Flight between islands

Question

How soon should I book my flight from Oahu to Maui? We are dividing our time between the two. Our trip is first part of March. Also does it matter Hawaiian or Southwest? The price is the same now. Thanks

Answer

Booking inter-island flights in Hawaii, such as from Oahu to Maui, requires a bit of planning but is generally more flexible than long-haul flights. Since your trip is in the first part of March, it’s considered a moderately busy time due to spring break for some schools, so booking sooner rather than later is wise.

Here’s a detailed approach:

Booking window: Ideally, book your flight 6–8 weeks in advance for March travel. This ensures you get preferred departure times and avoids last-minute price hikes, which can happen on popular inter-island routes.
Airline choice: Both Hawaiian Airlines and Southwest offer multiple daily flights between Oahu and Maui. If the price is currently the same, consider other factors:

Hawaiian Airlines generally has smaller planes, more traditional service, and allows for easier connections to inter-island codeshare flights.
Southwest Airlines includes two free checked bags and has open seating (choose early boarding to secure preferred seats).

Flight times: Inter-island flights are short—about 30–45 minutes. Early morning flights are less likely to be delayed, while late afternoon or evening flights might be busier with connecting travelers.
Luggage considerations: If you are only bringing carry-on luggage, either airline works well. If you have checked bags, Southwest’s policy can be a cost saver.

Additional tips:

Sign up for fare alerts for both airlines; sometimes small price drops occur even a few weeks in advance.
Consider flexible tickets if your Maui accommodation or plans might change.
Check flight times and arrivals carefully, especially if you are connecting to other travel or tours upon arrival.

In summary, booking 6–8 weeks ahead is a good balance for March travel. With pricing currently equal, the choice between Hawaiian and Southwest can depend on baggage needs, seating preferences, and personal airline experience.

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