Introduction
As the new year unfolds, it’s that exciting time again when credit card credits reset, and avid travelers begin plotting their yearly adventures. And, of course, it’s also when those enticing airline deals for the year start to emerge. So, when my best friend asked if I could house-sit his place in Hawaii while he jetted off to Europe, my response was: say no more fam I got you. This kickstarted my quest for flights to the Aloha State. In this post, I’ll walk you through how I managed to book a round-trip, non-stop flight to Hawaii for just $60.
Cards Used
The choice of cards for this booking was straightforward. I utilized my American Express Platinum cards, of which I have three – one personal and two for business. Each of these cards comes with a $200 airline credit annually, giving me a total of $600 in credits to leverage for my flight.
Travel Promotions Leveraged
Being bitten by the travel bug means I’m always tuned into the latest promotions and deals. I’ve noticed that airlines often run promotions in tandem, playing off each other’s offers. Following Instagram accounts dedicated to travel deals is a great way to stay informed about current bargains.
Over the years, I’ve developed an intuition for this, especially for Hawaiian Airlines deals. I’ve learned the best times to book and the times of year to avoid traveling to Hawaii. This sort of insider knowledge is invaluable for snagging the best deals and avoiding peak tourist seasons.
Execution
My booking strategy falls into a somewhat gray area of travel reservations, where both seat selections and airline fees are coded similarly by credit card companies. As long as these expenses are around the $200 range, they typically trigger the airline credit. Therefore, I strategically booked two one-way tickets: each ticket using a different American Express card to apply the $200 credit. For the third card, I used the credit to upgrade to extra legroom, maximizing the benefits across my three cards.
While I had the option to book a Main Cabin Basic fare and stay well under the $200 credit limit, I chose to pay an additional $30 for added flexibility. This decision allowed me the convenience of being able to change the date of my flight if necessary, as well as the opportunity to book an extra comfort seat. For me, the extra expense was a worthwhile trade-off for the peace of mind and added comfort it provided.
Tips and Tricks
- You might have to work your days around to find cheaper one way flights
- Stay Informed of promotions so when its time to book, it makes it that much easier to find flights.
- Plan Ahead for preak times, you might be able to find good deals with enough time in advance
- Keep an eye on your statements just to make sure you see the airline credits get applied
I have two favorite seats on flights to and from Hawaii that are free, primarily because they are usually not directly in front of other passengers, as these spots are often used by the flight attendants. This means I can recline my seat without feeling like I’m encroaching on someone else’s space. For the flight to Hawaii, I recommend choosing a seat on the right side of the plane. This position offers a spectacular view of the islands as you approach. Conversely, when leaving Hawaii, opt for a seat on the left side. From here, you can enjoy stunning views of Oahu, the airport, and the iconic Diamond Head. These seat choices can significantly enhance your flight experience, offering breathtaking views that set the tone for your Hawaiian adventure.