How I Saved $85 a Night in Kauai With My Airline ID

When you're planning a July getaway to Kauai (like I am), sticker shock is real. It’s no secret that Kauai is one of the priciest Hawaiian islands—especially in summer when the beaches, trails, and waterfalls are calling everyone’s name. I was dreaming of something quiet, relaxing, and ideally ocean-adjacent… but the rates? Not so chill.

So, like any savvy passrider, I started deal-hunting—and that’s when I struck gold with the Airline Employee Rate at Outrigger Kauai Beach Resort.

The Comparison

I found a Partial Ocean View King Room, which normally runs:

• $366/night for the standard prepaid rate

• $333/night for DISCOVERY members (Outrigger’s loyalty program)

The DISCOVERY rate looked tempting—it was labeled their “Best Value Offer”—but it required prepayment and still didn’t offer free cancellation.

Then, I checked the Airline Employee Rate:

• $281/night

• Flexible cancellation up to 7 days before arrival

• No loyalty program required

That’s a savings of $85/night compared to the regular rate, and even $52/night less than the loyalty member deal. And unlike the DISCOVERY promotion, which is fully prepaid and locked in, the airline employee rate gave me the freedom to cancel if my nonrev plans went sideways.

How To Access the Airline Employee Rate

After checking the public rates and seeing the price difference, I went back and selected “Airline Employee” from the Apply Special Rate drop-down menu. That’s how I unlocked the exclusive rate at checkout. You’ll need to show airline ID at check-in, but that’s it.

Here’s what it looks like when you apply the discount:

For full step-by-step booking instructions at Outrigger properties around the globe, check out our guide - How To Book Airline Employee Rates at Outrigger.

Bottom Line

It always pays to check for special rates that may be available just by being an airline employee. The public prices might look steep at first glance, but a little digging can save you hundreds.

Before you book your next trip, swing by Standby Steals and see what deals are waiting for you. You never know when that dream hotel is hiding a passrider discount.

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