Honolulu in July? Is it possible?

We are thinking of flying to hnl in July but I can't decide. I am a Southwest Airlines employee and was going to get passes for USAirways and possibly AA and then have the option of a walk up on UA. I have a 1 yr. old and 6 yr. old. We live in Phoenix and my daughter is on summer break. Otherwise, I would never go in the summer.

I just need someone to tell me if they think there is any chance. I've tried to research as much as I can on my own to no avail. I have talked to my pass bureau, reservations, looked at the loads they show the public but still don't know. Does anyone know are the flights leaving full currently? When I look on Travelocity and it shows available seats for tomorrow, it's only showing 1-2 seats. Is that accurate? I was looking to see if that would give me some idea as to how booked it would be in July but I don't know if I can rely on what it shows. Does this make sense? Had a good cry of frustration today. I have spent probably 6 hours trying to find a hotel we can afford, a flight we could make, naming my own price for tickets on Priceline, etc. and I just feel stumped. Sometimes it just seems like now that we have a child in school nonreving is just not going to work anymore. I only work for the benefits. lol. Ugh. Anyway, sorry to sound so nutty.

Any thoughts?

Thank you all so much for any help you might be able to give.

1) Is there any particular reason to go to Hawaii?
2) You're on an OAL pass zed or otherwise?
3) Ok-are you crazy?

I personally wouldn't do it myself, much less with kids...

I guess I picked Hawaii because I know the weather we'll be nice, the beaches are nice, and we always have a wonderful time there. Plus, I thought with little guys between luaus and the beach we'd be set. I'm up for better ideas though if you have some. http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...IR#>/smile.gif

We'd be on zed passes. Is that terrible? I really don't know the difference since I always just fly on us everywhere.

I guess I was being crazy. I don't want any undo stress. With a 1 year old we have enough,... daily. lol

So any other ideas? Where would you go if you were me? I really want to get away. Phoenix is just brutal in July and being in the house all day makes Mom a dull girl and a super bit*h. Just kidding, sort of.

I'd consider Cabo all-inclusive--something similar--good breezes (no swim beaches in most areas tho)
Just a nice family oriented AI resort would make more sense than Hawaii to me. west coast mexico? -all their resorts are hurting for tourists--you could prob get pos space air included for less than staying in HNL
AND minimal stress??

Y'know, I hate to bring up the E word like everyone does these days, but with the economy the way it is, this is the year to do it if there ever was one. Maybe have backups if you're with a group of more than two, but look into other islands, too: OGG is generally better than HNL, for instance. If you absolutely must be on a particular island, inter-island fares are not too terribly priced, and that's for a confirmed ticket.

you can look on any of the public access airline websites for seats--I frequently look at delta.com for what's available--if there are seats showing, I MIGHT consider telling a buddy pass rider to CONSIDER going to X destination within 21 days--c'mon--you are talking JULY--I wouldn't even mention an actual destination to a buddy pass rider for anywhere like Hawaii, much less, think I could do it as OAL employee below an airline employee buddy pass? that just makes no sense to me--with spouse AND 2 kids--even one as lapchild--ACK--kill me now!! I think a sharp stick in my eye sounds better than that game plan--all kidding aside--are you kidding yourself?
Spongebue--this is OAL employee spouse (along w/employee? to make 3) with 1 and 6 yr olds--there may not be much of a Plan B in this case, but to think it's more plausible because of the economy can be offering a false sense of security---that's when the nonrev zombies come out of the woodwork....(hear the music, swaying to the rhythm...the beat of the drums...the euphoria...)

Where do you typically find positive space offers? Our pass bureau is only showing Air Fiji at an ID50 (which would make it cheaper for me to buy tickets like a normal person to Hawaii) or South African Airways. Otherwise, nothing is posted. Do you go through an interline agency?

Do you think Mexico is safe with such little guys? I'm nervous considering all the issues they've had lately. I'm sure it's why they are hurting for business. That's a definite catch 22. I love Cabo but I'm really protective with the kids and I am a compulsive worrier. That's not to say it's ruled out I just want to know your opinion. I hadn't even thought of Mexico so I sincerely appreciate the fresh perspective.

