Getting ready for a trip is one challenge. Figuring out what to pack so it clears security and stays within Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage rules is another.
Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage policy is actually quite structured once you break it down. If you understand the allowed size, weight, and fees in advance, you can avoid last-minute surprises at the airport and travel stress-free.
This guide from Flying Getaway walks you through:
- Carry-on and personal item rules
- Checked baggage size, weight, and fees
- Policies for infants and children
- Special baggage (sports, musical instruments, etc.)
- Lost, delayed, or damaged baggage
- How to avoid extra baggage fees
Note: Airlines regularly update their baggage rules. Always double-check directly on Hawaiian Airlines’ website or with Flying Getaway before you travel.
Quick Overview: Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy
Here’s the basic structure of Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage rules for most passengers:
- Carry-on:
- 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item per ticketed passenger, free
- Max carry-on size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (about 56 x 36 x 23 cm) including handles and wheels
- Max carry-on weight: 25 lbs (11–11.5 kg)
- Checked baggage (standard):
- Max size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
- Max weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) for Main Cabin
- Bags heavier or larger than this incur overweight/oversize fees
- Typical first/second bag fees (Main Cabin, each way, flights purchased before 14 Oct 2025 or departing before 2 Jan 2026):
- Neighbor Island (within Hawaii): $30 first bag, $40 second, $50 third+
- North America–Hawaii: $40 first bag, $45 second, $150 third.
- Most international routes: 1st & 2nd checked bags free (some exceptions for Australia/New Zealand)
- Special groups (examples):
- Selected elite members and co-branded credit card holders get free or discounted checked bags.
- Active-duty U.S. military receive enhanced free baggage allowances, especially when traveling on orders.
Flying with Flying Getaway by your side means you can always talk to a real expert before you book, so your baggage plan matches your actual itinerary and fare type.
Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Baggage Policy
Carry-On Allowance and Dimensions
Each ticketed passenger is allowed:
- 1 standard carry-on bag (e.g., small suitcase or roller bag)
- 1 personal item (e.g., laptop bag, purse, small backpack, briefcase)
Carry-on size & weight:
- Max size: 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
- Max weight: 25 lbs (about 11–11.5 kg)
Your carry-on must fit in the overhead bin; your personal item must fit under the seat in front of you.
If your carry-on is too big or too heavy, Hawaiian Airlines may require you to check it, and standard or excess bag fees will apply.
Personal Item Rules & Examples
Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t publish a strict inch-by-inch measurement for personal items; the key rule is it must fit under the seat in front of you.
Typical personal items include:
- Small backpack
- Laptop bag
- Briefcase
- Handbag or purse
- Compact camera bag
You only get one personal item in addition to your carry-on bag, so plan accordingly (for example, don’t try to treat a full-size backpack and a large tote as two separate freebies).
Prohibited & Restricted Carry-On Items
Some items are not allowed in carry-on bags, checked bags, or both. Hawaiian Airlines aligns with TSA and FAA rules and may be stricter for safety reasons.
Examples of restricted or prohibited items include:
- Explosives & fireworks
- Flammable liquids and fuels (fuel canisters, certain solvents, lighter fuel)
- Compressed gases (some gas cartridges, camping fuel)
- Self-defense sprays like mace and pepper spray
- Many sharp or blunt objects that can be used as weapons (large tools, bats, long hiking poles, etc.)
Always check TSA’s “What Can I Bring?” and Hawaiian Airlines’ own Restricted Items page before packing anything questionable.
If you’re unsure, Flying Getaway can help you quickly confirm what’s allowed on your route.
Hawaiian Airlines Checked Baggage Policy
Standard Checked Bag Size & Weight
For most Hawaiian Airlines flights in Main Cabin:
- Max size: 62 linear inches (157 cm)
- Max weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag
Bags beyond these limits may still be accepted but will attract overweight and/or oversize fees.
Checked Baggage Fees by Route (Main Cabin)
As of 2025, typical one-way checked bag fees per passenger for tickets purchased before 14 October 2025 or departing before 2 January 2026 are: Hawaiian Airlines+1
Neighbor Island (within Hawaii)
- 1st bag: $30
- 2nd bag: $40
- 3rd+ bags: $50
Hawaii ↔ North America (e.g., Hawaii–West Coast, Hawaii–mainland U.S.)
