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Consolidated "When to buy tickets to Hawaii, how to get cheaper?" thread
I'm planning a 8-10 day trip to Oahu & Maui next Mar / Apr or May. I know there isn't an "off season", but among these 3 months, which one is better? I want to avoid spring break, school break if possible.
And does anyone know if there is any first class tix sales (from NYC) during the first quarter? They had one last summer. |
There is an off-peak season for travel to Hawai'i that takes place in usually Oct and April, as well as February. The off-peak season does vary. I think it'd be best, though, to go in April. You might encounter April showers, but you take that chance almost anytime you go during non-Summer months. Spring break officials lands in the third or last week of March according to the DOE and you have schools getting out in May, especially UH.
The first class ticket sales you were referring to, the ones that costed around $1200, were part of a discounted First class fare intiated by American, Delta and Northwest. American and Northwest have pulled that fare, but Delta still has it. My guess is that it's not coming back for those two carriers, unfortunately. (Though the market might warrant cheaper F fares and I could be wrong, and am hoping so) aloha |
I think that your chances of good (i.e., sunny and warm) weather would improve the later you visit in this time frame. Personally, since I live with no a/c, I prefer it a bit cloudier and cooler, but I know our visitors don't agree!
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I'd pick April... with a return in March! :D
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Here's a little something from Expedia for all our viewers out there:
Long days of sunshine and fairly mild year-round temperatures make Hawai'i an all-season destination. Most resort areas are at sea level, with average afternoon temperatures of 75°F-80°F during the coldest months of December and January; during the hottest months of August and September the temperature often reaches 90°F. Only at high elevations does the temperature drop into the colder realms, and only at mountain summits does it reach freezing. Most travelers head to the Islands during winter. From mid-December through mid-April, visitors from the mainland and other areas covered with snow find Hawai'i's sun-splashed beaches and balmy trade winds appealing. This high season means that fewer travel bargains are available; room rates average 10%-15% higher during this season than the rest of the year. Rainfall can be high in winter, particularly on the north and east shores of each island. Generally speaking, you are guaranteed sun and warm temperatures on the west and south shores no matter what time of year. Kaua'i's and the Big Island's northern sections get more annual rainfall than the rest of Hawai'i, and so much rain falls on Kaua'i's Mount Wai'ale'ale (approximately 472 inches of rain, or 39 ft), that it's considered the wettest place on earth. The following are the normal daily temperature ranges for Kaua'i: January 65-80°F (18 to 27°C); February 65-80°F (18-27°C); March 69-81°F (21-27°C); April 69-83°F (21-28°C); May 70-85°F (21-29°C); June 72-86°F (22-30°C); July 73-87°F (23-31°C); August 74-88°F (23-31°C); September 73-88°F (23-31°C); October 72-87°F (22-31°C); November 69-84°F (21-29°C); December 67-81°F (19-27°C). Holidays Major national holidays include New Year's Day (Jan. 1); Martin Luther King, Jr., Day (3rd Mon. in Jan.); President's Day (3rd Mon. in Feb.); Memorial Day (last Mon. in May); Independence Day (July 4); Labor Day (1st Mon. in Sept.); Thanksgiving Day (4th Thurs. in Nov.); Christmas Eve and Christmas Day (Dec. 24 and 25); and New Year's Eve (Dec. 31). In addition, Hawai'i celebrates Prince Kuhio Day (Mar. 26), King Kamehameha Day (June 11), and Admission Day (3rd Fri. in Aug.). State, city, and county offices as well as many local companies are closed for business. aloha |
IMHO, May and October are the best months to travel anywhere in the world.
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season + 1st class
There is also the usual off-peak season between Sept and Dec 15 (excluding time around Thanksgiving). A bit late now, though. Any time is good, but you are wise to avoid the school holidays.
Hawaiian had a $999 first class deal - and may still. You would have to get from NYC to one of their gateways, however. (having flown it, I would rate it - like most all domestic 1st classes - as really a hyped business class without REAL first class food and service. Still, not bad, especially with the Aloha spirit) |
June '06 flights to Hawaii, reserve when they come available or wait?
I am getting married on June 18, 2006 and I was wondering when I should book our flights. I would like to fly out early on June 19, 2006. Should I book them when they first become available or should I wait and watch?
I am located in NW Ohio so most likely I would want flights out of CVG, CMH, DAY, DTW, or TOL. What kind of options do I have? I don't really know what kind of prices are average for this time of year from my location. My fiance and I both have 20,000 miles on Delta and I am not sure what that would get us. Most likely we will be flying immediately to Maui. |
It's far too early to begin booking now. However, if you know that you'd absolutely have to be here, then I'd suggest at least to begin monitoring fares. If you're looking at booking First Class, Delta and American both offer non-refundable First Class fares at about $1,200 a piece (if you're not tied down to Delta miles, go with American as they have more comfortable seats to Hawaii). The $1,200 fares don't really change, so if they're there this early on, I'd say it's safe to book them (because the carrier could also pull those fares at any time, like Northwest did). Good luck!
