Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy Guide: Cabin, Cargo & Travel

Travelling with pets requires planning, and the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy makes it easier for many pet owners to enjoy safe and comfortable journeys. Whether your pet travels in the cabin, as checked baggage, or through cargo services, Hawaiian Airlines provides clear guidelines so you can prepare without stress. This guide explains the full Hawaiian Airlines pet policy, including cabin rules, cargo procedures, required documents, and travel tips for dogs and cats.

Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy

The Hawaiian Airlines pet policy is known for being straightforward and focused on the safety of pets during travel. The airline allows small pets to fly in the cabin on select routes, with larger pets accommodated through cargo (on specific aircraft and destinations). Understanding the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy before you book ensures a smooth and comfortable trip for both you and your pet.

Key Highlights of Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy

• Pets must meet age and health requirements

• Certain breeds have travel restrictions

• Cabin pet travel is available only on specific flights

• Cargo travel follows temperature and seasonal guidelines

• Pet documentation is required for all travel types

Hawaiian Airlines Pet in Cabin Policy

The Hawaiian Airlines pet-in-cabin policy allows small cats and dogs on certain inter-island flights. Pets must remain inside an approved carrier throughout the flight. The airline keeps this section comfortable and safe for both passengers and pets by adhering to strict size and safety requirements.

Cabin Travel Rules for Pets

• Pet + carrier must fit under the seat in front of you

• Your pet must remain inside the carrier at all times

• Only dogs and cats are permitted

• Limited availability per flight

• Cabin travel is not available on international or long-haul routes

If you're searching for a direct summary, the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy in the cabin ensures safe, secure, and comfortable travel for small pets on selected flights.

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Animal & Carrier Requirements

To ensure your pet stays safe and comfortable, Hawaiian Airlines follows specific in-cabin transportation guidelines. All travelers must meet the size and carrier rules listed in the airline’s Pet in Cabin Travel Guide.

Important Requirements

• Guests must be 18 years or older to bring a pet into the cabin.

• The maximum carrier size allowed is 17” L x 11” W x 9.5” H.

• Carriers are measured at check-in to ensure they fit under the seat.

• For inter-island flights, a pet in cabin does not count toward your carry-on allowance.

• For US Mainland flights, the pet carrier counts toward your two-piece carry-on limit.

Hawaiian Airlines provides a full list of requirements in their Pet in Cabin Travel Guide.

Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy Cargo

When pets cannot travel in the cabin, they may fly via cargo depending on aircraft type, destination, and weather conditions. The Hawaiian Airlines pet policy cargo section ensures pets travel in temperature-controlled environments with trained handlers overseeing their journey.

Cargo Travel Guidelines:

• Only available on select aircraft

• Temperature limits apply for departure and arrival cities

• Pet crates must meet IATA safety standards

• Cargo reservations must be made separately

• Pets are cared for by trained staff through every step

This part of the Hawaiian Airlines pet travel policy gives larger pets a secure and monitored travel environment.

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Animal Health Certificate Requirements

Most routes require a valid animal health certificate issued by your veterinarian.

Health Certificate Rules

• Within Hawaii: No certificate required.

• Between Hawaii & Mainland US: Certificate required.

• Inspection must occur within 14 days of arrival at your destination.

Return Trip Requirements

• Returning to Hawaii: A new certificate is required, showing inspection within 14 days.

• Returning to Mainland US:

1. If outbound and return flights are on the same reservation, the original certificate may be used for up to 30 days, as long as inspection date meets the rule.

2. If the return flight is on a different reservation, you’ll need a new certificate.

Booking Pet Travel on Hawaiian Airlines

Booking under the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy requires contacting reservations early because pet slots fill up fast.

Steps to Reserve a Pet Spot:

• Call Hawaiian Airlines reservations

• Provide pet details (weight, breed, crate size)

• Submit documents before the deadline

• Reconfirm pet travel 48–72 hours before departure

This ensures full compliance with the Hawaiian Airlines pet travel policy.

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Route Restrictions & Seat Rules for Pets

Restricted Routes for Pet Travel

Pets are not permitted in the cabin on:

• International flights

• Flights to/from American Samoa (PPG)

Seat Limitations for Passengers with Pets

Passengers traveling with pets cannot sit in:

• First Class on Hawaii ↔ Mainland routes

• Bulkhead seats

• Exit rows

• Any seat without under-seat storage

Stowage Rules

• The pet carrier must remain fully under the seat in front of you.

• Pets must stay inside the carrier at all times, including at the airport and onboard.

• Carriers cannot be placed on laps, seats, or in overhead bins.

• If the carrier does not fit under the seat, you may be reassigned or need to send your pet as checked baggage.

Pet in Cabin Limits

Each paying passenger may bring only one pet carrier in the cabin.

A single carrier may contain:

• One adult dog or cat, OR

• Two puppies or kittens of the same breed (8 weeks old and fully weaned)

Hawaiian Airlines may request veterinary documents to verify age or eligibility.

Hawaiian Airlines Pet Check-In Process

Self-service check-in isn’t available for pet travel. You must check in at the ticket counter so agents can inspect:

• Your pet

• The carrier

• All required documents

Check-In Guidelines

• Arrive 3 hours before departure

• Bring printed copies of all documents

• Pets that aren't disclosed ahead of time may not be accepted

• After approval, a special tag will be placed on the carrier

For inter-island flights, the pet does not count toward your carry-on limit. For Mainland flights, it counts as one of your two carry-on items.

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Hawaiian Airlines Pet Fees

Current Pet Fees (For bookings before Oct 14, 2025, or flights through Jan 1, 2026):

• Within Hawaii: $35 USD each way

• Hawaii to Mainland US: $125 USD each way

1. Includes inter-island connections on same day, same reservation

Updated Pet Fees (Effective Jan 2, 2026):

• Pet in Cabin: $100 USD/CAD each way

• Within Hawaii (unchanged): $35 USD

Animal Strollers and Wagons Policy

• Animal strollers/wagons are not eligible for free gate checking

• They may be checked as regular baggage and are subject to standard fees

• If small enough and within size limits, they may count as a carry-on and must be stored in the overhead bin during flight

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Conclusion: Flying with Pets on Hawaiian Airlines

Understanding the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy is the best way to prepare for a safe and smooth flight with your pet. Whether your dog or cat is travelling in the cabin or using the cargo service, Hawaiian Airlines offers reliable options designed to keep pets comfortable throughout their journey. By following the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy requirements and planning, you can enjoy stress-free travel and peace of mind.

Ready to book your pet-friendly trip? Contact Affluence Travels for easy bookings, expert guidance, and the best fares on Hawaiian Airlines. We make flying with pets simple, safe, and convenient.

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