Animals can fly as checked baggage on Hawaiian Airlines provided the animal, weather, and cargo hold are conducive for safe pet travel. Certain breeds are prohibited, but you can fly to the State of Hawaii with most pets. Animals who do not fit under the seat must fly in the cargo hold, whether as checked baggage or air cargo.  

Flying a pet as checked baggage means you are required to be on the same flight as your pet. As part of its pet policies, the airline prioritizes the safety and comfort of both passengers and animals. To ensure you can successfully fly with a pet in checked baggage on Hawaiian Airlines, review the below information.  


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How much does it cost to fly a pet as checked baggage on Hawaiian Airlines?
$60 to travel within the State of Hawaii, $225 to travel from Hawaii to North America, and $225 to travel from North America to Hawaii. All fees apply to one-way tickets.  

 

How many animals/pets can fly as checked baggage?
Up to three kennels may be checked in per flight. 

 

What animals are allowed to fly as checked baggage on Hawaiian Airlines?
Domesticated dogs, cats, and household birds can fly as checked baggage.  

 

What is the maximum kennel size and weight?
There is a designated maximum weight for certain kennel dimensions. They are listed below. 

  • 21”L x 16”W x 15”H; 18lbs 
  • 27”L x 20”W x 19”H; 25lbs 
  • 32”L x 22”W x 23”H; 40lbs 
  • 36”L x 24”W x 26”H; 70lbs 

The total weight of the animal(s) and the container must not exceed 70 pounds. Kennels that exceed the maximum size and weight must be referred to Hawaiian Airlines Cargo for handling.  

 

What pet travel forms are required?
If you are traveling within Hawaii, you do not need to obtain an animal health certificate. If you are traveling from Hawaii to North America, you must obtain an animal health certificate no more than 14 days prior to travel. See APHIS Form 7001. 

 

Make a Reservation for Pets in Checked Baggage with Hawaiian Airlines 

You may book your pet as checked baggage at the same time you make your own flight reservation. At this time, you will be subject to applicable fees. We recommend calling Hawaiian Airlines Reservations at 800-367-5320 to confirm your reservation and pet space availability as soon as you book your flight—baggage space is limited.  

 

Other Types of Pet and Animal Travel with Hawaiian Airlines 

 

More FAQ Information for Pets in Checked Baggage 

 

Is there an animal limit per carrier or kennel?
Only one adult dog or cat can occupy a single kennel. However, two puppies or kittens of the same breed or litter, provided they are at least 8 weeks old and no more than 6 months old, may share a kennel. Two adult household birds may occupy a single kennel. 

 

What’s the difference between pet cargo and checked baggage?
Though flying your pet as cargo and checked baggage will place the animal in a climate-controlled cargo hold, the options are entirely different. When you fly a pet as checked baggage, you will be on the same flight. When you fly a pet as cargo, you will most likely not be on the same flight—if you’re planning on traveling with your pet at all. Instead, you will drop off and pick up your animal at the Hawaiian Airlines cargo facility in the departing and arriving airport. When you fly a pet as checked baggage, you will drop the pet off at the ticketing counter and pick him up at excess baggage claim upon arrival.  

 

Does Hawaiian Airlines provide a statement regarding short or snub nose animals?
It is not recommended that brachycephalic animals travel as checked baggage, but they are permitted. Pet owners must agree to acknowledge the Hawaiian Airlines warning regarding the risk to snub nosed animals, release the airline from any and all liability resulting from this transportation, and not file any claim with Hawaiian Airlines relating to the transportation of the animal. The guest must sign a liability release form.  

 

Are there any environmental restrictions?
The Hawaiian Airlines pet policy allows the airline to determine environmental conditions which may pose a hazard to the safety or comfort of an animal. Pets traveling as checked baggage will not be allowed on flights where the origin, destination, or connecting airport is expected to be above 85 degrees at the time of acceptance. Similarly, your pet will be unable to fly if the temperature is expected to be below 45 degrees unless you are in possession of an acclimation certificate signed by a licensed veterinarian dated within 10 days of travel. This certificate must specify the minimum temperature at which the animal may travel.