More Southwest Hawaii Details Revealed in Employee Memos
Southwest dominated the travel news space last week with its announcement of Hawaii service. This is huge news for TPG readers especially — once Southwest begins flying to Hawaii, likely in 2018, Companion Pass holders will be able to score two tickets for the price of one, even when traveling on an award.
Southwest's new Boeing 737 MAX fleet will also offer a far more modern — and, in some cases, comfortable — interior compared to the aircraft legacy carriers fly to and from the mainland today. For example, here's what you might find on a Delta 757-200 from Los Angeles to Maui:
And this is the seat and cabin you can expect on Southwest's new 737 MAX:
Following the Hawaii announcement last week, the airline sent a memo and "questions and answers" document to employees, which airport agents, flight attendants and other representatives can reference when customers ask about Southwest's Hawaii plans.
Many details have yet to be worked out, but so far we've learned:
- Service will launch with the 737-800 to avoid further delays, but "the MAX will be [Southwest's] Hawaii aircraft."
- California is clearly the top priority at launch, but specific airports remain to be announced.
- With the Love Field expansion and international service launch out of the way, and with 737 MAX deliveries finally underway, Southwest decided it was time to announce Hawaii service.
- Analysts are evaluating the feasibility of inter-island service, which is on the table as well.
- Tickets should go on sale in 2018, but the launch is entirely dependent on ETOPS approval.
- Free bags, Companion Pass, award redemptions and other perks will carry over to Hawaii service.
- Southwest is working to bring Wi-Fi and live TV to Hawaii flights.
- Once the MAX is ETOPS certified, it's easier to add regional approval for transatlantic flights, but there are "no plans to serve Europe at this time."
Beyond what we already knew, the biggest takeaways here are the fact that Southwest will begin service with the older 737-800, and will focus on California at launch. While other Western cities could eventually offer nonstop Southwest flights to Hawaii, we'll likely see the first flights depart from the carrier's existing California focus airports, perhaps including Los Angeles (LAX), Oakland (OAK), Orange County (SNA), San Diego (SAN), San Jose (SJC) and/or Sacramento (SMF).
Which airports would you like to see Southwest serve first?
TPG featured card
at American Express's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 3X | Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases. |
Pros
- Delta SkyClub access when flying Delta
- Annual companion ticket for travel on Delta (upon renewal)
- Ability to earn MQDs through spending
- Various statement credits for eligible purchases
Cons
- Steep annual fee of $650
- Other Delta cobranded cards offer superior earning categories
- Earn 100,000 Bonus Miles after you spend $6,000 or more in purchases with your new Card within the first 6 months of Card Membership and an additional 25,000 bonus miles after you make an additional $3,000 in purchases on the Card within your first 6 months, starting from the date that your account is opened. Offer Ends 04/01/2026.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members receive 15 Visits per Medallion® Year to the Delta Sky Club® when flying Delta and can unlock an unlimited number of Visits after spending $75,000 in purchases on your Card in a calendar year. Plus, you’ll receive four One-Time Guest Passes each Medallion Year so you can share the experience with family and friends when traveling Delta together.
- Enjoy complimentary access to The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. and select international locations (as set forth on the Centurion Lounge Website), Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge in the U.S. (see the Centurion Lounge Website for more information on Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge availability), and Escape Lounges when flying on a Delta flight booked with the Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card. § To access Sidecar by The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 90 minutes of their departing flight (including layovers). To access The Centurion® Lounge, Card Members must arrive within 3 hours of their departing flight. Effective July 8, 2026, during a layover, Card Members must arrive within 5 hours of the connecting flight.
- Receive $2,500 Medallion® Qualification Dollars with MQD Headstart each Medallion Qualification Year and earn $1 MQD for each $10 in purchases on your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card with MQD Boost to get closer to Status next Medallion Year.
- Enjoy a Companion Certificate on a Delta First, Delta Comfort, or Delta Main round-trip flight to select destinations each year after renewal of your Card. The Companion Certificate requires payment of government-imposed taxes and fees of between $22 and $250 (for itineraries with up to four flight segments). Baggage charges and other restrictions apply. Delta Basic experiences are not eligible for this benefit.
- $240 Resy Credit: When you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card for eligible purchases with U.S. Resy restaurants, you can earn up to $20 each month in statement credits. Enrollment required.
- $120 Rideshare Credit: Earn up to $10 back in statement credits each month after you use your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card to pay for U.S. rideshare purchases with select providers. Enrollment required.
- Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card Members get 15% off when using miles to book Award Travel on Delta flights through delta.com and the Fly Delta app. Discount not applicable to partner-operated flights or to taxes and fees.
- With your Delta SkyMiles® Reserve American Express Card, receive upgrade priority over others with the same Medallion tier, product and fare experience purchased, and Million Miler milestone when you fly with Delta.
- Earn 3X Miles on Delta purchases and earn 1X Miles on all other eligible purchases.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees. Enjoy international travel without additional fees on purchases made abroad.
- $650 Annual Fee.
- Apply with confidence. Know if you're approved for a Card with no impact to your credit score. If you're approved and you choose to accept this Card, your credit score may be impacted.
- Terms Apply.
- See Rates & Fees