Booking Your Airline Tickets

Well, you've made the decision to visit the islands and hopefully, you've decided which islands you want to visit and have some idea of what you want to do when you get there.  So, the next step is making travel arrangements that will get you there affordably.   (If you're one of the fortunate ones who travel First Class, you can skip this section.)

First of all, let me give you a little insight into how all those travel search sites work.  You know, Travelocity, Expedia, Priceline, Orbitz, CheapOAir, Kayak, et al.  There are four major central reservations systems used by the major airlines, Apollo, Sabre, WorldSpan, and Galileo.  In the US, its primarily Apollo and Sabre.

Airline ticket pricing is probably the purest example of supply and demand forces in action.  Airlines frequently, sometimes multiple times in a day, change their prices based on competition and how well the seats on their flights are filling.  If one airline drops their fare on a given route, more often than not, its competitors will too.

Likewise, when an airline introduces new fees and the reaction from the public is acceptably negative, other airlines soon follow.  Hence, we now pay extra to bring luggage, buy snacks and headsets, rent blankets and pillows, and they are actually thinking about pay toilets!  With more and more airlines placing individual video screens in the seatbacks, I'm waiting for them to start charging for the in-flight movies...I expect that to happen before they start charging you to go to the bathroom!

Speaking of paying, during my last trip to Hawaii, as always, I made sure I had a sufficient quantity of small bills to make it easy on the flight attendants to not have to break a large bill.  I was caught completely off guard when they announced that "for my convenience", cash was no longer accepted!  So, if you do not have a credit/debit card, you are not going to be able to buy their snack boxes.  How convenient is that?  Don't you just love it when the airlines are so thoughtful?

Anyway, back to the subject at hand, Sabre, the nations largest reservation system, owns 96% of Travelocity.  Travelocity and Expedia receive compensation from the airlines similar to how the brick and mortar travel agencies get paid.  Priceline tickets do not qualify for frequent flier miles, if that's something important to you, keep that in mind. 

Orbitz commission rates are half what regular travel agencies receive.  According to a study done by Airline Travel Advice, Orbitz is expected to come up with a lower fare 99% of the time.  This is primarily due to the fact that it has an independently developed (MIT) search software program designed to do a comprehensive, unbiased search of all fare and schedule possibilities.

Note:  As of early February, 2011, American Airlines announced that their flights will no longer be made available through Expedia or Orbitz.  No specific reason was given as to why these two online reservation systems were eliminated, but I'm sure it has to do with fees being charged, which is strange considering the lower fee that Orbitz gets anyway.

Which brings me to another travel tip you may already be aware of.  Be flexible with your travel dates and you will have a greater chance of finding a flight that still has some lower priced tickets available.  Also, traveling on Mon-Thurs usually offers lower fares, as well as planning to stay over a Saturday night.  (Having said that, I have seen the lowest fare offered on a Sunday, so it doesn't hurt to at least check.)  Buying a round-trip ticket will save you money since most airlines charge almost the same amount for one-way ticketing.

Sometimes, you can get a lower fare if you're willing to make 2-3 stops along the way...or use multiple carriers.  Put another way, expect to pay more for the convenience of a non-stop flight...unless you're leaving from California, that is.  I have yet to understand the logic of getting a lower fare using different airlines, rather than just one airline to go all the way or transversing the country in a zig-zag, sometimes even backward itinerary.  Oh, I understand "partner" airlines, but some of the routings do not always involve partner airlines.  Or why it would be cheaper to stop at three airports, rather than just one or two.  Anyway, if you're willing to put up with that little extra inconvenience, you may save a little.

If you are headed to the Big Island, Kauai, Maui, and are going thru Honolulu, you might be surprised to find out that you may save some money by buying your interisland connecting flights separately, rather than bundled as part of your mainland-to-Hawaii itinerary.  Most of the time, the interisland connections are booked at the full fare, whereas booking it separately (paying attention to leave enough time for connections, at least 90 minutes), you can purchase discounted seats.  We're talking about a difference of up to $60/seat...each way.

And, so you don't have to worry about claiming your baggage from your mainland-to-Honolulu flight and re-checking in at the interisland terminal, provide your ticketing info when you check in at your home airport.  They can check your luggage all the way thru to your final destination, which will also save you the luggage fee charged by the local carriers; i.e. Hawaiian Airlines.

So, to sum things up...shop early, look frequently, be flexible and if you can't buy your ticket early, then you may be better off waiting till the two last weeks to see if the airlines lower prices to fill a flight they anticipated would be filled earlier.  I prefer starting to look early...months before I plan on travelling.  I usually have a general idea of when I'd like to go and then firm up dates based on best airfare availability.

Packing Tips

While the airlines allow you to take up to 2 checked-in bags per person, you will want to minimize your luggage and learn to pack light.  (You CAN check in more than 2-pieces of luggage, but if you check on the fee charged for that extra piece...you'll understand why I say 2-pieces.)  After all, you may get a bargain on your airline ticket, but have it wiped out because your luggage cost you $100.  If its been a while since you've flown anywhere, you may be surprised to learn that airlines typically charge $25 for the first piece and $35 for any second piece of checked baggage per passenger (and as much as $100 for the aforementioned 3rd piece).  See update, just below.

