Traveling with a furry family member can be stressful, but knowing the rules ahead of time changes everything. This guide covers every detail of the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy, including in-cabin rules, cargo options, costs, and health certificates. We explain how to book your pet’s spot, what carrier size fits under the seat, and the specific Hawaiian Airlines pet travel cost for 2026. You will also learn about Hawaiian Airlines dog travel rules, breed restrictions, and the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy phone number USA +1-855-662-5620 for real-time help. By the end, you will feel ready to plan a safe, smooth flight for your dog or cat to or from Hawaii.
Does Hawaiian Airlines Allow Pets on Flights
Yes, Hawaiian Airlines welcomes pets, but the rules depend on where your pet travels. If you have a small dog or cat, they can often ride in the cabin with you. If you have a larger pet, or if you are moving to Hawaii, your pet must travel via the hawaiian airlines pet policy cargo program. This airline truly cares about animal safety. However, you cannot bring pets on international flights except for those between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland.
hawaiian airlines pet policy is strict about species. Only domestic dogs, cats, and small household birds are allowed. Snakes, spiders, rabbits, and rodents are not accepted. Also, brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds face extra rules due to breathing risks. If you plan to fly to Honolulu, Maui, Kona, or Lihue, you must follow the state’s quarantine rules. The airline helps you prepare, but you must start early.
We understand how confusing this can be. If you’ve ever tried to find a straight answer about pet tickets, you know the frustration. That is why resources like AirlnesDealsHub exist. You can also call +1-855-662-5620 to speak with a real person about your specific route. Hawaiian Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin for flights to or from New York (JFK), Boston, or Austin. These long-haul routes require cargo travel. Always check the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy for route-specific updates before booking your ticket.
Bottom line: Yes, pets are allowed, but you must match your pet’s size, breed, and travel route to the correct program. In-cabin for small pets, cargo for larger ones, and never assume every flight accepts animals.
What Types of Pets Are Allowed on Hawaiian Airlines?
The hawaiian airlines pet policy clearly lists approved animals. Only dogs, cats, and small household birds (parakeets, canaries, finches, and doves) are allowed. No rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, reptiles, snakes, spiders, or ferrets. This is non-negotiable because the cabins and cargo holds are designed for mammals and birds only.
Hawaiian Airlines pet policy cargo accepts dogs, cats, and birds as well, but with stricter container rules. If you try to bring a turtle or a hedgehog, the airline will refuse boarding. Also, birds must be able to stand upright in their carrier without touching the top. The carrier must have metal grates, not plastic. For in-cabin travel, only dogs and cats are allowed. Birds cannot ride in the cabin.
Why such specific rules? Hawaii is a rabies-free state. The Department of Agriculture has very tight biosecurity laws. Therefore, even a small hamster could introduce disease. We know this might upset you if you own an exotic pet. In that case, you cannot use Hawaiian Airlines. You would need to look into pet shipping companies that specialize in reptiles or rodents.
The airline also requires that your pet is at least eight weeks old and fully weaned. No young kittens or puppies that still need mother’s milk. If your pet is aggressive, sick, or in heat, they will not be accepted. Always check with your vet before flying. A vet can tell you if your specific animal is healthy enough for air travel.
To summarize: Dogs, cats, birds = yes. Everything else = no. And for in-cabin, only dogs and cats. Always confirm current rules by calling +1-855-662-5620 or visiting AirlnesDealsHub for the latest updates.
Can You Bring a Dog or Cat on Hawaiian Airlines
Absolutely, and this is the most common question pet parents ask. Hawaiian Airlines dog travel rules are clear: dogs and cats are welcome, either in the cabin or as checked cargo, depending on their size. For in-cabin, your dog or cat must be small enough to fit in a soft-sided carrier under the seat. The maximum weight including carrier is 25 pounds (11.33 kg). No exceptions.
If your dog weighs 26 pounds or more, they must travel via hawaiian airlines pet policy cargo. Cargo is temperature-controlled and pressurized, just like the cabin. However, during extreme heat or cold, the airline may impose a “temperature embargo.” This means your pet cannot fly in cargo until the weather improves.
