Its been 4 years since I checked in with you all. Good to see that Kal, iamq, Songdoc and others are still hanging out here. You all helped to make my last trip fantastic! (Although I'll have to admit that I was shocked to see iamq's latest posting...switching loyalties to Maui??? lol)

There MAY be a possible Kauai trip in the works for early June. Checking on which airlines you use to get there from the West Coast. The closest airport to me is Sac. but it usually costs more to fly out of there so I am open to SJ, Oak, and SF. I've checked into Hawaiian and Alaska. Those of you from my neck of the woods...do you have a preference? Is one better than the other? Our last flight to Kauai was on ATA and it was terrible! Any advice you have is greatly appreciated.

I just returned from Kaua'i last Wednesday, and flew on United direct to Lihue. Not luxurious by any means, but it left on time and arrived a little early. And I was upgraded to Economy Plus so at least I had a little more legroom. No free snacks, though, for a six hour flight.

I flew into Honolulu last year from Portland on Hawaiian, and had very good service. It would probably be my first pick, and Alaska would be my last.

We flew Hawaiian from San Jose to Honolulu and then on to Maui. We liked flying Hawaiian. Alaska is going to start nonstop service to Kauai from one of the Bay Area airports in April. Hawaiian flies 767s with a 2-3-2 seating and Alaska flies 737s with 3-3 seating. I prefer the 2-3-2 seating.

I flew Alaskan to Maui in January and Hawaiian home. While the seating configuration on Hawaiian was nicer 2/3/2, as a tall person, I noted that Alaskan gives you about 4 inch more inches of leg room than Hawaiian. So if you have no loyalties and you are traveling with a taller person, this is a consideration.

Thanks! I appreciate the feedback. Right now, Alaska is the cheapest. There is a deal for $169 each way. Total for 3 of us (DH, DS, and me) USD $1,073.43 It definitely looks like it has less "perks" than Hawaiian. Only meal for purchase...that kind of thing. Hawaiian is running between $241 and $284. We flew cheaper last time on ATA and it was a terrible flight. I was so crunched up and uncomfortable. I'm not super tall (5'8), but the extra leg room is always nice. Plus, we'll be traveling with a 4 year old and he usually sits in his car seat on the plane.

We've flown HI Air ever since they opened a run from SMF to LIH via 'lulu...but I loved when we did the non-stop from SFO to LIH...at the Sand Bar by 1pm!