And, before you run out and buy the biggest bag you can find so you can check a single piece, remember that most airlines also have a 50 lb. weight limit per piece, as well as a size limit.  Any bag weighing more than 50 pounds or is larger than 62" in total linear inches (height + width + length) is subject to an extra charge of $100 to $175.  And, yes, they do weigh and measure.  See update.

Update:  USAirways announced that anyone who purchases tickets after 2/1/2011 will be subject to new, higher oversized, overweight and extra checked baggage.  Their new fees are $90 extra for bags weighing between 51-70 lbs, $175 for bags weighing 71-100 lbs, $175 for oversized baggage, and $125 for extra bags (3 thru 9) for travel within the US/Canada/Latin America/Caribbean.  These higher fees are in addition to the standard $25 and $35 charged for your first and second pieces of checked baggage.   (As of this writing, 2/10/2011, it is just USAirways, but other airlines are likely to follow.)

Instead of having a "his'", "hers", and "kids" bags, consider mixing up a little of everyone's clothing in each bag.  That way, in the event that a bag does get separated or lost, no one person has to do without.  You don't necessarily have to spread them out evenly, but everyone should have at least a change of clothes in each suitcase.

For those planning to do any inter-island flying, Hawaiian Airlines charges $10 for the first bag and $17 for any second bag checked thru.  *Note:  One way you might save a little is if your return flight starts at another island and you connect thru Honolulu, Maui, or Kona, you will pay the Hawaiian Airlines Inter-island bag fee and avoid paying your connecting airline fees.  Unless, of course, your entire itinerary is on Hawaiian Airlines to the mainland, in which case you will pay their inter-continental baggage fees of $25 and $35, like all the other airlines charge.

I actually bought a small, portable scale to weigh my luggage before arriving at the airport.  You can use your bathroom scale at home, but unless you plan on bringing it with you, a portable luggage scale is much more convenient, even though it may add a pound to your luggage.  (I keep mine in my carry on.)

Taylor #8120 Digital Luggage Scale

By the way, when I leave Hawaii, I ALWAYS use a sky-cap.  They not only make it much more convenient, handling your luggage from curb-side, but  they often can get that 52-55 lb. bag checked thru without having the extra $100 charge.  I am not saying I guarantee you will get away with a few extra pounds, but your chances are better, especially if you're generous in tipping the sky-caps.  I would much rather hand him $20-$40, than pay the airlines another $100  for an extra-weight charge.  Not to mention, its a lot easier to have them wrestle your luggage and get you on your way.  This does require that you check-in online and have your boarding pass with you.

This is  probably a good place to let you know that all baggage must pass an Agricultural inspection.  The Hawaii Agricultural Department is responsible for seeing to it that you do not bring back any fresh fruits, flowers, and plants that have not been inspected for pests...bugs.  So, if you plan on bringing back an orchid plant as a souvenir, make sure it has an approved sticker from the Agricultural Department or better yet, have it mailed home to you.

When people pack their suit cases, they do so with it lying down flat.  Keep in mind, once you're finished packing, that's probably the last time it will be in that position, until you go to unpack it at your destination.  So, pack with that in mind and don't put heavy items up near the handle portion of the suitcase.  I put heavier items near the bottom (wheeled)  end of the suitcase, so it has nowhere to shift or slide to crush everything else.

Some things are better bought once you arrive.  Sunscreen and/or sunburn lotion, flip-flops (called slippers in Hawaii), beach mats and such.  I always wear a hat whenever I'm out and about in Hawaii, but never take one with me.  I fish a lot and whenever I'm back in Hawaii, I pick up a new one.  Same for t-shirts.  I pack 2 or 3 t-shirts, knowing that I will be buying more to bring back, so I don't really need to take a lot with me.

Note:  A conveniently located store especially if you're staying in Waikiki, are the ABC stores.  I say conveniently located because I don't think its possible to walk a block in Waikiki without coming across one.  They carry a variety of the items mentioned above at reasonable prices.  (And, they often have chocolate covered macadamia nuts on sale., which is reason enough for me to stop and check them out.)

Pack everything that's a liquid or gel in a zip-lock bag, just-in-case!   Bring the smallest quantities you can get by with...transfer into a smaller bottle, rather than pack your economy sized bottle.  When I travel there, knowing that I will return home with souvenirs and/or gifts for others, I pack some throw-aways!  Old jeans, old sneakers, old t-shirts that I can throw away at the end of my trip and use that same space for the new t-shirts and gifts I am bringing back with me.

I usually take a pair of walking shoes and a pair of sneakers.  Going out, I pack the walking shoes because they are bulkier and heavier.  Coming back, when I have extra things to pack, I wear the walking shoes and pack the sneakers...or throw them away.  Of course, on some particularly active trips, the walking/hiking shoes get thrown away and I wear the sneakers back.