Thanks again so much, for the help. http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...IR#>/smile.gif

oh--I am laughing at myself!! I meant positvie space as in "buy a ticket". Sometimes typing what's in the brain doesn't work in a forum! I had to chuckle about "complusive worrier" and you really want to nonrev to Hawaii with 2 little ones? Ok, I am shaking uncontrollably with laughter. Just kidding, but those two things are so incompatible!! I just went to the Riviera Maya a few wks ago amidst the "pandemic". There may be more cases here than in the resorts. So many resorts are offering pkgs w/air that are comparable to interline--however--check interlinetravel.com and the DO have pos space on pkgs, too--most are out of TX--that should be easy for you?
I have one rule and that's if I can't get there easily as nonrev (or FF miles) don't go! I'm fortunate to have 2 pages of zed airline agreements. I'd just find anotehr beach somewhere easy to reach.
Now--you HAVE to keep us posted--at least I AM dying to know how it works--wherever you go! Good luck and remember the nonrev gods...

Welcome aboard Erica. I've got to go along with M767 on this one, nonrevving Hawaii in July with your family is a recipe for stress and sleepless nights.

My sugggestion for your family beach vacation is San Diego. There's the San Diego Zoo, Sea World- (with Shamu http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...DIR#>/wink.gif ), Legoland, and some nice beaches too, plus you get to fly on your own metal. http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...DIR#>/wink.gif
Good luck and do let us know what you decide.

Oh, it's possible.
I have nonreved to Europe several times during the summer and have nonreved in and out of Vegas over 300 times. Those are tough things to do.
I don't think the economy will slow up travel because capacity is also down so it will even out.

As for the UA walk up, when I was at WN it was an ID90. That would be costly for 3 people.

hi V--always fun to get diff opinions!
well, yeah--anything is "possible"--would I do it with very young children--personally--NUH UH--and that would be within OUR system with 23 yrs seniority. "I'm not crazy; I'm just a little unwell..." as the song goes...smiley wink--please don't ask me to use those emoticon things (I'm too old!!)

Travel deals are nearly instantaneous right now and empty seats are at high risk of being filled in July. This is Hawaii in July, not Europe in the past, Vegas has how many flights you can try for as an individual each day?? This woman has some serious limitations and she can't be hanging in the terminal for hours with a baby.

Mig has a cool idea about San Diego--it is one of the finest zoos in the world!! Woow--if we'd had Legos inst4ead of Lincoln Logs....
(no comments--any of you!!)

You know M767, I've always wondered how V managed to make all those flights to Vegas and Europe in the summer, and never once was bumped. Always sounded very "black bag" to me. http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...#>/biggrin.gif LOL

Thanks for all the comments. I want to know what "black bagging" is and how can I do it? lol. Anything to make the flight huh? Anything but pay full price that is.

I will probably go the San Diego route, even though we go to California all the time for every event. We are Disneyland AP holders. However, there is a reason and that ofcourse is that I don't want to be stuck with three kids if you include and should include DH. I'll probably just make it a four day trip to save money and then try somewhere more exciting in the Fall when everything gets cheaper and easier.

Any dream trips you all had with kids? Something I should plan long term for?

I almost forgot I was once stuck in Paris during Tour de France. How's that for planning? I got mono, had a 103 fever, traveled to London to get out and ended up buying tickets on Virgin. That was for my husband's 30th birthday, in July with my Mom, Dad, Grandma, husband and self. Nightmare. Very expensive mistake.

Please forgive me for any typos etc. as said 1 yr. old is climbing all over me while I type. I have no freedom. My pax are needy babies, and my babies are needy babies. Lol, just kidding

<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE (swafaerica @ May 26 2009, 09:55 PM) <{POST_SNAPBACK}></div>

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My pax are needy babies, and my babies are needy babies. Lol, just kidding[/b]

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No you&#39;re not, you can admit it http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...R#>/tongue.gif

I&#39;ll admit to having a bit of a crush on Canada, so I might be a bit biased, but how about Vancouver or something? Being from the midwest, I think it&#39;s actually kinda nice to go up north a bit, where it&#39;s not so hot (we hit 100 every now and then up here, with some good humidity to boot, so going to HNL doesn&#39;t sound particularly wonderful in the summer http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...R#>/tongue.gif )

Oooh, one other thing to consider if the northern area seems appealing: It&#39;s a tiny city, but Thunder Bay, Ontario (YQT) is pretty good, along with Duluth, MN (DLH). With Lake Superior, it&#39;s pretty kid-friendly if you look around a little (just be prepared for some pretty cold water at times, especially earlier in the city). There&#39;s also quite a bit of state parks north of Duluth if you follow MN highway 61. Ok, maybe this isn&#39;t turning out to be a *dream trip* in my mind, but this is also in my backyard...

