BELLINGHAM - As fewer daylight hours and winter weather become routine in Whatcom County, two airlines are already seeing a good return when it comes to expanded flight service to Hawaii.

On Thursday, Nov. 8, Alaska Airlines begins its seasonal, four-times-a-week service from Bellingham to Maui to go along with its daily service to Honolulu. Allegiant Air begins its service to Honolulu on Sunday, Nov. 11, and its service to Maui on Wednesday, Nov. 14. Allegiant's flights will be twice a week to each destination.

Alaska Airlines spokeswoman Marianne Lindsey wouldn't comment on how ticket bookings were going for the flights to Maui but did say the Bellingham-to-Honolulu flights have proven to be a very strong market for the airline.

"We are drawing travelers from the greater Bellingham community as well as from lower B.C. who appreciate the convenience of the Bellingham airport," Lindsey said in an email.

She noted that they offered introductory one-way fares to Maui for $179 to go along with no charge for a carry-on bag.

So far Allegiant is seeing strong ticket sales for its flights from Bellingham, said Jessica Wheeler, a spokeswoman for the airline. The company recently ended a $99 introductory one-way fare special that went really well.

Allegiant recently began trips to Hawaii from Las Vegas and Fresno.

"So far, everything is going great," Wheeler said. "We're excited to get this going."

Alaska's flights to Maui go through April 14, 2013, while Honolulu flights will remain year-round. Lindsey said its Alaska's intention to continue the Maui trips from Bellingham next fall.

Alaska recently started other seasonal flights to the Hawaiian Islands, including Portland to Kauai and Anchorage to Kona.

Reach DAVE GALLAGHER at dave.gallagher@bellinghamherald.com or call 715-2269. Visit his business blog online at blogs.bellinghamherald.com/business or get updates on Twitter at twitter.com/BhamHeraldBiz.