Southwest Intends to Serve Four Hawaii Airports

[kknox]

Today, Southwest Airlines announces our intent to serve Honolulu, HI (Oahu); Kahului, HI (Maui); Kona, HI (Island of Hawaii); Lihue, HI (Kauai). While we do not yet have details to share on exact dates or routes, they do represent our initial footprints and top priorities for the soonest service in the State of Hawaii.

Fun fact: did you know each island has its own personality? Oahu can energize, Maui will captivate, Island of Hawaii inspires, and Kauai just might rejuvenate you. There’s so much beauty to discover on each of the destinations—which island are you the most excited to explore? Or, for those Hawaii regulars, which location is calling you back?

Additional details will be coming soon, so continue to check back for announcements on mainland gateways, future schedules, and more! Mahalo!

[Kcfenn5]

What is the best way to learn when the Hawaii schedule will open up for purchase.  5 Fenns eager to celebrate Christmas Hawaii style!

[swamp1]

 "How far can Boeing 737 can fly? From there we can figure out where SW can fly from."

4000 miles for the 737 Max 8 and 4400 for the 737 Max 7

Nice range map here:  https://thepointsguy.com/2017/10/southwest-737-max-hawaii/

[swamp1]

4000 miles for the 737 Max 8 and 4400 for the 737 Max 7

Nice range map here:  https://thepointsguy.com/2017/10/southwest-737-max-hawaii/

[Lilcanuck64]

IT WAS EXCUTING SEEING THE SOUTHWEST CREW INSPECTING  THE LIHUE AIRPORT ❣️❣️

[joybrahmst]

Love flying Southwest!  The anticipation for the flights to Hawaii to start is like waiting for ketchup for your sweet potatoe fries....  Hurry UP!!!!!

[awostal]

Any time frame updates for when we may be able to book air to Hawaii?  I have been waiting to buy a ticket for travel in October!  Thanks

[lavada_l]

When can we start booking for Hawaii?

[karmenh323]

will Southwest send an email to all their subscribers when tickets are available?

[JustGee]

Come on Southwest.  How about an update?  I've booked my vacation rental and car for February 2019, but very much want to fly Southwest for my trip, so holding off on airline tickets.  Give us some insight on a timeframe, please.  

[RozelleP]

I hope the fair cost will be competitive with other airlines as well. Fair cost for Hawaii are expensive and have been going up. 

[Levermk23]

Great news SW can't wait !!!! We're looking at going in 2019 big group going. 

[Jackay3298]

I’m writing because I’m extremely upset my flight to San Antonio Texas {flight 2914} has been delayed (7) times in less than an our. Mind you I could have drove to San Antonio in less time than it has taken me to get there flying with Southwest Airline. My question is why?  The customer service person (Mark) was very nonchalant, extremely rude,  unbothered and very I informative (CLUELESS). The flight was constantly changing while I was attempting to gather information from the rude agent. He did not bother to explain instead asked me to step to the side and called his supervisor, Steffanie Walker. The supervisor was just beginning her shift and was extremely polite she immediately begin to accumulate information on the delayed flight. The flight went from 2:30pm-6:00pm then back to 4:50pm. all in a matter of minutes (yukkkkkkk). 

I understand there are uncontrollable things that occur however,  I truly believe anyone having to sit in a airport should be compensated for their displeasures by the airline. It was not an option on flight 2914 to San Antonio. I’m truly disappointed in Southwest Airline & more-so with the disgruntled rude agent Mark!!!!!!!!

[davidbh1453]

Would a Southwest person in this Community please provide us with an update on the FAA certification process and timeframe for approving the over-ocean flights? Thank you kindly.

[plong24]

I'm really looking forward to the Hawaii schedule...hoping for late 2018 start-up!

[farkdawg]

Hello!! Southwest Community!  I have one very quick, very small request to make.

Simply google "the ninth island."

What comes up???  Vegas baby!

