Hawaiian Airlines – Pet Policy
| Pet Type | Cabin | Checked Baggage / Cargo | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dog | Yes (interisland/continental US; carrier size/weight must fit, $35–$125; pre-book required) | Yes (checked baggage, embargoes by breed/aircraft/heat, health docs needed) | Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds not accepted in hold; no pets to/from international flights; all documents/permits for Hawaii quarantine compliance |
| Cat | Yes (same as dog) | Yes (same as dog) | Cabin/checked allowed; brachycephalic cats not transported in hold; same doc/import/export rules |
| Bird (household only) | Yes (parakeet/canary in cabin only; permitted with documentation, fees apply) | Yes (with same constraints as dogs/cats, permits required for interisland/continent only) | Birds to/from Hawaii/mainland need State of Hawaii import permit; no wild/exotic species |
| Rabbit/Reptile/Fish | No | No (cargo only, special arrangement and permits required) | Specialist cargo/animal agent services mandatory |
Important Guidelines
- Book early—pet spots are limited, and not all flights/aircraft/routes accept pets as cabin or checked baggage (no pets in cabin on international flights).
- Cabin carrier must fit completely below the seat in front, be soft/leakproof/ventilated, and allow the pet to move comfortably. No hard or oversized carriers in cabin.
- Veterinary health vaccination and Hawaii import certificates are required for the state; failing to comply leads to quarantine or denied boarding/entry.
- Brachycephalic and aggressive/dangerous breeds have special restrictions or are not accepted in hold; never sedate pets before flight unless prescribed by a vet.
- No emotional support or comfort animals permitted as service animals—must be booked as pets and meet all pet acceptance requirements.
- Assistance/service dogs (US DOT definition) for disabled guests always permitted with required documentation and free of charge (specific booking rules apply).
Woofly Tips
- Familiarize your pet with their carrier before departure; carrier rejection or animal distress is a top cause of denied boarding.
- Carry extra copies (digital and paper) of all vaccination, health, and import/export paperwork for check-in and arrival at all stops.
- Confirm pet rules at both origin and destination—Hawaii and Maui maintain strict quarantine, import, and inspection procedures even between islands.
- If your animal can't travel in cabin/hold, or you're moving non-dog/cat pets, use certified animal cargo specialists and begin paperwork weeks ahead.
- All check-in must be done at the airport desk (not online), arrive at least 2 hours preflight for processing and inspection.
Last updated: July 25, 2025