I am not a fan of 'special packages' where a figure that looks very, very good is dangled in front of you in an advertisement but by the time you get through the fine print, the REAL cost is nowhere near the suggested cost. A good example of that is this notice that recently came out from NorthWest Airlines. Travel to Hawaii from March 29th through Sept. 30th, stay in a participating Aston Hotel and kids stay AND fly free! Supposed fares were listed this way:
Sample Sale Prices
| air + 7 nights Aston Hawaii hotel from* | ||||
| Seattle | Big Island | Aston Kona by the Sea Includes: 1 free night; Aloha free deals; kids 12 and younger stay/play/eat free |
$654 | |
| San Francisco | Maui | Aston at the Maui Banyan Kids 12 and younger stay/play/eat free |
$690 | |
| Los Angeles | Maui | Aston at Papakea Resort Includes: 1 free night; Aloha free deals; kids 12 and younger stay/play/eat free |
$836 | |
| Atlanta | Kauai | Aston Kauai Beach at Makaiwa Includes: 1 free night; $50 food and beverage credit; Aloha free deals; kids 12 and younger stay/play/eat free |
$853 | |
| Portland | Maui | Aston Mahana at Kaanapali Includes: 1 free night; Aloha free deals; kids 12 and younger stay/play/eat free |
$901 | |
| Minneapolis/St. Paul | Oahu | Aston Waikiki Sunset Includes: 1 free night; Aloha free deals; airport transfers; kids 12 and younger stay/play/eat free |
$912 | |
| Salt Lake City | Oahu | Aston Waikiki Beach Hotel Includes: 1 free night; Aloha free deals, daily breakfast on beach; airport transfers; kids 12 and younger stay/play/eat free |
$1,010 | |
The biggest problems are these: taxes and fees are not included and that only one child per adult is allowed free. Just ONE. So if two adults are traveling and you'd think 2 kids could then travel free, you'd be wrong. I suppose you could book separate tickets but I am guessing in the fine, fine print, there will be a clause that restricts you from doing this. The maximum benefit of that free ticket is $900 and anything over that, you pay. Since some of the above fares are over $900 WITHOUT taxes and fees, it may still cost you hundreds to have one child fly FREE. Lastly, the fares shown are not necessarily available when you want to go. And of course tickets are limited too so if you think about booking this for more than a couple of days, I'm guessing that your dates will be sold out or only available at a higher price. Now for regular airfares.
Continue reading "A Family Friendly Option to Hawaii - Or Is It?" »


