Best time to book for Hawaii in July
Nov 3, 2018, 12:24 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: Auburn, WA
Programs: United Mileage Plus AAdvantage La Quinta Returns
Posts: 60
Best time to book for Hawaii in July
Hello All-
I am needing advice on when is the best time to book for a trip in July of 2019 to Hawaii. (Kona). I am willing to use miles or dollars or a mix of both and would like to either use miles to upgrade if we do buy seats. Normally I just book the flight but this trip will be my Honeymoon so I want it to be relaxing from the start. I am willing to leave from Seattle or Portland possibly Vancouver (Though I doubt that will be cheaper at all just because of Canada taxes) Also willing to Open Jaw if needed. So any tips and tricks would be appreciated.
I am needing advice on when is the best time to book for a trip in July of 2019 to Hawaii. (Kona). I am willing to use miles or dollars or a mix of both and would like to either use miles to upgrade if we do buy seats. Normally I just book the flight but this trip will be my Honeymoon so I want it to be relaxing from the start. I am willing to leave from Seattle or Portland possibly Vancouver (Though I doubt that will be cheaper at all just because of Canada taxes) Also willing to Open Jaw if needed. So any tips and tricks would be appreciated.
Nov 3, 2018, 1:04 pm
#2
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
Sheesh, I can feel the anxiety through my screen, man...
My advice - this is not the place for gamesmanship. It's your honeymoon, I just did you a solid and google flights says that a Monday departure / Monday return in F on the direct DL flight from SEA to KOA next July is 1200 bucks round trip. DONE. Have a great trip.
My advice - this is not the place for gamesmanship. It's your honeymoon, I just did you a solid and google flights says that a Monday departure / Monday return in F on the direct DL flight from SEA to KOA next July is 1200 bucks round trip. DONE. Have a great trip.
Nov 3, 2018, 1:18 pm
#3
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jun 2001
Programs: DL 1 million, AA 1 mil, HH lapsed Diamond, Marriott Plat
Posts: 28,190
I'll support the advice of arlflyer. Summer is peak season to Hawaii (kids out of school). You may not have a lot of date flexibility. Buy it and be happy.
Nov 3, 2018, 8:13 pm
#4
Join Date: Jan 2016
Programs: AA Platinum
Posts: 50
Sheesh, I can feel the anxiety through my screen, man...
My advice - this is not the place for gamesmanship. It's your honeymoon, I just did you a solid and google flights says that a Monday departure / Monday return in F on the direct DL flight from SEA to KOA next July is 1200 bucks round trip. DONE. Have a great trip.
My advice - this is not the place for gamesmanship. It's your honeymoon, I just did you a solid and google flights says that a Monday departure / Monday return in F on the direct DL flight from SEA to KOA next July is 1200 bucks round trip. DONE. Have a great trip.
Nov 3, 2018, 8:48 pm
#5
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
Programs: American Airlines Executive Platinum, Marriott Bonvoy Ambassador Elite
Posts: 3,226
If you get an expertflyer.com membership you can search on the upgrades tab for "C" inventory. Any flights that have a number other than 0 next to C would be eligible for millage upgrades. Normally domestic upgrades on American would be 15,000 miles and $75, however, Hawaii routes require an extra $100 ($175 total + 15,000 miles), if you have any of the Aviator MasterCards, you can get 10% of those miles back (up to 10,000 per year). Also, if you participate in Business Extra (and you should), you can use 650 business extra points for the upgrades. Business extra upgrades also require C inventory and you can't use them on tickets with fare basis codes starting with B, N, O, Q or S.
Nov 4, 2018, 8:50 am
#6
Join Date: Feb 2013
Location: DCA
Posts: 7,769
If you get an expertflyer.com membership you can search on the upgrades tab for "C" inventory. Any flights that have a number other than 0 next to C would be eligible for millage upgrades. Normally domestic upgrades on American would be 15,000 miles and $75, however, Hawaii routes require an extra $100 ($175 total + 15,000 miles), if you have any of the Aviator MasterCards, you can get 10% of those miles back (up to 10,000 per year). Also, if you participate in Business Extra (and you should), you can use 650 business extra points for the upgrades. Business extra upgrades also require C inventory and you can't use them on tickets with fare basis codes starting with B, N, O, Q or S.
Nov 4, 2018, 9:20 am
#7
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
Programs: AA 1MM Lifetime Gold, AA Platinum, WS Gold, Marriott Bonvoy Gold
Posts: 7,607
Get two AAnytime awards and you're done. No availability worries assuming there are 2 J for sale, change/cancel/no-show no problems, no looking for upgrades, blah blah blah. Or buy two seats.
Nov 4, 2018, 9:26 am
#8
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: New York City + Vail, CO
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Posts: 3,226
Nov 4, 2018, 9:46 am
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
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It does not appear that the OP has even checked award-seat availability yet, so it's a little premature to advise him to book an AAnytime award now.
The OP will have nonstop options from SEA and PDX (and maybe even BLI, which has seasonal service) to KOA on AS if if SAAver award seats are available. If not, and the OP is willing to connect, one-stop connections might be available via LAX or PHX.
It's a simple matter to do an award search now at aa.com to see if any SAAver options are available currently for the OP's desired dates. If there aren't, and the OP doesn't want to wait, he can either book AAnytime awards now, or buy cash tickets.