Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Size Guide: Travel Essentials For A Smooth Journey

As one of the biggest airlines in the United States, Hawaiian Airlines operates flights between the Hawaiian islands and destinations in the continental United States, Asia, Australia, and the South Pacific. When flying Hawaiian, passengers must follow Hawaiian Airlines carry-on size and baggage limitations to have a smooth flight experience. 

This article provides updated information on these guidelines to help travellers avoid any last-minute inconveniences. Let’s get started!

Hawaiian Airlines Cabin Baggage Allowances: An Overview

In short, Hawaiian Airlines lets you bring only one personal item and one carry-on bag on board their flights free of charge. The personal item, such as a book, a small bum bag, or a briefcase, must be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. Meanwhile, standard carry-on bags can be stowed in overhead bins.

Note: Get the most up-to-date policy via Hawaiian Airlines.

1. Can You Bring A Carry-On And A Backpack On Hawaiian Airlines?

Yes, Hawaiian Airlines allows travellers to bring a carry-on bag as well as a backpack or similar personal item on flights. The key is that the backpack must adhere to the personal item guidelines—meaning it fits underneath the forward seat. If it meets those stipulations, it can accompany a carry-on bag on a Hawaiian Airlines flight.

2. What Is The Carry-On Size Limit For Hawaiian Airlines?

Passengers can bring a carry-on on Hawaiian flights.

Hawaiian Airlines carry-on size restrictions match industry standards, with dimensions of 22 x 14 x 9 inches (or 56 x 35 x 23 cm) constituting the maximum size. Bags also cannot exceed 11 kg (25 pounds) in weight.

There’s no mention of a specific size inch for the personal item, except it “must be small enough to fit safely under the seat in front of you.” Typically, your Hawaiian flight personal items should be a purse, briefcase, laptop computer, or a small backpack.

As long as your carry-on luggage falls within those boundaries, it is permitted in Hawaiian Airlines flight cabins. Backpacks also qualify as carry-on bags as long as they don’t exceed the size and weight maximums.

Hawaiian Airlines Carry-on Rules: A Detailed Review

By being aware of size limitations, the number of allowed items, potential weight restrictions, and any special considerations for unique items, you can pack efficiently for your trip.

1. What Are Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Size And Weight Limits?

The maximum dimensions for standard checked bags on Hawaiian Airlines flights are 115 cm (45 linear inches), which is calculated by adding together the length, width, and height of the bag. Meanwhile, bags cannot exceed 11 kg (25 pounds) in weight.  

No oversized carry-on items, including surfboards, wakeboards, and other large sports equipment, are allowed in the cabin. These items must be checked.

2. Can You Bring Two Carry-Ons On Hawaiian Airlines?

The answer is yes. In fact, you are allowed to bring only one carry-on bag with a personal item while flying with Hawaiian Airlines. The best part? They are complimentary bags, meaning you don’t have to pay a dim.

However, note that the carrier “reserves the right to stow any carry-on baggage in the cargo compartment of the aircraft when necessary.” This means if there’s no space available in the cabin, they will check your carry-on for you, most likely free of charge.

3. Is A Backpack Count As A Carry-On?

Yes, a backpack can typically be counted as a carry-on item when you are travelling by air. If you are looking for an ultimate Hawaiian Airline carry-on bag, please check out CabinZero 28L Backpack.

With dimensions of 39 x 29,5 x 20 cm / 15.4 x 11.6 x 7.9, it perfectly fits the Hawaiian Airlines carry-on size. The bag has a simple, functional design focused on key features travellers need. This includes a laptop sleeve, lockable zippers, compression straps, and multiple handles. Plus, the 28L capacity lets you bring essential things for up to a 1-week trip while avoiding checked bag fees.

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4. What Can You Bring On Board On Hawaiian Airlines?

Moreover, you are allowed to bring the specified items on board without them being considered a part of your carry-on allowance:

• Umbrella or walking stick
• Food (inc. baby food) for use during the flight
• Jacket
• Strollers
• Small foot rug
• Books
• A handbag or pocketbook
• Dry ice bag with label - must not exceed 2.5 kg (5.5 pounds)

Musical instrument (limited to one only) and assistive devices can  be carried onboard without counting toward your carry-on allowance.

5. What Is Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Price?

Hawaiian Airlines does not charge additional fees for carry-on luggage. One carry-on bag and one personal item are allowed free of charge for all passengers. As long as your bags meet the stated size and weight limits, you don’t have to pay extra costs. 

Hawaiian Airlines Checked Baggage Allowances & Fees

In addition to a carry-on item, Hawaiian Airlines passengers can check luggage to transport in the cargo hold of the aircraft. There are specific policies related to the size and weight of checked baggage, with excess dimensions or heft subject to additional fees.

1. Hawaiian Airlines Checked Baggage Restrictions

Hawaiian Airlines has established strict guidelines concerning the dimensions and weight of checked baggage. To ensure smooth travel experiences, luggage must conform to a maximum combined outside linear measurement of 157 cm (62 inches) and adhere to a weight limit of 22.5 kg (50 pounds).

Oversize or overweight bags incur additional fees that vary by destination. Hawaiian Airlines does not accept checked bags over 80 linear inches (203 cm). This means they will be denied entry on board, so be aware.

2. Hawaiian Airlines Overweight Bag Fees:

Hawaiian Airlines charges fees for checked bags over 50 pounds, with additional charges for heavier bags. 

