Airlines are now taking new measures to take on the super high oil prices.

Some airline customers have received an e-mail signed by over 10 major airline CEOs, asking that they write their congressman to crack down on commodities investors.

The letter explains why customers have been paying so much for airline tickets and getting fewer and fewer services, blaming a poorly regulated market speculation – oil speculators who trade oil on paper, with no intention of delivery.

Speculators then buy the oil, and sell it back and forth sometimes 20 or more times. That drives up the price of oil, and airliners said they are flipping the bill, then passing the extra cost onto customers.

By adopting common-sense solutions, Congress can dramatically reduce the price of oil, providing immediate relief for businesses and Americans. Please take a moment and tell Congress to act now.

Facts: Population 876,156, Area 597 sq. miles

The most populated island, where Honolulu is the Capital City, the principal port, the major airport, and business and financial center, and the educational heart of the State. Oahu is the military command center of the Pacific. Waikiki is the visitor center. Landmarks: Nuuanu Pali, Diamond Head, Pearl Harbor.

Flower: Ilima

Island Color: Yellow

Best Hotels on Oahu

Waikiki Prince Hotel
Solid Gold
Hotel type
$55

Hawaiian King
Solid Gold
2 long blocks
1 bdrm
$99

Ocean Resort Hotel Waikiki
Solid Gold
Hotel type
$147

Waikiki Resort Hotel
Solid Gold
Hotel type
$159

New Otani Kaimana Beach Hotel
Real Gem
Beachfront
Hotel type
$160

Ilima Hotel
Solid Gold
2 1/2 blocks
Studios, 1 & 2 bdrm
$167

Waikiki Joy Hotel
Real Gem
Hotel type, studios & 1 bdrm
$185

Aqua Waikiki Beachside (formerly Waikiki Beachside)
Real Gem
Beach across street
Hotel type
$200

Marriott Waikiki Beach Resort
Real Gem
Beach across street
Hotel type
$330

Ilikai Waikiki Hotel
Real Gem
5 minute walk
Hotel type & 2 bdrm
$345

Outrigger Waikiki on the Beach
Real Gem
Hotel type
$369

Moana Surfrider, A Westin Resort
Real Gem
Beachfront
Hotel type
$405

Halekulani
Real Gem
Beachfront
Hotel type
$410

Waikiki Beach Tower
Real Gem
1 & 2 bdrm
$550

Airline space may only be booked 330 days in advance

While in Transit

Meals on Board the Aircraft: Hawaiian and Aloha Airlines still offer complimentary meals on their trans-pacific flights. Delta, United, Northwest, Alaska and ATA provide complimentary soft drinks, as well as snacks or meals that you have to pre-order for purchase or can choose to buy while on board. The airlines have gone to “No Cash” policy for on-board purchases. They will only accept a Credit or Debit card. Check with your particular airline for more information.

Flying during pregnancy: It is generally recommended that women not fly at all during their last six weeks of pregnancy. Some airlines require pregnant passengers to provide a doctor’s statement and women should always consult their obstetricians before traveling.

Traveling with Children: Consider a red-eye flight. This increases the chance that your youngster will be able to sleep through the majority of the trip. While any child under two is not required to have their own seat, they may be happier if they do. If you do use a car seat, make sure it has been certified for air travel. Bring toys the children have never used, the newness will hold their attention longer. Bring plenty of juice. Finger foods are a great distraction. When traveling with your baby, give him or her a bottle or pacifier to suck on during takeoff and landing. This will help normalize pressure on the ears and keep your baby comfortable.

Travelers with Special Needs: Please advise your airline in advance to arrange any special services to ensure assistance. Most airlines transport personal wheelchairs including folding, collapsible or non-folding manual wheelchairs, and electric/battery powered wheelchairs and electric powered carts.

Post Arrival

Baggage Claim: The baggage claim area of the Honolulu International Airport is located on the lower level of the Main Terminal. You can get there on the free Wiki-Wiki (Hawaiian word for speedy) Shuttle, or by walking and following the signs. It’s less then a 10-minute stroll if you want to stretch your legs. For other islands directions to baggage claim areas are clearly posted. To get to the inter-island or commuter terminal at Honolulu International Airport the free Wiki-Wiki Shuttle will take you otherwise it is a ten to fifteen minute walk.

Transportation:  We can provide airport transfers in Oahu, Maui, Kauai and Hawaii. Oahu has a lot more to offer than just Waikiki, so you may want to consider a daily car rental to do some exploring to the North Shore or Kailua Beach on the east side.

Returning Home

What you can’t take: All baggage from Hawaii to the U.S. Mainland is subject to pre-flight inspection by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Restrictions on fruits, plants, and other items from Hawaii to the Mainland are enforced to prevent the spread of fruit flies and other hazardous plant insects and diseases. Non-certified fruits, vegetables, flowers or plants cannot be taken in your checked or carry-on baggage. Non-inspected agricultural items will be confiscated. Once you have checked in for your flight you will be required to go through a security screening process. Keep your boarding pass and picture identification card readily accessible.

Check Baggage Policies and Charges that are not reflected in our airfares:

Air Canada AirTran Airways Allegiant Air	American Airlines Continental Airlines Frontier Airlines	Jet Blue Mesa Air Midwest Airlines	Southwest Airlines US Airways Virgin american

NOTE: The general industry practice until recently has been to allow passengers two free checked bags, generally of up to 50 or 70 pounds each. Several air carriers have recently adopted policies of charging passengers an amount, in addition to the fare already paid, for any checked baggage or for more than one checked bag. Some of these policies imposing charges for checking a second bag add $25 (one-way) to the cost of a passenger’s trip while others may add far greater amounts for checking a single bag, either because it is overweight or because the carrier has different fares based on whether a passenger checks bags and the number he or she checks. A number of others have announced plans to implement similar policies. (DOT)