Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Policy

Traveling with Hawaiian Airlines is easy, especially when it comes to the baggage policy. Suppose you are taking a domestic trip between the Hawaiian Islands or traveling between the mainland U.S. and Aloha Paradise. In that case, it is important to understand the Hawaiian Airlines baggage policy. It helps you to avoid last-minute surprises and expenses at the airport during check-in. In this complete guide, we will provide you with every carry-on policy, big restrictions, weight restrictions, size restrictions, and sports equipment.

If you are a frequent flyer, a family on vacation, or someone visiting the islands for the first time, knowing about Hawaiian Airlines' new luggage rules will help you plan your trip better and avoid any surprises. It will help you to inform and carry the proper sizes to checked bags, sports equipment policies, and elite member perks. 

Carry-On & Personal Item: What is Allowed

Hawaiian Airlines allows passengers to carry on one free bag and one free personal item.

• Carry-On: Maximum dimension of 22 × 14 × 9 inches, including handles and wheels, and must weigh less than 25 lbs (11 kg).
• Personal Item: A purse, laptop case, or a slim, flexible bag that can fit under the seat.

As long as it is within the dimensions and weight limits, Hawaiian Airlines allows for a carry-on and personal item for free. If an item is oversized or over the weight limit, you may be flagged at check-in, and you may have to check the item instead. A stroller, car seat, or wheelchair can be checked gate side, at no charge if needed.

 Checked Baggage: Sizes, Weights & Fees

Checked baggage fees and allowances depend on the fare class and route:

All checked baggage must be no greater than 62 linear inches (length + width + height) and must weigh no more than 50 lbs (23 kg). If bags exceed weight or size restrictions, additional charges will apply. `

 Overweight & Oversize Rules

If your bag is overweight and oversize, then both charges apply - so be wise to the weight of your bags!

Elite Members & Credit Card Benefits

Certain travelers can enjoy some additional perks:

Pualani Gold members: First 2 bags at no cost, then charged at the standard rates.

Pualani Platinum members: First 3 bags at no cost, then charged at the standard rates.

Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard holders:

• Standard benefit: 2 free checked bags on Hawaiian-only flights (excludes international travel).
• Elite cardholders would be able to stack this benefit on top of elite status, such that Platinum members with the card would have 5 free checked bags on inter-island routes.

The benefits listed are only applicable when traveling on Hawaiian-designated flights and using the credit card to purchase the ticket.

Sports Equipment & Specialty Items     

Hawaiian Airlines supports the island lifestyle and now considers many sports items standard checked baggage:  

1. Surfboards, skis, golf clubs, bikes, fishing poles, and more can be checked without the additional sports-gear fees. The only consideration is that the items must fit within the weight/size limits.  
2. Basic limits: up to 70 lbs and up to 115 linear inches for most items; surfboards would usually fit in standard checked limits.  
3. If an item is overweight or oversized, overweight/oversized fees would be imposed, but there is no separate "sport" fee.  
4. Other specialty items like musical instruments, paintball guns, and scuba gear would follow similar parameters, with added inspection/packing requirements and additional fees if overweight/oversized.

Strategies for Avoiding Fees and Traveling Smart

Here are some smart packing tips:

• Pre-pay for baggage online with check-in (24 hrs in advance) to avoid higher prices at the airport.
• Weigh and measure your luggage before you even leave home. Don't wait for the airport.
• For short trips, adhere to the free carry-on + personal item only and avoid checked bag fees.
• Carry free bags by using airline credit cards and having elite status.
• If you will be past the size and weight limit, ship large items, like surfboards, before flying.

Packing Guidelines: What you should know

1. To avoid delays or lost luggage, make sure you follow TSA requirements for liquids, wearables, and batteries. 
2. When packing fragile gear, protect it and use protective cases for guitars, surfboards, bike parts, etc. 
3. Secure peace of mind when using paintball guns/scuba tanks, and pre-declare those items if necessary. 
4. You can stop worrying if your checked bags are clearly labelled with your name, address, and contact information. 

Conclusion

If you understand the Hawaiian Airlines baggage policy, it will help you pack with confidence and avoid these additional charges. In addition to free carry-ons and a free personal item, Hawaiian Airlines has great allowances for sports equipment, which is great for the traveler, as long as you know the rules. You may want to download the Hawaiian Airlines app, pre-pay your luggage fees, and measure your luggage beforehand. With a little planning, you can ensure your journey and worry less about suitcase handcuffs.