Separation anxiety: Why you might package up that Hawaii trip rather than book your airfare and price-gouging hotel separately
With lockdowns getting behind many of us, here’s a place for you to go: sunny Hawaii. And to add some ice to the Mai Tai, we’ve found package deals that will save you between 28% and 49% versus booking the flights and accommodation separately.
The Dynamics
You’re not the only one thinking about Hawaii, however, and that means hotels are charging up to 50% more than normal given the limited supply and pent-up-demand-busting limited supply when booking directly.
One reason air and land packages are able to offer this level of discounting is because their contract rates don’t fluctuate mid-contract as circumstances do on the ground, especially when so many places are opening up and fast. This is all while airlines are ramping up more and more (not limited) flights by the day. In other words, it’s the opposite of the gouging coming from airlines on flights to Europe.
The example deals we’ll highlight today look at seven-night packages with premium class round-trip fares and four- and five-star hotels. Just the refreshing break you need after the roller coaster that was 2020. The packages feature nonstop flights from the mainland to Hawaii in Business/First Class on American, Delta, and United. Bookings are made through American Vacations, Delta Vacations, United Vacations, and Orbitz.
Packaging Versus Separating:
The Difference in $ Is Big
Here’s where the coconut hits the coral. If you were to fly from Chicago to Maui and back, you’d pay $5,608 in Business/First Class on United. And don’t forget the accommodation on top of that. Fairmont Kea Lani Hotel is gorgeous but it costs $15,342 for those seven days. Altogether you’re paying $20,950 for two travelers. (Packages usually work best for more than one traveler.)
Compare that cost to the package deal we spotted with United Vacations for $11,459 for the exact same getaway. That’s $9,491 (45%) in savings.
Separation Anxiety Example #2
Let’s say you need a Kona minibreak. A Los Angeles-Kona trip in Business/First Class sets you back $1,976 on Delta. A seven-night stay at the Fairmont Orchid costs $4,498, making the total cost for the trip (aside from your massages) $6,474. Go with a Delta Vacations package deal, on the other hand, and that same trip costs $4,648, a savings of $1,826 (28%).
More examples…
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Hawaiian Hotel Prices Are Volcanic
Unless You Package Them Up
Look at those differences in the last column, I’m sure you’d rather have $9,491, $7,717, or $5,728 in your pocket rather than gift it to airlines and hotels. It’s a no-brainer once you recognize what’s going on. Now you know, and your wallet will thank you.