We can pretend that serving 3 Bay Area cities is the right thing to do for as long as we want but Southwest flights will be coming direct to Vegas sooner or later.  How long it takes is up to the corporate folks I guess but it is inevitable.  Aloha!

[FritzRE]

Why not service from any of the LA Area Airports?   Seems like there are enough of us here to buy seats 😉

[hihilo882]

I'm certainly hopeful that SWA comes to Hawaii, but it seems unlikely that HAWAIIAN airlines is going to roll over ( dead ) and allow this to happen. They will somehow manage to keep out competition from the interisland market.  Sad, very sad.

[BigWaveDave]

When will you post the schedule to Hawaii.

Would like to book 5 RT to Oahu

[Czcamaro]

Hoping to attend a LONG overdue family gathering to celebrate several events in Hawaii late March.  Waiting to long to book reservations is risky.  Been hearing my Favorite airline is going to start flying there since 2017.  ANY idea when the long anticipated flights to Hawaii (KOA) are going to available for booking??

[LtDonn]

Looking forward to direct flights to Maui from Sacramento! 

[MehellyBam]

Are any dates for flights to Hawaii announced?  We want to go there for Christmas.

[MehellyBam]

Any dates when flights to Hawaii start?  We want to go for Christmas.

[Meg3182]

Can you give us an update @southwest?? Would love to do a January trip to the islands but want to fly our favorite airline!

[amp1]

Why no direct flights from Burbank or LAX?  Please!! And I second the request for direct flights to Hilo!!!  This would change my life!

[leachmagnant]

Aloha! Eager to book our flights to LIH.  Any updates?

---

@kknox wrote:

Today, Southwest Airlines announces our intent to serve Honolulu, HI (Oahu); Kahului, HI (Maui); Kona, HI (Island of Hawaii); Lihue, HI (Kauai). While we do not yet have details to share on exact dates or routes, they do represent our initial footprints and top priorities for the soonest service in the State of Hawaii.

Fun fact: did you know each island has its own personality? Oahu can energize, Maui will captivate, Island of Hawaii inspires, and Kauai just might rejuvenate you. There’s so much beauty to discover on each of the destinations—which island are you the most excited to explore? Or, for those Hawaii regulars, which location is calling you back?

Additional details will be coming soon, so continue to check back for announcements on mainland gateways, future schedules, and more! Mahalo!

---

[Karkeykay]

I'm still waiting...  I want to fly Southwest to Maui in May from Sacramento if at all possible.  I wish I could find an update.  Everything I read says it should happen by October 2018.

[MauiNoKaOi]

As a resident for five years now, it's obvious that the State of Hawaii is insular and locally protective of their captive monopolies. No major mainland bank is anywhere in the State for example. Is that what's holding this up or is it the Federal process, or maybe it's both? Hawaiian Airlines must be digging deep in their pockets to keep you out as long as possible. Am I right?

[ferguson1952]

Well????   Still waiting for updated info.  I'm almost packed!! 

[thedonn57]

Have early Feb 2019 reservations not sure how much longer I can wait to book.

[sconstantine]

Does anyone (official or unofficial) have a better place to recieve updates on the FAA approval and dates? 

Mahalo!!

[pauletted3]

https://www.google.com/amp/s/simpleflying.com/southwest-hawaii-flights-will-have-to-wait-until-2019/...

[kasa]

I too am looking for an update regarding both the flights to the Hawaiian Islands, and the inter-island flights. 

We are a family of 9 and want to get this ball rollin' with our flight in July. Should we be waiting for Southwest, or start looking elsewhere for flights?

Some news rather than no news would be appreciated.

Thank you!

[Clintjc1]

Are there any new updates on flights to Hawaii and between the Islands?
I have booked rooms and ready to go!! 🙂

[eryncook]

Looking forward to my Hawaiian vacay!

[Amyeby]

I too, am looking for updates to Hawaii for a June trip. I need to start making plans for a family of four. Rooms are booked. Any guidance is appreciated. Thank you and Happy New Year! 