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When to book LAX-Koa for Spring Break 2007
My family and I are going to be going to Kona for Spring break 2007. Because of the kids' schedules, we are only able to go from Fri.-Fri. Right now, I am getting quotes of $800+ for non-stop flights from LA to Kona and $560.96 through Panda Travel on Delta with a connection in Salt Lake City (total travel time of 11 1/2 hrs.ugh!) When is the best time to purchase and what is a "good price" for our trip? Thanks for any info or input! :cool:
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Originally Posted by pegs
My family and I are going to be going to Kona for Spring break 2007. Because of the kids' schedules, we are only able to go from Fri.-Fri. Right now, I am getting quotes of $800+ for non-stop flights from LA to Kona and $560.96 through Panda Travel on Delta with a connection in Salt Lake City (total travel time of 11 1/2 hrs.ugh!) When is the best time to purchase and what is a "good price" for our trip? Thanks for any info or input! :cool:
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I think the sooner the better: I have notice that flights to Hawaii keep going up in price the closer one gets to departure. Sometimes, I have seen discounted prices right before departure, but you would have to be flexible, and lucky, to get such a price. I would book a ticket as soon as you can!
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Have you tried one of the vacation package sites?
www.unitedvacations.com or Escapes on United.com or Packages on Expedia/Travelocity/AA.com UnitedVacations is nice in that you can get the hotel/car for fewer days than the number of days your on-island, if need be. In April I booked my wife (on two week's notice) KOA-SFO on UnitedVacations.com and the price was 1/2 the same flights booked on United.com! (Had to had one day of hotel for an extra $30, but total price was still ~50% of booking the flights alone through the airline's website) |
Originally Posted by ContinentalFan
I think the sooner the better: I have notice that flights to Hawaii keep going up in price the closer one gets to departure. Sometimes, I have seen discounted prices right before departure, but you would have to be flexible, and lucky, to get such a price. I would book a ticket as soon as you can!
Award tickets are obviously different. cblaisd's idea is a good one. I forgot that. I'd also the HNL travel agency cites. |
Thanks everyone for the input. We have a timeshare so we can't book a vacation package which often has great deals. I'll keep checking and hopefully will find a better deal. :)
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Originally Posted by pegs
Thanks everyone for the input. We have a timeshare so we can't book a vacation package which often has great deals.
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Originally Posted by jtkauai
As for HA specifically, they load first fares 330 days in advance. These are usually considerably higher, designed for people who want to book specific dates way out, without regard to best price. They load seasonal fares at about 120 days out. That's when they have a feeling on the market factors, and when you can get their best pricing, if there is any to be had.
Award tickets are obviously different. cblaisd's idea is a good one. I forgot that. I'd also the HNL travel agency cites. Now, booking Thanksgiving weekend or right around Christmas is an entirely different story. As to the OP, I would wait out a bit to book Spring Break travel roughly around November, when I've noticed travel to be the cheapest. If really is a game of insurance, per say, to be booking a ticket now at a higher price. A) Your travel plans are secure early out. B) If the flight sells out within the next few months, you still have a seat. C) You can secure all your other travel arrangements (e.g., hotel stays, timeshares schedules, rental cars) in advance. Personally, I'd wait till after this busy summer season to see what types of lower fares the airlines will offer and go from there. Labor Day and after should bring down the fares of a really difficult travel season throughout the country. |
When Will Fall Fare Sales Come Out?
If anybody has tracked seasonal fare sales to Hawaii...when are Fall fares likely to go "on sale"? I'm torn between waiting and booking now, although prices are high!
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My guess is ~ August 15
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8/15/07 12:01 am HST.
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Since the OP lists United Airlines in her profile, I will mention that United has a policy of offering a voucher for the difference if the fare decreases any time after the time the ticket is purchased. A search of the UA Forum archives will provide additional details regarding this policy.
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Wow! I'll wait til 8/15, then. Thanks
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For our west-coast FTers, I'm seeing mid-September LAX-HNL fares on HA at $155 each way for purchase now, if you want 'em. Pretty good.
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I seem to recall the sales starting in late summer for fall travel.
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There is currently a $461+ ORD-SFO-HNL fare on AA for September and October. I certainly took advantage of that :)
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Thanks for the input...I'm aware of the vouchers that UA issues, but I have read some very negative things about actually receving them in the UA forum, especially if you request them on-line. I've got some specific flights/times in mind as we are trying to minimize the amount of time the kids are out of school and reduce travel time as we're traveling with a 5 year old as well. I'll just keep checking!
