Best airfare options chicago to hnl

[punkincc]

We are booked on the POA for August 2014. Wondering how far out I should be looking to book our airfare in order to get the best fares. Any airlines that are better than others for Hawaii?

 

Is it any cheaper for nonstop flights that originate in LA or SF versus one leaving from Chicago, which is our closest airport? We have free flights on Southwest, so we could fly in and overnight somewhere for free, and then fly out non-stop the next day, maybe from west coast or even Phoenix, which I think I heard had good non stop fares. We would prefer to break up the flight out, at least, but price may over ride that.

[Kamloops50]

We are booked on the POA for August 2014. Wondering how far out I should be looking to book our airfare in order to get the best fares. Any airlines that are better than others for Hawaii?

 

Is it any cheaper for nonstop flights that originate in LA or SF versus one leaving from Chicago, which is our closest airport? We have free flights on Southwest, so we could fly in and overnight somewhere for free, and then fly out non-stop the next day, maybe from west coast or even Phoenix, which I think I heard had good non stop fares. We would prefer to break up the flight out, at least, but price may over ride that.

 

Personally I would look for flights as soon as they become available. When you find a fare you like buy it.

[CruiserBruce]

As this is an airfare question, some research on the Cruise Air board, here:

 

http://boards.cruisecritic.com/forumdisplay.php?f=128

 

would be very helpful. When you post there, give specifics. Flight dates. Airports involved.

 

Some reading there will reveal THERE IS NO MAGIC DATE!!! As Kamloops correctly stated, some research, finding the trends, and then buying when comfortable. Then don't look back.

[punkincc]

Thanks, I was not even aware there was a Cruise Air Board. I will check it out.

[Keith1010]

When it comes to price often if you are willing to go with a connection you will get a lower price but you need to see the price difference to figure out if it is worth it to you. And if you change planes allow a lot of time just in case your first flight takes off late.

 

As to price you just never know. It comes down to supply and demand.

 

Keith

[punkincc]

I know fares are much lower for connecting flights or ones with long layovers, but a 13 hour trip does not appeal to me, regardless of the price! And it just compounds the chance of further delay IMO.

 

So far the best option seems to be getting to PHX with a free flight the day before and then nonstop to HNL the next morning on Hawaiian Airlines. I have seen R/T PHX/HNL for $440 and that seems pretty good compared to other fares I am seeing. Of course, you have to consider the cost of an overningt in PHX as well, but we can usually do that for free with points.

 

Still researching.

[vivian02]

I must admit that PHX to HNL is a great price. On the other hand take a look at the type of plane you will be flying on. The 767's used on Hawaiian Air are OK but only if you can get you and your wife a seat with a window seat and isle seat together. Once again think about the flight back because jet lag will set in. Take a look at the flights out of SFO where 777's are used on United. I would say the 777's would be the best plane for a six hour flight. I did notice that Hawaiian Air out of San Francisco uses a 330 Air bus which is another pleasant suprise especially at $414. Just more information to think about. Tim