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We’re Going to Hawaii, Baby!

GaryKelly
Employee
Employee

I just shared with our Employees at our Spirit Party at Universal Studios: we’re going to Hawaii, baby! That’s right—the day is finally here that we can say we’re going to add some Aloha to our world-famous Hospitality, as Southwest Airlines will soon serve the Hawaiian Islands!

 

We intend to begin selling tickets in 2018, and while we’re not quite ready to offer our Customers specific schedule or market information, tonight’s announcement is going to be big news within the industry. Those Southwest shockwaves of our terrific value and bar-setting Customer Service will be a game-changing addition in the U.S. transpacific market.

 

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You may have heard us purposefully changing our language ahead of tonight’s announcement to say it’s a matter of when, and not if we serve Hawaii. Why now? We need to take our Extended Operations (ETOPS) work to the next level and gain FAA certification of ETOPS-equipped aircraft in our fleet and establish required operational processes to offer our Customers nonstop service they expect from California to one of the world’s top leisure destinations. The MAX will be our Hawaii aircraft but, we’ll start with our ETOPS-equipped -800 fleet to accelerate our service launch date. The rest of the work is lined up to bring the performance enhancements of the MAX to what we intend to build into a multi-market offering among our west coast cities and the Hawaiian Islands.

 

Because this will be big news for the media and our Investors who have also waited for this day, we’ve also posted video of the Employee announcement on swamedia.com, where you’ll also be able to read our news release.

 

Mahalo to you all as we work to bring America’s Most Loved airline to the shores of Hawaii–and I find it fitting that’s about as far Southwest as you can go in the U.S!

45 Comments
TheMiddleSeat
Aviator A

Excellent! Can't wait to go there on Southwest!

nsx1
Explorer B

Finally! But why not also fly interisland? 

ryannamba
Explorer C

Fantastic! Can't wait to welcome Southwest to the islands. I think you'll be a good fit here.

scooter5971
Explorer C

Finally!!! I've been watching, waiting, and saving my mileage for over a year to fly SWA there!!! Can we go tomorrow? 

 

gowest84
Explorer C

Thank God! 

 

At least one flight needs to be from Phoenix so when the dreaded day Hawaiian Airlines swaps the 767 for the A330, I need a new airline to fly over there.

iCorinne
Explorer C

I cannot wait!  This is exciting news!!

SuzannaG
Explorer C

 As a LUV shareholder & frequent passenger, I'm beyond thrilled!! 

paulnochio
Explorer C

Yes!!! I'll be starting at the Ramp in Oakland next week and I can't wait to join this amazing company!!!!

ober7212
Adventurer C

737's won't make it directly from MSP. I'll say this though, add flights from MSP to the West Coast and have one-stop, same-plane service. 

Additionally, just add more cities from MSP!  Seems a stretch, though, given you are adding Hawaii to your route map and growing more in CA...eventually you just need more planes to add to MSP!

Breken17
Explorer C

Hawaii on SWA aloha! for sure     !4K logo.jpg

cerra12
Explorer C

Please, please, please when you start flying to Hawaii, allow pets in the cabin to Hawaii.  We have 2 short nosed dogs which can only fly in the cabin, and when we go to LIH, we take them since we go for an extended period.  Currently, ONLY Alaska allows pets in the cabin to Hawaii.  If Southwest allows this, we would fly to Hawaii only on Southwest.  right now on Alaska we're forced to spend the night in SEA in order to make the connection to LIH.  FYI, there are  certain  additional restrictions for pet travel to Hawaii.  http://hdoa.hawaii.gov/ai/aqs/animal-quarantine-information-page/

 

Toots214
Explorer C

I am overjoyed that SW will finally be flying to Hawaii. I had heard a rumor about this a couple of years ago and have been anxiously awaiting the announcement. Now I can fly my favorite airline to my favorite vacation destination! Yippee!

clyn6
Explorer C

 First Turks & Caicos, now Hawaii?  SouthWest ROCKS!   Can't wait to fly now!!

 

MelanieGraham
Employee
Employee

Hi @nsx1! We don't have anything to announce right now regarding our flight schedule but we’re evaluating all options, including exploring the marketplace for Southwest’s unique low fare/high value customer service in inter-island air service.

jenn_abreu
Explorer C

Im thrilled to hear the news of SWA finally flying to my island paradise!! Born and raised in Hawai'i but now living in California, I hate the limited options home. I love flying on SWA!!   Mahalo 🤙🌺🤙 Jenn

RhondaA
Explorer C

We Love Grand Cayman and Mx. but now HI. will make this adventure family from CO have even more scuba diving, beach options. We luv SWA.

ren1957
Explorer C

I hope you folks have direct flights from Vegas to Oahu and Oahu too Vegas. Hawaiian airlines are expensive to fly direct to Hawaii and Vegas.