Multiple cats can travel in the same carrier if they are small and used to each other. But each pet must have its own reservation. You cannot put a dog and a cat in the same carrier. For Hawaiian Airlines dog travel rules, your dog must remain inside the carrier for the entire flight. You cannot take them out, even for comfort.
We know you love your pet. The airline does too. That is why they require that dogs and cats be able to stand and turn around inside their carrier. If your pet looks cramped, they will be denied boarding at the gate. This happened to a traveler we spoke with last month. She had to leave her small poodle behind. To avoid that heartbreak, measure your pet carefully.
Also, note that Hawaiian Airlines does not accept pets in the cabin for flights longer than 5.5 hours? Actually, they do accept them, but only to/from the mainland. However, flights from Honolulu to New York are too long for some pets? No they allow it, but the pet must stay in the carrier. For Hawaiian Airlines dog travel rules, sedation is not recommended. Sedation can cause breathing problems at high altitude. Always check with your vet.
If you have a service animal, the rules are different. But for regular dogs and cats, the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy is strict but fair. You can bring them just plan ahead.
Are Pets Allowed in the Cabin on Hawaiian Airlines
Yes, small dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin on most flights, but not all. Can I bring a small dog in cabin on Hawaiian Airlines flights? The answer is yes, as long as your flight is between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland (excluding New York-JFK, Boston, and Austin). Also, inter-island flights (Honolulu to Maui, Kona, Lihue) allow cabin pets.
Here is the exact rule: Only one pet carrier per passenger. One carrier can hold up to two small dogs or two cats of the same species. Maximum weight including carrier: 25 pounds. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Dimensions must not exceed 16 inches long x 10 inches wide x 9.5 inches high (soft-sided). Hard-sided carriers are not allowed in the cabin.
Hawaiian Airlines pet reservation process requires that you book your pet’s spot immediately after booking your own ticket. A maximum of two pet carriers are allowed in first class (only in certain rows). In the main cabin, up to four pet carriers per flight. So space is very limited. If you wait, the spots will fill up.
We always tell readers to call +1-855-662-5620 or use AirlnesDealsHub to check real-time pet availability. You cannot add a pet online after booking. You must call Hawaiian Airlines reservations. The Hawaiian Airlines pet fee per flight for cabin travel is 35–35–125 one-way, depending on the route. Inter-island is 35.Mainlandflightsare35.Mainlandflightsare125.
Your pet must remain in the carrier under the seat for taxi, takeoff, and landing. You cannot put the carrier on your lap. You cannot open the carrier during flight. Also, your pet must be clean, quiet, and non-aggressive. If your dog barks constantly, the crew may ask you to move to cargo area, but that rarely happens.
One more thing: You cannot bring a pet in the cabin if you are seated in an emergency exit row. The carrier blocks access. Choose a standard window or middle seat. And always arrive at the airport 90 minutes early for pet check-in.
What Are Hawaiian Airlines’ Pet Carrier Size Requirements
The Hawaiian Airlines pet carrier requirements are very specific. For in-cabin travel, you must use a soft-sided carrier. Hard-sided kennels are not allowed under the seat. The maximum dimensions: 16"L x 10"W x 9.5"H. This is smaller than many other airlines. Why? Because Hawaiian’s seats have less under-seat clearance, especially on Airbus A321neo aircraft.
Your carrier must be leak-proof, well-ventilated on at least two sides, and secure (zippers that stay closed). We recommend using a carrier with a mesh top so your pet can see you. Also, the carrier must fit completely under the seat. Nothing should stick out into the footwell. Many travelers buy carriers labeled “airline approved,” but they are often too tall. Always measure again at home.
For hawaiian airlines pet policy cargo, the rules are different. You must use a hard-sided, IATA-approved kennel. Plastic crates with metal door and bolts on all four sides. No fabric or collapsible crates. The kennel must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down naturally. You must attach food and water bowls that can be filled from outside. Also, add “Live Animal” stickers and arrows showing upright orientation.
