Hawaiian Airlines Missed Flight Policy

Overview

Hawaiian Airlines’ missed flight policy outlines options for passengers who fail to board their scheduled flight due to personal reasons, airline-related delays, or other circumstances. As the largest operator of commercial flights to and from Hawaii, the policy is governed by its Contract of Carriage, fare rules, ticket type, U.S. DOT regulations for flights to/from the U.S., and EU/UK Regulation 261/2004 for flights to/from the EU/UK. Effective May 15, 2025, a stricter no-show policy applies to non-refundable tickets.

Key Policy Details

• No-Show Policy: Effective May 15, 2025, if you miss your flight without canceling before departure, you are considered a "no-show." For non-refundable tickets, the entire reservation, including continuing and return flights, is canceled, and all funds or miles are forfeited. For refundable tickets, you may request a refund or credit, subject to fare rules. To retain ticket value as a credit for future travel (valid for one year), notify Hawaiian Airlines via the website, mobile app, or airport staff before departure. A no-show fee may apply ($30 USD for inter-island, $200 USD for North America routes).
• Non-Refundable Tickets: No refunds are provided for missed flights on non-refundable tickets. If you notify Hawaiian Airlines before departure, you can change your flight for a fee ($30 USD for inter-island, $200 USD for North America routes) plus any fare difference. Changes must be made via the Manage Flights section or airport ticket counters. If the new fare is lower, no refund or credit is issued.
• Refundable Tickets: Refundable tickets can be refunded for the unused portion, less a service fee ($25 USD for inter-island, $100 USD for other routes), if requested within one year from the ticket’s issue date. Refunds must be processed through the original purchase channel, with the passenger surrendering unused flight coupons.
• 24-Hour Cancellation Policy: For tickets purchased directly from Hawaiian Airlines, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking for a full refund if the flight is at least 7 days away. This applies to all fare types and must be requested via the Manage Flights section. Tickets purchased through travel agencies may not be eligible.
• Missed Connections Due to Delays: If you miss a connecting flight due to a delay or cancellation of a Hawaiian Airlines-operated flight within the same booking, the airline will rebook you on the next available flight at no cost or on a partner airline if no Hawaiian flight is available within 3 hours (domestic) or 6 hours (international). For delays within Hawaiian’s control (e.g., maintenance, crew issues), you may receive a travel voucher ($50+ USD), meal vouchers for delays over 3 hours, or hotel accommodation for overnight delays (10 p.m.-6 a.m.) if you don’t reside in the departure city. Compensation under EU/UK 261 may include €250-€600 for delays over 3 hours, depending on flight distance.
• Extraordinary Circumstances: No compensation is provided for missed flights due to extraordinary circumstances (e.g., weather, air traffic control, or security issues). Hawaiian Airlines will assist with rebooking or refunding unused taxes and fees, less a service fee.
• Denied Boarding: If you miss a flight due to overbooking and checked in on time, Hawaiian Airlines will rebook you on the next available flight or another carrier’s flight at no cost. Compensation for involuntary denied boarding includes 200% of the one-way fare (up to $1,075 USD) for delays of 1-2 hours, or 400% (up to $2,150 USD) for delays over 2 hours. Volunteers receive agreed-upon compensation, typically a travel credit valid for one year.
• Special Circumstances: For missed flights due to medical emergencies or bereavement, Hawaiian Airlines may waive fees or offer rebooking or refunds, subject to valid documentation (e.g., medical certificate, death certificate) submitted via the Consumer Affairs Office. Approval is reviewed case-by-case.

Steps to Take if You Miss Your Flight

• Contact Hawaiian Airlines before departure via the website, mobile app, or airport staff to cancel or change your reservation to retain ticket value as a credit. After May 15, 2025, failure to notify before departure results in forfeiture of non-refundable ticket value.
• If at the airport, visit the check-in counter or kiosk immediately to discuss rebooking options. Staff may assist with same-day rebooking, subject to fees and availability.
• Provide your booking reference (e.g., six-letter code like ABC123) or ticket number (starting with 173) and explain the reason for missing the flight to determine eligibility for rebooking or refunds.
• Check your ticket’s fare rules in the Manage Flights section to understand applicable fees, restrictions, or refund eligibility.
• Submit compensation or refund claims via the Consumer Affairs Office, including your name, booking reference, and supporting documents (e.g., boarding passes, receipts, medical certificates). Refunds are processed within 7 days for credit card payments or 20 days for other methods; claims are acknowledged within 30 days.
• Keep all documentation for claims or expense reimbursements. Report baggage issues within 7 days of arrival (12 hours for delayed baggage).
• Check travel insurance policies for coverage of missed flights due to valid reasons (e.g., illness, accidents).

Additional Information

If Hawaiian Airlines cancels or delays your flight by 3+ hours (domestic) or 6+ hours (international), you may choose a refund, rebooking, or compensation, depending on the circumstances. Refunds for canceled flights or delays over 5 hours are processed within 7 days for credit card payments or 20 days for other methods under U.S./EU regulations. Compensation claims for EU/UK flights can be filed up to 6 years after the flight. Retain all receipts for expenses (e.g., hotels, meals) and submit claims within 21 days for delays or 7 days for baggage issues. For more details, review Hawaiian Airlines’ Contract of Carriage or Customer Service Plan.