Latest Southwest Airlines Hawaii Update

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We recently covered how Southwest Airlines announced their Hawaii destinations as part of their latest Hawaii flight plan update. The four cities in Hawaii which the airline will serve are Honolulu, HI (Oahu); Kahului, HI (Maui); Kona, HI (Island of Hawaii); and Lihue, HI (Kauai).

Latest Southwest Airlines Hawaii Update

The latest news from the airline is learn the initial mainland gateway cities that will offer nonstop service (pending required regulatory approvals) to Hawaii are:

Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC)
Oakland Metropolitan Airport (OAK)
Sacramento International Airport (SMF)
San Diego International Airport (SAN)

Per Southwest Airlines,

Southwest Airlines Co. shared more details in the carrier’s service plans for Hawaii by announcing initial gateway cities in California that would offer nonstop service pending required regulatory approvals. Oakland Metropolitan Airport (OAK), San Diego International Airport (SAN), Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), and Sacramento International Airport (SMF) would gain Hawaii service in the carrier’s flight schedules following FAA authorization for Hawaii service.

In the latest of a two-year series of community meetings across the Islands to gain insight ahead of potential service, Southwest President Tom Nealon this morning shared details of today’s announcement with tourism, civic, and government leaders and further shared the carrier’s intention to eventually offer some interisland flights as operations ramp up initially across four airports in Hawaii.

Southwest Airlines latest announcement from which airports from the mainland will serve Hawaii comes as a surprise as we do not see Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) on the list. It’s no question that Southwest will offer Hawaii service from LAX, however it just will not be at the initial launch.

Additionally, we learn that Southwest wants to offer interisland flights, which will be a welcome addition to the islands!

What are your thoughts on the latest announcement from Southwest Airlines announcing which California airports will be the first to offer Hawaii service later this year? Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below.

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Comments

DaninMCI says:

May 4, 2018 at 12:54 pm

It seems a little disappointing that they basically are flying from 2 metro areas. They could have at least added LA or something like Portland. Just random thoughts. I doubt I will fly these routes on Southwest as I’m based in the Midwest and really don’t fly them much but it’s nice to have competition.
James says:

May 4, 2018 at 3:46 pm

@DaninMCI
It is not 2 metro areas. Bay Area does not include SMF.
Plus, why do you think you will not fly? Don’t you understand most Southwest flights involve connections?