Since the Alaska-Hawaiian merger is still pending, I'd like to take this time to go over some updates I've seen, along with some bad takes other bloggers and "journalists" are spouting out there. Suffice it to say that I'm still confident that the merger will close. Now, it's just a matter of when, really. … [Read more...] about The Alaska-Hawaiian Merger is Still Pending
Travel News
3-Day Strike at Hawai’i Hotels
As threatened recently, Unite Here! Local 5 members staged a 3-day strike at Hawai'i hotels. This limited strike action is an interesting change in strategy for the union and was coordinated with other units throughout the country. It also likely serves as a warning to hotel operators of things to come. … [Read more...] about 3-Day Strike at Hawai’i Hotels
United Flight Attendants Voted to Strike
Like their peers at Alaska Airlines and American Airlines, United flight attendants voted to strike this past week. However, as is the case with the other airline strike votes, this doesn't mean a strike is imminent. That said, those with plans to travel with United (or Alaska and American) in the near future should keep tabs on negotiations. … [Read more...] about United Flight Attendants Voted to Strike
Hawai’i IDs Are Now Available in Apple Wallet!
In 2022, Apple announced a new slew of states that would be joining their digital identification program. Then, nothing. No updates, no timeline estimates, nada. However, out of no where, the option popped up in the wallet app. So, I'm happy to announced that Hawai'i IDs are now available in Apple Wallet! … [Read more...] about Hawai’i IDs Are Now Available in Apple Wallet!
Bilt Dropped Hawaiian as a Transfer Partner
Bilt has been undergoing many changes lately, from adding Alaska Air as a transfer partner to devaluing rent days and more. In one of its more recent changes, Bilt dropped Hawaiian as a transfer partner without warning. Despite the undiplomatic way they made the change, their reasoning is mostly sound. … [Read more...] about Bilt Dropped Hawaiian as a Transfer Partner
Hawai’i Hotel Workers Say Strike is Imminent
Recently, I reported that workers at seven of the largest hotels in the islands voted to strike. Well, apparently, Hawai'i hotel workers say strike is imminent. The affected properties are among the largest and most popular in the state, which will have huge implications for visitors. … [Read more...] about Hawai’i Hotel Workers Say Strike is Imminent
Southwest Purposely Loses Money in Hawai’i
Hawai'i is a rough market for airlines, especially those that operate routes entirely within the state. Interestingly, we've recently learned that Southwest purposely loses money in Hawai'i as part of its grander strategy in the islands. … [Read more...] about Southwest Purposely Loses Money in Hawai’i
Alaska-Hawaiian DOJ Review Period Expired
The thrice-extended Alaska-Hawaiian DOJ review period expired last night without any action taken by the Department of Justice, paving the way for the two airlines to combine. Additional steps remain before Alaska's acquisition may close; however, this was the largest remaining one. … [Read more...] about Alaska-Hawaiian DOJ Review Period Expired
Mokulele Fails Hawai’i Again
The islands of Lana'i and Moloka'i are dependent on a singular airline for vital transportation the larger islands of O'ahu and Maui for doctor appointments, shopping, visiting family, etc. However, Mokulele fails Hawai'i again, as it continues to struggle with maintenance. … [Read more...] about Mokulele Fails Hawai’i Again
Alaska Air Taps Chef Brandon Jiu
Though we all wait with bated breath to find out the disposition of Alaska Air and Hawaiian Air's tie-up, Alaska Air taps Chef Brandon Jiu for new First Class menus on select routes. At the same time, the airline made further investments in an emerging future aircraft design that, honestly, I'm not so enthusiastic about. … [Read more...] about Alaska Air Taps Chef Brandon Jiu