American Airlines said Wednesday it will park 50 jets this fall, cutting U.S. service 11 percent, double what it said before. Fewer flights could transfer fewer fliers to Hawaii flights from O'Hare and DFW.

Alaska Airlines isn't parking jets, it's moving them, to new routes. Alaska this fall will quit three routes to Mexico to fly from Seattle to Kona, and twice-daily from Anchorage to Maui.

Japan Airlines has filed a July fuel surcharge increase on its international flights, the equivalent of more than $50 roundtrip. But on Hawaii flights, it's investing in a better flying experience, dinner service, overnight amenities bag, and breakfast, in coach.

It's great news that JAL and Alaska Airlines see dollar signs in Hawaii. But their cost problems are dire. Oil costs six times what it did in 2002 and it's still going up. As jet fuel soars, financial turbulence could worsen.

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