Deal Alert: Flights to Hawaii From $247 Round-Trip, NYC From $344 Round-Trip
Quick summary
Update: Some offers mentioned below are no longer available. View the current offers here.
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Airfare deals are typically only available on limited dates. We recommend you use Google Flights to find dates to fly, then book through an online travel agency such as Orbitz or Expedia, which allows you to cancel flights without penalty by 11pm Eastern Time within one day of booking. However, if you're using The Platinum Card® from American Express, you'll need to book directly with the airline or through the Amex Travel portal to get 5x MR points. Remember: Fares may disappear quickly, so book right away and take advantage of Orbitz or Expedia's courtesy cancellation if you're unable to get the time away from work or family.
As temperatures start to drop in some parts of the country, you might already be interested in booking a beach getaway this fall. Good news: Hawaii fares have dipped under $400 round-trip from a wide swath of the country, including fares for just $344 round-trip from New York City.
These prices are available through American Airlines, which unfortunately just implemented basic economy on its Hawaii routes last week. While you still won't be able to select a seat or be able to upgrade into business/first, the good news is that these fares now include a carry-on bag.
For the best experience flying from New York City to Hawaii, I'd recommend flying AA's flagship A321T aircraft from JFK to Los Angeles (LAX). The premium-heavy aircraft has just 102 seats (10 lie-flat first class, 20 lie-flat business class, 36 extra-legroom economy and 36 standard economy) which provides an exclusive feel. Plus the aircraft offers power and in-seat entertainment in all seats. AA elites who book a Main Cabin fare (i.e. not basic economy) can get one of the best free upgrades available.
There are no tricks to find these fares. Use Google Flights to search for your preferred departure and destination and then book directly with the airline or an OTA like Expedia.
Airlines: American Airlines
Routes: JFK/LAX/SFO/SJC to HNL/OGG/KOA/LIH
Cost: $247+ round-trip in economy
Travel Dates: September-December 2018
Pay With: The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on airfare booked directly with the airline), Citi Premier® Card, Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Prestige (5x on airfare plus excellent trip delay insurance) or Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on travel)
Booking Link: Priceline, Orbitz, Expedia or directly with the airline
Here are a few examples of what you can book:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Lihue (LIH) for $247 round-trip nonstop in American Airlines Basic Economy:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Kona (KOA) for $247 round-trip nonstop in American Airlines Basic Economy:
Los Angeles (LAX) to Kahului (OGG) for $298 round-trip nonstop in American Airlines Basic Economy:
San Francisco (SFO) to Kahului (OGG) for $314 round-trip in American Airlines Basic Economy:
San Jose (SJC) to Honolulu (HNL) for $314 round-trip in American Airlines Basic Economy:
New York Kennedy (JFK) to Honolulu (HNL) for $344 round-trip in American Airlines Basic Economy:
Maximize Your Purchase
Don't forget to use a credit card that earns additional points on airfare purchases, such as The Platinum Card® from American Express (5x on flights booked directly with airlines or American Express Travel), Chase Sapphire Reserve, Citi Premier, Citi Prestige (5x on airfare) or the Chase Sapphire Preferred Card (2x on all travel purchases). Check out this post for more on maximizing airfare purchases.