Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Allowance Policy

When flying with Hawaiian Airlines, baggage rules differ by carry-on, checked baggage, oversize/overweight items, sports equipment, and special exemptions. Knowing the baggage allowance policy helps you avoid surprise fees and hassles at the airport. Below are the key points.

Carry-On Baggage Allowance

• Each passenger is allowed one carry-on bag + one personal item.
• Size limit for the carry-on bag: 22 in × 14 in × 9 in (including wheels & handles), which is about 45 linear inches (114 cm).
• Weight limit: 25 lb (≈11 kg) for carry-on bags.
• The personal item must fit under the seat in front of you: purse, briefcase, small backpack, laptop bag etc.
• Gate-check rules: items like strollers, car seats, wheelchairs may be gate checked if needed.

Checked Baggage Allowance

Standard Checked Baggage

• Maximum size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height) = about 157 cm.
• Maximum weight: 50 lb (≈ 23 kg) for most checked bags in coach/economy. First or business class (or certain routes) may allow up to 70 lb (≈ 32 kg).

Fees for Checked Bags

• First checked bag and second checked bag fees vary depending on whether travel is within the State of Hawaii (inter-island), within North America, or international.
• For example:
  • On domestic U.S. / North America flights: usually US$30 for first bag, US$40-45 for second bag.
  • Within Hawaii (neighbor island flights): lower fees (first/second bag cheaper).
• International flights often include free checked bags depending on class/fare. The free baggage allowance for international routes is defined under Hawaiian Airlines’ International Contract of Carriage.

Overweight and Oversize Baggage

• Overweight Bags

  If your bag weighs more than the standard 50 lb (23 kg), extra fees apply. Common overweight weight brackets:

  • 51-70 lb (23-32 kg)
  • 71-100 lb (32-45 kg)

  Bags over ~100 lb (45 kg) usually are not accepted.

• Oversize Bags

  If the combined linear dimensions exceed 62 in (157 cm), but are less than or equal to 80 in (203 cm), oversize fees apply. Bags with dimensions beyond that (80 in or more) are typically not accepted.

Special Items & Sports Equipment

• Sports, Boards, Bicycles, Golf Clubs etc. Hawaiian has updated policy: as of January 8, 2025, many sports equipment items are accepted as standard checked baggage, provided they meet packing, size & weight rules.
• Examples: surfboards, paddleboards, wakeboards, bicycles (when properly boxed or cased), golf bags. There are specific limits for size (length + width + height) and weight for these items.

Free Baggage Allowances and Perks

• Frequent Flyer / HawaiianMiles Members: Members often get reduced fees or free bags depending on membership status (Pualani Gold, Pualani Platinum, etc.).
• Credit Card Perks: Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard has benefits: for example, the primary cardmember may be eligible for 2 complimentary checked bags on Hawaiian-operated flights (excluding some international routes).
• Military Exemptions: Active duty U.S. military and dependents have special allowances for baggage, including higher weight and free checked baggage limits when traveling on orders or with proof.

Rules & Conditions of Acceptance

• Your baggage must be under size and weight limits, unless you pay the applicable oversize/overweight fees. Bags exceeding extreme size/weight are not accepted.
• The baggage must be properly packed, safe and not containing prohibited or hazardous items. Hawaiian Airlines and government agencies may inspect baggage.
• Your name and contact details must appear on each checked piece.

Key Terms to Know

• Linear Inches / Outside Linear Dimension: Sum of length + width + height. Helps determine if the bag is oversize. 62 in is standard for many checked bags.
• Personal Item: Smaller bag items such as purse, laptop bag, etc., that fit under seat. Doesn’t count as checked or carry-on.
• Assistive Devices: Wheelchairs, crutches, etc. These often have exemptions.