I bought four first class tickets from IAD to LIH through United. The first set of flights were all United with a layover through LAX but the return flight went from LIH to HNL through Hawaiian Airlines and HNL to IAD through United. I was a little bit surprised when I never received a e-mail to check in 24 hours before our flight but when I went to the United site they mentioned I needed to check-in through Hawaiian Airlines. The first ticket did not exist (for a child) but the others did online with a luggage fee of $300 per bag. I couldn't figure out how you could even get to that cost but when I called Hawaiian they found the children's ticket (thank god) but we would need to check-in at the airport for everyone.

When checking-in at the airport the fee dropped to $200 per bag till I mentioned we had first class tickets. The ticket agent was quick to snap that we must follow Hawaiian Airlines policy (and even pay for that bag on the United flight) which I tried to be nice and note that they have free baggage with both airlines with first class. I did have one bag per person below 50 pounds, one individual had two bags below 50, and one bag that was exactly 70 pounds. I was now told that I had to pay a overweight fee which I was confused since United's policy is up to 70 pounds on first class which not only I met but I didn't even have a second bag. Now mind you I am also Gold with United but I am trying to figure out if I was or they were in the right. They did finally agree to waive the fees but with only a lot of hassle and the agent was quick to note that is only because her manager overrule her (and not happy with it either). I see that Hawaiian policies may overstep United after the flight but if you bought the ticket from United and it was a basic layover it would seem the two airlines would work together. I also only had my United number on the ticket.

I was also surprised since our flights through Hawaiian were changed six months prior and they moved all of us on the same flight except our child who was put on a completely different flight. When I called United they said it needed to be fixed with Hawaiian and when I called them they said it could only be fixed by talking to my son. Well the problem is he is only 20 months old which I quickly noted is on his ticket. I asked to talk with the manager and I was told that I was talking to the top...I offered to go on that flight instead if necessary since a toddler clearly can't fly on his own. It was finally fixed through United but with only lots of hassle once again.

I hear how amazing Hawaiian is and the flight attendants I will confess were extremely nice and the flight went smoothly. However, I wouldn't say this is by far a aloha friendly airline and is it a fair perception. When I was printing my tickets another lady doing the same mentioned good luck the codeshare's between UAL and HA are horrible.

Thoughts? I was surprised since I would have thought for all of the passengers going between the two airlines they would have the computer systems and the process down well.

Please continue discussion in the following thread:

http://www.flyertalk.com/forum/unite...riences-4.html

As a friendly reminder, cross-posting isn't allowed.

Mahalo,

FlyinHawaiian, Co-Moderator
Hawaii-Based Airlines Forum