Travel News

Big Step Today for Southwest Flights to Hawaii with First Test Flight

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Written by Charlie

Today, Southwest is taking a big step towards launching flights to Hawaii! We are not that far away now from the sales of these tickets so get your plans ready!

Today marks an important step in Southwest’s continued march towards flights to Hawaii from the mainland. After the delay from the government shutdown, Southwest is taking a test flight today from Oakland to Hawaii with the purpose of testing its long range capabilities over water.

Big Step Today for Southwest Flights to Hawaii with First Test Flight

This is an important step for the airline as they have not previously had to have ETOPS certification for their other destinations (ETOPS is for long range flights over water). After they clear the ETOPS certification, they will be that much closer to starting the sale of tickets for flights to Hawaii.

Southwest had planned on starting flights this past week but the government shutdown delayed that. Now, they still are shooting for a mid-March launch of those flights which will be very exciting to everyone that loves free bags, free companions(with the Southwest Companion Pass), and free changes/cancellations! Though, who wants to cancel on Hawaii?! 🙂

It is good to see Southwest moving forward and I know there are many, many people that are waiting for this. Other airlines? Not so much, even though Hawaiian Airlines says they are not worried (even with Southwest planning inter-island flights).

Source: Forbes

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About the author

Charlie

Charlie has been an avid traveler and runner for many years. He has run in marathons around the world for less than it would cost to travel to the next town - all as a result of collecting and using miles and points. Over the years, he has flown hundreds of thousands of miles and collected millions of miles and points.
Now he uses this experience and knowledge to help others through Running with Miles.

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