Pet travel necessitates meticulous preparation. In relation to the same, Hawaiian Airlines offers straightforward instructions to reduce anxiety. The Hawaiian Airlines pet policy 2026 includes options for cargo services, checked luggage, and in-cabin travel. Certain routes allow small dogs and cats to fly in the cabin as long as the weight and carrier restrictions are fulfilled. Hawaiian Air Cargo can securely carry larger pets as long as they have the right paperwork, such as a health certificate. Further, this air carrier places a high priority on pet comfort and safety during the whole journey by adhering to stringent carrier standards, taking climate change into account, and offering customer support.
What is the Hawaiian Airline Pet Policy?
The Hawaiian Airline pet policy provides clear standards for safe and comfortable pet travel in the cabin, checked luggage, and cargo. It ships dogs, cats, and domestic birds. However, whether passengers are taking their pets or certified assistance animals, there are rules and limitations.
Animal Wagons and Strollers
- There is no free gate-checking for wagons or strollers used for animal transportation.
- Standard baggage fees apply to strollers and wagons for animals that are checked in as luggage at the ticket counter.
- Alternatively, if the animal stroller or wagon is tiny enough to fit under Hawaiian Airlines’ carry-on size restriction, then it may be allowed as one of the two permitted carry-on goods.
- As per the Hawaiian Airlines pet travel policy, they are to be kept in the overhead bin while flying.
Pets Not Connected or Transferred
When traveling from Honolulu to Japan, dogs and cats will only be checked in point-to-point; they won’t be moved to or from any other flight, including HA flights. Travelers will need to pick up and check in their animals individually if they plan to take them on additional flights.
Pets of Military Personnel Traveling to and from Japan
- Pets are not allowed on Hawaiian Airlines’ foreign flights.
- However, it permits active-duty military members and their dependents traveling on official orders to bring family pets (dogs or cats) as checked baggage to and from Japan (except Chitose).
- According to the Hawaiian Airlines pets policy, this can be allowed in order to better serve the needs of the military community.
- The pet fee is USD 340 from Seattle to Narita, Hawaii to Japan.
- Further, the pet fee is around 41,000 JPY from Japan to Hawaii and from Narita to Seattle.
- Moreover, it is important to show a legitimate military ID.
- A special concession that allows for a maximum combined weight of 150 pounds for both the animal and the kennel.
- On flights from Japan, pets are not allowed in the cabin.
- Military contractors and vendor employees are not eligible for pet travel perks on flights to Japan.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy Cargo
When reservations are made in advance, Hawaiian Airlines will allow pets to be transported via Hawaiian Air Cargo. Based on the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy cargo, a current health certificate, a hard-sided kennel, drinking water, and absorbent bedding are all required for shipments. Space is a constraint on cargo, and climatic and temperature constraints also apply.
What is the Hawaiian Airlines in Cabin Pet Policy?
Small dogs and cats are allowed on several Hawaiian Airlines itineraries due to the in-cabin pet policy.
- In compliance with the Hawaiian Airlines in cabin pet policy, to bring a pet in the cabin, a guest must be at least eighteen years old.
- Household birds may be allowed as checked baggage inside the State of Hawaii, but they are not permitted for carrying in the cabin.
- Only one pet carrier per booked passenger is permitted in the cabin.
- One carrier could include either:
- Two (2) puppies or kittens of the same breed, between the ages of eight weeks and weaning, or one (1) adult dog or cat.
- The requirements for animal fit are the same.
- To confirm an animal’s age and suitability for travel, Hawaiian Airlines has the right to request paperwork from the animal’s treating veterinarian.
Understanding the Hawaiian Airlines Pet Carrier Policy
It is critical to comprehend the Hawaiian Airlines pet carrier policy, which specifies the precise dimensions, ventilation, and security standards for transporting animals.
- For a pet carrier, 17″ long* 11″ broad* 9.5″ tall is the largest size that is permitted.
- During check-in, carriers will be metered to verify compliance.
Hawaiian Airlines Kennel Requirement
The Hawaiian Airlines retains the right, at its sole discretion, to decide if the kennel is suitable for transportation.
- The kennel should be unable to fold or collapse.
- It must be sturdy, leak-proof, built to keep animals from escaping, and equipped with enough handholds to allow lifting the kennel without touching the animal.
- Owing to the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy in cabin, a kennel should be in a suitable operating state that will securely fasten the animal in a way that guarantees it will stay in the carrier during the custody and the flight.