How to measure your pet for a carrier:
Stand your dog or cat on all fours.
Measure length from nose to base of tail.
Add 2 inches. That is the minimum interior length.
Measure height from floor to top of head (or ears if they stand up).
Add 2 inches. That is minimum interior height.
If your pet is between sizes, always size up. A cramped pet is a stressed pet. And Hawaiian Airlines can refuse travel if your carrier is too small. We saw a traveler at Honolulu airport whose cat’s head touched the top of the carrier. The agent denied boarding. That traveler lost $600 in tickets. Don’t let that be you.
Also, you must line the carrier with absorbent material (puppy pads). Bring extra pads in your carry-on. And attach a current ID tag to the carrier, not just to your pet’s collar.
Also Read Here : Can I Cancel a Hawaiian Airlines Flight and Get Your Money BackStep-by-Step Guide to Online Hawaiian Airlines Flight Cancellations
How Much Does It Cost to Fly with a Pet on Hawaiian Airlines
This is the part everyone worries about. How much does Hawaiian Airlines charge for pet in cabin? For flights between Hawaiian Islands, the Hawaiian Airlines pet travel cost is 35eachway.ForflightsbetweenHawaiiandtheU.S.mainland(exceptJFK,Boston,Austin),thecostis35eachway.ForflightsbetweenHawaiiandtheU.S.mainland(exceptJFK,Boston,Austin),thecostis125 each way. For pets traveling as cargo (checked), the price varies by weight and destination. Expect 150to150to400+ each way.
Here is a clear breakdown:
Hawaiian Airlines pet fee per flight is charged per carrier, not per pet. So if you have two small cats in one carrier, you pay one fee. But if you have two separate carriers, you pay two fees. Also, this fee does not include the cost of the health certificate, carrier, or rabies titer test (required for Hawaii-bound pets).
Hidden costs to remember:
Veterinary health certificate: 75–75–200
Rabies titer test (FAVN): 200–200–400
Hawaii quarantine application fee: $185 (if you skip direct release)
Carrier purchase: 30–30–150
So total cost for one dog to fly from Los Angeles to Honolulu in cabin could be: 125(airlinefee)+125(airlinefee)+100 (vet certificate) + 50(carrier)=50(carrier)=275. If you need the FAVN test, add $300. Always budget more than you think.
How to pay the pet fee: You cannot pay online. You must call Hawaiian Airlines reservations. Provide your booking reference and tell the agent you are adding a pet. They will take payment over the phone. You will receive a confirmation email. Without that email, your pet is not confirmed. For help, call +1-855-662-5620. AirlnesDealsHub also offers a free guide to reducing pet travel costs.
Are There Restrictions for Flying with Pets to Hawaii?
Yes, and these are the most important rules you will read today. Hawaii is rabies-free. Therefore, the state has a 5-Day-or-Less Quarantine program. If you follow all steps, your pet can be released within a few hours. If you skip steps, your pet faces up to 120 days in quarantine at your expense ($1,000+).
Step-by-step to avoid quarantine:
Microchip your pet with an ISO-compatible 15-digit chip.
Rabies vaccinations – two vaccines given at least 30 days apart, with the most recent at least 30 days before arrival.
FAVN Rabies Blood Test – send blood sample to a Kansas State University lab. Results take 4-6 weeks.
Health Certificate – issued within 10 days of travel by a USDA-accredited vet.
Submit documents online to the Hawaii Department of Agriculture at least 10 days before arrival.
Direct Release Application – pay $185 per pet.
If you miss any step, your pet will go to the quarantine station. You cannot visit daily. It is traumatic for both of you. We cannot stress this enough: start the process 4 months before your flight.
hawaiian airlines pet policy does not control quarantine. The state does. But the airline will deny boarding if you lack the correct papers. Also, certain breeds are restricted for cargo travel. Hawaiian Airlines breed restrictions for dogs and cats include all flat-faced breeds (English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Boston Terrier, Persian cat, Himalayan cat). These breeds can travel in cabin (if under 25 lbs) but not in cargo due to high risk of respiratory distress.