- 1st bag: $40
- 2nd bag: $45
- 3rd+ bags: $150
International (most routes except Australia & New Zealand)
- Typically 1st & 2nd bags are free
- 3rd+ bags: usually $150+, depending on route
Australia & New Zealand routes
- 1st bag: usually free
- 2nd bag: around $100 (or local currency equivalent)
- 3rd+ bags: higher fees (often $150–$200)
Important: Hawaiian Airlines has started rolling out slightly updated pricing (for example, discounted pre-paid first bag on some North America routes). Exact fees depend on purchase date, route, and cabin, so always confirm on the “Checked Bag Fees” page before you fly.
Overweight & Oversized Baggage
If your checked bag exceeds 50 lbs (23 kg) or 62 linear inches, expect additional fees that vary by route. In general, typical charges look like this:
- 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg): often $35–$100 per bag each way (lower on Neighbor Island, higher on long-haul)
- 71–100 lbs (32–45 kg): often $200+ per bag each way, and may not be accepted on all routes
- 62–115 linear inches: oversize fee (commonly $100–$200, depending on route)
- More than 115 linear inches: generally not accepted
Because these numbers are route-specific and change over time, Flying Getaway recommends checking with us or verifying on Hawaiian Airlines’ official fee chart before you pack heavy or awkward items.
Domestic vs. International Allowances (High-Level View)
- Domestic (within Hawaii & Hawaii–North America):
- No free checked bag for standard Main Cabin tickets (fees apply as listed above).
- Size and weight limits: 62 linear inches / 50 lbs per bag.
- International (Asia, Australia, New Zealand, Pacific):
- Often two checked bags free in Main Cabin, especially between Hawaii/North America and Japan, Korea, or Pacific islands.
- To/from Australia/New Zealand, allowances may vary slightly but typically allow one or two free bags.
Again, specific allowances depend on origin, route, cabin, and fare type. Flying Getaway can look at your exact itinerary and tell you how many bags you can check for free.
Baggage Policy for Infants and Children
Lap Infants (Under 2 Years Old, No Separate Seat)
Lap infants do not get their own standard checked baggage allowance. However:
- Strollers and car seats can usually be checked free of charge or gate-checked.
- These items are exempt from normal bag fees when they’re being used for a traveling child.
- A diaper bag may count within the adult’s carry-on/personal item allowance—Hawaiian’s policy doesn’t explicitly list it as an extra free item, so pack strategically.
For infants on your lap, you’ll mainly rely on your own baggage allowance, plus the free stroller/car seat benefit.
Ticketed Infants and Children (2+ Years or Infants with Their Own Seat)
When a child has their own ticketed seat, their baggage allowance is generally the same as an adult’s:
- Same carry-on and personal item rules
- Same checked baggage allowances and fees as adults (depending on route and cabin)
- Strollers and car seats may still be checked or gate-checked for free
Hawaiian Airlines recommends carrying proof of age (e.g., birth certificate or passport), and children must travel with an adult of the required age depending on route (often 15+ for domestic and 18+ for many international routes).
If you’re unsure whether to book a lap infant or seat infant, Flying Getaway can help you compare cost, comfort, and baggage implications.
HawaiianMiles / Atmos™ & Credit Card Baggage Benefits
Following Hawaiian’s integration into Alaska Air Group, loyalty and baggage benefits are transitioning to the Atmos™ and Alaska Mileage Plan ecosystem, but key principles remain similar:
- Atmos™ Gold / former Pualani Gold & Platinum members typically get 2–3 checked bags free for themselves (not usually for everyone on the booking).
- Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard primary cardmembers are generally eligible for 2 complimentary checked bags on many Hawaiian- and Alaska-operated flights (international routes are often excluded).
- Atmos and card benefits apply on top of standard allowances but still respect size/weight limits.
Because loyalty rules are evolving during the Hawaiian–Alaska integration, Flying Getaway always recommends checking your exact status, fare, and route before you assume bags are free.
Special Baggage: Sports & Musical Equipment
Sports Equipment
Hawaiian Airlines is generally sports-friendly. Many items are accepted as standard checked baggage so long as they’re:
- Properly packed in a suitable hard or soft-sided case
- Within 50 lbs (23 kg) and 125 linear inches (317 cm)
Examples of accepted sports items include:
- Bicycles (packed appropriately)
- Surfboards, paddleboards, kiteboards
- Golf clubs
- Scuba gear
- Archery equipment, fishing gear
- Ski/snowboard equipment
- Baseball, hockey, and other sports bags
Some items (like hang gliding equipment) are not accepted at all, and rules may differ on codeshare/partner flights, so always verify if your itinerary includes other airlines.
