Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy 2026 - What Every Pet Owner Should Know

Hawaiian Airlines Pet Policy Overview

Hawaiian Airlines permits small dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on many of its routes, subject to availability, carrier requirements, and applicable fees. Larger dogs and other animals must travel as checked baggage or cargo, depending on the route and the animal type. Hawaiian Airlines has specific restrictions on certain routes, particularly inter-island flights between Hawaii, domestic mainland flights, and international routes to and from Hawaii.

Like all US airlines, Hawaiian Airlines updated its policies following the Department of Transportation's January 2021 rule change, which significantly altered the landscape for passengers traveling with emotional support animals.

The 2021 DOT Rule Change - What ESA Owners Must Know

As of January 2021, US airlines are no longer required to accept emotional support animals in the cabin as a disability accommodation. The Department of Transportation revised its rules under the Air Carrier Access Act, drawing a clear distinction between psychiatric service dogs and emotional support animals.

Under the current rules, Hawaiian Airlines - like all US carriers - only recognizes trained psychiatric service dogs and trained service dogs as disability-related traveling companions eligible for in-cabin accommodation without a pet fee. Emotional support animals that do not meet the training and task standards for a service animal must now travel as regular pets under the airline's standard pet-in-cabin or cargo policies, with the associated fees and restrictions.

If you previously flew with an ESA on Hawaiian Airlines before 2021 under the former rules, those accommodations no longer apply. The process, documentation, and fee structure have all changed.

Pets in the Cabin

Hawaiian Airlines allows small dogs and cats in the cabin on select routes. As of the most recent policy updates, the pet must fit comfortably in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier counts as your carry-on bag. Only a limited number of pets are allowed per flight, so reservations must be made in advance - availability is not guaranteed at check-in.

There is a pet fee for cabin travel. The exact fee varies; check Hawaiian Airlines' website directly when booking, as fees are subject to change. Your pet must remain in the carrier for the entire flight.

Pets in Cargo

Larger dogs and certain other animals may be transported in Hawaiian's cargo hold under its PetSafe or similar program. Routes and availability vary significantly. Some seasonal routes may not accept live animals due to temperature and pressure concerns. International routes to Hawaii are subject to Hawaii's strict animal quarantine regulations, which are among the most rigorous in the United States.

If you are traveling to Hawaii with a dog, you must comply with the Hawaii Department of Agriculture's requirements to avoid quarantine. This typically involves rabies vaccinations, microchipping, and advance documentation submitted through the state's official process. This requirement applies regardless of your airline.

Psychiatric Service Dogs on Hawaiian Airlines

A psychiatric service dog (PSD) is a dog trained to perform specific tasks that mitigate a handler's psychiatric disability - for example, interrupting a panic attack, performing room checks for PTSD, or reminding a handler to take medication. PSDs are distinct from emotional support animals.

Hawaiian Airlines accommodates trained service dogs, including PSDs, in the cabin without a pet fee, consistent with the Air Carrier Access Act and DOT regulations. Passengers traveling with a service dog may be required to complete DOT-specified documentation in advance, confirming the dog's training, the nature of the disability-related task, and the dog's behavior in public settings.

If you are considering whether a PSD might be appropriate for your situation - and want to understand whether your mental health condition qualifies - a licensed mental health professional can help you assess your options.

Breed and Size Restrictions

Hawaiian Airlines has breed restrictions for pets traveling in cargo. Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds like Bulldogs, Pugs, and Boston Terriers are typically restricted from cargo travel due to respiratory risks associated with stress and temperature changes. Check Hawaiian's current list of restricted breeds directly, as these policies are updated periodically.

Cabin pets must fit in an approved soft-sided carrier under the seat in front of you. The combined weight of the pet and carrier typically must not exceed a specified limit. Check current limits when booking.

What ESA Owners Can Do Now

If you have an ESA for anxiety, depression, PTSD, or another mental health condition, the 2021 DOT rule change means you have two options for in-cabin travel on Hawaiian Airlines. You can either transport your pet as a cabin pet under the standard pet policy (fees and size restrictions apply) or work with your mental health provider to determine whether your animal qualifies as a trained psychiatric service dog under the ADA and DOT standards.

An ESA letter supports housing protections under the Fair Housing Act (42 U.S.C. § 3604) but does not provide airline accommodation rights under current DOT rules. The documentation required for a PSD accommodation on airlines is different from an ESA letter and involves certification of specific trained tasks.

Hawaiian Airlines Pet Travel Checklist

If you are flying with a pet on Hawaiian Airlines, prepare carefully before your travel day:

• Book the pet reservation at the time of flight booking - spots are limited per flight
• Confirm your carrier meets the specific under-seat dimensions for your aircraft type (HawaiianMiles booking confirmation will show your aircraft; dimensions vary)
• Review Hawaiian Airlines' inter-island and mainland policies separately - rules differ between island-to-island flights and mainland routes
• Bring vaccination records if traveling on routes that require them
• Check Hawaii's Department of Agriculture requirements if traveling into Hawaii from the mainland - rabies quarantine rules are strict and cannot be waived by airline pet policies

Hawaii-Specific Pet Entry Requirements

Hawaii has some of the strictest pet import regulations in the United States due to its unique ecosystem. These requirements apply regardless of your airline or ESA status:

• Dogs entering Hawaii must meet specific vaccination, microchipping, and health documentation requirements to qualify for the five-day-or-less program (avoiding mandatory quarantine)
• Even trained service dogs and PSDs must meet Hawaii's animal import requirements; ADA public access rights do not exempt animals from state import regulations
• Plan well in advance if you are bringing any animal to or from Hawaii - the documentation process typically takes several months to complete properly

For travelers whose mental health needs require traveling with an animal, a psychiatric service dog (PSD) with verified task training provides DOT Air Carrier Access Act rights for in-cabin travel as a trained service animal - without pet fees. See our PSD flying guide for the full details.