- It must be sufficiently large to enable the animal to sit, stand, turn, and lie down in its natural posture.
- The Kennel is not more than 36 L by 25 W by 27 H.
- Attach two dishes to the inside of the kennel.
- These dishes are reachable from the outside, allowing them to be filled without opening the entrance.
- The total weight of the animal and kennel cannot be more than 70 pounds (31.5 kg).
- Moreover, the weight of the animal inside the kennel cannot be more than the maximum weight prescribed by the manufacturer.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy to Hawaii
In the United States, Hawaii is the only state free of rabies. In order to preserve this, the State of Hawaii has stringent rules and prerequisites that must be fulfilled before departing. As per the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy to Hawaii, the air operator advises travelers to inquire about information, travel plans, and entry fees to the State of Hawaii by contacting the Department of Agriculture, Animal Quarantine Department’s State of Hawaii Animal Industry Division.
Note: Failure to reveal an animal before boarding a flight or failure to adhere to Hawaii’s animal admission regulations may result in future travel restrictions for the guest.
Flights That Don’t Stop HNL from the US Mainland
- Hawaii’s sole airport, having a Department of Agriculture Animal Quarantine Facility (AQF) on-site, is HNL.
- They are open from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM HST.
- Travelers have to present their identification to the Hawaiian Airlines representatives at the gate when they disembark from HNL.
- As per the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy to Hawaii, it is required by the State of Hawaii to take them and their pets to the AQF as soon as they land.
- Without a Hawaiian Airlines representative, a traveler is not allowed to exit the gate.
- Guests and their pets must stay in the terminal with a Hawaiian Airlines chaperone until the AQF opens if they arrive at HNL before 8:30 AM.
- Their animals might have to spend the night in the HNL AQF if they arrive in HNL after 4:30 PM.
- The AQF staff has the final say on this.
Non-Stop Flights to LIH, OGG, or KOA from the US Mainland
In compliance with the pet policy of Hawaiian Airlines, there is no Department of Agriculture Animal Quarantine Facility at Lihue, Kahului, or Kona airports for non-stop flights from the US mainland. A current Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture is required for animals traveling directly to LIH, OGG, or KOA.
- Regardless of any later connecting flights to other islands, NIIP must be granted for the FIRST city of entry into Hawaii.
- At check-in, customers have to print the NIIP and present a tangible copy to the Hawaiian Airlines representative.
- The only way to enter Hawaii without an NIIP is to take a nonstop trip from the US mainland to HNL.
- Owing to the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy 2026, guests have to present their identification to the Hawaiian Airlines representatives at the gate when they disembark from LIH, OGG, or KOA.
- The air operator is required by the State of Hawaii to accompany them and their pets to the screening location.
- Further, the animal will be examined for clearance by the Authorized Inspector (listed on your NIIP).
- Without a Hawaiian Airlines representative, one is not permitted to exit the gate.
- The inspectors don’t live at the airport.
- Make sure to get in touch with the Inspector to schedule a new appointment in the event that the flight is canceled, postponed, or delayed.
- Until they are vetted, animals cannot be released.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Travel Policy for Service Animals
Hawaiian Airlines will never accept more than two (2) service animals per individual who fulfills the standards. Based on the Hawaiian Airline pet policy, for extra service animals, they will be considered pets.
- Traveling with dogs, cats, and birds is acceptable.
- The “U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form” must be filled out and sent to the carrier for each service animal.
- Fliers must notify the air operator of their intention to travel with service animals by sending it a hardcopy or electronic copy of the DOT Service Animal Form no later than 48 hours before the first originally scheduled departure time if their reservations are made more than 48 hours before the trip.
- They must fill out the DOT Service Animal Form and present a hard copy of it to the agent at the departure gate on the day of travel if their reservation was made 48 hours or less in advance.
- In accordance with the Hawaiian Airlines in cabin pet policy, every service animal must always be under supervision and kept on a leash, harness, or other type of tether.
- Regardless of other considerations, an animal that exhibits disruptive behavior will not be classified as a service animal.
Check-in Option For Hawaiian Airlines Pets
The total weight of the pet and kennel cannot be more than 70 pounds. Hawaiian Airlines may use the cargo department to transport the animal if the total weight exceeds 70 pounds.
- According to the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy in cabin, the pet will be placed in the passenger flight’s baggage section.
