COVID-19 Chances of Refund from Hawaiian Airlines?
Apr 30, 2020, 9:11 pm
#2
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi [+MKK4 EBBER R577 EDSEL R577 ELKEY EXERT]
Posts: 15,826
HA's current policy is to offer refunds as follows:
RefundsFull refund without fee or penalty is allowed if:
- New arrival at destination or new departure from origin is greater than six (6) hours earlier or later than the original time.
- New itinerary requires changes to any of the following:
- Origin or destination airport, except for co-terminals in the Bay Area (SFO,OAK and SJC) and Los Angeles Basin (LAX and LGB)
- From HA Mainline to ‘Ohana.
So if a refund is what you are looking for, you'll need to wait to see whether Hawaiian further extends the schedule reductions beyond May 20th. As of yesterday, Hawaiian has decided to continue their April schedule through May 20th subject to a few additions: https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/coronavirus (click "Updated Flight Schedule")
May 1, 2020, 2:14 pm
#4
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
I also put at 0% the island 14 day quarantine will be lifted by June 20
May 1, 2020, 4:35 pm
#5
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,132
May 1, 2020, 4:57 pm
#6
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi [+MKK4 EBBER R577 EDSEL R577 ELKEY EXERT]
Posts: 15,826
Believe HNLbasedFlyer is referring to the DOT exemptions granted under the CARES Act obligation relieving Hawaiian from operating all its Mainland routes except SFO and LAX, which can be found here:
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2020-0037-0079
But the problem with this assumption is that just because the DOT has exempted it, does not necessarily mean that HA won't operate the flights. If the demand is there, HA will fly it.
While I think the chances of the April and early-May reductions continuing into June and maybe July are high because there is talk of extending the stay at home orders will be extended into June and beyond, I also think it's a bit overstated to say there is a 100% chance that other flights won't go. People should continue to monitor the ever-changing situation.
EDIT: To further my point, HA announced yesterday that it would resume SEA service, which is a city covered by the DOT exemption. https://www.khon2.com/coronavirus/ha...ttle-honolulu/
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2020-0037-0079
But the problem with this assumption is that just because the DOT has exempted it, does not necessarily mean that HA won't operate the flights. If the demand is there, HA will fly it.
While I think the chances of the April and early-May reductions continuing into June and maybe July are high because there is talk of extending the stay at home orders will be extended into June and beyond, I also think it's a bit overstated to say there is a 100% chance that other flights won't go. People should continue to monitor the ever-changing situation.
EDIT: To further my point, HA announced yesterday that it would resume SEA service, which is a city covered by the DOT exemption. https://www.khon2.com/coronavirus/ha...ttle-honolulu/
Last edited by slippahs; May 1, 2020 at 6:41 pm
May 2, 2020, 1:37 am
#8
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2003
Location: Honolulu, Hawaiʻi [+MKK4 EBBER R577 EDSEL R577 ELKEY EXERT]
Posts: 15,826
May 2, 2020, 2:15 am
#9
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: Hawai'i Nei
Programs: Au: UA, Marriott, Hilton; GE
Posts: 7,132
Believe HNLbasedFlyer is referring to the DOT exemptions granted under the CARES Act obligation relieving Hawaiian from operating all its Mainland routes except SFO and LAX, which can be found here:
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2020-0037-0079
But the problem with this assumption is that just because the DOT has exempted it, does not necessarily mean that HA won't operate the flights. If the demand is there, HA will fly it.
While I think the chances of the April and early-May reductions continuing into June and maybe July are high because there is talk of extending the stay at home orders will be extended into June and beyond, I also think it's a bit overstated to say there is a 100% chance that other flights won't go. People should continue to monitor the ever-changing situation.
EDIT: To further my point, HA announced yesterday that it would resume SEA service, which is a city covered by the DOT exemption. https://www.khon2.com/coronavirus/ha...ttle-honolulu/
https://www.regulations.gov/document...2020-0037-0079
But the problem with this assumption is that just because the DOT has exempted it, does not necessarily mean that HA won't operate the flights. If the demand is there, HA will fly it.
While I think the chances of the April and early-May reductions continuing into June and maybe July are high because there is talk of extending the stay at home orders will be extended into June and beyond, I also think it's a bit overstated to say there is a 100% chance that other flights won't go. People should continue to monitor the ever-changing situation.
