Traveling to Hawaii

I have to share the story of how we got to Hawaii. Josh’s ticket was covered because he was traveling for business, but mine was all out of pocket, so naturally we booked the cheapest flights we could. We found roundtrip flights through U.S. Airways for $800. Of course, the cheapest flight is not always the most convenient. We were scheduled to leave Omaha on a plane to Phoenix at 6am. We would then have a seven hour layover in Phoenix before flying to Honolulu and arriving at 5pm. We were up all night cleaning and packing and were dreading the long day of cramped travel we had ahead of us.

So it was a nice surprise when we checked in online before heading to the airport and saw that we had been bumped to first class for the Omaha to Phoenix leg of our trip. It would only be a two hour flight, but we were ecstatic. We were going to live it up for those two hours! Josh had never flown first class before, so I was really excited for him. We boarded the plane and got our pre-boarding drinks…. and then nothing. The flight attendants told us there was a mechanical error on the plane and we would be delayed about an hour until the mechanic could get there to take a look at it. Then the mechanic got there and we were told the problem would take at least an hour to fix, so they were going to de-board us. (I was so thankful they did this instead of making us wait an extra hour on the plane.) After another hour we were told that the plane was unfit to fly and that the flight was going to be cancelled. We were instructed to make our way down to the ticket agent to find alternative arrangements to our destination.

I always say my mom is my guardian angel, and she was definitely looking over us that trip. When I get stressed I go into problem solving mode. I was too focused on getting us new flight arrangements to worry about us not making it to Hawaii on time. Having a first class ticket to Phoenix meant I got to get in the first class booking line, which saved us at least 3-4 hours in line and likely a delayed day of travel. While Josh went to pick up our checked bags I spoke to the agent, explaining we didn’t have to get to Phoenix, but Honolulu and we didn’t care how we got there. Being nice and calm does wonders in a situation like this. She was awesome and explained if we didn’t mind flying American (US and American merged so they can use each others flights in situations like this), an extra stop and getting to Honolulu 2 hours later than planned (7pm), she had the last two seats available for that day. We immediately accepted, so grateful to not have to cut our vacation short by a day. When we looked at the tickets I think we both did a happy dance right there in the middle of the airport. We both got first class the whole way!!

Our trip went off without a hitch from here on out. We had tons of leg room, pillows and blankets, yummy food, and unlimited drinks. I totally get why people want to fly like that. 🙂

Lunch was chicken, sweet potatoes, salsa, a pretzel roll, and veggies. It was so good!

Dessert was warm chocolate chip cookies and mimosas.

Another mimosa for takeoff? Don’t mind if I do. 😀

While the food on our first two flights was presented much more casually, the last flight came with a Hawaiian dinner menu.

Warm pineapple nut mix = my new obsession. They kept on coming around offering to refill it and I couldn’t say no.

A delicious starter salad. And two King’s Hawaiian rolls. I always had it in my head I didn’t like them without actually trying them. I’m so glad I did because they’re so good!

Dinner wine.

And veggie lasagna. There was so much food I couldn’t finish it all.

I still made sure to save room for dessert though. Josh and I both got the cheese plate and a glass of port.

We arrived in Hawaii two hours later than expected, but infinitely happier, comfier, better rested, and well fed than we would have been if our original flight plans had one as planned. If you’re looking to fly American first class to Hawaii, I really recommend it. (Although if you’re spending that kind of money compare it with the United flights first. They have bigger planes, serve Mai Tais, and play games!)

As we got off the plane Josh turned to me and said, “How can we make it so we can afford to always fly like that?”

Gotta hustle babe. ;p

Until we make it big, we’re going to love these unexpected travel surprises. It was an amazing start to a trip, but that was just beginning.

Question of the Day: What was your best travel surprise? My dad always manages to get his hotel rooms upgraded. I need him to teach me his ways.