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When to purchase tickets to HNL from SEA or YVR for December
Going on a cruise from Dec. 12 to 22 departing from Honolulu. I was looking at flights flying out of Seattle or Vancouver, BC. For flying in and out on the same day with no further stay in Honolulu, cheapest flight is about $380 on Hawaiian Airlines out of Seattle. If I fly out on Dec. 24, cost goes down to $325 on NW.
Of course, I would have to factor hotel or other accommodation costs for the 2 extra days. Should I purchase my tickets now or wait to see if there will be any sales coming up. I realize that no one here is prescient, but just wondering if anyone has been tracking prices for Dec. flights from previous years. We will already be in Honolulu for 2 days during the cruise so are there enough things to do if we stay another 2 days. There are 8 people in our group consisting of middle aged couples and late teens. |
Originally Posted by cnlc
(Post 8060137)
Going on a cruise from Dec. 12 to 22 departing from Honolulu. I was looking at flights flying out of Seattle or Vancouver, BC.......
Buy 'em now, brah! Those are good prices! And my Magic 8-Ball says they have nowhere to go but up! (Think fuel costs.) Anything under $400 r/t HNL-mainland is a "buy" for me. Wish our flights were <$400. We're paying approximately $450 r/t HNL-LAS; 10 trips, from August into next May. Here's my recent HA purchases: http://flyertalk.com/forum/showpost....&postcount=314 Have fun on FlyerTalk! Aloha Kakou kaukau |
GRAB them NOW... Chances are there are only a few seats at that rate. Don't risk it. You could probably get decent rate for the night somewhere. Also you never know about delays with weather at that time of year (think there were MAJOR problems around Dec. 18th last year).
Happy planning. Carolyn |
Airfare from California to Hawaii - when to purchase?
Hi everyone,
New poster here. We want to go to Hawaii next August... Maui and Oahu (our last trip to Hawaii was in 2004). Right now I can get airfare for $197 one-way, $24 interisland, and $143 return (cheapest to do a combo of Aloha and Hawaiian). Total price is about $407 w/ taxes. Should I book now (nearly 10 months in advance)? Normally I wouldn't book this early, but with the price of fuel, etc. I wondered if would be better to go ahead and purchase. I notice ATA does not book that far out so I can't compare prices on their airline (also we've never flown ATA). Thanks for your help! |
Oh... and I realize the fare isn't likely to go lower... I would just prefer to purchase later if I can get a similar price.
We have a family of 4 so decreases and increases in airfare multiply quickly! Thanks. |
If you are almost certain your travel dates/needs will not change in the next 10 months, that is a very reasonable price to pay for summer travel.
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Thanks FlyinHawaiian -
Over the years I've seen airfare sales throughout the year from California and always waited until closer to the date... but don't know if things have changed in the last couple of years with fuel prices, etc. We're fine with the dates in mind.... but would prefer to dole out the $$ at a later date... but we may not have that option! |
My policy is that if I know I have a trip planned and the dates reasonably settled and I find a good enough fare I go ahead and book it. IMO you should lock in the good deal you found as the fares will not likely go lower than what you found. By passing on the fare the chance to save additional money is pretty small while the chance fares will go up significantly is much greater. August is typically a popular time to go and it is not unusual to see fares priced $700 or more.
I understand wanting to hang on to your $, but realistically how much interest on it are you giving up ? Alan |
For mid-summer August travel, I think that fare is a great deal. Book it.
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OK... you guys convinced me... we're now all set with tickets for our family of 4 in August.
Now I just hope I don't get buyer's remorse closer to the travel date and wish we booked a longer stay, etc. (tickets are non-transferable, non-refundable, and only changeable for a big fee)! |
Originally Posted by cawhite99
(Post 8668079)
OK... you guys convinced me... we're now all set with tickets for our family of 4 in August.
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Man, I'm jealous of your airfare! I just paid $1100 for one RT coach ticket from Cincinnati to Maui for July '08 travel. (I had enough miles for 3 award tickets and wanted to book them before Delta's new policy restricting award seat when into effect on 12/1.)
I don't think $407 all in was a bad price at all. |
Oh, you're right kaukau... our same flights are more $$ now. However, the prices were even less a couple of weeks ago, so we still didn't catch the best price.
Recreation - all I can say is, "ouch"! |
Best way to book travel OKC/OGG
Tagging on to this request.
We are wanting to fly to OGG again in May '08 from OKC. Options I've been exploring: 1. Book cheapfare from OKC/PHX on US or SWA and book PHX/OGG separately? 2. Book OKC/LAX and LAX/OGG 3. Drive to Dallas (3 hours) catch flight DFW/OGG etc Would welcome all recommendations. TIA |
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