Aloha cuts neighbor isle
fares for frequent flyersAlohaPass members will be able
to book seats for at little as $59
Aloha Airlines has instituted new interisland fares as low as $59 for its frequent-flyer customers who book on the Internet.
The lowest fares, $59 and $69 for one hop between islands, are capacity-controlled. "They just sell out first," said Stu Glauberman, an Aloha spokesman. Next are $79 and $89 coach fares and a $99 unrestricted first-class fare.
Glauberman said there will usually be more seats available at the higher fares.
The new fares are restricted to members of the AlohaPass frequent-flyer program who book their tickets through Aloha's Web site, www.AlohaAirlines.com.
Aloha's coach-class fares had ranged from $74.50 for tickets purchased at least a week before travel to $100.50 for a ticket purchased within three days.
Those fares still apply to people who are not AlohaPass members and they can get a 5 percent discount by booking through the Web site.
"We are responding to the people who live and work and fly frequently in Hawaii, who have told us they want lower fares and less hassle," said Glenn R. Zander, Aloha president and CEO.
There are some possible added charges in the new Aloha structure. The $59 fare carries a $26 charge if the booking is changed. The $69 fare has a $12 change fee. There is also a $5.50 charge for any stop en route, even a connection change in Honolulu. The Internet bookings must be made at least one day before travel.
Hawaiian Airlines was studying Aloha's offer early today. While it had no immediate plan to present, the company intends to remain competitive, said spokesman Keoni Wagner.