Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy: A Comprehensive Overview

Introduction

Hawaiian Airlines is the largest and most prominent airline serving Hawaii, offering flights between the islands, to the U.S. mainland, and international destinations across the Pacific. Known for its authentic Hawaiian hospitality, comfortable cabins, and high-quality in-flight service, Hawaiian Airlines provides a seamless travel experience whether you’re flying between the islands or embarking on an international journey.

This guide covers everything you need to know about Hawaiian Airlines, including its fleet, in-flight services, baggage allowances, fees, policies, and loyalty program. If you’re planning a trip to or from Hawaii, this comprehensive overview will help you understand what to expect when flying with Hawaiian Airlines.

Hawaiian Airlines Overview

1. Fleet Information: Modern and Island-Friendly Aircraft

Hawaiian Airlines operates a modern fleet of aircraft, optimized for both inter-island and long-haul international travel. The airline focuses on passenger comfort, fuel efficiency, and environmental sustainability.

Key Aircraft Models in Hawaiian Airlines’ Fleet

• Airbus A321neo – Used on U.S. West Coast routes, offering a quieter, more fuel-efficient flying experience.
• Airbus A330-200 – The primary aircraft for long-haul flights to the U.S. mainland, Asia, and the South Pacific. Features lie-flat seats in Business Class.
• Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner (New for 2025) – Set to enhance Hawaiian Airlines’ premium service with larger windows, improved cabin pressure, and enhanced fuel efficiency.
• Boeing 717-200 – Dedicated for inter-island flights, offering quick turnarounds and frequent service between the Hawaiian Islands.

2. Cabin Classes and In-Flight Services

Hawaiian Airlines offers multiple cabin class options, catering to different types of travelers, from budget-conscious flyers to those seeking luxury and comfort.

First Class (International and U.S. Mainland Routes)

• Experience: Premium seating with lie-flat seats on A330 aircraft, offering maximum comfort for long-haul travel.
• Dining: Gourmet island-inspired meals, complimentary premium beverages, and Hawaiian-grown coffee.
• Amenities: Plush blankets, noise-canceling headphones, and a personal in-flight entertainment system.
• Lounge Access: Includes access to Plumeria Lounge in Honolulu (HNL) and partner airline lounges in other cities.

Premium Cabin (Inter-Island Flights)

• Experience: Priority boarding, extra legroom, and complimentary beverages.
• Dining: Complimentary light refreshments and access to priority security lines.
• Routes: Available on Boeing 717 inter-island flights.

Extra Comfort (Economy Plus Equivalent)

• Experience: Extra legroom (up to 5 inches more than standard economy), priority boarding, and dedicated overhead bin space.
• Dining: Complimentary meals on long-haul flights, with beverage service.
• Amenities: Power outlets, USB charging ports, and seatback entertainment.

Main Cabin (Economy Class)

• Experience: Comfortable seating with 31-32 inches of legroom, adjustable headrests, and a relaxed cabin atmosphere.
• Dining: Complimentary meals on international and U.S. mainland flights—one of the few U.S. airlines to still offer this service.
• Amenities: Complimentary seatback entertainment, blankets on long-haul flights, and Wi-Fi available on select routes.

3. In-Flight Entertainment and Connectivity

Hawaiian Airlines provides a variety of entertainment options for a more enjoyable journey.

• Seatback Screens: Available on Airbus A330 and Boeing 787 aircraft, offering movies, TV shows, and music.
• Wireless Streaming: Passengers can stream in-flight entertainment on their personal devices on certain aircraft.
• Wi-Fi: Currently being introduced on newer aircraft like the Boeing 787. Available for purchase on select flights.

Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy

4. Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Allowances and Fees

Hawaiian Airlines has different baggage policies depending on whether you’re flying inter-island, to the U.S. mainland, or internationally.

Carry-On Baggage Policy

• Allowance: One carry-on bag (maximum dimensions: 22” x 14” x 9”) and one personal item (e.g., purse, laptop bag).
• Fee: Free for all passengers.

Checked Baggage Policy (Inter-Island Flights)

• First Checked Bag: $25 per bag.
• Second Checked Bag: $35 per bag.
• Extra Bags: $50 per bag for additional luggage beyond the second checked bag.
• HawaiianMiles Elite Members: Free checked bags depending on elite status.

Checked Baggage Policy (Flights to/from U.S. Mainland)

• First Checked Bag: $30 per bag.
• Second Checked Bag: $40 per bag.
• Extra Bags: $100 per additional bag.
• HawaiianMiles Elite Members & First Class Passengers: Two free checked bags.

Checked Baggage Policy (International Flights)

• First Checked Bag: Free.
• Second Checked Bag: Free (for most routes).
• Extra Bags: Fees vary by destination but generally start at $150 per extra bag.

5. Special Baggage Policies

Hawaiian Airlines allows passengers to check in special items, including surfboards, bicycles, and musical instruments, with unique fees depending on destination and size restrictions.

• Surfboards: $35 for inter-island flights, $100 for U.S. mainland flights, $150+ for international flights.
• Golf Clubs: Standard checked baggage fees apply.
• Musical Instruments: Can be checked or carried on if they meet size requirements.

6. Change and Cancellation Policies

Hawaiian Airlines offers flexible change policies, but fees vary by fare type.

• Main Cabin and Extra Comfort: No change fees, but passengers must pay any fare difference.
• First Class and Premium Cabin: Fully refundable fares available for premium-class passengers.
• Basic Economy (Main Cabin Basic): No changes or refunds allowed.

7. HawaiianMiles Loyalty Program

Hawaiian Airlines’ HawaiianMiles loyalty program allows frequent flyers to earn and redeem miles for flights, upgrades, and partner benefits.

• Earning Miles: Passengers earn miles based on ticket price and class of service.
• Redeeming Miles: Can be used for flights, hotel stays, car rentals, and shopping.
• Elite Status Tiers:
  • Pualani Gold: Priority boarding, first two checked bags free, and seat upgrades.
  • Pualani Platinum: All Gold benefits plus complimentary first-class upgrades on inter-island flights.
• Partner Airlines: HawaiianMiles can be used with Japan Airlines, JetBlue, Korean Air, Virgin Atlantic, and others.

8. Customer Satisfaction and Safety Ratings

Hawaiian Airlines consistently ranks among the best U.S. airlines for customer service, punctuality, and comfort.

• Customer Satisfaction: High ratings for friendly service, on-time performance, and complimentary meals.
• Safety Record: Excellent safety history with modernized aircraft and strict maintenance procedures.
• Punctuality: Consistently one of the most on-time airlines in the U.S., with over 85% of flights arriving on schedule.

9. Why Choose Hawaiian Airlines?

• Authentic Hawaiian Hospitality: From the moment you board, you experience Hawaii’s culture through friendly service, island-inspired meals, and relaxing cabin ambiance.
• Free Meals on U.S. Mainland Flights: One of the few airlines that still offers complimentary hot meals on domestic flights.
• Great for Island Hopping: Frequent, reliable inter-island flights make it easy to explore multiple Hawaiian islands in one trip.
• Loyalty Benefits: HawaiianMiles program rewards frequent travelers with generous benefits and elite perks.

10. Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Airlines is the best airline for traveling to, from, and between the Hawaiian Islands, offering comfortable cabins, free meals, and flexible fare options. With its focus on Hawaiian hospitality, a generous baggage policy, and a strong loyalty program, it remains a top choice for those looking to experience the spirit of Aloha in the skies. Whether you’re flying inter-island, across the Pacific, or to international destinations, Hawaiian Airlines ensures a smooth, relaxing, and enjoyable journey.