UA: PVG-Island Hopper-EWR 346 USD
Jan 14, 2017, 9:00 am
#31
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: AA plat
Posts: 44
I often read these island hopper mileage run threads with envy; and not just for the miles, but also and more importantly for the opportunity to see some of the islands that one actually hops!
I have taken a few shots at building an itinerary, and every time the price has been a few thousands.
So is there a trick to finding and booking an island hopper deal, particularly if I want long layovers on some of the islands, or is it a matter of playing with dates and routes until you find one you like (price wise)? In the latter case, do specific origins and destinations work best?
Thanks.
I have taken a few shots at building an itinerary, and every time the price has been a few thousands.
So is there a trick to finding and booking an island hopper deal, particularly if I want long layovers on some of the islands, or is it a matter of playing with dates and routes until you find one you like (price wise)? In the latter case, do specific origins and destinations work best?
Thanks.
A good option to use for stopovers is if you have enough award miles. It's 25k miles +$5.60 for HNL-GUM for the island hopper, without stopovers, or add a stopover in PNI e.g. for an additional 12.5k miles + $7.00 Do a multi-city award search for HNL-PNI, and PNI-GUM.
Or switch PNI-GUM to PNI-MNL for 22.5k miles +$12.60
This takes EWR out of the equation. Just have to get to HNL with cash or miles (22.5k from CONUS)
Jan 14, 2017, 9:05 am
#32
Join Date: Aug 2015
Programs: AA plat
Posts: 44
A good option to use for stopovers is if you have enough award miles. It's 25k miles +$5.60 for HNL-GUM for the island hopper, without stopovers, or add a stopover in PNI e.g. for an additional 12.5k miles + $7.00 Do a multi-city award search for HNL-PNI, and PNI-GUM.
Or switch PNI-GUM to PNI-MNL for 22.5k miles +$12.60
This takes EWR out of the equation. Just have to get to HNL with cash or miles (22.5k from CONUS)
Or switch PNI-GUM to PNI-MNL for 22.5k miles +$12.60
This takes EWR out of the equation. Just have to get to HNL with cash or miles (22.5k from CONUS)
Just wanted to add that while there is not alot of time on the ground during the island hopper, you do have the time to go to the various immigration shacks and get your passport stamped; except for Kwajalein where you can't get off the plane. That's what I did.
Jan 15, 2017, 3:26 pm
#33
Join Date: Apr 2013
Location: PDX/OGG/HKG
Programs: UA MM/Plat, AS MVP
Posts: 53
I did this run in October 2014 and none of the immigration authorities gave me a stamp. I did get some cool photos though!
Jan 15, 2017, 3:42 pm
#34
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
Jan 15, 2017, 11:08 pm
#35
Join Date: Nov 2010
Location: Seattle, WA
Programs: Hilton, United, Gold DL
Posts: 993
A good option to use for stopovers is if you have enough award miles. It's 25k miles +$5.60 for HNL-GUM for the island hopper, without stopovers, or add a stopover in PNI e.g. for an additional 12.5k miles + $7.00 Do a multi-city award search for HNL-PNI, and PNI-GUM.
Or switch PNI-GUM to PNI-MNL for 22.5k miles +$12.60
This takes EWR out of the equation. Just have to get to HNL with cash or miles (22.5k from CONUS)
Or switch PNI-GUM to PNI-MNL for 22.5k miles +$12.60
This takes EWR out of the equation. Just have to get to HNL with cash or miles (22.5k from CONUS)
Jan 16, 2017, 11:04 pm
#39
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Stockholm
Programs: UA*G, SK*G
Posts: 76
Now I see it too. Can also be found via Google Flights https://www.google.se/flights/?gl=us...2-03;tt=m;a=UA
Jan 18, 2017, 8:42 am
#41
Join Date: Feb 2004
Location: USA
Programs: AC SE100K, F9 100k, NK Gold, UA *S, Hyatt Glob, Bonvoy Titanium
Posts: 5,192
Majuro took the most convincing. Then, as fate had it plane went mechanical resulting in an overnight in MAJ (2 more stamps!)
Jan 20, 2017, 1:43 am
#42
Join Date: Mar 2015
Location: Stockholm
Programs: UA*G, SK*G
Posts: 76
I'm debating with myself whether I should do it since I'll be in Shanghai anyway.
I wonder whether this itinerary will traumatize me for life.
