Flying with a pet can feel overwhelming, but understanding the airline’s rules makes the whole journey much easier. Hawaiian Airlines allows pets on many of its routes, but the requirements depend on your pet’s size, destination, and travel method. This guide simplifies the entire Hawaiian Airlines pet policy so you know exactly how your pet can travel, what type of carrier or crate you need, and which documents are required.
Whether your pet will fly in the cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo, the sections below will help you prepare confidently for your trip.
Hawaiian Airlines accepts pets in three ways: in the cabin, as checked baggage, and as air cargo, depending on the pet’s size and route. Only small dogs and cats may fly in the cabin, while larger pets typically travel as checked baggage. Some destinations restrict pet travel altogether, especially international routes and specific US airports.
Before you book, it’s important to know that the operating airline’s pet policy always applies. If your itinerary involves multiple airlines, you may have to claim and recheck your pet during layovers, this may require extra time, extra paperwork, and clearing customs.
Hawaiian Airlines allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on select flights. Here’s what you need to know:
Key Rules:
Carrier Requirements:
Fees:
Documents Needed:
If your pet is too large for a cabin carrier but traveling on the same flight as you, Hawaiian Airlines may allow them to fly as checked baggage. This part of the aircraft is temperature-controlled and pressurized like the passenger cabin. Dogs, cats, and household birds can fly this way on eligible routes.
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old, fully weaned, and the combined weight of the pet + crate must be under 70 lbs. Hawaiian Airlines follows specific IATA (International Air Transport Association) crate rules, which ensure the crate is secure, ventilated, and roomy enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down.
Not all destinations allow pets as checked baggage, especially international flights and routes to/from JFK, BOS, AUS, SLC, and American Samoa.
Also Read: Hawaiian Airlines Vacation Packages
Routes NOT allowing checked pets:
Crate Requirements:
Fees:
Check-In Time:
Air cargo is used when pets travel unaccompanied, are too large for checked baggage, or when certain destinations require cargo-only entry. Dogs, cats, and even tropical fish are accepted under air cargo. Pets are checked in at the cargo facility, not the passenger terminal, and are monitored throughout the journey.
The minimum age is still 8 weeks, though Hawaii’s strict import rules may require pets to be older or fully vaccinated. Owners must provide health certificates dated within 10 to 14 days, depending on the direction of travel.
Air cargo fees vary based on pet size, crate dimensions, and route.
Depending on your route, you may need:
Important notes:
For safety reasons, Hawaiian Airlines follows strict temperature rules for pets flying as checked baggage or cargo. Pets are not accepted if temperatures at any airport on your route are expected to be:
Because of extreme heat, Hawaiian Airlines has an annual embargo from April 15 to October 15 on certain hot-weather airports such as Phoenix, Las Vegas, and Sacramento.
Due to breathing difficulties common in brachycephalic breeds, Hawaiian Airlines requires:
Larger crates (one size bigger) and extra space (4 to 5 inches clearance).
Restricted Dog Breeds Include:
Restricted Cats Include:
Breed restrictions apply mainly to checked baggage and cargo for safety reasons.
Fully trained service dogs may fly in the cabin at no extra cost. They must remain leashed, harnessed, and under control at all times, fit in the handler’s foot space, and must not block aisles. Service dog forms must be submitted 48 hours before travel when required. Emotional support animals are not recognized and must fly as pets if allowed.
Flying with a pet on Hawaiian Airlines becomes much easier when you understand the carrier rules, crate requirements, route restrictions, and documentation steps. Whether your pet is traveling in the cabin, as checked baggage, or through air cargo, proper preparation ensures a safe and comfortable journey. If you're planning a pet-friendly trip, Travelpodium can help you find the right flights, simplify your travel arrangements, and build a stress-free itinerary for both you and your pet.
Ready to plan your next trip? Explore pet-friendly flights and travel options with Travelpodium today.
Yes. Hawaiian Airlines allows small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on select flights. Pets must fit comfortably in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat and meet all health and age requirements.
The fee is $35 for inter-island flights and $125 for flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland for in-cabin pets. Checked baggage fees are $65 inter-island and $225 mainland to Hawaii.
The carrier must not exceed 17″ L × 11″ W × 9.5″ H, must be soft-sided, ventilated on all four sides, and able to fit under the seat in front of you.
No. Pets cannot be checked on international flights, and flights to/from JFK, BOS, AUS, SLC, and American Samoa. There are seasonal heat restrictions as well.
A health certificate (within 10 to 14 days), along with compliance with Hawaii’s strict pet import and quarantine rules. Some routes require inspection permits upon arrival.
No. Emotional support animals are not recognized as service animals. Only trained service dogs may fly for free in the cabin.
They are accepted but with extra caution. These breeds must travel in a crate one size larger and may face restrictions due to breathing risks, especially in checked baggage or cargo.
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