Originally Posted by lancexfang
My opinion is you might be better off to get flights from MSP to the west coast first, then fly to HNL, then fly the inter-islands. Mileage wise, upgrade wise, schedule wise, you might find it easier to work with. [and ] But I do wonder why they set up the schedule this way, one stop over there then 2 stops on the way back? I know it's to do with the volume, still, very odd indeed.
What's wrong with taking the MSP-HNL nonstop (NW99), then upgrading with miles? Much better than toughing it out in FC for 12+ hours on a 757 in Y (or F!).
NW's taking advantage of the lucrative KOA market. It was only a few years back when KOA was only UA/AA... Not to mention with the booming hotel industry over there in KOA, why not make it a one stop to SEA and pick up additional pax in KOA?