Agents say airfares to Mainland will rise

By Debbie Sokei
Advertiser Staff Writer

Hawai'i travelers planning a trip to the Mainland this summer could face rising prices, according to several local travel agencies.

There are still roundtrip summer fares to the West Coast starting as low as $375, said Jim Donovan of Panda Travel, "but they are going quick. Prices are trending up."

Roundtrip fares to the East Coast start at $550, but even that is hard to find, said Rachel Shimamoto, Travel Ways vice president and manager. "You can get good deals, but it takes us really long to look for it," she said. "And they have to be flexible on when they want to leave and return."

Shimamoto said travelers have been booking their tickets closer to departure.

Summer fares rise as demand builds, said Duke Ah Moo, vice president of Pleasant Island Holidays. "In some cases, double," he said. "The demand is very high and prices are very high."

Higher jet fuel prices will contribute to airfare increases. Donovan said airlines eventually will pass on that cost to the consumer.

Pleasant Island Holidays offered roundtrip fares to Los Angeles and San Francisco this spring from $299, but after June 20 the fares will jump past $550.

"There are still seats available if you're willing to pay those prices," Ah Moo said.

Hawaii Hana Tour & Travel offers roundtrip tickets to Los Angeles and San Francisco for $420, said Jay Choi, supervisor for the company. But on May 27 the price rises to $559.

Reach Debbie Sokei at 525-8064 or dsokei@honoluluadvertiser.com.