Southwest Airlines is my favorite domestic airline. And I love that they’ve been flying to the Caribbean and Central America for the last several years after acquiring AirTran. The rumors about Hawaii routes have been percolating for years… and we’ve finally received the great news that Southwest will fly to Hawaii in 2018!!!
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Southwest will fly to Hawaii in 2018
It was announced that Southwest will fly to Hawaii in 2018 via a press release from Southwest and several social media posts:
This Twitter reply to a 2008 Tweet (yes, 9 years ago) was the best
David, we know it’s been awhile… but we’re going to Hawaii, and we want you on one of our first flights! https://t.co/SkrSN67fw8
— Southwest Airlines (@SouthwestAir) October 12, 2017
And then there is the normal stuff like the Southwest Instagram post with a floral design
Here is the official video of the announcement
When will Southwest fly to Hawaii in 2018?
With the delivery of the new 737-MAX airplanes, Southwest now has the ability to fly the longer distances required to make it to Hawaii from California airports.
Southwest will fly to Hawaii once they receive government approval to do so. The biggest concern is whether or not the plane could make it to Hawaii or back to California in the event that one of the engines stopped working.
It’s one thing to lose an engine while flying over New Mexico, but it’s a whole different scenario if an engine craps over mid-way over the Pacific!
So, Southwest can only announce their intention to fly to Hawaii in 2018, but cannot announce any routes or specific timeframes when they’ll be able to until they receive government approval. It was the same situation when they announced routes to Cuba and the Caribbean.
Southwest Companion Pass
I’ve had the Southwest Companion Pass for the last 12 years. It’s one of the most amazing airline benefits available because my designated companion can fly for free on any flight that I’m on. All I need to pay is the taxes!
If you apply for the Southwest business and personal cards soon, then meet the minimum spend in early January (before the 3 months deadline has passed), you will almost have enough points necessary to qualify for the Southwest Companion Pass for all of 2018 and 2019!!!
Imagine all of the Hawaii flights you could take! Ok, you could also use it on other routes… but Hawaii will be so cool, right?
The Bald Thoughts
It is so awesome that Southwest will fly to Hawaii in 2018. We don’t know the routes or when the service will start, but the dates are coming soon. If you don’t already have the Southwest Companion Pass, this might be the right time to get it. I know that I’m looking forward to booking some flights to Hawaii on Southwest. How about you?
Great news! Thanks for letting us know!