SWADan2018
Explorer A

I hope you guys get the flight service to Hawaii from San Jose International Airport (SJC),(LAX) Los Angeles International Airport,(SFO) San Francisco International Airport,(SAN) San Diego,(LAS) Las Vegas McCarran International Airport,(MDW) Chicago Midway International Airport,(PHX) Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport ,(RNO) Reno International Airport,(DEN) Denver International Airport,(ABQ) Alberqueque International Sunport,(BOI) Boise International Airport,(SLC) Salt Lake City International Airport,(CSL) Cabo San Lucas International Airport,(BWI) Baltimore Washington International Airport,(BUR) Burbank Bob Hope Airport,(DAL) Dallas/Love Field,(HOU) Houston-Hobby,(MSY) Louis Armstrong New Olreans International Airport,(ONT) Ontario California International Airport,(MCO) Orlando International Airport,(SNA) John Wanye Orange County Airport,(PDX) Portland International Airport,(GEG) Spokane International Airport,(SEA) Seattle International Airport and (STL) St.louis Lambert International Airport

Brightongal
Explorer C

 I want to be on the first flight to Hawaii next year! I think Southwest is the best airline there is!  Keep up the great work Southwest, your customer service is the best. Please keep adding more destinations and your loyal customers will keep on flying!

 

Aloha!

 

hbbean
Explorer C

I travel to HI for work. I know, LUCKY ME! Unfortunately I haven't been able to fly my favorite airline. On the mainland I exclusively fly SWA Heart  I would add there is a huge opportunity in PHX. Hawaiian Air is a fine second place airline, but their PHX leg is a mess. Schedule, plane etc... ugh. Can't wait to see SWA spirit married with Aloha spirirt!

 

Tydaughtry
Explorer C

I would love to be able to fly southwest to Hawaii in May for my honeymoon!! 

Dani1719
Explorer C

With this fantastic news, my daughter and her fiancé will now be booking their flights via Southwest to their wedding in Hawaii next August!! ✈️🌸💍 Yayyy!!! 

jnbailey1021
Frequent Flyer C

Best news ever!!! Hawaii here we come!! 

tb7l1963
Explorer C

Celebrating our 35th. wedding anniversary next year. Can’t wait to book our flight to Hawaii on SWA!!

PJPrusakold
Explorer C

So glad that Hawaii is on the horizon!!!  Do you have an idea when scheduled flights will begin in 2018?  Thanx 

tmgoliber
Explorer C

I’m going to Hawaii in May 2018 so I will wait as long as I can for you since you are my go to airline. Hopefully you will fly into OGG Maui... 

drivethru317
Explorer C

So happy to FINALLY hear the official announcement. It was always Jerry's dream to retire to Hawaii and he firmly believed that Southwest would be flying there when the time came. Sadly, he passed away last December, but his children and I are going to honor his memory by visiting the island paradise he always dreamed about. We wouldn't consider flying anyone except Southwest because we will always think of you as family.

cdunkel
Explorer C

I can't wait! Will we be able to use our reward points for Hawaii also?

bkauanoe6609
Explorer C

Aloha,

When can I apply??

LindseyD
Retired Community Manager

Hi @bkauanoe6609,

 

For information about upcoming job opportunities, check out our Southwest Careers Discussion Board!

 

MarkWDoan
Explorer C

Yay.  Our son is stationed in HI and we haven't been able to see him for over a year!  We'll be saving our miles for sure.

lloyd_tanaka1
Explorer C

please consider flying to and from John Wayne...Untapped market.   Also, interisland flights would be a huge plus and profitable?  Can't wait!

N_P
Explorer C

This is great news! 

 

With Island Air closing down, that only leaves Hawaiian and Mokulele for inter-island flights. 

 

Would love to have you offer inter-island service!

moverandshaker
Explorer C

Thank you.  Will you open ticketing in January?

SWADan2018
Explorer A

When in 2018 are you guys at Southwest Airlines going to have tickets to Hawaii and i want to know when  in 2018 will the tickets for the plane trips to Hawaii will be on sale because i want them plane tickets to hawaii on and with you guys at southwest airlines in 2018 a.s.a.p.

LindseyD
Retired Community Manager

Hi @SWADan2018,

 

As soon as we have information to share about ticket sales, we'll share it with you! The best way to stay informed is to keep an eye on the Southwest Community discussion boards (there will definitely be conversation about it once sales start) and on our social media accounts. We hope you're one of the first to fly to Hawaii with us! 

 

Lindsey

Moderator

Southwest Community

LSouthern
Explorer C

Saving my vacation time to fly to Hawaii on SWA!

Woo Hoo!!!

cerra12
Explorer C

Any update on when and where SWA will be flying to Hawaii and whether pets will be allowed? We are planning on travelling the end of June with our 2 pugs.

KimVanderKley
Frequent Flyer C

Sweet

HawaiianHawk
Explorer C

We need you! Mahalo

ascaggs
Explorer C

So we are in March and still no news about flights to Hawaii. What's the update?

lavada_l
Explorer C

My family is ready to book our vacation to Hawaii. This is a 2019 dream graduation vacation for our youngest daughter. What is the anticipated booking date? 

jd101792
Explorer C

Yes we as well would like to know when you are going to let us schedule our flight to Hawaii.  We have also booked for a graduation family get away in March.  Can you please let us know ASAP?

malvarado66
Explorer C

So excited, but it's been almost a year and we still haven't seen any flights available, or even airport information.  When will that be available?

SuzannaG
Explorer C

Sacramento is our home airport.  Eagerly awaiting flight schedule for Hawaii.  How do we get on that inaugural flight?