Oh, I 2nd Thunder Bay too! I&#39;m also the other looney person going to HNL/LNY in the summer with 2 (make that 3 with DH) babes. That said, I caved under the pressure of stressing about the trip and cashed in miles for FC seats for all of us. I don&#39;t mind the nailbiting myself, but have a work obligation to get back to as well as DH stress about the trip, so looking forward to relaxing and not stressing. I&#39;ve been watching the DL flights to HNL just to check myself and the lists are looonnng, but folks are getting in/out, but an ID90/bottom of a list would be very tough.

We must be kindred spirits- I too have done the Tour a couple of times and worked really hard to get home. Not sick though- That sounds horrible! Glad it worked out even though it was $$$.

Take care!

We have issues seatomypants. I think you are the wiser though to cash in your miles. You could even wear flip flops on the flight. Just imagine being a normal person and not a non rev begger.

So I had my cry and finally gave Hawaii up. Then, I thought okay let&#39;s really refocus. Maybe now is the time to try that Alaskan cruise I&#39;ve been meaning to take forever. Well guess what they are charging full price for my kids because they are running pretty full in July. WTH? So, that&#39;s about $2000. Called Open Skies to see if they had any PS offers and for an extra $300 pp they can fly us to London. Well, I could buy a ticket for $600 a person. So again, no deals there. Basically, I need to wise up. Summer is absolutely out of the question for the non revver on a budget. After 15 years of flying this is my first time trying to travel in the summer since this is the first year I have a child in school. Big eye opener.

Maybe I should take Southwest&#39;s early retirement offer... lol

Back to San Diego. Maybe make it a 4 day weekend.

Hmmm, how about EYW for something beachy that&#39;s still different? Not sure how loads would be, but it&#39;s a pretty cool island out there

Had to look up the code since we don&#39;t fly there... ooh lovely surprise. Key West does sound nice. I&#39;ll check into it but with my luck I&#39;m not holding my breath. http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...>/rolleyes.gif

Hey, erica--I finally figured out you have 3 kids (I was putting your daughter down as the 6 yr old, but school break didn;t sound right?) DOH.

whatever you do, don&#39;t try eastern europe in july! 2 summers ago my husband had trips to Budapest and Bucharest and I got to go on both, then his daughter came with us back to bud.. temps were over 100 and it was total horror with humidity. I&#39;ve been in northern michigan when it hit 90 and that ain&#39;t fun, either!
Wonder what the weather was like in arizona those weeks?
Funny--the kids hardly care as long as they swim and have a pool--bet it doesn;t matter to the baby if he&#39;s in Hawaii or Timbuktu! haha

I&#39;m in total denial on my new life and limitations! Not ready to face the reality on coming/going as I please, but give me a few years to ease in...

Are you a Costco member? There are fabulous deals on their travel site and not to send you down this path again but here are a lot of seats (100+) on the DL LAX/OGG then OGG to LAX in late June (6/27), early July (7/2). I haven&#39;t looked a lot so don&#39;t want to get your hopes up on loads. The deals on Costco are steep and include resort credits which would make a serious dent in paying for food. An example is the Ritz Carlton for 5 nights in a suite for $1,049. Includes a car and a $500 resort credit. This is for 5 nights in mid June, but the same deal is valid through December 2009, you would need to play with the dates. That may be more than you wanted to spend but it is an example of the deals on the site.

How about a cruise in and out of San Diego? Not sure if Perx or Dargal has any last minute deals but that may be fun. Totally obnoxious but pretty sure they charge full freight for the baby so that may make it not worth it.

I have a friend that is traveling to Kaui on a pass (not ours) in June and I will let you know if she survives.

Erica, your luck may be changing. Saw these Pleasant Holidays - Hot Deals In Hawaii packages from LA and SFO, air+ 3 nights hotel- kids free.
Also as Seatomypants mentioned, check into Costco, great deals there too.

Thank you so much everyone for the help! I checked into both the Costco and Pleasant Holidays offer and they both appear to be sold out for July. They are the best offers I have ever seen. I&#39;m going to keep looking into them and possibly book for the fall. Seatomypants, you&#39;re right Maui on Delta is looking really good. I checked our dates and there is 80+ seats open so I&#39;m considering it. In general, Maui looks easier to travel. I&#39;ll get back up passes on another carrier too. Atleast, there is hope for our travel plans. http://www.nonrev.net/forums/style_e...IR#>/smile.gif

hope those Maui seats stay open--you can grab a cheap deal condo/car and live it up!

I don&#39;t know if I&#39;ve mentioned this before, but I get travel bulletins from
http://www.shermanstravel.com/travel_deals...emed-2009_05_29
and there are some sweeeeet packages to lots of places--if not for nonrev, pass to rev friends.