Originally Posted by
kbr420
Letting off some steam here...
Back in March '11, I upgraded using OLCI for HNL->LAS for $275. Prior to the changes made to the Status PAX (Gold/Plat), the upgrades were $325.
I recently looked for an upgrade and now it's back to $325!!! (Not to mention, over 3/4 of First class is open) With the change for the worse in Gold/Plats, they had to do this too! ... are they thinking! I'm really disappointed in the way Hawaiian is treating their freq/loyal customers. Less free bags, no companion bags, "inflated" lower upgrades. They're really shooting themselves in the foot on this one.
I've been flying hawaiian for 20 years and I loved the nonstop LAS from HNL...This is now the only thing keeping me from jumping ship. I already stopped using their Hawaiianmiles CC, so much better offers and redemption ratios out there.
Sorry for all of this, but I'm sure some of you may feel the same way too.
When passengers opt for coach and don't upgrade to first class on HA, those empty seats often go to "non revs." However, HA probably makes enough by gouging its status and non-status pax for upgrades to first class to offset any potential losses.
While it's often cheaper to go with another carrier such as Delta or United Continental, they don't offer nonstop service from LAS to HNL. The powers-that-be at HA know that they don't have to do much to retain their loyal domestic passengers as the airline expands to more international markets. In general, if one doesn't like what HA is doing, it might be best to go ahead and "jump ship." Potential international passengers are currently worth more to HA than loyal domestic passengers.
