America’s Best Airline: Hawaiian Airline

Did you know that on the average, only 77% of US flights are on time? That’s on a good day! Imagine what Katrina has brought about, or a simple virus in the computer can do? But on a good day, it is frustrating to know that there is always a 23% chance that your flight will get delayed. But such is not the case when you fly Hawaiian Airlines. For the past 2 years, The US Department of Transportation (DOT) has ranked this Honolulu-based carrier as first in on-time performance as 95.1% of its flights arrived on time. No wonder it brings sunshine to the US.

History

Hawaiian Airline is the biggest Hawaii-based airline. In the US, it ranks 16th in size as compared to the other commercial carriers. It started in 1929, as Inter-Island Airways, owned and operated by Inter-Island Steam Navigation Company, using Sikorsky flying boars. Upon the replacement of flying boats with engine-propelled aircraft carriers, Inter-Island Airways changed its name to Hawaiian Airlines in October 1941. The next 70+ years will display a strong progress of the airline company through modernization of planes, expansion of services and consistent praise by the traveling public. However, an unforeseen retirement of pilots, which required a huge amount of remuneration for pension plan, amounting to approximately $5 million USD, caused the company to file for bankruptcy in the first quarter of 2003. After 2 years of planning, it emerged from bankruptcy in mid 2005, as it implements the restructuring of the company. Despite the challenges, Hawaiian Airlines is truly back on its feet to continue its impressive track record with the no. 1 ranking from US DOT.

Destinations

Being the top airline of the country, Hawaiian Airlines serves the western coast of the United States out of Honolulu, its main hub. Within Hawaii, it flies to the following places: Liuia in Kaua’I island; Kahului in Maui Island; Kona and Hilo at the Big Island of Hawaii. Partnering with Island Air, to: Ha’alehula in Molokai Island; Lana’i City of Lana’I Island; Kapalua in Maui. At the Mainland’s West Coast, it has the following destinations: Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, Sacramento, San Jose, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, San Diego and Phoenix. Partnering with Alaska Airlines to Juneau and Spokaine. Partnering with American Eagle Airlines to Monterey, San Luis Obispo, Santa Barbara and Fresno. International destinations include American Samoa, Tahiti and Australia.

Currently, Hawaiian Airlines fleet consists of 25 aircraft to service the above destinations. Eleven B-717-200, 123-seater flights serve passengers traveling within the Island, while fourteen B-767-300ER, 250+ seats, fly to destinations outside of Hawaii.

Mileage Program

To reward its loyal customers, Hawaiian Airlines launched a frequent flier program in the early 90s called HawaiianMiles. It has three tiers and are as follows:

Premier Club is the basic frequent flyer program. Members enjoy express check-in, their own exclusive reservations queue, club security and lounge, and priority boarding. Membership is at $150 or an accumulation of 20,000 miles.

For travelers that accommodate 20,000 flight miles or complete 30 segments in a year, the Pualani Gold Membership is offered. Benefits include all Premier Club privileges plus special ID, 50% bonus miles on all qualifying flights, extra luggage privileges, select seats when redeeming awards online, and exclusive mailing offers.

If you are the jetsetter deserving of a Platinum Membership (flies 50 segments or earn 40,000 miles in a year) then you enjoy all the benefits of Premier and Gold Club members plus and additional 50% bonus miles on qualifying flights (total of 100% bonus miles), guaranteed seating on Inter-island flights, priority boarding, and superior lounge privileges.

For your business or leisure to and from the South Pacific, travel with the safest and most reliable Island Carrier in the country. Go to Hawaiian Airlines website (http://hawaiianair.com), today.

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