Flights to Hawaii cut as Aloha Airlines calls it quits

March 31, 2008 by slcooper
Filed under Aloha Airlines

A couple of years ago Aloha Air filed for Chapter 11 and was able to reorganize. So when the airline, operating more than 60 years, announced two weeks ago it was again filing bankruptcy, I thought, well, the fuel prices are taking their toll but things will be OK. As we now know, things aren’t OK as Aloha has announced it’s shutting all passenger service and continuing only its cargo operation.

This is going to make for an interesting spring break as many folks head out for a Hawaii vacation this coming week. The good news is airlines, including United and Hawaiian, will attempt to honor the Aloha tickets. If you’re leaving in a couple of days, try to get results by phone. If that doesn’t work you may want to head to the airport and get your tickets changed before the day of your flight. If you have a big family traveling you may have to split up your party and not worry about seat assignments.

If you’re looking for a refund, you’re in luck if you purchased your tickets with a credit card. The credit card companys should be able to issue a refund in a timely manner. If you purchased with cash or a check, you’ll have to file a claim with bankruptcy court.

I can imagine the guest relations desk on the Norwegian Cruise Lines ships, Pride of America and Pride of Aloha will be extremely busy this week as the Hawaii cruise passengers holding Aloha Air tickets will hear the Hawaii news and need help rearranging flights home this coming weekend.

Here are some answers to questions posed by Aloha Air ticket holders:

- If you have an Aloha Airlines ticket, it is still valid. Aloha is working to get other carriers to honor your ticket. Check out reservation assistance from:

- Hawaiian Airlines: www.HawaiianAir.com/AlohaAssistance/

- United Airlines: http://www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,52609,00.html or 1-800-UNITED1

- You’re AlohaPass Miles are no longer valid

- Contact credit card agency if ticket purchased with credit card, file claim with bankruptcy court if paid by cash or check

If you’re staying at a Marriott property and are stuck, the Marriott hotels and vacation clubs are offering special rates for the extra nights you may have to stay in Hawaii. Various other hotels are also offering special considerations for stranded passengers.

Here’s another number: Hawaii Visitor and Convention Bureau’s web site: http://www.gohawaii.com/alohaairlines

And Aloha’s website answers a few questions: http://www.alohaairlines.com/landing_pages/aloha_oe_faq.php

As to why Aloha quit flying, the rising fuel costs and interisland fare wars took their toll. Airline analysts say Hawaii’s interisland market simply couldn’t sustain three competing airlines and one of them would be forced out. Some 1900 Aloha employees are expected to lose their jobs. As to the effect the airline’s closure will have on Hawaii tourism, that remains to be seen. But if history is any indication, less competition usually means higher fares.