How to Fly With Your Pet on Hawaiian Airlines

This article was last updated on November 27th, 2024.

Hawaiian Airlines allows pets to travel either in the cabin or as checked baggage. Small dogs and cats can fly in the cabin for $125 between Hawaii and North America ($35 for interisland flights). Cats, dogs, and household birds can travel as checked baggage for $225 ($60 for interisland). You’ll need to call Hawaiian Airlines at 1-800-367-5320 to reserve a spot for your pet and obtain a health certificate within 14 days of travel. Due to Hawaii’s rabies-free status, you’ll need to be aware of additional entry requirements and inspections. 

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about flying with your pet on Hawaiian Airlines, from booking your flight to arriving at your destination.

How to Book Your Pet’s Travel

Booking pet travel on Hawaiian Airlines requires the following steps:

1. Book your ticket through Hawaiian Airlines’ website or your preferred travel platform. You won’t be able to add your pet to the reservation during this initial booking.
2. Within 48 hours of booking your ticket, contact Hawaiian Airlines Reservations at 1-800-367-5320 to reserve space for your pet. Don’t wait on this step – each flight has strict limits on the number of pets allowed:
3. Have ready when you call:
   • Your confirmation number
   • Pet’s weight and measurements
   • Carrier dimensions
   • Travel dates and flight numbers

If space is available for your pet, the agent will add them to your reservation and collect the applicable pet fee. Are you new to flying with a dog? Check out our guide on how to keep your dog calm during flights. 

Hawaii Airlines Pet Fees

Hawaiian Airlines charges the following pet transportation fees:

Cabin Travel:

• Within Hawaii: $35
• Hawaii–North America: $125

Checked Baggage:

• Within Hawaii: $60
• Hawaii–North America: $225

Types of Pets Allowed

Hawaiian Airlines welcomes a limited selection of pets:

• In the cabin: Only small dogs and cats
• As checked baggage: Dogs, cats, and household birds
• No emotional support animals are accepted, but service dogs are okay

Arriving in Honolulu 

Here’s exactly what happens when you land:

Step-by-Step Arrival Process

1. When your flight lands, stay in your seat until other passengers deplane
2. A Hawaiian Airlines agent will meet you at the gate
3. If your pet traveled in the cabin:
   • Keep them in their carrier
   • Follow the agent to theAnimal Quarantine Facility (AQF)
4. If your pet traveled as checked baggage:
   • The airline will transport them directly to the AQF
   • Follow the agent to meet your pet there

Timing and Facility Hours

The Animal Quarantine Facility operates from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM HST. Your arrival time determines the process:

Morning Arrivals (Before 8:30 AM):

• You and your pet must wait in a designated area in the terminal
• A Hawaiian Airlines agent stays with you
• Once the facility opens, you’ll be escorted to AQF
• Processing typically takes 1–2 hours
• Bring water for your pet during the wait

Daytime Arrivals (8:30 AM – 4:30 PM):

• Direct escort to AQF
• Processing typically takes 1–2 hours
• This is why 10 AM – 2 PM arrivals are ideal

Evening Arrivals (After 4:30 PM):

• Your pet must stay overnight at the AQF
• You can pick them up the next business day after 8:30 AM
• Additional overnight fees apply

At the Quarantine Facility

During processing, officials will:

• Review your pet’s documentation
• Verify microchip and identification
• Check vaccinations and health certificate
• Conduct a brief health inspection
• Complete entry paperwork

Pro tip: Book flights between 10 AM and 2 PM when possible. This gives you buffer time in case of delays and ensures same-day processing.

Flying to Neighbor Islands

When flying directly to Lihue, Kahului, or Kona, you’ll need a Neighbor Island Inspection Permit (NIIP) from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. Since these airports lack quarantine facilities, you must coordinate with local inspectors. Remember that inspectors don’t work at the airport, so flight delays may require rescheduling your inspection appointment.

A Neighbor Island Inspection Permit is a special document from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture that allows your pet to enter Hawaii through airports other than Honolulu. Think of it as pre-approval for your pet to bypass the main quarantine facility in Honolulu.

1. Contact the Department of Agriculture Animal Quarantine Branch at (808) 483-7151 at least 30 days before your flight
2. You’ll need to provide:
   • Your pet’s vaccination records
   • Flight information
   • Planned island of arrival
   • Copy of your pet’s health certificate

Health Certificate Requirements

A health certificate is an official document from a licensed veterinarian that confirms your pet is healthy enough to fly and up-to-date on required vaccinations. 

Your documentation needs depend on your travel:

Within Hawaii: 

• No health certificate required

To Hawaii from the mainland: 

• Certificate within 14 days of arrival

Return flights to the mainland: 

• Same reservation: Original certificate valid if within 30 days
• Separate reservation: New certificate within 14 days

Carrier Requirements

For cabin travel, your pet carrier must fit these specifications:

• Maximum dimensions: 17″ L x 11″ W x 9.5″ H
• Must fit under the seat
• Soft or hard-sided carrier is acceptable
• Can contain one adult pet or two puppies/kittens (same breed, 8 weeks-6 months)

For pets traveling in cargo:

• Maximum kennel size: 36″ L x 25″ W x 28″ H
• Weight limit: 70 pounds (pet + kennel combined)
• Must use airline-approved kennels meeting USDA requirements
• Birds require mosquito-proof kennels

Route and Temperature Restrictions

Hawaiian Airlines places several restrictions on pet travel to ensure safety:

Route Restrictions

Pets cannot travel on:

• International flights (except military personnel on select Japan routes)
• Flights to/from JFK, BOS, AUS, and SLC
• Birds must enter through HNL only

Temperature Guidelines

Hawaiian Airlines enforces strict temperature limits to protect pets traveling in the cargo hold. 

Your pet cannot travel in cargo if temperatures at any point in the journey (departure, arrival, or connecting airports) will be:

• Higher than 85°F (29°C)
• Lower than 20°F (-7°C)

If you’re traveling when temperatures will be between 20°F and 45°F (-7°C to 7°C), you’ll need:

• An acclimation certificate from your veterinarian
• Certificate must be issued within 10 days of travel
• Certificate confirms your pet can handle cold temperatures

For example, if you’re flying from Chicago to Hawaii in winter, you’ll need an acclimation certificate if morning temperatures might drop to 40°F, even though Hawaii will be warm. Consider booking afternoon flights when temperatures are warmer to avoid this requirement.

Seasonal Embargo

Between April 15 and October 15, checked pets cannot fly to/from:

• San Jose (SJC)
• Sacramento (SMF)
• Las Vegas (LAS)
• Phoenix (PHX)

Breed Restrictions

Hawaiian Airlines discourages brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds from traveling in cargo due to respiratory concerns. This includes popular breeds like French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats, and similar breeds with shortened nasal passages. These pets might still travel in the cabin if they meet size requirements.

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