Start booking those 2022 vacation days: Southwest offering 40% off Hawaii tickets

Southwest Airlines is offering 40% off Hawaii flights in a bid to jumpstart vacation bookings after the holidays.

The deal, which must be booked by Thursday, Oct. 7, is good for travel between Jan. 6 and March 9. The discount is off the base fare, not the total price including government taxes and fees. The promo code is HAWAII2022.

Southwest began flights to Hawaii in 2019 and has been expanding its service this year. The airline now offers nonstop service to several islands from several cities on the West Coast, including Las Vegas, Phoenix and six California cities, as well as connecting service from other cities including its hubs in Chicago and Baltimore. 

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Sample deals from a search of Southwest's website on Tuesday afternoon: 

• $190 roundtrip between Los Angeles and Maui in mid-February.
• $186 from Oakland to Kona in early March.
• $318 roundtrip between Chicago (Midway) and Honolulu for a week in mid-January.
• $348 roundtrip between Baltimore/Washington International Airport in Maui in early February.

How to find cheap flights to Hawaii during Southwest Airlines' fare sale

Shop all airlines. Most major airlines offer flights to Hawaii and airlines tend to match prices on competing routes. Don't forget Alaska Airlines and Hawaiian Airlines, which are big players in Hawaii. You might find better flight times and routes on other airlines, especially when traveling from the East Coast, so shop around. Check your favorite airline's website or use a travel search site like Google Flights. 

Be flexible with dates if possible. Southwest's low-fare calendar is usually a handy tool for the days with the lowest fares, though note that the calendar is not displaying the 40% discount so just use it as a guide to the days with the lowest ticket prices. Then shop those dates using the promo code.

Have frequent flier miles or points? The number of miles tends to fall with ticket prices at many airlines so check to see if you have enough for a ticket.

Hawaii travel restrictions: What travelers need to know

Hawaii reopened to tourists a year ago, requiring a pre-departure coronavirus test. In July, the state started allowing vaccinated visitors to skip the test.

There are also COVID-19 restrictions and precautions in Hawaii, including masking, vaccination proof and testing. On Maui, indoor dining is only allowed if you're vaccinated.

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