Musical Instruments
Musical instruments can travel as either carry-on or checked baggage, depending on size:
- Carry-on: Small instruments (like violins, some guitars, ukuleles) that fit in the overhead bin or under the seat, within standard carry-on size/weight limits.
- Checked: Larger instruments can be checked as regular baggage within 62 linear inches and 50 lbs, or as oversize/overweight with fees.
For very fragile or high-value instruments, some travelers choose to buy an extra seat to keep the instrument in the cabin.
Military Baggage Allowance
Hawaiian Airlines offers generous baggage benefits to active-duty U.S. military and, in some cases, their dependents:
- On orders:
- Up to 5 checked bags free, each up to 70 lbs and 115 linear inches, system-wide
- On personal travel:
- Up to 2 checked bags free (active-duty only), each up to 50 lbs and 62 linear inches
You must present valid military ID and, for travel on orders, current official orders at check-in.
Lost, Delayed, or Damaged Baggage with Hawaiian Airlines
If your bags are missing, delayed, or damaged, it’s important to act before you leave the airport.
How to Report a Lost or Delayed Bag?
- Go to the Baggage Services Desk
Head to Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage claim or service office as soon as you realize the issue. - File a Report
Report the bag as lost, delayed, or damaged within a few hours of arrival. You’ll be asked for your:- Baggage claim tag number
- Flight details
- Contact information
- Get a Reference Number (PIR)
Make sure you’re given a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number or similar reference. Keep this safe—you’ll need it to track your bag and for any reimbursement claims. - Keep All Documents & Receipts
Hang on to your boarding pass, bag tags, and any receipts for essential items you purchase while your bag is delayed.
Compensation & Reimbursement (High-Level)
While exact amounts and rules depend on route and applicable law, the general pattern is:
- Delayed baggage:
- Hawaiian may reimburse “reasonable expenses” (like toiletries or basic clothing) while your bag is missing.
- Lost baggage:
- If a bag is not found after a certain period (often 21 days), it is considered lost and compensation is processed up to the airline’s maximum liability under applicable regulations.
- Damaged baggage:
- Hawaiian may repair or compensate up to a capped amount per passenger, again based on DOT and international rules.
For up-to-date limits and details, check Hawaiian’s Contract of Carriage or ask Flying Getaway to walk you through your rights.
Tracking Your Baggage Online
Once you’ve filed a report and received your PIR number:
- Visit Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage tracking portal (or link provided in your PIR confirmation).
- Enter your name and PIR number.
- Check for updates on:
- Where your bag was last scanned
- Estimated delivery or pickup instructions
You can also follow up by phone or email with the contact details provided at the airport.
How to Avoid Extra Baggage Fees on Hawaiian Airlines?
A few smart strategies can save you real money:
- Use Your Carry-On & Personal Item Fully
- 1 carry-on + 1 personal item are free on all tickets. Pack heavy or dense items in these if allowed.
- Weigh & Measure at Home
- Keep bags under 50 lbs and 62 linear inches to avoid hefty overweight/oversize charges.
- Leverage Status & Credit Cards
- Atmos™/Hawaiian elite status and the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard can give you 2–3 free checked bags, depending on your tier and route.
- Military Benefits
- If you’re active-duty U.S. military, take advantage of free bags on orders and personal travel where applicable.
- Backpack Strategy
- Use a backpack as your personal item and a small roller as your carry-on to maximize capacity without paying extra.
- Wear Heavy Items
- Jackets, boots, and heavier clothing are better worn than packed in your suitcase.
- Consider Luggage Shipping for Large Loads
- For long trips or heavy gear, third-party luggage shipping can sometimes be cheaper and more convenient than multiple overweight bags.
If you’re not sure what’s more cost-effective, Flying Getaway can quickly compare extra bags vs. shipping vs. fare upgrade for your dates and route.
Quick Recap Tables: Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Overview
Cabin (Carry-On) Baggage
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Carry-on bag | 1 free per passenger |
| Max size | 22 x 14 x 9 in (56 x 36 x 23 cm) |
| Max weight | 25 lbs (≈ 11–11.5 kg) |
| Personal item | 1 free (must fit under seat in front) |
Checked Baggage – Main Cabin (Typical Fees, Each Way)
| Route | 1st Bag | 2nd Bag | 3rd+ Bags |
|---|---|---|---|
| Neighbor Island | $30 | $40 | $50 |
| North America ↔ Hawaii | $40 | $45 | $150 |
| Most International Routes | Often free 1–2 bags (varies by country & fare) |
(Always verify exact fees for your travel date and ticket.) Hawaiian Airlines
Conclusion: Travel Lighter with Flying Getaway
With Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage rules in mind, you’re now better prepared to pack smart, avoid surprise fees, and breeze through the airport.
