Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy Overview
Carry-On Baggage:
- All Classes: One carry-on bag, max 25 lbs (11 kg), dimensions up to 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 in or 56 x 36 x 23 cm, including handles and wheels). Must fit in the overhead bin.
- Personal Item: One additional item (e.g., purse, briefcase, laptop bag, small backpack) free, no specific size limit but must fit under the seat in front of you.
- Exceptions: Small musical instruments (e.g., ukulele, flute) are exempt from carry-on limits on all routes. Larger instruments (e.g., guitars, violins) are exempt only on inter-island flights within Hawaii; elsewhere, they count toward the carry-on limit or must be gate-checked.
- Liquids: Per TSA regulations, containers up to 100 ml in a 1-liter transparent, resealable plastic bag (total liquid volume not exceeding 1 liter).
- Additional Items: Assistive devices (e.g., crutches, canes) and items like coats, umbrellas, or reading materials are allowed free, subject to space availability.
- Note: Carry-on may be gate-checked if storage is limited, at the airline’s discretion.
Checked Baggage:
Domestic Flights (within Hawaii, Neighbor Island):
- Main Cabin & First Class: No free checked baggage. Fees: 1st bag $30 ($25 for HawaiianMiles members), 2nd bag $40 ($35 for HawaiianMiles members).
- Max Limits: 50 lbs (23 kg) and 62 linear inches (157 cm) per bag. Bags over 100 lbs (45 kg) or 80 linear inches (203 cm) are not accepted.
Domestic Flights (to/from North America):
- Main Cabin & First Class: No free checked baggage. Fees: 1st bag $40, 2nd bag $45.
- Max Limits: Same as above.
International Flights (except Australia/New Zealand):
- Main Cabin & First Class: 2 pieces free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg) each, max 62 linear inches (157 cm).
- Exception (Australia/New Zealand, Economy): 1 piece free, up to 50 lbs (23 kg), max 62 linear inches (157 cm).
Excess Baggage Fees:
- Overweight Bags:
- 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg): $35 (Neighbor Island), $50 (North America), $50 (International, except Australia/New Zealand where no fee up to 70 lbs).
- 71–100 lbs (32–45 kg): $70 (Neighbor Island), $200 (North America), $400 (Japan, Korea, Pago Pago), not accepted to/from Australia/Papeete.
- Oversized Bags (62–80 linear inches/160–203 cm): $35 (Neighbor Island), $100 (North America), $150 (International).
- Excess Bags (3rd bag and beyond): $50 (Neighbor Island), $100 (North America), $150 (International).
Special Baggage:
- Sports Equipment (e.g., surfboards, bicycles, golf clubs, scuba gear): Counts as one checked bag within allowance. Fees apply if exceeding allowance:
- Surf/Kite/Paddle/Wake Boards: $25 (Neighbor Island), $75 (North America/International), free if within international allowance (non-stop, no stopover >24 hours). Max 50 lbs (23 kg), 115 linear inches (292 cm).
- Bicycles: Standard fees, must be dismantled, tires deflated, packed in a box/bag.
- Scuba Gear: Tanks accepted (must be empty), no extra fee if within allowance.
- Skiing/Hockey/Lacrosse: Max 115 linear inches, standard fees apply.
- Musical Instruments: Small instruments (e.g., ukulele) exempt from carry-on limits. Larger instruments can be carried in the cabin with an extra seat purchase (max 75 kg, 110 x 42 x 50 cm) or checked (standard fees apply).
- Pets: Allowed in the cabin (max 25 lbs including carrier, 40 x 36 x 20 cm) or cargo hold, fees $35–$225 depending on route. Requires prior approval, pet passport, health certificate, and permits. Not allowed to/from certain destinations (e.g., UK, Australia).
- Wheelchairs/Mobility Aids: Free, carried as cabin or checked baggage, with wet cell batteries requiring special packaging.
- Child Restraint Seats/Strollers: One car seat or stroller free per child, checked at gate/counter. Must be packed in a hard-sided container to avoid liability for damage.
Prohibited Items:
- Checked Baggage: Lithium-ion batteries (except in devices), flammable liquids/gases, corrosives, explosives, self-defense sprays (e.g., pepper spray), biohazardous materials.
- Carry-On Baggage: Firearms, toy guns, sharp objects, liquids over 100 ml, more than 12 oz of powder-like substances (international to U.S.).
- Note: Smart bags with non-removable batteries are prohibited. Check FAA/TSA rules for details.
Lost, Damaged, or Delayed Baggage:
- Reporting: Notify the baggage service desk within 4 hours of arrival for loss/damage/delay, filing a Property Irregularity Report (PIR). Claims must be submitted within 7 days (damage/loss) or 21 days (delay).
- Liability: Max $4,700 per ticketed passenger unless a higher value is declared (extra fee). No liability for minor wear, fragile items, or items like antiques, electronics, or backpacks with protruding straps.
Membership/Credit Card Perks:
- HawaiianMiles Members: $5–$15 discount on 1st/2nd bags for Neighbor Island flights.
- Pualani Gold/Premier Club: 2 free checked bags (member only).
- Pualani Platinum: 3 free checked bags (member only).
- Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard: 2 free checked bags for the primary cardholder on Hawaiian-operated flights (excludes international codeshares).
- Alaska Airlines Visa Signature/Business Card: 1 free checked bag for the cardholder and up to 6 companions on the same reservation, if purchased with the card.
Military Benefits:
- Leisure Travel: Active U.S. military and dependents with ID get 2 free bags (max 50 lbs, 62 linear inches).
- Travel Orders: Active, retired, or dependent military with orders get 5 free bags (max 70 lbs, 80 linear inches).