Hawaiian Airlines Policies - Update 2020

Aloha! Are the Islands about to welcome you and your pet as new residents? Perhaps you’re considering Hawaiian Airlines as the most appropriate carrier to transport you and your beloved companion to paradise. As with all airlines around the world, Hawaiian has their own set of rules when it comes to pets in flight. Here’s what you need to know.

First, a few words about Hawaii as a pet destination

While our 50^th state may be a wildly popular place to vacation, and while many pet parents now bring their furry companions along for a little R&R, Hawaii isn’t a good choice for a short vacay with your dog or kitty. That’s because your beloved companion will have to spend her time in quarantine instead of frolicking with you. 

Hawaii is the only US state – and one of precious few territories or countries around the world – that is rabies-free. All incoming animals must pass stringent health tests (exam, vaccinations, etc.) and provide related documentation. But dogs and cats must also pass through quarantine before entering the state, to ensure they really are 100% healthy. 

It takes time to get all the required tests and assemble all the paperwork. So if your family will be relocating to Hawaii, it’s time to get started on your pet’s travel plan. Unless you own a yacht, your Furry One will be flying, so now it’s time to look more closely at Hawaiian Airlines pet policies. 

What pets can fly Hawaiian?

Cats, dogs, and household birds can book a flight on the Aloha airline. If they meet certain requirements, your cat or dog can ride with you in the passenger cabin; otherwise, they can ride as checked baggage or as cargo. 

Hawaiian also allows trained service animals and certain emotional/comfort/psychiatric support animals. Service animals are defined as those that “have been trained to perform a particular function, service or task to assist a guest with a disability in the management of their disability.” This page explains service animal travel requirements. For flights incoming to Hawaii, the only allowed service animal is a dog. 

Emotional/comfort/psychiatric support animals are defined as those “that provide comfort, affection and companionship to aid in emotional and/or psychiatric therapy” but not trained as a service animal. You can learn more about their travel requirements here. For flights incoming to Hawaii, the only allowed support animals are dogs and cats.

In-cabin restrictions

Trained service animals are the only ones allowed to accompany you in cabin regardless of size or itinerary. If you are flying among the islands or leaving the State of Hawaii for another US state, your petite dog or cat may join you in-cabin. If you are flying to Hawaii from elsewhere, no pets are allowed in the cabin. They have to travel as baggage or cargo because they must go directly to the quarantine facility as soon as they are unloaded. Learn more about in-cabin requirements here.

If your dog or cat passes the eligibility test for in-cabin travel, she must be in an approved carrier. Your little friend must be able to stand up and move around in that space, and she has to stay in there the whole time she’s in the terminal or the plane. 

Checked baggage restrictions

Pets may travel as checked baggage except on flights to or from New York, Boston, any international destination, or Pago Pago. Pets traveling as either checked baggage or cargo must be in a crate that meets International Air Transport Association guidelines for size, safety, and security. If the total weight of the crate plus your pet exceed 70 pounds, she will have to ride as cargo. Only pet cats and dogs are eligible for cargo transport.

Because the weather can be dangerously hot for animals in certain cities served by Hawaiian Airlines, no pets are allowed to travel as checked baggage between April 15 and October 15 if their itinerary includes San Jose, Sacramento, Las Vegas, or Phoenix. 

Concerns for snub-nosed pets

Safety is paramount for traveling pets. Because brachycephalic (snub-nosed) cats and dogs naturally have breathing difficulties, Hawaiian Airlines strongly recommends against allowing them to fly as checked baggage. (The airline’s Checked Baggage Help Page includes a list of dogs and cats this airline considers brachycephalic.) Ultimately, however, the decision is yours. 

Here’s what we recommend

If your family is relocating to Hawaii, your pets will have to spend some time in quarantine. We know how much you hate the idea of that separation, so we always suggest that our clients send their dog or cat in advance of their own departure. We can handle all the details on your behalf, and by the time you arrive, your Precious will be ready for release. Aloha, indeed!