I knew it was too good to last. Whereas I was hopeful that inter-island airfare in Hawaii would remain affordable at least until my daughter graduated from high school (in about 15 years), the recent demise of Aloha Airlines all but obliterated that dream.
On March 31st, Aloha Airlines, a legend (think 60 years plus) in Hawaiian aviation, abruptly stopped flying. Two days later ATA, an airline that offered cheap flights from the West Coast to Hawaii shut down as well. The combined work stoppage meant Hawaii lost 15% of its service from the mainland, or about 1.1 million seats annually in the course of 48 hours.
LET THE PRICE GOUGING BEGIN
You didn’t need to know a stitch about economics to figure out that other airlines servicing Aloha and ATA’s routes would raise their fares. And they did. In the days following Aloha and ATA’s shut down several carriers flying to or from the West Coast cities served by the airlines quoted stranded passengers prices exceeding $1,000 for one-way flights out of Honolulu.
That was then. These days the lowest average round-trip fares between major West Coast cities and Honolulu have leveled off to about $550. Still, that price is about $100 higher than pre-April prices. And even more bad news: Travel experts say it doesn’t appear that prices to Hawaii will drop any further for travel during the remainder of the year. In fact, experts estimate the existing fares will spike by $200 to $400 for the busy summer season (late May through late August), and by $200 for the hectic holiday season.
WHAT TO DO
If you are looking to visit the 50th state this year, book now. Travel experts say if you are holding out for an airfare sale you are making a mistake. ATA undersold the competition by $100-$200 and now that they are gone there’s no incentive for other airlines to lower their prices. And with fuel prices reaching new highs nearly every week, it’s almost guaranteed that airfare to Hawaii will increase as time goes on rather than decrease. Therefore, if you see a round-trip ticket to Hawaii in the $500-$600 range (which is considered reasonable these days) don’t wait to buy it.
Related Articles:
Saying “Aloha” to Aloha—The End of an Era
Airline Bombshell: “Aloha” to Aloha
Flying Between The Hawaiian Islands—Right Now Cheaper Than Dinner For Two
Flying Between the Hawaiian Islands Just Got Cheaper