Multi Flights to Destination Question

[thornton0511]

We have only flown non stop and stops were we stay on the plane flights. We live in Texas and contemplating the idea of flying Southwest from DAL to LAX (on points) and then Hawaiian Airlines from LAX to HNL (possible cash and points). How does that sort of thing work for non connecting flight and how much time would I need to space the time out between flights? Obviously I am aware that we would have to go to baggage claim and then recheck out bags again for the other carrier, guessing we would also have to go through security again as well. I know this probably seems like too much trouble but the flights from Dallas to the Big Island are $$$ and most stop over in LA for a layover anyways.....and I have all of these Southwest points just sitting there.....would drastically cut the price of flying down big time. Experiences or suggestions?

 

[RedAngie]

Southwest arrives into Terminal 1 at LAX. Hawaiian departs from Terminal 2. Those terminals are not connected beyond security. You'll need to walk outside from the lower level of T-1 and then go to the upper level of T-2, but it's only a 5 minute walk at most between the terminals.

Yes, you'll need to claim luggage from Southwest and re-check it with Hawaiian, and then go thru security again.

I'd give myself at least 2 hours for such a connection, more if possible in case of any unforeseen circumstances. Enjoy your trip.

 

[nacho113]

We have only flown non stop and stops were we stay on the plane flights. We live in Texas and contemplating the idea of flying Southwest from DAL to LAX (on points) and then Hawaiian Airlines from LAX to HNL (possible cash and points). How does that sort of thing work for non connecting flight and how much time would I need to space the time out between flights? Obviously I am aware that we would have to go to baggage claim and then recheck out bags again for the other carrier, guessing we would also have to go through security again as well. I know this probably seems like too much trouble but the flights from Dallas to the Big Island are $$$ and most stop over in LA for a layover anyways.....and I have all of these Southwest points just sitting there.....would drastically cut the price of flying down big time. Experiences or suggestions?

As RedAngie says above, 2 or 3 hours should be fine for this IF there are no issues or delays.

When you fly on one airline with a connection/layover, if a delay/cancellation occurs on the first leg of your flight causing you to miss your connection, they will get you on the next available flight.
The problem with travelling on 2 different airlines is that there is no agreement between the airlines for the continuity of your trip. Essentially this means that should your initial flight be delayed or cancelled, you could very well miss the connection but since it's with another airline, you will simply loose the flight.

Personally if I was going to have a split flight like this, I would fly into LAX a day ahead of the flight to HNL.

We've never had a split airline trip like this but we often fly into Miami or Fort Lauderdale for a cruise and we always fly in at least one extra day before the cruise. If there was a delay/cancellation on our flight in, I wouldn't want to only have a few hours between our flight arrival and our cruise ship sailing time.
It's 2 different carriers (similar to your scenario), the cruise ship won't wait if our flight is delayed
Hawaiian Air isn't going to wait if Southwest is running late.

 

[bumbershoot]

I'd give myself at least 2 hours for such a connection, more if possible in case of any unforeseen circumstances

I arrive at lax ready to go 2 hours before a flight. I'd give much longer than 2 between these flights. Op has to land, taxi, sit at the gate, get off the plane, walk through to baggage claim, get baggage, go outside and walk to the next terminal, get in line to check bags, go through security, get to gate. I personally am not leaving two hours for all that.

Personally if I was going to have a split flight like this, I would fly into LAX a day ahead of the flight to HNL.

Agreed.

And if bags are delayed that gives them a moment to catch up to you.

 

[thornton0511]

So would a more realistic scenario be to arrive the evening before and stay at a nearby hotel, then shuttle back the next morning to the airport to continue on to Hawaii? We would most likely do the reverse on the travel home.

 

[elaine amj]

I do a lot of multi stop flights. I would give a lot more time. I don't stress as much if my flights are on the same ticket because the airline/travel agent will take care of getting you to your destination at some point (for those, 1-3 hours is fine with me). But if you are on 2 totally separate tickets, it can be very stressful if there is a delay. I would give it at minimum 5 hours between the two but preferably fly in the night before.

One trip, i booked through Expedia because I wanted to specific flights on two separate airlines and expedia was the only one to give me a single ticket with the flights I wanted. I have encountered multiple problems with seat assignments on flights with Expedia though. So I try to remember that if I book my ticket with them.

 

[elaine amj]

So would a more realistic scenario be to arrive the evening before and stay at a nearby hotel, then shuttle back the next morning to the airport to continue on to Hawaii? We would most likely do the reverse on the travel home.

I would much prefer doing this because flights do get delayed/canceled, etc. Unless u are OK with missing the SW flights (which some people are because of SW's generous cancellation policy) if there is a major delay.

 

[RedAngie]

So would a more realistic scenario be to arrive the evening before and stay at a nearby hotel, then shuttle back the next morning to the airport to continue on to Hawaii? We would most likely do the reverse on the travel home.

What times does the Hawaiian flight depart LAX? You may or may not even have time to arrange a suitable Southwest flight earlier in the day. If it's anytime before noon Pacific time, I'd probably fly in the day before and stay overnight.

 

[thornton0511]

What times does the Hawaiian flight depart LAX? You may or may not even have time to arrange a suitable Southwest flight earlier in the day. If it's anytime before noon Pacific time, I'd probably fly in the day before and stay overnight.

I don't have a specific flight or time yet. In the early phase of possibly planning a trip and looking at options for summer of 2018.

 

[nacho113]

So would a more realistic scenario be to arrive the evening before and stay at a nearby hotel, then shuttle back the next morning to the airport to continue on to Hawaii? We would most likely do the reverse on the travel home.

Definitely the way we'd do it.
We fly often, and flying on 2 different airlines has way too many variables for me to feel comfortable trying to make the connect all in the same day, let alone with a short connection window.

I guess you have to look at the logistics with this and decide if the cost saving is worth loosing vacation time because of the 2 extra travel days (and added costs of extra hotel days and meals etc).
Then compare those costs with flying the whole trip on one airline to see which is actually better value for your money.

 

[WVMomof3]

Southwest is looking to add Hawaii for next year, so maybe you won't need to switch carriers. Fingers crossed, would love to use my companion pass to Hawaii!

 

[DaisyJ]

Southwest is looking to add Hawaii for next year, so maybe you won't need to switch carriers. Fingers crossed, would love to use my companion pass to Hawaii!

Really? That is fantastic news!!

 

[WVMomof3]

Found this in an article:

Expect to either see Southwest Hawaii service “announced” late 2017 to early 2018 with flights to start in 2018.

Oakland will be the primary mainland departure city for Hawaii flights. The next most likely gateway is Los Angeles. Other possible Hawaii departure cities include Phoenix and San Diego.

We do not anticipate Southwest offering inter-island service, at least not initially.

 

[elaine amj]

Found this in an article:

Expect to either see Southwest Hawaii service “announced” late 2017 to early 2018 with flights to start in 2018.

Oakland will be the primary mainland departure city for Hawaii flights. The next most likely gateway is Los Angeles. Other possible Hawaii departure cities include Phoenix and San Diego.

We do not anticipate Southwest offering inter-island service, at least not initially.

Oh man!!! That would have been so nice when we did have our Companion Pass! Unfortunately, with Chase' 5/24 rule, looks like no more companion passes for us for a while. It was awesome while that lasted