HONOLULU, April 8, 2004 -- Hawaiian Airlines is alerting consumers to be aware of a man who is allegedly offering travelers a bogus package of roundtrip mainland tickets at discounted prices far below the market rate.
Hawaiian has received reports that this man is soliciting people to buy five roundtrip mainland tickets aboard Hawaiian at a cost of $250 apiece, for which they get a sixth ticket free. He requires payment for all five tickets upfront and provides the ticketing for the first trip, which, as it turns out, is done through a bona fide travel agency at a higher fare than the one he is advertising. However, when the traveler tries to utilize the other roundtrip tickets, they discover the tickets are invalid.
Hawaiian has also been informed that this man is reportedly telling victims of his scam that he has exclusive access to blocks of roundtrip mainland tickets that Hawaiian is unable to sell, which is completely false.
“Unless you're booking directly with Hawaiian online or through our reservations department, we recommend that travelers purchase tickets through a licensed, professional travel agent,” said Keoni Wagner, vice president of public affairs for Hawaiian.
The person conducting this ticket scam is known to identify himself as “Wayne of Travel Discount” or other variations involving the use of “Wayne” or “Dwayne.” He is described as Asian, approximately 50 years old, stands about 4'10” tall, wears glasses, and walks with a limp.
Hawaiian has notified the Honolulu Police Department, which is advising anyone who is a victim of this scam to call 911 to file a complaint and indicate when and where the transaction occurred. Hawaiian is also encouraging customers who think they may have been scammed to call its Customer Advocate Line (838-5300, 8:00 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., HST, Monday through Friday) to confirm ticketed reservations.
About Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines, the nation's number one on-time carrier, is recognized as one of the best airlines in America. Business travelers recently surveyed byCondé Nast Traveler rated Hawaiian Airlines as having the best in-flight service and meals of any U.S. carrier. Hawaiian was recently ranked fourth best in the nation overall by Travel + Leisure.
Celebrating its 75th year of continuous service, Hawaiian Airlines is Hawaii's largest and longest-serving airline, and the second largest provider of passenger air service between Hawaii and the mainland U.S. Hawaiian offers nonstop service to Hawaii from more mainland U.S. gateways
than any other airline. Hawaiian also provides approximately 100 daily jet flights among the Hawaiian Islands, as well as service to American Samoa and Tahiti.
Hawaiian Airlines, Inc. is a subsidiary of Hawaiian Holdings, Inc. (AMEX and PCX: HA). Since the appointment of a bankruptcy trustee on May 16, 2003, Hawaiian Holdings has had no involvement in the management of Hawaiian Airlines and has had limited access to information concerning the airline.
Additional information on Hawaiian Airlines is available at www.HawaiianAir.com.