Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy, Fees, and Allowance Guide

When you’re getting ready to travel, especially over long distances or between islands, it’s important to know how much luggage you can take. Many people flying with Hawaiian Airlines often wonder things like, “How many bags can I check?” or “How much do I need to pay extra for luggage?” Hawaiian Airlines operates more than 150 flights every day within the Hawaiian Islands, as well as flights to the U.S. mainland and international destinations. With so many different routes, the Hawaiian Airlines baggage policy can change depending on where you’re flying. Understanding the rules in advance helps you avoid extra fees and delays at the airport.

Here are some quick facts:

• Hawaiian allows one carry-on bag plus one personal item per passenger.

• Checked baggage (also called hold luggage) is subject to size, weight, and fee limits.

• Depending on your route within Hawaii, between the U.S. mainland and Hawaii, or internationally, the Hawaiian Airlines baggage fees vary.

• Hawaiian’s policy also covers oversize, overweight, and special items, such as surfboards, musical instruments, and military baggage.

1. Carry-On and Personal Item Rules

Before checking in your luggage, it’s good to know what you can bring with you on board. Hawaiian Airlines allows:

• Each passenger gets one carry-on bag plus one personal item, like a purse or laptop bag, free of charge.

• Your carry-on must be small enough to fit either in the overhead bin or under the seat ahead of you. The size limit is 9" x 14" x 22" (114 cm linear) and weighs up to 25 lbs (11 kg) (including wheels/handles).

• If your carry-on exceeds size or weight limits, you’ll need to check it (and then Hawaiian Airlines baggage rules apply).

• Hawaiian may require carry-ons to be stowed in the cargo hold (gate-checked) if space is tight or depending on aircraft type.

2. Hawaiian Airlines Checked Baggage: Basics and Conditions

Checked baggage includes the bags you hand over at the airport counter before boarding. These are stored in the airplane’s cargo hold during the flight. Here are the main rules you should know:

• Your bag must not exceed 62 linear inches in total size (length + width + height = 157 cm total) and 50 lbs (22.5 kg) maximum weight for a standard bag.

• If the bag is heavier than 50 lbs or larger than 62 linear inches, overweight or oversize fees apply (on top of the base checked bag price).

• Baggage over 100 lbs (45 kg) generally is not accepted except in rare situations.

• If your bag measures more than 62 inches but less than 80 inches, it may still be accepted, but extra oversize charges will apply.

• Your name and contact info must appear on each checked bag.

• Baggage may be inspected or refused if it contains prohibited items or is unsafe.

Also read Hawaiian Airlines Business Class: Lounges, Meals, and Priority Services

3. Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Fees (Checked Bags)

Hawaiian Airlines charges different baggage fees depending on where you are flying. The price can also change based on your ticket type, membership status, or if you have certain credit cards. Below are the basic fees for flights within Hawaii, also called Neighbor Island flights:

Domestic or Within Hawaii (“Neighbor Island”) Routes

Extra charges may apply if your bag is too heavy or too large:

These fees are in addition to the regular Hawaiian Airlines checked baggage cost. Knowing these charges helps you plan ahead and avoid paying more at the airport.

Domestic (U.S. Mainland or Non-Hawaii) Routes

Hawaiian Airlines baggage fees change when you're flying between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland or on international routes. Here’s a simple breakdown.

International Routes:

• For many international routes, Hawaiian allows two complimentary checked bags (free) for travel between the U.S. and points outside the U.S. (except for U.S.–Australia/New Zealand, see below)

• For U.S.–Australia/New Zealand flights: Economy gets one free bag, and the second (if allowed) is charged.

• Baggage over the allowed free weights or dimensions gets excess charges under Rule 123.

• Also, special items on international routes are subject to those same excess fees.

Memberships, Credit Cards, and Exceptions:

• As of January 2, 2026, Atmos Silver members receive one complimentary checked bag, and Atmos Gold members receive two complimentary checked bags.

• Owners of the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard get the two complimentary checked bags benefit only on Hawaiian Airlines-operated flights.