EDIT: To further my point, HA announced yesterday that it would resume SEA service, which is a city covered by the DOT exemption. https://www.khon2.com/coronavirus/ha...ttle-honolulu/
May 2, 2020, 2:55 pm
#10
Join Date: Dec 2002
Location: LI, NY
Programs: AA PLT, AAdv since Day One
Posts: 2,682
My 2 cents: The probability of HA51 JFK-HNL flying on June 20th is about 0, IME. Here's why:
1) The "tone" based on news reports and HI Senate hearings are that tourists are persona non grata in Hawaii for the foreseeable future. The "official" deadline for the 14-day quarantine for anyone flying into the state, or between islands, is May 31st. The current thinking is that they *might* lift the inter-island quarantine requirement at the end of the month. But, not to accommodate tourism, rather to accommodate those with extended families throughout the state. The lawmakers have been on the HiDOT's case to tighten up surveillance of the 100 or so tourists that arrive here everyday. Normally, we get about 30,000/day. So, if they can't fully deal with 100+ how are they going to deal with thousands?
2) Right now, HA has no JFK or BOS service to HNL. However, they partner with B6 (Jet Blue). Assuming there is still no JFK/BOS-HNL service in June, HA would then try to put you on a B6 flight to LAX or SFO to catch the HA flight. But even the earliest B6 flight ex-JFK gets in too late to connect to what is HA's only flight, at present, to HNL.
Given the above, I don't foresee HA adding any JFK/BOS-HNL and will wait till probably at least the end of May to cancel them. I also, don't see HA expanding LAX/SFO-HNL service into June either. Just a good guess on my part based on how cancellations across all domestic flights have been going. The tell is when the flight remains on the schedule but all the inventory is zeroed out to prevent further bookings. Keep in mind that the longer an airline takes to cancel a flight the longer they can delay a refund and "wait out" the pax hoping the pax will cancel their reservation before the airline does and accept a credit. It's a game of chicken.
So, to the OP, be patient as others have suggested. Check once a week at least (Sunday is best) to see if you can book your outbound as if for the first time. If you can't then either the flight is cancelled or they have zeroed the inventory in anticipation of cancelling.
Good luck and stay safe!
1) The "tone" based on news reports and HI Senate hearings are that tourists are persona non grata in Hawaii for the foreseeable future. The "official" deadline for the 14-day quarantine for anyone flying into the state, or between islands, is May 31st. The current thinking is that they *might* lift the inter-island quarantine requirement at the end of the month. But, not to accommodate tourism, rather to accommodate those with extended families throughout the state. The lawmakers have been on the HiDOT's case to tighten up surveillance of the 100 or so tourists that arrive here everyday. Normally, we get about 30,000/day. So, if they can't fully deal with 100+ how are they going to deal with thousands?
2) Right now, HA has no JFK or BOS service to HNL. However, they partner with B6 (Jet Blue). Assuming there is still no JFK/BOS-HNL service in June, HA would then try to put you on a B6 flight to LAX or SFO to catch the HA flight. But even the earliest B6 flight ex-JFK gets in too late to connect to what is HA's only flight, at present, to HNL.
Given the above, I don't foresee HA adding any JFK/BOS-HNL and will wait till probably at least the end of May to cancel them. I also, don't see HA expanding LAX/SFO-HNL service into June either. Just a good guess on my part based on how cancellations across all domestic flights have been going. The tell is when the flight remains on the schedule but all the inventory is zeroed out to prevent further bookings. Keep in mind that the longer an airline takes to cancel a flight the longer they can delay a refund and "wait out" the pax hoping the pax will cancel their reservation before the airline does and accept a credit. It's a game of chicken.
So, to the OP, be patient as others have suggested. Check once a week at least (Sunday is best) to see if you can book your outbound as if for the first time. If you can't then either the flight is cancelled or they have zeroed the inventory in anticipation of cancelling.
Good luck and stay safe!
May 2, 2020, 6:38 pm
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 40
My 2 cents: The probability of HA51 JFK-HNL flying on June 20th is about 0, IME. Here's why:
1) The "tone" based on news reports and HI Senate hearings are that tourists are persona non grata in Hawaii for the foreseeable future. The "official" deadline for the 14-day quarantine for anyone flying into the state, or between islands, is May 31st. The current thinking is that they *might* lift the inter-island quarantine requirement at the end of the month. But, not to accommodate tourism, rather to accommodate those with extended families throughout the state. The lawmakers have been on the HiDOT's case to tighten up surveillance of the 100 or so tourists that arrive here everyday. Normally, we get about 30,000/day. So, if they can't fully deal with 100+ how are they going to deal with thousands?
2) Right now, HA has no JFK or BOS service to HNL. However, they partner with B6 (Jet Blue). Assuming there is still no JFK/BOS-HNL service in June, HA would then try to put you on a B6 flight to LAX or SFO to catch the HA flight. But even the earliest B6 flight ex-JFK gets in too late to connect to what is HA's only flight, at present, to HNL.
