FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - What is the best first class airline to fly to hawaii on from the PHL area
Old Jan 3, 2008 | 9:06 pm
  #25  
AMA
 
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 534
while i don't live near PHL(am in Texas), would suggest you consider an alternative...

* most of the airlines cut back service to HI several years ago, such that return trips are often red eye flights(not a good way to end a vacation).

* so, what I do is fly out to LAX, arrive late afternoon/early evening.

* stay at one of the many LAX airport hotels overnight. Some good deals to be had by shopping different hotel websites and/or priceline. Go to nearby Manhattan Beach, etc. for grub, etc., or other LAX places if you know L.A.

* -leisurely- depart the next morning on what is usually a 5-ish hour flight over to HNL. -Many- airlines on this route, great prices, etc. Oughta be good 1st class out of LAX at good pricing.

* on the return from HI, take an early afternoon flight out of HNL, arrive LAX evening time...

* next day, take an -afternoon- flight from LAX back home(avoids jet lag issues).

While this itinerary involves a bit more time(and a couple cheap hotel nights), it's worth it to me to be refreshed before and after my trip.

Plus, if you do a marathon non-stop from the east coast, you'll be trashed when you arrive in HI. And, depending upon time, you may arrive in HI late enough to not get much enjoyment out of the expensive hotel room you just bought for your first night(helps pay for two LAX nights instead). I always arrive in HNL in time to hit the hotel mid-late afternoon, so I have better luck on room issues.

Worth a look...cost is usually not more for me, cuz of inexpensive LAX hotels and competitive airline pricing from home to/from LAX and from LAX to/from HI
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