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The IATA code (two characters) for Southwest is WN. You'll see that on tickets, although there are no paper tickets anymore. The ICAO code (three characters) is SWA. You'll see that on the aircraft tracking websites. Many people colloquially call them SW but strictly speaking that's not their code.
Thanks again everyone for the information. I have purchased my tickets. (AA)
I spent a little more than the best rates, but I got great flights, with only one stop each way, and more flexible for changes. Even got "premium seats" on both return flights (including a complimentary cocktail on each).
Really appreciate all the feedback, which helped me to find what I needed.
Thanks again everyone for the information. I have purchased my tickets. (AA)
I spent a little more than the best rates, but I got great flights, with only one stop each way, and more flexible for changes. Even got "premium seats" on both return flights (including a complimentary cocktail on each).
Really appreciate all the feedback, which helped me to find what I needed.
I'm glad you got your tickets. Have a good and safe trip.
Thanks again everyone for the information. I have purchased my tickets. (AA)
I spent a little more than the best rates, but I got great flights, with only one stop each way, and more flexible for changes. Even got "premium seats" on both return flights (including a complimentary cocktail on each).
Really appreciate all the feedback, which helped me to find what I needed.
Have a great trip! I'm going to try and go later this year.
Southwest doesn't do red eyes and if the itinerary requires an overnight layover on the west coast (which it does from Raleigh), it doesn't allow the itinerary to be booked (you'd have to DIY it with a hotel stay one night)
If it helps, RDU to Maui has some $490 RT flights right now in February on American and from Maui you can hop over to Honolulu
Feb 21 - Raleigh - Maui 5:20 AM - 1:29 PM (1 hr 50 layover in Dallas) on American
Feb 21 - Maui - Honolulu (8 nonstop flight options with departures after 2 PM)
Feb 28 - Maui - Honolulu (12 nonstop flight options with arrivals before 4 PM)
Feb 28 - Maui - Raleigh 6:39 PM - 12:45 PM (next day, 3 hr 28 layover in Dallas) on American
Cost: $490 (basic economy, $570 for main cabin) + $77 (Hawaiian main cabin) = $567 round trip for basic economy or $647 if main cabin
If you're single and have flexibility to take vacation whenever you want to, get a Going (formerly Scott's Cheap Flights) subscription. It's $50/year and they send you email notifications whenever there are flights from RDU (or up to 6 other airports) to popular domestic or international destinations that are at least 30-40% off. There's also a free version if you just want a sampling of some of their deals (you won't get all of them)
Doesn't work great if you have to be somewhere on a specific date unless you get lucky but if you just want to "go to Hawaii or Europe for a week sometime this year" then it's great for that. For a specific date, setting up a Google Flight alert is the way to go (usually the window to start looking is 1-3 months prior for a domestic trip and 2-8 months for international trips)
I'm going to Madrid in May - got my ticket for $377 round trip on Delta from RDU (was a flight deal I got from that subscription back in mid-October)
Last edited by pierretong1991; 01-18-2023 at 08:46 AM..
I'd be more interested in the type of plane you're on over weather or not it's american airlines. Much rather be on a 777 or a 747 over a 737 or a 320
Pretty sure they are 737-800s in and out of Raliegh, and I think 787s in and out of Honolulu. One of the honolulu flights might also be a 737.
I have no fear flying any of them. Simply not a concern of mine. (I got great seats on all flights, and I'm not a big guy. I even passed on an exit seat to let someone else who needs it (and doesn't mind not reclining) have it.)
I'd be more interested in the type of plane you're on over weather or not it's american airlines. Much rather be on a 777 or a 747 over a 737 or a 320
No passenger airline based in the U.S. operates a 747 anymore.
Airline flights from the mainland to Hawaii require ETOPS-180. ("ETOPS" = Extended-range Twin-engine Operations Performance Standards, also known as Engines Turn Or Passengers Swim.) The first 737 ETOPS-180 flight between California and Hawaii was over 20 years ago. My last two flights in and out of Hawaii were on American, an A321. I had no safety concerns at all. Now, whether a six-hour flight in a narrowbody aircraft regardless of whether it's rock or water underneath is your cup of tea, I understand.
30 seconds on kayak found flights on AA, Delta, and United all under $800, with a single long-ish layover, 2/21-2/28
Don't buy your ticket there, of course - just use it to find a price, then book at the airline directly.
If you can tolerate two layovers on the way home only, Alaska air has $565.
How much cheaper were you hoping for?
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