Search Travel Market Report

mainlogo
www.travelmarketreport.com
  • News
  • Tours & Packages
  • Cruise
  • Hotels & Resorts
  • Destinations
  • Retail Strategies
  • Niche & Luxury
  • Well-Being Travel
  • Training & Events
  • Who We Are
    • Anne Marie Moebes
    • Brian Israel
    • Dan McCarthy
    • Denise Caiazzo
    • Marilee Crocker
    • Paul M. Ruden
    • Dori Saltzman
    • Kelly Fontenelle
Allianz

Southwest Airlines Will Start Flying to Hawaii Within Weeks, CEO Says

by Barbara Peterson / December 18, 2018
Southwest Airlines Will Start Flying to Hawaii Within Weeks, CEO Says

Once the FAA gives its blessing, Southwest can start selling seats immediately, with flights ramping up soon after that. Photo: Southwest.


Southwest Airlines is close to launching its much-anticipated service from the West Coast to Hawaii, and is still hoping to launch the flights in time to cash in on at least some of the winter vacation season.

Gary Kelly, CEO of the Dallas-based carrier, said at the Wings Club in New York last week that the new flights are on track to begin this winter, although he conceded that he had hoped to at least begin selling tickets on the flights by the end of 2018. That date appears to have slipped somewhat, as the airline works to win certification from the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in order to fly long flights over the ocean.

Southwest Airlines Testing Faster Boarding Process
 


But Kelly denied that there’s a hold-up at the federal government. “I wouldn’t say that at all,” he said. “We were warned at the beginning that since this is a brand new process for us, the certification, training and maintenance review would take 12 to 18 months. We’re going to be in that window,” he said, adding that, “We’re happy with how it’s going.”

The airline had announced, back in 2017, that it would begin flights to Hawaii. Once the FAA gives its blessing, the airline can start selling seats immediately, with flights ramping up soon after that.

The carrier previously announced the cities that are in line to get the new nonstops, including Oakland, San Jose, Sacramento and San Diego; eventually, it could expand the flights to places such as Vegas and Phoenix. In addition to Honolulu, Southwest said it will serve other points in the island chain, including airports in Kauai, Maui and the island of Hawaii.

Southwest is planning to bring its trademark low fares to the Hawaii market, and perhaps in anticipation of that, Hawaiian Airlines has just announced it will offer basic economy fares.

Kelly also reiterated that the airline will continue its “bags fly free” policy, allowing customers to check up to two bags free without charge.

  9
  0
Allianz

MOST VIEWED

Brought To You By
  1. A&K Purchases Crystal Ships, Revives Crystal Cruises Brand
  2. CDC Adds Three Caribbean Destinations to “High-Risk” COVID-19 List
  3. Travel to Italy Is Officially Back to Normal
  4. Viking Drops Onboard & Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Testing
  5. Three Cruise Lines Bring Masks Back in Alaska
  6. Travel Advisors Continue Push for Removal of U.S.’s Inbound Testing Requirement

MOST EMAILED

Brought To You By
  1. Travel to Italy Is Officially Back to Normal
  2. Report: U.S. to End COVID-19 Air Travel Testing Requirement
  3. A&K Purchases Crystal Ships, Revives Crystal Cruises Brand
  4. Japan Could Boot Tourists Who Disobey COVID-19 Rules
  5. Viking Drops Onboard & Pre-Cruise COVID-19 Testing
  6. Bahamas Eliminates Travel Health Visa, But COVID Test Requirement Remains
Allianz
TMR Subscription

Subscribe today to receive daily in-depth coverage, analysis of industry news, trends and issues that affect how you do business. Subscribe now for free.

Subscribe to TMR

Top Stories
Bonaire Is Adding a Tourist Tax Starting on July 1
Bonaire Is Adding a Tourist Tax Starting on July 1

Bonaire, the Dutch Caribbean island, is adding a visitor entry tax for all travelers to the destination starting on July 1.

Read...
New Zealand Drops COVID-19 Test Requirement Ahead of Schedule
New Zealand Drops COVID-19 Test Requirement Ahead of Schedule

"The challenges pre-departure tests pose to visitors are now no longer outweighed by the public health benefits," New Zealand said this week. 

Read...
What to Know About Travel to Antigua and Barbuda Now
What to Know About Travel to Antigua and Barbuda Now

Advisors talking to TMR said that Antigua’s relaxed COVID protocols, and news from the U.S., could result in major arrivals spike. 

Read...
Yellowstone National Park’s South Loop Reopens After Storm Damage
Yellowstone National Park’s South Loop Reopens After Storm Damage

Even with the reopening, not all visitors will be allowed in. 

Read...
At Four Years Old, Swoop’s Low Cost Expansion Picks Up Steam
At Four Years Old, Swoop’s Low Cost Expansion Picks Up Steam

It’s been an impressive start in the life of Swoop, the ultra-low-cost carrier owned by Westjet and headquartered in Calgary.

Read...
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Is Now Ahead of 2019 Numbers
Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Is Now Ahead of 2019 Numbers

The CEO of the Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, Colin C. James, spoke to TMR recently about how tourism has been trending on the islands.

Read...
TMR OUTLOOKS & WHITE PAPERS
CP White Paper
Multi-Gen Outlook
Distribution Outlook (1)
New to Cruise Outlook
Expedition 2020
River Cruise Outlook 2019
View All
Advertiser's Voice
https://img.youtube.com/vi/QTPIinGDcIY/0.jpg
Video: Can Booking Bachelor and Bachelorette Party Groups Be Profitable for Advisors?
About Travel Market Report Mission Editorial Staff Advisory Board Advertise
TMR Resources Webinars Calendar of Events
Subscribe to TMR
Select Language
Do You Have an Idea Email
editor@travelmarketreport.com
Give Us a Call
1-(516) 730-3097
Drop Us a Note
Travel Market Report
71 Audrey Ave, Oyster Bay, NY 11771
News|Leisure Travel|Land Vacations|Cruise|Canada Retail Strategies|Well-Being|Luxury|Training
© 2005 - 2022 Travel Market Report, an American Marketing Group Inc. Company All Rights Reserved | 243 South Street, Oyster Bay, NY, 11771 USA | Telephone (516) 730-3097| Terms and Conditions
Cookie Policy Privacy Policy