Flying to SFO from Dallas is pretty inexpensive, our kids are actually flying that route tomorrow to spend a few weeks with their grandparents. We got one SW ticket for 4,400 miles. The other flights were AA for $104.
If you’re able to fly Hawaiian, you might really enjoy the experience. This is where HA flies direct:
https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/destinations/north-america HA is based in Hawaii and its flights are crewed mostly by Hawaii-locals who usually convey that warm “Aloha” spirit right when you get on board. The planes tend to be newer Airbus 330 with personal screens, USB ports, and a good selection of free entertainment. You are served a complimentary meal, and flight attendants come around a few times offering complimentary soft drinks (and a round of alcoholic drinks).
If you do decide to fly Hawaiian, I'd suggest you and/or your spouse consider applying for the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard for the bonus miles and benefits to bring down the cost of your trip. (Maybe after you’re over 5/24.)
Right now, there’s a direct link to a higher signup offer of 50,000 HawaiianMiles after spending $1,000 within 90 days of opening the card:
Direct link. You get one complimentary checked bag for the primary cardholder and a one-time 50% off companion fare discount. There is a $89 annual fee for the card (not waived for the first year). If you decide to keep the card after the first year, you'll also get 5,000 HawaiianMiles each anniversary if you've spent $10,000 or more on the card the previous year, and you'll get $100 off a companion ticket. (The standard offer is 35,000 miles, but you can usually get the 50,000 miles offer any time by creating a dummy booking on the HA website if not through the direct link.)
One additional “neat” feature of the Hawaiian Airlines MasterCard is it allows the cardholder to “pool” miles. Anyone – friends, family – can transfer all their miles to the cardholder free of charge. We even signed up our toddler for a HawaiianMiles account so she can earn miles on her flights and we’ll just transfer them all to mom.
You'll need to set up a HawaiianMiles account to login to and search the awards page. (If you sign up before applying for the MasterCard, enter your number on the application. If you’re not a member when you apply, a number will be provided to you.) Awards are priced by Coach Super Saver, Coach Saver, Coach Flex, First Class Saver, and First Class Flex tiers. The awards table for mainland to Hawaii flights looks something like this:
North America To/From Hawaii (One Way)
20,000 (Coach Super Saver); 30,000 (Coach Saver); 40,000 (Coach Flex); 40,000 (First Class Saver); 80,000 (First Class Flex)
You can also use HawaiianMiles to fly interisland, if you plan to island hop during your trip. See:
http://hawaiianair.custhelp.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/2218/kw/award chart
If I recall correctly, you can pay for tickets in miles, cash, or a mix of miles and cash. There are no blackout dates for using miles and award availability is pretty good outside of spring break and the holidays. However, the lowest Super Saver awards can be hard to book. If your search is not showing any awards options, it means that flight’s award availability is sold out. HA opens up seat availability 330 days in advance, so it’s best to book any award travel as soon as possible.
