Question about Hawaii's Inter-Island Flights...

[luvsvacation22]

We are going to Oahu in May and staying for a week then transferring to Maui. When is it the best time to purchase inter-island flight tickets? Right before we travel or get them now? Do the prices go up as we near departure or do they go down like car rentals?

 

[Gracey]

When we went the lower fares were purchased first then the next level and next level after that. So we didn't wait to purchase we bought as soon as we knew our schedule.

 

[luvsvacation22]

Thank you!

 

[DeniseM]

Prices can go up as the dates get nearer, and the popular times sell out - there is no advantage to waiting.

 

[luvsvacation22]

Mahalo Denise! I just bought the tickets $88.00 each way.

 

[Luanne]

I had kind of the opposite experience when I was looking for flights from Maui to the Big Island. When the dates opened up the first fares published were higher. I knew lower fares might be available as I'd looked at what the rates were for the day of week and time we wanted to fly. By waiting a bit we got the lower fares. I think they were around what you paid per person though. The first fares I saw were over $100 each.

 

[hypnotiq]

Relevant.

Booking flights too early can be as expensive as booking too late
http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/03/travel/la-tr-0203-money-20130203

 

[BocaBum99]

We usually don't book inter-island flights until less than 1-2 months prior to travel. The best rates are the early morning or evening flights. We usually get about the best fare they provide even in this booking window.

We are going to the Big Island for Merrie Monarch and we just booked our flights last week.

 

[AbelowDS]

We're going in December. I just booked them last week. When I booked, I was able to choose seats. Honestly looked like the flights were very full. So I purchased the web fares (lowest, non-refundable). I imagine that with the flights being so full (and it's only March) that the fare will only go up from here. (Unless, of course, they add flights due to demand.)

 

[AbelowDS]

Relevant.

Booking flights too early can be as expensive as booking too late
http://articles.latimes.com/2013/feb/03/travel/la-tr-0203-money-20130203

EXCELLENT ARTICLE. Thanks for sharing

 

[LisaRex]

Many places (lodging) have early check-out (10/11am) and late check-in (3/4pm). I always book my intra-island flights early, so that I can choose the itinerary that works best for me. ~1pm flights are ideal IMO because you minimize that awkward period where you are homeless.

 

[luvsvacation22]

EXCELLENT ARTICLE. Thanks for sharing

I agree! Thank you.

Many places (lodging) have early check-out (10/11am) and late check-in (3/4pm). I always book my intra-island flights early, so that I can choose the itinerary that works best for me. ~1pm flights are ideal IMO because you minimize that awkward period where you are homeless.

I missed the early afternoon time slots they were sold out. We bought the 4:30PM flight. I know that will get us to Maui after check-in but since we are coming from Aulani and going to Kaanapali Beach Club I figured we try to enjoy Aulani as long as we could. I understand there is a late check-out lounge at Aulani for later flights.

 

[DeniseM]

I missed the early afternoon time slots they were sold out. We bought the 4:30PM flight. I know that will get us to Maui after check-in but since we are coming from Aulani and going to Kaanapali Beach Club I figured we try to enjoy Aulani as long as we could. I understand there is a late check-out lounge at Aulani for later flights.

During high season, the 11:00 - 3:00 flights almost always sell out, with long stand-by lines - that's why we buy our tickets early. At least you won't be on a layover from a mainland flight - I hate having a long layover!

 

[PearlCity]

I agree! Thank you.



I missed the early afternoon time slots they were sold out. We bought the 4:30PM flight. I know that will get us to Maui after check-in but since we are coming from Aulani and going to Kaanapali Beach Club I figured we try to enjoy Aulani as long as we could. I understand there is a late check-out lounge at Aulani for later flights.

Yes the late check.out lounge is wonderful. There are guest use lockers,showers and televisions. You'll be fine!

 

[hypnotiq]

I agree! Thank you.

No problem.

We have our wedding in Maui in September and some of our friends have been really nervous because flights from Seattle have been $550-$600, which is pretty high from Seattle.

I kept assuring them that they would drop as we got closer (we typically don't book until about May/June). Last year it was around $400.

This article helped calm some of their nerves.

 

[SMHarman]

Last year it was around $40.

Where to you get those seats! I think you meant $400!

 

[hypnotiq]

I did. LOL

 

[AbelowDS]

I just spent $1150 for a coach RT from Boston... for December ... Using 3 frequent flier tickets and didn't want to risk the 4th person not being able to be on the same flights as the three of us. Killed me since it was about $300 more than it'll be in October... $300 for peace of mind? Not worth it LOL