If you have a restricted breed and they are too large for cabin, you cannot fly Hawaiian. You would need to find another way or use a professional pet shipper. Always read the fine print. And if you are confused, call +1-855-662-5620 for a clear checklist.
Can You Check a Pet as Cargo on Hawaiian Airlines
Yes, but only on specific routes. hawaiian airlines pet policy cargo is available for pets that are too large for the cabin. This service is called “Pet Export” or “Pet Import.” You cannot simply show up with a crate. You must book cargo space at least 14 days in advance. Also, cargo pets are not accepted on inter-island flights. Only flights between Hawaii and mainland U.S. cities (LAX, SFO, PDX, SEA, SAN, LAS, PHX, etc.). JFK, BOS, and ATL are excluded.
How cargo works:Your pet travels in a pressurized, temperature-controlled compartment. The crew knows animals are onboard. You will drop off your pet at the Hawaiian Airlines Cargo terminal, not the passenger terminal. In Honolulu, it is at 636 Ahua Street. In Los Angeles, it is at 5920 Avion Drive.
Requirements for cargo:
IATA-approved hard plastic kennel with metal bolts.
Food and water dishes attached to the door.
Absorbent bedding.
“Live Animal” stickers on top and sides.
Health certificate dated within 10 days.
Rabies certificate and FAVN results for Hawaii arrivals.
Hawaiian Airlines pet travel cost for cargo is higher than in-cabin. Expect 200–200–500 one-way. You will also pay a handling fee at the cargo terminal. And you must call Hawaiian Airlines Cargo directly. The regular reservations line cannot book cargo. Cargo phone number: 1-877-838-4775 (press option 2).
We know cargo sounds scary. But thousands of pets fly cargo safely every year. However, brachycephalic breeds cannot use cargo. Also, pets under 8 weeks old cannot use cargo. And during summer months (May–September), many cargo holds have temperature restrictions. Always check the 10-day weather forecast before booking.
Do You Need Health Certificates for Pets on Hawaiian Airlines?
Absolutely. A valid health certificate is required for every pet, whether in cabin or cargo. The certificate must be issued by a licensed, USDA-accredited veterinarian within 10 days of your departure date. Not 11 days. Not 2 weeks. Ten days exactly.
What the health certificate must include:
Your pet’s age, breed, weight, and microchip number.
Rabies vaccination dates (two required for Hawaii).
Statement that your pet is free of infectious disease.
USDA endorsement stamp (for Hawaii-bound pets only).
For return to mainland: A general health certificate is fine, but Hawaii requires the AQS-279 form.
If you are flying from the mainland to Hawaii, you need the Hawaii-specific Certificate of Veterinary Inspection. Your vet can download it from the Hawaii DOA website. Do not use a generic form. The airline will reject it.
Hawaiian Airlines pet policy also requires that your pet has no signs of illness. If your dog is coughing, has runny eyes, or seems lethargic, the airline can refuse travel. This is for safety of all animals. We always suggest a vet visit 2 weeks before flying, plus another visit 2 days before to double-check.
What happens if you arrive without a health certificate?You will be denied boarding. Your pet will not fly. You will lose your ticket money. No refunds. I once saw a woman cry at the gate because she forgot her cat’s paperwork. Don’t be that person. Keep two printed copies and digital copies on your phone.
For help finding a USDA vet near you, visit AirlnesDealsHub. They maintain a national directory. Or call +1-855-662-5620 for step-by-step guidance.
Are Emotional Support Animals Allowed on Hawaiian Airlines?
No, not anymore. As of January 2021, Hawaiian Airlines follows the U.S. Department of Transportation ruling that emotional support animals (ESAs) are not service animals. Therefore, ESAs are treated as regular pets. You must follow all Hawaiian Airlines pet policy rules, pay the Hawaiian Airlines pet fee per flight, and your ESA must fit in an under-seat carrier.
What about psychiatric service dogs?Yes, dogs trained to perform a specific task for a person with a psychiatric disability (e.g., PTSD, anxiety disorder) are considered service animals. They fly for free in the cabin. No carrier required. But you must complete the U.S. DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form at least 48 hours before departure. You can download it from the Hawaiian Airlines website.