Given the above, I don't foresee HA adding any JFK/BOS-HNL and will wait till probably at least the end of May to cancel them. I also, don't see HA expanding LAX/SFO-HNL service into June either. Just a good guess on my part based on how cancellations across all domestic flights have been going. The tell is when the flight remains on the schedule but all the inventory is zeroed out to prevent further bookings. Keep in mind that the longer an airline takes to cancel a flight the longer they can delay a refund and "wait out" the pax hoping the pax will cancel their reservation before the airline does and accept a credit. It's a game of chicken.
So, to the OP, be patient as others have suggested. Check once a week at least (Sunday is best) to see if you can book your outbound as if for the first time. If you can't then either the flight is cancelled or they have zeroed the inventory in anticipation of cancelling.
Good luck and stay safe!
1) The "tone" based on news reports and HI Senate hearings are that tourists are persona non grata in Hawaii for the foreseeable future. The "official" deadline for the 14-day quarantine for anyone flying into the state, or between islands, is May 31st. The current thinking is that they *might* lift the inter-island quarantine requirement at the end of the month. But, not to accommodate tourism, rather to accommodate those with extended families throughout the state. The lawmakers have been on the HiDOT's case to tighten up surveillance of the 100 or so tourists that arrive here everyday. Normally, we get about 30,000/day. So, if they can't fully deal with 100+ how are they going to deal with thousands?
2) Right now, HA has no JFK or BOS service to HNL. However, they partner with B6 (Jet Blue). Assuming there is still no JFK/BOS-HNL service in June, HA would then try to put you on a B6 flight to LAX or SFO to catch the HA flight. But even the earliest B6 flight ex-JFK gets in too late to connect to what is HA's only flight, at present, to HNL.
Given the above, I don't foresee HA adding any JFK/BOS-HNL and will wait till probably at least the end of May to cancel them. I also, don't see HA expanding LAX/SFO-HNL service into June either. Just a good guess on my part based on how cancellations across all domestic flights have been going. The tell is when the flight remains on the schedule but all the inventory is zeroed out to prevent further bookings. Keep in mind that the longer an airline takes to cancel a flight the longer they can delay a refund and "wait out" the pax hoping the pax will cancel their reservation before the airline does and accept a credit. It's a game of chicken.
So, to the OP, be patient as others have suggested. Check once a week at least (Sunday is best) to see if you can book your outbound as if for the first time. If you can't then either the flight is cancelled or they have zeroed the inventory in anticipation of cancelling.
Good luck and stay safe!
May 6, 2020, 2:15 pm
#12
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: HNL
Programs: UA GS4MM, MR LT Plat, Hilton Gold
Posts: 6,447
EDIT: To further my point, HA announced yesterday that it would resume SEA service, which is a city covered by the DOT exemption. https://www.khon2.com/coronavirus/ha...ttle-honolulu/
May 21, 2020, 1:09 pm
#13
Original Poster
Join Date: May 2005
Posts: 40
New Post.. because I am ticked! Hawaiian Air
So I received an email this morning that our HA 51 JFK/Oahu roundtrip was canceled on June 25th. I emailed the request for the refund as we are not sure at this point we can reschedule for next year. I notice that the interisland airfare round trip is still active. (5 people) So I chatted with HA and they said that since they have not cancelled the interisland , we cannot receive a refund and as it looks to them, they have fulfilled their "alternative accomodation agreement" and the flight is active and we are, in their words, "Good to GO". Lol! Just wanted to vent. Also since we had 1 1/2 seats of value in free airfare with points, can I transfer those to another airline? I guess that is the next battle with them. Anyway. thanks for letting me vent about HA cancelling my mainland flight and NOT releasing me out of the interisland fare.
Unfortunately we are unable to provide you with a refund as we were able to provide you with alternative accommodations. If you do not wish to travel, you have the following options:
1) Rebook your itinerary with no change fee or fare difference for travel beginning on or before December 16, 2020
2) Rebook your itinerary with no change fee for travel through May 31, 2022 (for tickets purchased prior to March 1, 2020) or 2 years from the original date of purchase (for tickets purchased on or after March 1, 2020).
Unfortunately we are unable to provide you with a refund as we were able to provide you with alternative accommodations. If you do not wish to travel, you have the following options:
1) Rebook your itinerary with no change fee or fare difference for travel beginning on or before December 16, 2020
2) Rebook your itinerary with no change fee for travel through May 31, 2022 (for tickets purchased prior to March 1, 2020) or 2 years from the original date of purchase (for tickets purchased on or after March 1, 2020).
Last edited by FlyinHawaiian; May 24, 2020 at 5:00 am Reason: merged with other thread started by OP as all questions are specific to this itinerary