Hawaiibound2004

We want to fly to Hawaii next September for our wedding and honeymoon. We will be coming from the east coast (Florida). We want to use FF miles (Amex)if possible but don't want to use more than 150,000 per person to get there. Hawaiian Air has the best timing for us and we can go using 80,000 miles each, but is there seats and service satisfactory? We are not tall/heavy people so extra large seats aren't a requirement, but good service, good food, seats with leg rests and a good recline would be ideal - if possible. We have never flown First Class in the US - only to Europe.

Delta will work, but their depart/arrival times are not as ideal for us. Continental is too expensive right now - both with miles or dollars ($600 a piece more than the other Airlines)

I would love any advise you frequent flyers to the Islands can offer me.

FlyinHawaiian

Welcome to FlyerTalk, and, the FT Travel - Hawai`i Forum!

First and formost, there is a wealth of information on this site - I urge you to learn and use the search function.

That being said, I think you are on the right track about your airline choices. If you like, take a look at the airline forims in the FT Miles section. The consensus seems to be that award travel to and from Hawaii on CO is very hard to come by. That, and they have very limited service to and from the islands.

I saw a recent post in the Hawaiian Airlines forum that had a favorable report of their first class product. Everyone I know who has flown F on HA has been happy with it, compared to other airlines.

Hope this helps!

Hawaiibound2004

Thanks, I didn't know there was a specific Airline site in here somewhere. I'll check it out. Much appreciated.

slawecki

First class domestic is a very different animal than first class international.

We flew IAD-KOA-IAD on UA. It is not the quality of business class international.

slippahs

Very true. Please note that the only airline that still has an "international" first class product to Hawai'i is Continental with their BusinessFirst. Although the quality of BF has declined significantly throughout the years, all other airlines have converted their first class cabins to domestic first.

Hawaiian Airlines is a good choice, however, if you're planning to fly F to HNL. You'll get friendly service, above-par food, etc.

In the long run, since Hawaiian does not service Florida, that means you'd have to connect on another carrier in PHX, LAX, SFO, etc. I suggest you keep using www.nwa.com/jp (the Northwest Japanese website) to keep checking availability of standard BF award on Continental. When you get to the website just click on "Award Travel Reservations" under the heading Worldperks and in the "Airline" field, click Continental.

Avoid Delta.

If you do plan on connecting thru a West Coast city, have you considered Aloha as well?

Hope this helps. Aloha

Elena

Just wrote a post on this here:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/Forum35/HTML/007792.html

lensman

I was doing a search myself for reports on first class service to HNL and found this thread. I don't know if you've already made your reservations, but you should look into NW. They have domestic first class service to Hawaii but some flights are on international equipment and thus have NW's WBC seats.

Penguinmoon

Have flown both AA and UA F class in the past two months from Florida to Hawaii. AA was much better in terms of seat pitch, therefore, making the flight much more comfortable. However, service/food was a bit better on UA.

MeLike2Travel

I flew in F on AA from SJC-HNL. I was very impressed with the service, and even more impressed with the food. It was a great experience.

slippahs

Actually all NW's -10s operating the HNL/OGG routes have WBC seating but F domestic service.

However, when they bring in the 753s to service the West Coast - Hawai'i routes in the upcoming months, those flights will sadly lack any WBC seating.

aloha

lsgitg

I have done this trip 3 times w/AA in first and every trip has been more than a pleasant experience. I will be doing my next one in April. Everyone of of these trips have been award tickets. The last 2 have been for 4 people. Enjoy

cndij

Unfortunately if the first poster is trying to use AMEX points, I don't believe they transfer to American, at least they didn't when my sister was wanting to travel. I know they will to Delta or USAir.

christybono

Does Anyone Know The Best 1st Class Service From Lax To Maui??
I Went On United Last Year, And Wasn't Impressed!!
Thanks!!

FlyinHawaiian

Welcome to FlyerTalk! ^

We've had a similar discussion recently; I think you might find some useful information in the thread below.

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=607833

kaukau

Aloha and welcome to FlyerTalk! As your AA partners HA, and your UA partners AQ, why not try one of our local carriers?
I fly F on HA HNL-LAS 10 times a year, and don't mind a bit. (I like it alot!) The seats have leg and footrests, unlike UA! But without HA status or HAMiles helping out, the $1200++ each way price is very dear. Can you use any AA or UA miles? HA lets you use 1/2 and 1/2! Also try the 'search this forum' tool for additional threads on this and other subjects! Aloha to FlyerTalk!