Originally Posted by
weezl
Got an email from UA for their "Islands on Sale" only to find that all islands are >$700 RT. I realize that fares to the islands are up since early 2011 but this is hardly a "sale". Pre-2011, HNL could be had in the low $400s, what happened? Fuel costs? With our economy, one would think that the opposite would be true. I think the airlines have figured out that they can fly fewer flights and command a higher fare due to supply/demand and rich folks who like the islands. But the island economy stinks, and this is one reason why: fewer pax.
Why is it an airline's job to stimulate an economy?
btw, it's all competition. Hawaii is cheaper than ever from the Bay Area thanks to AS.
Originally Posted by
weezl
One way to help out our friends on the islands is to fly more people over at lower rates. Might work, eh? Build more properties, stimulate the economy, make things better for the islanders. They deserve it.
Not all islanders agree with this sentiment. Many would rather the mainlanders stay home.