Hawaiian Airlines service animal policy also requires:
The dog must be harnessed, leashed, or tethered at all times.
The dog must behave. No barking, growling, or eliminating in the cabin.
You cannot book an exit row seat.
You may be asked to provide proof of training (verbal assurance is usually enough).
For emotional support animals that are not task-trained, they are simply pets. So if you have a written letter from a therapist saying you need your cat for emotional support, that letter has no legal power on Hawaiian Airlines. You still pay $125 each way, and the cat stays in the carrier.
We know this change upset many travelers. But the rule is clear. Do not try to pass your ESA as a service animal. That is fraud and can lead to a $10,000 fine. If you need help understanding the difference, resources like AirlnesDealsHub publish plain-English guides. You can also call +1-855-662-5620 to speak with a pet travel specialist.
FAQs (Frquently Asked Questions)
What is the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy phone number USA?
The main Hawaiian Airlines pet policy phone number USA is 1-800-367-5320. Press 0 to speak with an agent. For cargo pet bookings, call 1-877-838-4775. For 24/7 assistance with policy questions, AirlnesDealsHub provides free support at +1-855-662-5620.
Can I bring a small dog in cabin on Hawaiian Airlines flights to Honolulu?
Yes, from most mainland cities except New York-JFK, Boston, and Austin. The Hawaiian Airlines dog travel rules require a soft-sided carrier under 16"x10"x9.5" and total weight under 25 lbs. Fee is $125 each way.
How much does Hawaiian Airlines charge for pet in cabin on inter-island flights?
For flights between islands (e.g., Honolulu to Maui), the Hawaiian Airlines pet travel cost is only $35 each way. This is a great deal for residents moving pets between islands.
Does Hawaiian Airlines accept pets as checked baggage?
No. Hawaiian Airlines does not offer “checked baggage” for pets. It is either in-cabin or cargo. hawaiian airlines pet policy cargo is the only option for larger pets.
What are the Hawaiian Airlines breed restrictions for dogs and cats?
Hawaiian Airlines breed restrictions for dogs and cats apply to flat-faced breeds in cargo. Prohibited cargo breeds include Pugs, French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Persian cats, and Himalayans. These breeds may fly in cabin if under 25 lbs.
How do I start the Hawaiian Airlines pet reservation process?
Book your own ticket first. Then call 1-800-367-5320 immediately. The Hawaiian Airlines pet reservation process requires a phone call. You cannot add a pet online. Space fills quickly, especially for cabin pets.
Do I need a rabies titer test for my cat flying to Hawaii?
Yes. All dogs and cats flying to Hawaii from rabies-affected areas (including all mainland states) need a FAVN rabies titer test. Results take 4-6 weeks. Plan ahead.
What happens if my pet’s carrier is too big for Hawaiian Airlines?
You will be denied boarding at the gate. No exceptions. The Hawaiian Airlines pet carrier requirements are strictly enforced. Measure your carrier and weigh your pet before leaving home.
Can I fly with two pets in one carrier on Hawaiian Airlines?
Yes. Two small dogs or two small cats of the same species can share one carrier. Weight including carrier must not exceed 25 lbs. You pay only one Hawaiian Airlines pet fee per flight.
Where can I find the Hawaiian Airlines pet policy customer service phone number for urgent questions?
The Hawaiian Airlines pet policy customer service phone number is 1-800-367-5320 (general reservations). For cargo, call 1-877-838-4775. For third-party help explaining complex rules, AirlnesDealsHub offers live support at +1-855-662-5620.
Final Thoughts
We know how much your pet means to you. The Hawaiian Airlines pet policy may seem overwhelming at first, but take it one step at a time. Start 3-4 months early. Measure your pet. Call the airline. Get the health certificate. And never guess always verify. If you ever feel lost, AirlnesDealsHub and +1-855-662-5620 are here to help real travelers like you. Now go plan that beautiful Hawaiian vacation with your best friend by your side. You’ve got this.