Hi!

I was wondering if anyone recently has paid for an upgrade either using OLCI or at the gate and how much you paid?

I've searched previous threads and can see that back in Mid 2010 California-HI was $399 o/w for non elite and between $200-300 for Pualani Plat/Gold.

Also, what's the likeliness that using miles to upgrade will be an option?

Thanks!

Reporting back that SJC-HNL was offered at $408 over the phone - the CSR mentioned that there were a few seats left and could chance it at the airport for $399.

Letting off some steam here...

Back in March '11, I upgraded using OLCI for HNL->LAS for $275. Prior to the changes made to the Status PAX (Gold/Plat), the upgrades were $325.

I recently looked for an upgrade and now it's back to $325!!! (Not to mention, over 3/4 of First class is open) With the change for the worse in Gold/Plats, they had to do this too! ... are they thinking! I'm really disappointed in the way Hawaiian is treating their freq/loyal customers. Less free bags, no companion bags, "inflated" lower upgrades. They're really shooting themselves in the foot on this one.

I've been flying hawaiian for 20 years and I loved the nonstop LAS from HNL...This is now the only thing keeping me from jumping ship. I already stopped using their Hawaiianmiles CC, so much better offers and redemption ratios out there.

Sorry for all of this, but I'm sure some of you may feel the same way too.

When passengers opt for coach and don't upgrade to first class on HA, those empty seats often go to "non revs." However, HA probably makes enough by gouging its status and non-status pax for upgrades to first class to offset any potential losses.

While it's often cheaper to go with another carrier such as Delta or United Continental, they don't offer nonstop service from LAS to HNL. The powers-that-be at HA know that they don't have to do much to retain their loyal domestic passengers as the airline expands to more international markets. In general, if one doesn't like what HA is doing, it might be best to go ahead and "jump ship." Potential international passengers are currently worth more to HA than loyal domestic passengers.

I took the on-line upgrade offer HNL-SFO back in February. Seems like it was $400.

Service was very attentive, if a little distant. Food presentation is creative, with island flare. Love the widebody 767 on HNL-California flight.