Pack at least two swimsuits, unless you plan on buying one or more when you're there.  Its no fun putting on a still wet bathing suit if you want to go swimming later in the day or the next morning.  Women have an advantage in sarongs/pareos, which are multi-functional, yet compact and light.  They can be used as a beach/poolside coverup, a casual outfit which would be acceptable at 95% of the places in Hawaii or other tropical destinations.  They can also be used as a shawl, to spread out on the sand, an in-flight blanket, and between trips at home, a bedspread, table cloth, wall hanging or window dressing.  (I am not saying this because I sell them on this site, but rather I sell them because they are so versatile and functional.  If you're not familiar with how to wear them, check this video out:  http://www.videojug.com/film/hot-to-tie-a-sarong.)

Last, but not least, include a copy of your flight itinerary INSIDE each piece of checked baggage.  In the event that it gets lost, and it does happen all too frequently, having your itinerary inside allows the airline to get you and your luggage back together, whether that's at your hotel or back home.  Its especially important should your identification tag gets detached somewhere along the way, which also happens.  Include your cellphone number so they can get up with you.

Should you bother locking your suitcase?  Yes, but make sure you use a TSA approved lock.  A TSA approved lock simply means that they have a master key that will unlock it without damaging it, should the x-ray show something they want to take a closer look at.  However, the second reason you want to put a lock on, in spite of how easily TSA can open it, is to keep other unauthorized people from opening it, not necessarily just to take things out, but to keep them from putting things IN.  There ARE bad people out there.

Sometimes, it is easier to mail or ship things back to yourself...or out to yourself and have it waiting for your arrival.  (Check with your hotel as to their policy regarding holding packages arriving ahead of your arrival.)  On our last trip, my daughter had purchased several bottles of wine at the Volcano Winery on the Big Island and it was easier to mail it back than haul it back.  (Pick up three bottles of wine and see if you'd like to carry that back thru three airports and to your car.)  We just love the USPS Priority Mail flat-rate boxes...you've seen the commercials, "If It Fits, It Ships!"  And, she used some of the clothes she bought to pad the bottles.

If you are one of the last people not to own a backpack, you might want to consider getting one.  With their multiple pockets, easy access, and the ability to easily move from place to place...whether that's getting to your connecting gate WAY ON THE OTHER SIDE OF THE TERMINAL, hauling everything from car to check-in or baggage claim to car..a backpack is one of the handiest items to take with you.  And, once you're at your destination, its a great way to pack what you need for your day's outing and not have to leave things in the car while you're enjoying the attractions/scenery, especially if you have a cooler-backpack. (It is unfortunate, but often cars are broken into at these remote, and sometimes, not so remote parking areas.)

In addition, it makes it easy for you to pack some snacks and/or a meal on your trip (minus drinks of course) and save yourself the $5 for the sandwich trays the airlines offer you.

TSA Scanning

The rules continually change, but the most recent TSA carry-on rules say that you are permitted to take bottles of up to 3 ounces of liquids/gels, place them into a clear plastic 1-quart size bag, and are limited to one such bag per person.  The only exceptions to this rule are medications, baby formula and food, and breast milk, but these items must be declared when you get to the TSA checkpoint.

That also means you are not permitted to bring your bottled water with you or any drinks you may have not finished drinking, so get rid of them before you get in line.  This security screening is why it is suggested you get to the airport to check-in at least 2-hours before your flight time.  This is especially so if your flight leaves at the heaviest travel times of the day and less so if you're catching the up-with-the-roosters flight I often get...its pretty empty at the airport at 5:00 AM.

I have found that for most inter-island flights, an hour is usually sufficient, however, do not try to cut that any closer.  This is especially true for Hawaiian Airlines, which has a habit of sometimes leaving EARLY!  On our last return trip, we arrived later than I should have gotten us to the airport and of course, that flight left 5 minutes early!  We were going thru the TSA checkpoint, knowing they would be closing the door at any minute, and to our disappointment...watched as it took off!

You will have to remove your shoes and put them in the bin, along with any keys, coins, metal belt buckles, jewelry, watches and such.  To minimize the time and streamline the process, it is best not to wear a lot of jewelry (bling) and/or clothing with a lot of metal studs, etc.   Metal tipped shoes, whether safety shoes or other, will also delay you...and everyone behind you.

Among the items that are sometimes not given any thought, but you are not permitted to take with you, are gel inserts for shoes.  (Shoes that have gel built-into the heel or sole are permitted, just not inserts.)

Remember, its a long flight and unless you're flying First Class, you're unlikely to get anything more than a sandwich.  You will likely get an in-flight movie of a fairly recently released film, but either bring your own headphones with an airline adaptor or plan on buying earbuds from the airline...debit/credit cards only, please.  Drink lots of fluids, water is best, caffeinated drinks are not as good since they are diuretic, but better than nothing, to counter the dehydration process of air travel.  It also helps to minimize any jetlag.

Pack a book, ipad, ipod...something to help you pass the time.  Bring a pen, as you will be required to fill out a declaration form for the Hawaii Agricultural Department, which prefers you not bring in any fruit and potentially foreign pests that might travel in or on them.  So, if you brought fruit as a snack...finish it before landing or be prepared to throw it away when the flight attendants pick up the trash.  Mahalo!