SZ

Arrrgh! Like a dope, I accidentally booked the wrong flight for an upcoming trip from Kauai to Kona. I wanted to leave in the morning, but I ended up with an early evening flight.

The flight was booked through America West via Orbitz. They want to charge me $100 to change the ticket, even though Mesa -- the actual airline I'll be flying -- only charges $20.

Mesa says there's no charge for flying standby on an earlier flight.

My question is, should I pay to change the ticket, or should I just turn up early at the airport and hope for the best? I have no idea how crowded these little inter-island flights are.

Any advice for this embarrassed traveler? Thanks!

Ag3046

The inter-island flights are rarely full first thing.

dusty56438

Mesa has been averaging about 70-75% full.

dusty56438

That should be go!

go! is Mesa's Hawaii airline.

SZ

Thanks! You have seriously helped talk me down from the ledge.

mark99

I agree, the inter island flights are typically not that busy...in fact that is precisely why there is a huge price war going on right now.

dusty56438

"the inter island flights are typically not that busy...in fact that is precisely why there is a huge price war going on right now"

Not true.

There is a price war because go! is trying to get started in Hawaii & has started with low fares. The other airlines matched their price.

But, go! is losing $10 per passenger on its flights, so they will have to increase their fares or they are simply trying to force out one of the other carriers.

April

It sure worked well for us. We got flights on Island Air from Honolulu to Kapalua, Maui for only just over $30 ea. each way. Unbelievable.