly direct on UA. When you miss an inter island connection it sucks big time as most flights are now pretty full.
However, if you travel to HI as much as you say you can earn Pualani Gold and maintain at least 2P (or is this the new 3P?) status just on your trip to the islands alone. 4 RT'S along with your inter island travel should put you over 20k. Fares are usually pretty cheap coming out of OAK. If it were me I'd split my time between the two.

I had been Pualani Gold for several years. Last year I switched and flew UA almost exclusively out of LIH. For me inter island lounge access, early boarding, and the bag allowance does not compare to UA'S E+ seating and possibility of upgrades. On my returns I don't have to catch another flight out of HNL as I fly direct on UA. When you miss an inter island connection it sucks big time as most flights are now pretty full.
However, if you travel to HI as much as you say you can earn Pualani Gold and maintain at least 2P (or is this the new 3P?) status just on your trip to the islands alone. 4 RT'S along with your inter island travel should put you over 20k. Fares are usually pretty cheap coming out of OAK. If it were me I'd split my time between the two.

That's what I think of doing - get 2p (now 3p) and go for Pualani Gold so I have the flexibility.

The main question is once I get the appropriate miles, is the status good for the rest of the year or does it start the following year?

I would never, ever give up consistently being able to fly in E+ (and the chance at least an occasional comp upgrade) for the prospect of Y on HA and no free upgrades

Yes, those two perks you mentioned (E+ and CPU) are still a nice perk. Also the flexibility of flights (having to take the redeye sometimes) is also a reason to stay with the new UA.

Is Y on HA on mainland flights as tight as interisland flights?

That's what I think of doing - get 2p (now 3p) and go for Pualani Gold so I have the flexibility.

The main question is once I get the appropriate miles, is the status good for the rest of the year or does it start the following year?

Since I used to qualify every year I don't really know when it starts but the HA website states:
Qualification for Pualani status is required each year based on miles or segments flown between January 1 through December 31 of the year prior. Members that qualify will receive full benefits for the next year.

If your status doesn't take effect until the following year you can buy it (Premier Club)for $249 or use 35000 miles. Don't have the miles? I believe 2 CC companies are offering 35000 point sign up bonuses.
Also, I think you get 2 bags free with the membership.
"Check-in luggage fee waivers are limited to the first two bags for member only."
But you should doublecheck as baggage fees are substantial if that is not a Premier Club perk.

North America
First bag $25
Second bag $35
Third - Sixth bags $125 each

Neighbor Islands
First bag $17(a)
Second bag $17
Additional bags $25 each

My main travels are from SF Bay Area to the Islands, about 10 times a year along with interisland trips (1-2 each time I'm there).

For over 15 years UA has been my exclusive airline for travel, but with the UA/CO merger, I'm thinking of switching to HA. OAK is more convenient to fly out of (even SJC) since I live in the East Bay.

I'm Premier Gold at UA for 2012 with no status (except for paying for Premier) on HA. I always have 2 checkin (sometimes 3) bags on the mainland flights.

Is it worth it to get to Pualani Status and then fly HA exclusively? If I qualify in 2012 do I get benefits in 2012 or just 2013? It wasn't clear from what I see on the site.

Mahalo!

If you've got Premier Gold then definitely stick with UA. You have a relatively good upgrade chance (I've been on several flights SFO-HNL with some First class seats empty) - I see a lot of Premier Silvers upgrade also. And, worse case you do have E+. The Hawaiian Frequent Flier Program is very poor.

If you had no status - didn't care much for status - was an occassional flier to Hawaii - couldn't sit in E+ - I'd fly Hawaiian.

The main question is once I get the appropriate miles, is the status good for the rest of the year or does it start the following year?

YMMV but when I first earned gold it was mid year and the status was good for the remainder of the year and the following year