When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Can my pet fly in the cabin on Hawaiian Airlines? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Hawaiian Airlines? What documents will I need? What are the carrier and crate requirements for Hawaiian Airlines? All your answers related to Hawaiian Airlines pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is Hawaiian Airlines based?
Hawaiian Airlines [IATA:HA] is based out of Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Hawaii. Most layovers within Hawaiian Airlines’ network will occur in this airport.
What countries does Hawaiian Airlines fly to?
Hawaiian Airlines flies to destinations all over the United States, Mexico, Central America, American Samoa, Jamaica, Aruba, Virgin Islands and the Dominican Republic; however, pets are only allowed on flights within the 48 contiguous states of the United States.
*Regulations for dogs flying inbound to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Hawaiian Airlines’ pet policy to fly in the cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets flown by Hawaiian Airlines in the cabin
Hawaiian Airlines will fly small dogs and cats in the cabin. Pets must be clean, healthy*, harmless and mannerly. Pets can be flown in Economy class. Pets are not accepted in First Class on flights between Hawaii and the United States.
*Pets must not be in physical discomfort, injured or show any signs of illness.
Reservations
Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure. Call 800-367-5320. Plan to arrive to HNL between 8:30AM and 4:30PM. Arrivals outside of these hours will require that a Hawaiian Airlines employee remain with you until the Animal Quarantine Facility opens.
Age requirements
Minimum age to fly pets in the cabin is eight weeks.
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on all four sides
- Be soft-sided
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Be clean
- Have ventilation on all four sides
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
The maximum dimensions for pet carriers flown in the cabin are 17″L x 11″W x 9.5″H. Carriers will be measured during check in. One dog or cat per carrier is permitted except for two puppies and kittens of the same breed aged between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Carriers do not count as carryon baggage.
Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in their carriers for the duration of the flight.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
Health certificates issued within 14 days of travel are required for flights between Hawaii and North America. Pets returning to Hawaii must meet Hawaii pet import requirements; however, the health certificate used for export from Hawaii can be used to return within 30 days if the return trip is on the same itinerary as the departure trip. Health certificates are not required for flights within the Hawaiian Islands.
For flights to Hawaii, Honolulu is the only airport with an Animal Quarantine Facility. For flights to OGG, LIH, and KOA, an Authorized Inspector will inspect your pet upon arrival. If flights are delayed or cancelled, the pet owner must contact the Inspector with an updated schedule. A Neighbor Island Inspection Permit must be provided to the Inspector.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Route restrictions
Pets are not permitted as checked baggage on international flights or to/from American Samoa (PPG), New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Austin, TX (AUS) or Salt Lake City (SLC). Exception: Military personnel flying between HNL and NRT.
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least three hours before departure. Your pet and its carrier will be inspected at that time and your carrier will be issued a tag.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
The cost to fly your pet in the cabin is $35 USD for inter-island flights and $125 for flights between Hawaii and the United States.
Service dog pet policy
All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be individually trained to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability. Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They will not be seated in exit rows. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation form and a Relief Attestation Form must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation form and a Relief Attestation Form must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. To complete the form, you will need:
- Your veterinarian’s name and contact number
- Rabies vaccination date and expiration
- Trainer’s name/organization and contact number
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
Emotional support and service dogs in training as not accepted as service animals.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, then it will be transported
as checked baggage on Hawaiian Airlines if it is flying with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin. Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about three hours in length.
Pets flown by Hawaiian Airlines as checked baggage
Hawaiian Airlines will fly dogs, cats and household birds as checked baggage. Birds will only be accepted on direct flights to HNL.
Reservations
Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure. Call 800-367-5320. Reservations are made on a first-come-first-served basis.
Age requirements
Minimum age for pets flying as checked baggage is 8 weeks of age and weaned. Maximum weight of your pet and its carrier is 70 lbs.
Pet crate requirements
Maximum crate measurements are 36”L x 25”W x 28H. Crates can contain the following pets if there is adequate room for both of them to stand up and turn around in the crate:
- One adult dog or cat or
- Up to two puppies or kittens of the same breed, aged between 8 weeks and 6 months or
- Up to two adult household birds or
- Up to two young household birds of the same breed, provided they are at least 14 days old.
Crates transporting birds must be mosquito proof. This can be accomplished by covering ventilation openings with mosquito netting. This also helps to provide privacy for your bird.
