Hawaiian Airlines Adding Basic Economy Fare Class
Starting in 2019, you'll have a cheaper option if you want to spend some time enjoying the sunny beaches of Hawaii. Hawaiian Airlines has announced that it will offer a basic economy option for flights to and from the islands. With low-cost carrier Southwest set to start service to Hawaii in 2019, this move has been expected for some time.
The introduction of the basic economy class is nothing new to frequent flyers. American, Delta and United have all added this new fare class recently. The airlines are marketing the fares as low-cost options for passengers, with tickets normally carrying a slight reduction in price over a regular economy ticket. However, they come with major restrictions for those traveling on the discounted fare.
Hawaiian is following this same model as its legacy counterparts with its new class of service. No ticket changes, no seat assignments prior to check-in and restrictions on earning HawaiianMiles, such as bonuses. Plus, Hawaiian basic economy flyers will board last.
The restrictions for passengers flying basic economy is pretty standard between the airlines. Delta's basic fare doesn't allow for ticket changes or your choice of seat. You will also board with the last group. Delta does allow a carry-on for each passenger for free.
American Airlines' basic economy ticket is pretty much in line with Delta's, though with a couple of differences. American will allow you to make changes to your ticket if you are willing to fork over cash to make it happen but only for select flights. American will also let you choose your seat — again for an additional fee — 48 hours before departure for domestic flights or when you book your fare if you are hopping the pond to or from Europe.
The basic economy offering from United follows suit with American and Delta. The fare will restrict seating and doesn't allow for making changes to your ticket. United is more strict about your carry-on, however. United passengers are only allowed one personal item on board, meaning that you will have to pay to check any bags. This limitation is removed if you have MilagePlus status, Star Alliance Gold, or have one of the United credit cards.
All of these fares don't allow for upgrades of any kind even if you have status with the respective airline. If are trying to gain status one key point to keep in mind is that both AA and United lower the earning rate on these basic fares. American drops the earning rate down to 50% on Elite Qualifying Miles and Segments, though you will still earn award miles and Elite Qualifying Dollars based on the fare price. United follows the same restrictions; 100% on Premier Qualifying Dollars but only 50% on miles and segments. Delta is the winner on the status front with no restrictions on the amount earned with a basic economy ticket.
It's clear that this new class of service is here to stay, as Hawaiian is one of the last carriers to introduce the fare class. (The only large US carrier yet to do so is Southwest.) For those travelers who pack light and want a discounted fare, it may be a good fit. Just remember to understand all of the restrictions of your ticket before heading off to catch that flight.
Booked yourself a Basic Economy fare? Learn more about what to expect below:
- How to Survive Basic Economy on American Airlines
- How To Survive Basic Economy on Delta Airlines
- How to Survive Basic Economy on United Airlines
H/T: KHON2
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- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
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| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.