by Mia Taylor
Last updated: 6:16 PM ET, Wed February 27, 2019
In welcome news for legions of travelers, Southwest Airlines has finally been given permission to fly to the Hawaiian Islands.
The Federal Aviation Administration on Wednesday approved the low-cost carrier's request to fly to the islands, according to a CNBC report.
The budget airline has yet to announce when it will start selling tickets but plans to serve the islands from the West Coast.
Southwest has apparently been eagerly awaiting this FAA approval, which is a major element of its growth plan for 2019.
Earlier this month, the airline completed its first-ever touchdown on the Hawaiian Islands as part of the authorization process with the FAA. Southwest flew a Boeing 737-800 to Daniel K. Inouye International Airport.
Southwest had initially revealed its hopes of flying to Hawaii back in October 2017. The goal at that point was to start selling tickets by 2018. However, the partial government shutdown delayed those plans.
The airline is now preparing to fly to the islands from four California cities: Oakland, San Diego, San Jose and Sacramento. It will fly into Honolulu, Kahului on Maui, Kona and Lihue on Kauai, as well as offer service between the islands.
The good news for travelers is that Southwest's decision to enter the Hawaiian market could make vacations to the popular destination cheaper. According to CNBC, in markets where Southwest offers nonstop service already, the average one-way fares are about $45 lower than in cities without those routes. It's a price drop that has been labeled the "Southwest Effect."
In other words, Hawaii, here we come.
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