14 May 2004

American Samoa travel agents caught in airline price war

10:36 am on 14 May 2004

Hawaiian Air's surprise announcement that it will match Aloha's low fare of US$249 one way between Honolulu and Pago Pago has prompted calls to local travel agencies for refunds of tickets already bought at the regular fares.

One travel agent says she has been bombarded all day with calls from clients who purchased Hawaiian Air tickets at the regular fares asking if they can get refunds and buy the cheaper fares. Hawaiian has said that it is matching Aloha's US$249 one way fare with effect from tomorrow.

Hawaiian's cheapest fare between Honolulu and Pago Pago is a 30 day advance purchase ticket for US$689 round trip.

The travel agent said there has been no advisory from Hawaiian Air about their low fare and when she called the airline's local office, staff said they had not received any directions from corporate headquarters.

The travel agent said that a fact that most travellers tend to overlook, is that the special fare Aloha is offering only applies to roundtrip purchases. That is a traveller cannot buy just a one way ticket for US$249.

Calls to the Hawaiian Air Office were not answered.