Hi, Phoenixtinct and Often1,

Thanks for your detailed and constructive responses. To clear up any confusion, I booked the United award separately from the other portions of my Hawaii itinerary (utilizing another United award, along with BA using Alaska miles). I used United and BA because the required award mileage was significantly less than I would have had to use (20k+5k+12.5k per ticket, versus 25k +10k + 30k per ticket on HA). This was a bummer because I have over 150K miles on Hawaiian that are turning out to be difficult to use.

Per your specific question, Phoenixtinct, this was NOT a codeshare flight. My ticket, issued by United, was specifically for HA 327.

In any event--after receiving HA's initial denial, I wrote back and received the following response today:

"We received your amended complaint on December 24 from the Department of Transportation regarding your baggage. We understand you are disappointed with our response. As previously stated, airlines are required to apply the marketing carrier’s baggage rules for each segment of the passenger’s trip. Your ticket was purchased on United Airlines ticket stock which means that you are subject to United Airlines baggage fees.

United Airlines assesses $25 for the first checked baggage, and $35 for the second checked baggage per person for passengers traveling in coach. While you may have been traveling on Hawaiian Airlines, because the ticket was issued by United Airlines, their bag fees apply. We understand you have documents that state otherwise, however based on the above, you were charged accordingly by Hawaiian Airlines.

Thank you for taking the time to contact us. However, based on the facts of your case, we consider our decision to be fair and appropriate. Respectfully, we consider this matter closed.

Mahalo,
[Name of non-executive staffer redacted per FT TOS]

Resolution Coordinator
Hawaiian Airlines, Consumer Affairs Office"

Phoenixtinct, I was not aware of the codeshare issue you brought up when I submitted my appeal, so I will follow-up with a quick reply, although HA has shown their true colors. I will also amend my DOT complaint to include that information. I also submitted a separate complaint to DOT about United in order to get them into the picture.

BTW, this is NOT my first tussle with HA regarding baggage fees for partner-issued tickets. Last year, they charged me $120 to check in 4 bags when we were travelling on an AA award which took us from Osaka to HNL (layover of several weeks), then on to SEA. I submitted a complaint to DOT and HA almost immediately (for them) refunded the fees. This one is turning out to be a harder nut to crack. However, I intend to pursue this matter. If more passengers took the time to file a DOT complaint (which doesn't take more than 10 minutes), then SOME action might be taken against HA to cease these abusive practices.