If you still feel unsure about how many bags you can check, whether your surfboard will count as standard luggage, or how infant baggage works on your specific route—
👉 Reach out to Flying Getaway.
Our travel experts can:
- Review your exact itinerary and fare
- Estimate your total baggage cost
- Suggest cheaper options (status, cards, shipping, or simple packing tweaks)
So you can focus on enjoying Hawai‘i not worrying about your bags. 🌺
FAQs: Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy
1. How many bags does Hawaiian Airlines allow for free?
All passengers get one free carry-on bag plus one personal item on every Hawaiian Airlines flight. Whether you get free checked bags depends on your route, cabin, fare type, and loyalty/credit-card status. On many international routes, at least one checked bag is free, while on Neighbor Island and North America flights, checked bags usually carry a fee unless you have eligible status or a qualifying credit card. UpgradedPoints.com+1
2. Do you get a free carry-on with Hawaiian Airlines?
Yes. Hawaiian Airlines allows each ticketed passenger one free carry-on bag and one free personal item on all routes. The carry-on must not exceed 22 x 14 x 9 inches and 25 lbs, and the personal item must fit under the seat in front of you. CABINZERO+1
3. Can I bring both a backpack and a carry-on bag on Hawaiian Airlines?
Yes. You can bring:
- 1 carry-on bag (for the overhead bin)
- 1 personal item (which can be a backpack, laptop bag, or purse)
As long as your backpack fits under the seat in front of you, it counts as your personal item and is allowed in addition to your carry-on.
4. What are the size and weight limits for checked baggage on Hawaiian Airlines?
Standard checked bags for Main Cabin passengers must be no larger than 62 linear inches (157 cm) and weigh no more than 50 lbs (23 kg). Bags exceeding these limits may be accepted but will incur overweight or oversize fees that vary by route. Hawaiian Airlines
5. How much baggage is allowed on Hawaiian Airlines flights?
In general, every ticketed passenger is allowed:
- 1 carry-on bag + 1 personal item free
- A certain number of checked bags, which may be free or paid depending on:
- Route (Neighbor Island, North America, International)
- Cabin (Main Cabin vs. First/Business)
- Fare rules
- Elite status (Atmos™/former HawaiianMiles)
- Qualifying credit card benefits
Flying Getaway can quickly check your exact allowance based on your booking.
6. How can I avoid paying baggage fees on Hawaiian Airlines?
You can reduce or avoid baggage fees by:
- Traveling with only carry-on and personal item on shorter trips
- Packing within 50 lbs / 62 linear inches to avoid overweight/oversize charges
- Using Atmos™/Hawaiian elite status or the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite MasterCard for free checked bags
- Taking advantage of military baggage benefits if you’re active-duty U.S. military
- Wearing heavy items like jackets and boots instead of packing them
For complex trips, Flying Getaway can help you compare luggage strategies before you book.
7. What are the fees for extra, oversized, or overweight baggage on Hawaiian Airlines?
Fees vary by route, but here’s the general idea: UpgradedPoints.com+1
- Extra bags (3rd+): typically $50 on Neighbor Island and $150+ on North America and many long-haul routes
- Overweight 51–70 lbs (23–32 kg): about $35–$100 each way
- Overweight 71–100 lbs (32–45 kg): around $200+, and not allowed on all routes
- Oversize 62–115 linear inches: usually $100–$200 per direction
Because these numbers can change and differ by ticket type, always re-check Hawaiian’s current fee tables or ask Flying Getaway to verify for your dates.
8. How can I check my baggage status or track delayed luggage on Hawaiian Airlines?
If your bag is delayed:
- Report it at the airport to Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Services.
- Get a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) number.
- Use the airline’s online baggage tracking tool (or the link they provide) and enter your PIR number and last name.
- Check updates for your bag’s last scanned location and estimated delivery time.
If your bag is significantly delayed or lost, you may be eligible for reimbursement for essentials or compensation under the airline’s liability rules.
Patrick Walker is the travel brain behind Flying Getaway. With a knack for spotting flight deals and a passion for exploring new skies, he helps travelers fly smarter and save more with every trip.