PVG-GUM
GUM-HNL (Island hopper with 5 stops)
HNL-SFO
SFO-ORD
(no hotel nights in between, but trying to fly on 777 on the HNL-SFO/SFO-ORD, hoping to score Premier Upgrade to Business)
maybe a night at a hotel in ORD
Then one way to Bangkok in Economy Plus (at least one stop) using 40.000 UA miles.
My feeling jumps between "trip of my life" and "I would regret this after only 2 legs flown". Also I'll have a checked suitcase with me so no chance of spontaneously abandoning the trip in HNL.
Anyone knows of a way to get a shower on/around HNL airport without paying for a hotel?
Also, I am wondering whether I'll have access to United Clubs between the domestic legs if I arrive from an international flight? I remember this worked once for me when coming from Europe and having a layover in the US before reaching my final destination in the US. But not sure if this is policy. Does the "international flight within 24 hours" requirement for UA*G also include "24 hours prior" to the date of entering a club?
I wonder whether this itinerary will traumatize me for life.
PVG-GUM
GUM-HNL (Island hopper with 5 stops)
HNL-SFO
SFO-ORD
(no hotel nights in between, but trying to fly on 777 on the HNL-SFO/SFO-ORD, hoping to score Premier Upgrade to Business)
maybe a night at a hotel in ORD
Then one way to Bangkok in Economy Plus (at least one stop) using 40.000 UA miles.
My feeling jumps between "trip of my life" and "I would regret this after only 2 legs flown". Also I'll have a checked suitcase with me so no chance of spontaneously abandoning the trip in HNL.
Anyone knows of a way to get a shower on/around HNL airport without paying for a hotel?
Also, I am wondering whether I'll have access to United Clubs between the domestic legs if I arrive from an international flight? I remember this worked once for me when coming from Europe and having a layover in the US before reaching my final destination in the US. But not sure if this is policy. Does the "international flight within 24 hours" requirement for UA*G also include "24 hours prior" to the date of entering a club?
Last edited by imartin2k; Jan 20, 2017 at 1:58 am
Jan 20, 2017, 5:11 am
#43
Join Date: Oct 2010
Location: SEA/ORD/ADB
Programs: TK ELPL (*G), AS 100K (OWE), BA Gold (OWE), Hyatt Globalist, Hilton Diamond, Marriott Plat, IHG Plat
Posts: 7,763
Jan 20, 2017, 4:56 pm
#44
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: HNL
Programs: AS MVPG, Global Entry
Posts: 771
Jan 20, 2017, 10:56 pm
#45
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 2,494
I'm debating with myself whether I should do it since I'll be in Shanghai anyway.
I wonder whether this itinerary will traumatize me for life.
PVG-GUM
GUM-HNL (Island hopper with 5 stops)
HNL-SFO
SFO-ORD
(no hotel nights in between, but trying to fly on 777 on the HNL-SFO/SFO-ORD, hoping to score Premier Upgrade to Business)
maybe a night at a hotel in ORD
Then one way to Bangkok in Economy Plus (at least one stop) using 40.000 UA miles.
My feeling jumps between "trip of my life" and "I would regret this after only 2 legs flown". Also I'll have a checked suitcase with me so no chance of spontaneously abandoning the trip in HNL.
Anyone knows of a way to get a shower on/around HNL airport without paying for a hotel?
Also, I am wondering whether I'll have access to United Clubs between the domestic legs if I arrive from an international flight? I remember this worked once for me when coming from Europe and having a layover in the US before reaching my final destination in the US. But not sure if this is policy. Does the "international flight within 24 hours" requirement for UA*G also include "24 hours prior" to the date of entering a club?
I wonder whether this itinerary will traumatize me for life.
PVG-GUM
GUM-HNL (Island hopper with 5 stops)
HNL-SFO
SFO-ORD
(no hotel nights in between, but trying to fly on 777 on the HNL-SFO/SFO-ORD, hoping to score Premier Upgrade to Business)
maybe a night at a hotel in ORD
Then one way to Bangkok in Economy Plus (at least one stop) using 40.000 UA miles.
My feeling jumps between "trip of my life" and "I would regret this after only 2 legs flown". Also I'll have a checked suitcase with me so no chance of spontaneously abandoning the trip in HNL.
Anyone knows of a way to get a shower on/around HNL airport without paying for a hotel?
Also, I am wondering whether I'll have access to United Clubs between the domestic legs if I arrive from an international flight? I remember this worked once for me when coming from Europe and having a layover in the US before reaching my final destination in the US. But not sure if this is policy. Does the "international flight within 24 hours" requirement for UA*G also include "24 hours prior" to the date of entering a club?