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So far, in our non-revving, we have never had to use another airline. We are going to go to the Big Island of Hawaii in August, then over to Maui for 5 more days. I know this must sound like a silly question to you experienced travelers, but do I go to AA and buy a "oneworld" ticket (Hawaiian Air).. or go up at the Hawaiian Air ticket booth? My hubby can jumpseat, but I will need to purchase a ticket. I was just wondering how easy it was and if anyone had any experience doing it! thanks in advance!
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One thing to check is HA and AQ web specials. Several weeks ago HA offered interisland on select flights for $55 each way. Which isn't that bad.
I may be doing the walkup thing with HA in about 2 weeks for a trip from HNL to KOA. I'll let you know how it goes.
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Let me know how it goes! I hope you have a great trip. We will be staying in KOA about 4 or 5 days and have never been there. Let me know how you like it! thanks!!
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Hi Debbie and Randy
We used passes for inter-island travel only once and trust me; the bloom was definitely off the lei by the time we got out. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_biggrin.gif[/img] The fare between KOA and OGG runs around $70 (not including tax and fees) but Randy is correct, HA and AQ are always having promotions. HA has a seven day Hawaiian Island pass, unlimited travel $320 (includes tax)
As you no doubt are aware, the EF embargo ends August 15th, so back up big time.
Have fun.
Keep'em flying
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Debbie,
You can probably tell from the icon what's to come...
When we arrived at the HNL interisland terminal it was packed! Long lines and even longer waits. We may have just picked the wrong time of day to go. I was told that between 1pm and 3pm are the best times during the week.
At HNL you can get in any HA line to purchase your interisland ticket (or so I am told). The ticket purchase only line was the shortest so I chose that one. I was second in line and still had to wait about 30 mins. When I approached the counter I handed the agent my badge and told her that I wanted to purchase the special employee interisland fare. It took about 4 verbal exchanges for her to understand who, what, when and where before she printed my ticket at full fare! I again told her that I wanted the $24 special fare (cash only, plus taxes - at least that's what it is for WN employees). She then snapped at me and said that I had not made myself clear. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img] I applogized and kept my nonrev happy face on.
After about 20 mins. of waiting for her to process my ticket I stood in a LONG security line (it did move fast) and then proceeded to the gate. I was the last to arrive and the last on the plane, but not before I had to go thru additional security screening. I did make the flight and the door closed behind me. We had arrived almost 2 hours prior to departure.
The cabin crew were all very nice and HA's new B717's are fantastic [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]. I had checked my bag and had to wait about 15 mins. for it to come out on the belt at KOA (it's a tiny airport) [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img].
Upon return KOA has no special ticket purchase only line so you have to stand in line with everyone else. When I approached the agent I tried to make myself perfectly clear as to who I was and what I wanted. It again took numerous verbal exchanges for her to understand who, what, when and where. When she did process my ticket she did so at full fare! I politely corrected her and she also snapped at me that I had not made myself clear as to what I wanted! By this time I was nearly boiling http://www.stopstart.fsnet.co.uk/smilie/angryfire.gif mad but managed to keep that nonrev happy face on and appoligized.
When I got to the gate I had to go thru additional screening, so once again I removed my hat, belt and shoes and was wanded and patted down. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_rolleyes.gif[/img] While I understand the necessity of screening it is rediculous that I have to go thru this while complete strangers are walking onto the plane. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img] Did I not have to go thru a federal background check to get the badge that I just handed you!?!? [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_confused.gif[/img]
When we arrived back at HNL we waited nearly 15 mins. for our bags. My bag was the very last one on the belt. [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_frown.gif[/img] An employee came from the back and appologized to everyone who had waited.
So I suppose the moral to my story is that I will never intentionally fly HA again, I will only use them as a last resort. I have flown AQ more than once and have never had these kind of problems. The only thing different is that I have to order my AQ pass thru our pass bureau. And not to mention that AQ is only $15 each way. I will fly their old B737-200 any day! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
When I complained to Joey (whom you might remember from reading my other posts is a native) about our experience his response was "what did you expect?" According to him and most locals I talk to HA has always had crappy service.
And that's the way it was...
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[This message was edited by Randy on July 21, 2002 at 05:13 PM.]
[This message was edited by Randy on July 21, 2002 at 05:30 PM.]
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thanks for the report, Randy! I am sorry that your experience wasnt the greatest with HA. Hmmm... what shall I do?! I think we will go up to the AA counter and just buy an ID90 on Aloha or Hawaiian to save the hassle. Especially since I might have to use the interisland flights 3 times.. I cant imagine going thru your experience 3 times... and I do have a very good nonrev happy face... but it might not be so happy on my 3rd try! [img]/infopop/emoticons/icon_smile.gif[/img]
thanks again!
How did you like Kona? Did you see the volcano?
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[This message was edited by Debbie on July 24, 2002 at 11:56 AM.]