• The first overweight tier is 51-70 pounds, which incurs a fee of $35 for inter-island flights or $50 for other itineraries.
• Heavier bags from 71-100 pounds are charged $70 for inter-island routes or $200 for other flights.
• Bags over 100 pounds are not accepted on Hawaiian Airlines. 

Regarding Hawaiian Airlines baggage allowance international, some destinations have exceptions to the standard overweight and oversize charges. 

For example, bags up to 32 kg (70 pounds) have no overweight fee to/from Australia, the United States, or New Zealand. Overall, Hawaiian aims to incentivise passengers to pack lighter through its tiered overweight baggage fee structure.

3. Hawaiian Airlines Excess Bag Fees

This is a summary of Hawaiian Airlines bag fees. Photo from hawaiianairlines.com

Hawaiian Airlines charges additional fees for checking more than 2 bags on a flight. The excess baggage fees are tiered based on the route:

• Flights within Hawaii: $50 per extra bag beyond the first 2 checked bags
• Flights within North America (excluding Hawaii): $100 per extra bag beyond the first 2 checked bags
• International flights: $150 per extra bag beyond the first 2 checked bags

So, for example, suppose you are flying from Honolulu to Los Angeles and want to check 3 bags. You will have to pay the standard checked bag fee for the first 2 bags and then an additional $100 excess bag fee for the 3rd bag.

Moreover, there are some exceptions that you should know. Active military personnel on personal travel are allowed 2 checked bags for free. Plus, passengers travelling in First Class receive 2 free checked bags and additional bags are charged at standard rates.

How Can You Book a Ticket and Check In With Hawaiian?

After learning about Hawaiian Airlines' carry-on size and baggage policy, let’s look at some outlined steps to book and check in with Hawaiian Airlines. 

1. The Booking Process

The process is straightforward whether you are looking to book just a flight or want to bundle additional travel services into your trip.

Some key steps are as follows:

• Step 1: Go to the Hawaiian Airlines website (www.hawaiianairlines.com) or mobile app.
• Step 2: Enter your origin and destination airports along with travel dates to search for flight options.
• Step 3: Select your preferred flight option and enter passenger details.
• Step 4: Choose any add-ons like checked baggage or seat selection. 
• Step 5: Enter payment details and complete the ticket purchase.

In addition to just flights, Hawaiian Airlines allows you to bundle vacations on their website. This lets you book hotels, activities, rental cars and inter-island flights together for an all-inclusive trip package. Bundling can save money versus booking components separately.

You also have the flexibility to redeem HawaiianMiles award miles for flights and other travel awards. Miles never expire, making them valuable for future trips. Award charts provide the mileage rates for different routes, cabins and redemption types.

Hawaiian Airlines offers convenient options for booking flights to Hawaii from their website. Photo from hawaiianairlines.com

2. The Check-In Process

If you want to pass the security faster, opt for online check-in with Hawaiian Airlines. Web check-in with Hawaiian Airlines opens 24 hours prior to your scheduled departure.

This is done through their website or mobile app, which allows the printing of boarding passes from home. It also lets you prepay bag fees, which saves time at the airport.

If you are unable to check in online, airport counters and self-service kiosks are available. Checking in here allows you to get boarding passes, drop off bags and get seated in advance.

Some key policies to keep in mind are that international check-in time cutoffs may be earlier. Also, you should always arrive at the airport at least 2 or 3 hours before the departure time. 

FAQs

1. How Much Liquid Can I Carry On Hawaiian Airlines?

Hawaiian Airlines follows TSA guidelines for liquids, gels, aerosols, and similar toiletries carried through security checkpoints. Containers holding 3.4 ounces (100 ml) or less are permitted in carry-on baggage. All liquids must fit within a single quart-sized plastic bag per passenger.

2. Can You Carry On Food On Hawaiian Airlines?

According to the Hawaii-based airline, they “welcome you to bring your own meals on board.” For starters, solid food items, such as fruits and vegetables, are generally okay for carry-on as long as they meet TSA guidelines. Foods like yoghurt, jams, and jellies, on the other hand, should go in your checked bags. 

3. How Much Baggage Is Allowed On Hawaiian Airlines?

On Hawaiian Airlines, passengers are allowed to bring one carry-on bag and one personal item (such as a purse, briefcase, or small backpack) for free on any flight in any cabin class. The carry-on bag should not exceed 45 linear inches (length + width + height) or 22 x 14 x 9 inches and must weigh no more than 25 lbs.

Certain memberships, such as World Elite Mastercard, Pualani Gold, Elite Members, and Premier Club, allow two free checked bags (Pualani Platinum members even receive three free checked bags). Otherwise, you have to pay around $30-150 per checked bag.

All checked bags must adhere to the size and weight criteria of 62 inches in linear dimensions (length + width + height) or less and weigh less than 50 pounds to avoid additional fees for overweight baggage​.

Bottom Line

To sum up, this article has provided you with the current limitations of Hawaiian Airlines' carry-on size and baggage. By knowing Hawaiian's policies in advance, flyers can properly pack for their trip and avoid any excess baggage issues.

Finally, don’t hesitate to share this article with your friends. Please leave a comment to let us know if you have further questions needed to clarify. Wishing you a pleasant and stress-free journey with Hawaiian Airlines!

Ha Ngan