Flights Long Beach to OGG

Question

Okay, after the fiasco in October with the LAX to OGG flight on Hawaiian and the million mile walk from the plane to luggage at LAX (with a disabled flyer), we decided to fly in June from Long Beach instead. Trying to be mindful of our ADA friend and the difficulty she had in October. But flights are OUTRAGEOUS right now. Am I just looking too early?

Answer

It sounds like you’ve had a frustrating experience, and I can understand your concern about finding affordable and accessible flights for your group. When it comes to flights from Long Beach to OGG (Kahului, Maui), there are a few factors that could be influencing the higher prices you're seeing, especially if you’re looking several months in advance.

Why are the flights expensive?
Flight prices can fluctuate due to a variety of reasons. Here are a few that might explain the high fares you're seeing:

Booking too early: While it's generally a good idea to book in advance, booking too early (more than 6 months out) can sometimes lead to higher prices, as airlines adjust their prices closer to the departure date based on demand. In your case, June is still a few months away, so prices could drop as the date approaches.
Seasonal demand: June is a peak travel month, as it’s the start of summer and many people are planning vacations to Hawaii. This increased demand can cause prices to be higher, especially for flights to popular destinations like Maui.
Availability of direct flights: Long Beach Airport (LGB) has limited direct flight options to Maui compared to larger airports like LAX. This can drive up prices for those routes, especially if they are less frequent or are served by smaller carriers like Hawaiian Airlines or Southwest.

What can you do to find better prices?
Here are some tips to help find better deals on flights:

Use fare comparison websites: Websites like Google Flights, Skyscanner, and Kayak can help you monitor and compare flight prices. Set up price alerts to be notified when fares drop.
Consider alternative airports: If the prices from Long Beach remain high, you could look at flights from nearby airports, such as LAX or John Wayne Airport (SNA) in Orange County. While it may require more driving, you might find more affordable options from these larger airports.
Look for connecting flights: If direct flights remain expensive, consider booking a flight with a stopover. Sometimes connecting flights, even if less convenient, can save you money.
Check for airline sales: Keep an eye on sales from airlines like Hawaiian Airlines, Alaska Airlines, or Southwest, which often offer deals closer to the departure date. Signing up for airline newsletters or following them on social media can help you catch these offers.

Accessibility Considerations:
Given that you’re traveling with a disabled flyer, it’s important to make sure you’re booking with airlines that are known for offering good ADA services. Hawaiian Airlines is generally very accommodating, but it’s always a good idea to call ahead and ensure that all necessary accommodations, like wheelchair assistance or seating requests, are confirmed for your flight.

Should you book now or wait?
It might be worth waiting a bit to see if prices drop, as you’re still a few months out. However, if you find a fare that fits your budget and meets your accessibility needs, it’s also worth considering booking sooner rather than later to avoid last-minute price hikes. June is a busy time for travel, so locking in a reasonable price now could help avoid the stress of searching for flights closer to your travel date.

Hope this helps, and I wish you safe and smooth travels to Maui!