[MrsHH]

Please give us an update SWA! We want to fly SWA across the pacific 🙂

[thejohnsonclan]

Just in time for our 30th Anniversary.  We LOVE Southwest Airlines!!!!

Can't wait to hear about the new Hawaii trips.  Way to go, SWA!!!

[jenniferwidhelm]

We are excited about the future opportunities to fly to Hawaii!  Please keep me posted.

[MBruner]

I was just reading an article in the Dallas Morning News from yesterday.  The hold-up at this point does stem from the government shutdown.  Per the article "Southwest estimates the shutdown could delay the launch by several months." 

[Pam57]

Does anyone ever respond to the questions that are posted on this site?  I'm looking for flights from BDL to HNL for the middle of June for (16-18) people.  Any updated information would be greatly appreciated!

[RugerP901979]

The latest update came today (2/4/19). Southwest Airlines is flying its first "proving flight" tomorrow (Tuesday 5th) from Oakland CA to Honolulu HI as one of several tests to prove, to the FAA, they can fly their new twin engine 737-8 max planes over the ocean long distance safely. They will have to prove they can also fly the plane on one engine in the event of an engine problem.  They will also do a simulated diversion to the nearest airport.  When flying transoceanic, from California to Hawaii, there are not exactly any close airports to choose from in the event of an emergency.  Its 2,500 miles or 5 hrs of flight time over the ocean! Once all of their ETOPS proving has passed the FAA and they get their authorization, then Southwest can begin booking flights.  No set time as of yet but Southwest hopes to  begin scheduling and actual flights before the end of March, assuming another government shutdown doesnt happen.

[Pam57]

I have a group scheduled for a cruise in the middle of June, they are dropping out like flys because of flight cost posted by other carriers.  I'm down from 21 to 16, I hoping that Southwest will be able to give me a better price, flying out of CT area.

[lotruong]

Please implement assigned seating for these flights.  These flights will consist of pretty much all families and couples unlike the domestic flights which is a mix of business travelers.  I can see it now, a bunch of families saving rows and rows of seats and making the boarding process a complete mess. 

[RugerP901979]

SWA made their first successful flight to Hawaii yesterday, landing in Honolulu! Hope my information was helpful Pam57.   Lotruong...I doubt SWA will implement any assigned seating, but you can pay extra for early boarding or be sure to at least check-in exactly 24 hours prior to departure for the best choice of seating at time of boarding.  Even one minute late on check-in can move you from b to c boarding really fast! 

[windsorwild]

RugerP901979 Thank you for the update! Great news! I was beginning to think that it wasn't ever going to happen. I travel almost ever week for work and Hawaii is part of my territory so I travel there a few times a year. I'm looking forward to flying my prefered carrier there on my next trip in June. 

I am disappointed Southwest is canceling it's service to Mexico City. I travel there at least once a quarter. I hope Southwest would reconsider.

[lmpies]

Have been patiently waiting for Southwest flights to Hawaii for quite sometime now..... I am so ready to be on that first initial passenger flight!!!! ALOHA......!!!!!!! 

[SacGreg]

I love Southwest and am delaying purchasing a Fall trip to Hawaii to see if we can get flights from SMF!  Press on and let us know ASAP, thanks!!!!

[Ru2bsi2]

I flew back home for a family event having to pay $30 each way for my luggage, when you guys announced I can't tell you how excited I am!  Open, open, open!  I'm ready to go back home!!  Hurry, hurry, hurry....please don't be on Hawaiian Time! 😉

[dhfeble]

We were so hoping an announcement would come in time for us to book a flight for our college senior daughter's spring break...March 14-24, 2019!!!!

[jJeanne]

Please, please no animals in the cabin.

[SWAFlyer2]

Greetings.  We are planning a spring break trip to Kona from Oakland mid April.  Do you think SWA will have routes open by then or should I commit the greatest act of heracy and buy tickets on another airline?  Thanks for the help.