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Off topic - air transport question

Atlanta, Georgia
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39 posts
1 review
Off topic - air transport question
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Probably a better forum to post this in, but here's an off-topic question nonetheless...

Just curious.

Was pecking around on Expedia checking out airfares to Lanai from Atlanta. Since such a long trip I thought I might check out fares for first class. Strangely I got wildly varying flight schedules than with coach class flights. And since I'm not traveling until next summer, I used the farthest out dates the site would allow, which were in April 2010.

Coach flights had me ultimately arriving in Lanai around mid-afternoon (2:30 pm or so) but first class flights had me arriving around 7:00 pm.

So for those of you who travel more than I...how come?

Only thing I can come up with is that it must be a difference in equipment used on the different flights. But wouldn't ANY aircraft fitted to make such a long jaunt have first-class seating available?

Similarly, is there any way to split first-class seating for different legs of the journey? In other words, have first class seating just on the longest leg?

I apologize for the off topic, uh, topic. But you folks on this forum are just too nice for your own good!

Edina, Minnesota
Destination Expert
for Lanai
Level Contributor
4,257 posts
32 reviews
66 helpful votes
1. Re: Off topic - air transport question
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I am not sure I can help you on this. I usually only use the airline's own website for my reservations, and on that one sees all the flights available. Maybe someone who knows Expedia better might be able to provide more info.

Personally, from Atanta, I would take one of the non-stop flights to Honolulu on Delta, and then the Island Air flight to Lana'i.

Hawaii
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1,323 posts
33 reviews
48 helpful votes
2. Re: Off topic - air transport question
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Maybe it's because of limited FC seats on particular flights? Usually, I've had luck booking through the airlines directly. Especially when it comes to seat assignment & flight times (always depends on what is more important at the time; budget or schedule). Sometimes the small savings is not worth the hassle. However, I must confess, my brother-in-law just booked on Priceline for 6 people less than 1 month before the trip and got an excellent fare & great times. Also, I believe it will be easier to split the class on particular legs if you book direct through the airlines.

One thing to remember, Island Air sometimes drops flights later in the day if they are not full. It's usually better to get into HNL earlier enough to make sure you make the flight to LNY. It may be inconvenient to have a long layover, but so is trying to find a hotel near HNL at the last minute!

Atlanta, Georgia
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39 posts
1 review
3. Re: Off topic - air transport question
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NatureCat...thanks for pointing out about Island Air dropping late afternoon flights. I had not considered that.

The FC thing...who knows. I'm too cheap to do that even if it were half as much, so really a moot point, but it made me curious as to what's going on with their equipment scheduling.

Much oblidged.

Elk Rapids, Michigan
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11,350 posts
55 reviews
130 helpful votes
4. Re: Off topic - air transport question
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I think Nature Cat is right, it is an availability of FC seats thing. They tend to fill up fast with frequent fliers cashing in miles. Also, Island air planes do not have first class seating at all.

You could book each leg seperatly through the airlines website. Might end up being more but as was pointed out there is a direct Delta (NWA) 747 from ATL to HNL which I would take regardless of seating class since there is no layover anywhere.

Hawaii
Level Contributor
1,323 posts
33 reviews
48 helpful votes
5. Re: Off topic - air transport question
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Traveler,

I noticed this on United's site today while checking out fares for family. You may want to check it out!

Hawaii in first class sale

Take advantage of low first class fares

Start your Hawaiian vacation off right and travel in first class when you purchase by June 12, 2009. Book on united.com today.

6. Re: Off topic - air transport question

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