• Members of the Huakaʻi by Hawaiian program (for Hawaii residents) give one free checked bag on Neighbor Island flights, including sports equipment like golf or surfboards.

• Military travelers: On active duty, first two bags free (maximum 70 lbs. and 115 linear inches. in for orders); certain orders allow the first five bags free.

When You Pay or How to Pay

• You can pay for checked baggage up to 24 hours before departure via web or mobile check-in (until 60 minutes before).

• Or you can pay at the airport counter or kiosk on the departure day.

Also read Can I select seats on Hawaiian Airlines?

4. Oversize, Overweight, and Special Items

Sometimes your bag isn’t a standard suitcase. Here’s how the Hawaiian Airlines baggage rules handle that.

Overweight or Oversized:

• If your bag exceeds weight limits (51–70 lb, 71–100 lb), you pay overweight fees on top of the checked bag charge.

• Oversize (greater than 62 linear in but ≤ 80 linear feet) also incurs an extra oversize fee.

• Bags with dimensions over 80 in or a weight of more than 100 lb are generally not accepted.

Special or Sport Items:

• Hawaiian allows surfboards, wakeboards, bicycles, golf clubs, musical instruments, etc., as special items, subject to certain conditions.

• For example, a surfboard must be in a padded bag, fins removed or protected, and length ≤ 115 in.

• Such items are considered checked baggage and may incur excess or oversize, or overweight fees if beyond allowance.

• As of recent policy updates, Hawaiian now accepts surfboards, bikes, and golf clubs as standard checked baggage for eligible flights (i.e., included within the standard checked bag allowance when possible).

5. Route-Based Differences and Tips

Hawaiian Airlines baggage allowance and fees vary by route, fare class, and membership status:

• Inter-Island (within Hawaii): First bag $30, second bag $30–$40, additional bags $50 each. Oversize and overweight fees apply.

• U.S. Mainland ↔ Hawaii: First bag $40, second bag $45, additional bags $150 each. Oversized and overweight fees are higher than inter-island rates.

• International Routes: Up to 2 free checked bags (1 for U.S.–Australia/New Zealand). Fees for extra, oversize, or overweight bags depend on the destination and fare class.

Tips:

• Elite status, fare type, or credit card perks may waive or reduce fees.

• Codeshare flights follow the baggage rules of the operating carrier.

• For full legal details, see Hawaiian Airlines Contract of Carriage (Rules 17, 18, 115, 123).

Note:

Baggage rules, fees, and allowances may change and vary by route, fare, or membership. Verify current policies before traveling.

FAQs About Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy

Q.1: How many carry-on bags can I bring on Hawaiian Airlines?

• You can bring 1 carry-on bag and 1 personal item for free. Carry-on size must not exceed 45 linear inches (22 x 14 x 9 inches).

Q.2: What is the checked baggage size and weight limit?

• Each checked bag must be up to 62 linear inches and max 50 lbs (23 kg). Heavier or larger bags incur extra fees.

Q.3: Which baggage rules apply on codeshare flights?

• The baggage policy of the first operating carrier on your itinerary usually applies.

Q.4: Can I bring sports equipment?

• Yes, items like surfboards, golf clubs, and bikes are allowed, but may get charged as oversized or special items.

Q.5: Can I pay baggage fees online?

• Yes, baggage fees can be paid during check-in online or at airport kiosks.

Q.6: Do baggage fees apply to children or infants?

• Yes, standard baggage fees apply. Car seats and strollers are checked for free.

Q.7: What if my bag is delayed or lost?

• Report it immediately at the Hawaiian baggage office at the airport or online. Compensation rules apply under their Contract of Carriage.

Conclusion

Understanding the Hawaiian Airlines baggage policy helps you avoid surprises and fees at the airport. Whether you’re flying between islands or across continents, keep in mind the Hawaiian Airlines baggage allowance, checked baggage limits, and potential Hawaiian Airlines baggage fees for extra or oversized weight. Be sure to review the full Hawaiian Airlines baggage rules before you travel. When you’re ready to book your next trip, trust Flightsquest to help choose wisely, pack smart, and fly stress-free.

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