Originally Posted by
LeineLodge
Hey guys,
We've got a trip coming up this summer to OGG and I'm trying to put together plans A-Z if we can't get on our LAX-OGG (or return) flights.
I can significantly increase my opportunities to get on a DL flight if we come/go through HNL. A few questions:
1. How easy is it to get to/from HNL to OGG? I see pretty much hourly frequency on Hawaiian. Anyone know what the loads are typically like? Is this a "walk up and hop on any flight" kinda thing, or are they always jam packed?
2. What's the best way to go about buying ZED fares? My plan is to buy ZED's to/from HNL/OGG for the whole family. Also, I'm planning to buy ZED's on AA and UAL from OGG-LAX and/or HNL-mainland as backups to get out of Hawaii (which I've heard is a nightmare).
Is this overkill? I'd rather not have $1000+ tied up in ZED's if I don't have to. Is it fairly straightforward to return them if unused?
3. Anyone have any other advice for getting to/from OGG via ZED's or otherwise? I'll book a j/s if I have to, but I need to find seats for my wife and 2 small kids.
Scoop? You out there? I remember you posting something about ZED's several days ago. How easy is it to buy/return them?
Thanks!
Leine,
I live in Hawaii and have non-rev'd (with family of 5) throughout the islands via ZED multiple times with no issue. You are right, there is so much frequency that if you don't get your fist option, you'll get the second. There is also "go" airlines with some frequencey. I live on Oahu and I've done the LAX to OGG and then non-rev over to HNL to get the family home before.
BTW, you can buy zed fare's in HNL and OGG at the Delta desk, so I wouldn't go on a bender with too many before you even leave as they are sort of a pain to unravel (ie mail them in to save yourself an hour and several rolled eyes from the ticket agent who has to return them.) Also, HAL is now on ezed program so you can literally do it in 3 mins over a computer and returning them is much easier, albeit a small service charge.
Bottom line, very easy to buy / return zed's for HAL now that it is all electronic, but you will pay a small service fee if you don't use them.
Easy to get between the islands albeit you may wait a flight or two.
UAL/AAL/US AIR/ Alakskan all paper zed. If it's tight on DAL, it's usually tighter on UAL and American as well as they have a lot of non-revs in their system. I usually will go for HAL or Alaskan if DAL is too full, although with S2's you can usually make it, again flexibility is the key.
Last thing, I will usually buy ZED's for the family on HAL to go interisland and I just jumpseat for free yet they always find seats for us together.
Enjoy the islands! Feel free to PM if you have any other questions.
Aloha,
LUV