- When fliers make their own travel arrangements, they can also book the pet as checked baggage.
Bringing Comfort, Psychiatric, or Emotional Support Animals on Hawaiian Airlines Flights
Psychiatric services and emotional support animals are used in emotional and/or psychiatric therapy because they offer consolation, love, and company. Since they are not taught to carry out a task or function to help visitors with a psychiatric disability, these animals are not considered trained service animals.
Animal Health Documents
By adhering to the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy to Hawaii, in most routes, animals must have a health certificate in order to travel. The following animal health certificate must be obtained from the pet’s veterinarian before travel:
- Only go within Hawaii: not necessary.
- Travel is necessary between Hawaii and the US mainland.
- The health certificate needs to demonstrate that an examination took place no more than 14 days before the flight landed at its destination.
Fees for Hawaiian Airlines Pets
Pets flying in cabins will be subject to the following fees:
- USD 35 fees can be levied for travel within the State of Hawaii.
- By following the Hawaiian Airlines pet travel policy, a journey from Hawaii to the United States Mainland, USD 125 can be charged.
- When purchased under the same reservation, this cost covers connecting inter-island flights that take place on the same day.
How to Reserve Hawaiian Airlines Pet Travel?
Travelers must get in touch with Hawaiian Airlines’ Reservations Department directly to make pet travel reservations. Due to the restricted pet space, booking should be made in advance. Give the pet’s information, the size of the carrier, and the necessary paperwork. Owing to the Hawaiian Airlines pets policy, verify all rules, including costs and limitations, to make sure the pet has a hassle-free journey.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Travel Concerns Resolved Through Social Media Platform
Through its social media channels, Hawaiian Airlines effectively responds to pet travel inquiries, providing travelers with prompt information, direction, and support.
| Social Media Account | Link |
| https://www.facebook.com/HawaiianAirlines | |
| https://x.com/HawaiianAir | |
| https://www.instagram.com/hawaiianairlines/ |
Some Useful Links About Hawaiian Airlines
- What is the Price of Hawaiian Airlines First Class Ticket?
- Hawaiian Airlines Cancellation Policy 2026
- Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Allowance 2026
In Sum,
Whether traveling in the cabin, as checked luggage, or via cargo services, the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy 2026 guarantees that pets travel securely. The airline places a high priority on animal comfort and safety through its standards for certified carriers, health certificates, and climatic considerations. This can allow travelers to travel with their cherished pets in peace.
FAQs on Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy 2026
Hawaiian Airlines permits dogs, cats, and household birds on select flights.
Yes, small dogs and cats may travel in the passenger cabin if they meet size and weight requirements and fit under the seat.
Pet carriers must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and meet specific size guidelines. Only one pet per carrier is allowed, unless transporting two puppies or kittens from the same litter.
Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned to be eligible for travel.
Yes, certain brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds may be restricted due to health risks during air travel.
Larger pets can travel as checked baggage, provided the combined weight of the pet and kennel does not exceed 70 lbs (32 kg).
Yes, a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10–14 days of departure is mandatory.
Hawaiian Airlines charges $35 for inter-island cabin travel and $125 for other flights. Checked baggage fees may vary.
No, pets are not accepted on international flights or flights to/from JFK, BOS, or AUS airports.
No, emotional support animals are not considered service animals under the Air Carrier Access Act and must meet standard pet travel requirements.
Hawaiian Airlines requires that:
Cabin carriers be soft-sided, leak-proof, and fit under the seat (max dimensions: 17″ x 11″ x 9.5″).
Pets must be able to stand upright, turn, and lie down naturally inside the carrier.
If your pet cannot stand without crouching, boarding may be denied.
Checked baggage kennels must be hard-sided, clean, and meet specific size and ventilation standards.
Recent updates emphasize:
Advance booking: Pet reservations must be made at least 48 hours before departure.
Weight limits: Cabin travel is allowed only if the combined weight of pet and carrier is ≤ 25 lbs (11 kg).
Airport restrictions: Pets are not accepted on flights to/from JFK, BOS, AUS, and international routes.
Health certificate: Required within 10–14 days of travel.
Breed restrictions: Short-nosed breeds (e.g., Pugs, Bulldogs) are discouraged due to health risks.
No. Pets must remain inside their carrier at all times during the flight—even if they’re small or well-behaved. Lap-sitting is only allowed for qualified service animals, not regular pets or emotional support animals.