Flying monopoly needs to change
I had to fly to Honolulu the other day unexpectedly. I was able to make an online reservation before I left, for a one-way ticket. Not knowing when I could return, I decided to just go to the airport and buy a ticket for the next flight at that time. Doing that, I was informed by the counter agent that there was a $35 upcharge on top of the $95 ticket. When I asked why, I was told by the agent “because you are talking to me, you should have made a reservation online.” Which I couldn’t.
I then tried the 800 number and was told the same upcharge applied to the call, but she couldn’t help, as I was within the 90-minute limit before the flight.
How in the world can Hawaiian Airlines justify a 37 percent penalty for engaging one of their staff for the privilege of buying one of their products? Because they can, and no one can do anything about it. As long as they maintain a strangle hold and virtual monopoly on inter-island travel we have to shut up and take it.
Hawaiian Airlines horror stories abound and their arrogance at being the only show in town is so anti-aloha it’s not funny.
Let Southwest Airlines into the inter-island market and watch all these fees and penalties melt away from competition, and you can decide which airline deserves your business.
John Bingham
Kailua-Kona