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS below.
Route or aircraft restrictions
Pets are not permitted as checked baggage on international flights or flights to/from American Samoa (PPG), New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Austin, TX (AUS) or Salt Lake City (SLC). Exception: Military personnel flying between HNL and NRT.
Forms Required
Health certificates issued within 14 days of travel are required for flights between Hawaii and North America. Pets returning to Hawaii must meet Hawaii pet import requirements; however, the health certificate used for export from Hawaii can be used to return within 30 days if the return trip is on the same itinerary as the departure trip. Health certificates are not required for flights within the Hawaiian Islands.
Owners of birds flying from the United States must have an import permit.
For flights to Hawaii, Honolulu is the only airport with an Animal Quarantine Facility. For flights to OGG, LIH, and KOA, an Authorized Inspector will inspect your pet upon arrival. If flights are delayed or cancelled, the pet owner must contact the Inspector with an updated schedule. A Neighbor Island Inspection Permit must be provided to the Inspector.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its crate at least three hours before departure.
Pet fee
The cost to fly your pet as checked baggage on Hawaiian Airlines is $65 for intra-island flights and $225 for flights between Hawaii and the United States.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by Hawaiian Airlines as air cargo
Dogs, cats and tropical fish can fly as air cargo on Hawaiian Airlines flights. Pets should be fed and watered no sooner than hour hours ahead of check in.
Reservations
Please visit www.hawaiianaircargo.com, or call 1-877-HA-CARGO (422-2746) to check for options. Reservations on a first-come-first-served basis.
Age requirements
The minimum age requirement to fly on Hawaiian Airlines is 8 weeks and weaned; however, this age will depend on Hawaii pet import requirements.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS below.
Route or aircraft restrictions
Pets are not permitted on flights to or from American Samoa (PPG), New York (JFK), Boston (BOS), Austin, TX (AUS) or Salt Lake City (SLC). Exception: Military personnel flying between HNL and NRT.
Forms Required
A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel for flights from Hawaii and 14 days for flights to Hawaii is required. All required documents for pets flying to Hawaii must be provided. For those pets protected by the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) or Fish and Wildlife, those permits must also be available.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet will be checked in at the Hawaiian Airlines cargo facility at least 90 minutes prior to departure. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal.
Pet fee
The cost to transport your pet as air cargo on Hawaiian Airlines will depend on your pet’s weight, its crate’s weight and size and your route.
Hawaiian Airlines Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood. It must have ventilation on all four sides. Crates must be according to manufacturer design with no human modifications.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. There must be holes on all four corners of the crate so that the door can be zip-tied closed. The floor must be waterproof, and an absorbent pad must be provided. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware must be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions. All food and water should be provided by the pet owner. The crate must be clean and have no offensive odors.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for your pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets will be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
An acclimation certificate is required for all pets traveling to/from all US cities from Oct. 16 through Apr. 15. It must be issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian and dated within 10 days of travel for both the departure and return trips and include the shipper’s name and address, type of animal and the specific low temperature that the animal can withstand. Your pet will not be allowed to travel if your document doesn’t state a specific low temperature.
Due to extreme weather conditions, pets are not permitted to travel as baggage during the annual embargo period from April 15th to October 15th. The seasonal embargo applies to/from Phoenix, Arizona (PHX), San Jose, California (SJC), Sacramento, California (SMF), or Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS).
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Snub-Nosed Breeds Flown by Hawaiian Airlines
All brachycephalic breeds must fly in a crate one size larger than normally required. The crate must allow at least 4 to 5 inches of space from the top of the head to the ceiling and 4 to 5 inches from the nose to the front door. Hawaiian Airlines urges great caution with the transport of the following dog breeds or any crosses with a short snout as checked baggage or cargo.
DOGS: American Bully Burmese, American Staffordshire Terrier Exotic, American Pit Bull Terrier, Himalayan, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English Bulldog, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Pug, Japanese Spaniel (Chin), Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pit Bull, Pug, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.
CATS: Burmese, Exotic, Himalayan, Persian
Related: Risks for snub-nosed pets flying in the cargo hold
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
The information published here is a guideline for Hawaiian Airlines pet policy. For more pet friendly airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
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To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Hawaiian Airlines pet policy.
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