This Family Has Been on the Last 30 Inaugural Southwest Flights
March 17, 2019 will be remembered as the day Southwest Airlines finally launched flights to Hawaii. Flight WN6808 departed Oakland at 11:26am and landed in Honolulu at 2:09pm. The flight was complete with hula dancing, Mai Tais and plenty of cheering. As special as it was for everyone on board, it was even more special for the Klan family; they've been on the past 30 inaugural Southwest flights.
We got to sit down with the Klan family during the flight, and they actually have a pretty funny story as to how they ended up as some of Southwest's most loyal flyers.
Tim Klan used to be "scared to death of flying" until after he married Holly. He flew Southwest because the airline flew the biggest planes in the Erie, PA, area where the family was based. In fact, Tim said that one time he drove seven hours to Chicago Midway (MDW) just to take a Southwest nonstop flight instead of a connecting flight on another airline. That's dedication!
Not long after that, the Klans got "addicted to travel" (we can relate!), and someone asked them if they had been on an inaugural flight — they're one big party, after all. After the Klans' first inaugural, they were hooked — and after our experience on board the flight today, we can see why.
As for the Klans' advice for Southwest flyers? They highly recommend Early Bird check-in, especially if you don't have elite status. They've been the last people on the plane before, but now they know the ins and outs of the airline. They even had the best seats in the house for our flight: Row 1, with plenty of legroom. Better yet, they used their Companion Pass for their son, Mark. This is definitely a win in our book.
The Klans will be on the inaugural Southwest flight from Oakland (OAK) to Maui (OGG) on April 7, so be sure to say hi!
For the latest travel news, deals and points and miles tips please subscribe to The Points Guy daily email newsletter.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.