Baggage Fee Increases Cost of Inter-island Flying

Haven't blogged about inter-island airline travel in a while.

Since my last entry on this topic, Hawaii is now served by 3 major airlines and 3 commuter airlines. Mokulele Airlines is both a "major" and "commuter." They started jet service last November and join Hawaiian Airlines and Mesa/Go for the bulk of inter-island travclers.

Mokulele Airlines started the latest airfare battle with its $299 all you can fly promotion for the month of September. Hawaiian Airlines and Mesa/Go responded in kind with their own price reductions.

Those lucky enough to either book or reserve in August got to or will be able to fly between the islands on Hawaiian Air and Mesa/Go for about $25 each one way. The discount prices have now crept back up to the $42 level, with most seats selling for higher depending on time of reservation, travel dates and other factors.

But this is only airfare... the price to get you from point A to point B.

Bringing check-in baggage?

Disappointingly and surprising at the same time, the local airlines are now going to charge most passengers a $10 fee for the first checked bag. Previously the first check bag flew with each passenger for FREE. Not anymore.

For a long time now, the 2nd bag was $17 and this still applies. I was lucky enough to always fly light and managed one check in bag and some carry-ons.

The added bag fee is a penalty for all inter-island travelers impacted by the fee.

It is funny that Hawaiian Airlines says that without the baggage charge, that they cannot remain profitable. Hello? They have a huge order for new Airbus jet aircraft and will probably bend to union demands and give their pilots some kind of range. I guess those items are being financed by the baggage fee. Hmmmm.

The airlines should not have played the fare game this time around... Surely $25 is a great deal but now when you add the first bag fee the price is $35. This does not include taxes and security fees which are the norm in today's travel market.

It is no wonder why airline travel these days suck. Baggage fees, higher taxes, poor service, lost bags, crowded airports, increased security screenings, delays, change fees and more inconvenience only adds to the public's reluctance to fly. For an aging person like me, it is best to minimize travel and just stay home if at all possible.

It is too bad that we don't have the Hawaii Superferry anymore. They had a fare and a fee for your car. But you could pack that car with all the stuff you wanted without any additional fee. Too bad environmentalists, lawyers and special interests killed the Superferry.

Photo: Hawaiian Airlines aircraft at Honolulu International Airport.