Table of Contents[Hide][Show]
If you’re planning a trip to the beautiful islands of Hawaii, there’s a good chance you’ll fly Hawaiian Airlines either from the mainland or connecting on an inter-island flight.
Because of this, you’ll need to be up to speed with Hawaiian Airlines’ carry-on policies. Specifically, the various rules and regulations for what you can and cannot “carry on” to the plane. Each airline’s rules are different, so don’t assume that what works for one will work for all airlines.
This article will cover the Hawaiian Airlines Carry-on policies, including size, weight limits, and what you can bring on in terms of food, liquids, etc.
Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Baggage
Hawaiian Airlines allows each passenger one personal item and one carry-on bag at no charge.
Carry-On Dimensions
Hawaiian Airlines’ size requirements for a carry-on are 22″ x 14″ x 9″.
If you aren’t sure what size your carry-on is, Hawaiian Airlines has “size check templates” located at their ticketing counters and (occasionally) at the departure gates. But if you wait until you get to either of these locations and have an issue, it’s too late.
Carry-On Weight Limit
Hawaiian Airlines limits the weight of your carry-on bag to 25 pounds.
Personal Items
Hawaiian Airlines’ size requirements for a personal item are not stated. The item just has to be able to fit under the seat in front of you.
Personal items are generally such things as a purse, laptop bag, small backpack, etc.
Other items you can carry on with you
In addition to your one carry-on bag and personal item, you can bring the following items on board when flying Hawaiian Airlines:
- A stroller
- A handbag or pocketbook;
- An overcoat, jacket, or wrap;
- An umbrella or walking stick;
- A camera and/or a pair of binoculars;
- A reasonable amount of reading matter for the flight; and
- Food (including baby food) for consumption on the flight.
Rules When Flying Main Cabin Basic
There is no charge to carry a bag when you buy a Hawaiian Main Cabin Basic Economy fare. The carry-on rules are the same for all classes of service.
The main difference is with a Basic Economy ticket, you’ll be one of the last to board, so overhead space will be limited.
Rules for Inter-Island Commuter Planes
Hawaiian Airlines Inter-Island commuter flights are on smaller planes with limited overhead space. If your carry-on is larger than the personal item dimensions, you must gate-check your bag before boarding.
All carry-on bags within Hawaiian Airlines’ size restrictions will be gate checked, free of charge, during the boarding process and returned upon deplaning.
Hawaiian Airlines Liquid Policy
The rules for carry-on liquids are set by the TSA (Transportation Security Administration), not by the airline. Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t have its own specific Liquid Policy, they just enforce the rules and policies of the TSA.
Liquids in a carry-on bag must be 3.4 ounces or smaller and fit in a 1 quart-sized container. Anything larger must be placed in your checked luggage.
The TSA 3-1-1: (Rules for Carry-on Liquids)
Each passenger may carry liquids, gels, and aerosols in travel-size containers that are 3.4 ounces or 100 milliliters. Each passenger is limited to one quart-size bag of liquids, gels, and aerosols. Common travel items that must comply with the 3-1-1 liquids rule include toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, perfume, mouthwash, deodorant, and lotion.
Exceptions to this rule are certain medications and baby food/child nourishment.
Food Restrictions
Hawaiian Airlines follows the rules stated by the TSA regarding what type of food you can and cannot bring on the plane.
Solid food items (not liquids or gels) can be transported in either your carry-on or checked bags. Liquid or gel food items larger than 3.4 oz are not allowed in carry-on bags and should be placed in your checked bags if possible.
The general rule is “If you can spill it, spread it, spray it, pump it, or pour it, then it’s considered a liquid or gel”.
This means things like yogurt, soup, jelly, and spreadable items like nut butter, cream cheese, and hummus are considered liquids and cannot be brought through security unless they are in a container of fewer than 3.4 ounces.
Prohibited and Restricted Items
There are certain items that are considered dangerous and classified as hazardous goods. These items are prohibited from both your carry-on and checked bag on all flights.
Hazardous materials include, but are not limited to Explosives, Gases, Flammable Liquids and Solids, Oxidizers, Toxic and Infectious Materials, Radioactive Materials, Corrosives, and many other items that can endanger the traveling public when not handled correctly.
The rules for restricted items are not specific to Hawaiian Airlines. They are mandated by the Federal Aviation Administration.
The Transportation Security Administration also has rules on “prohibited items” that pose a security threat. Though they sometimes overlap, the TSA security rules are separate from the FAA dangerous goods safety rules; go to the TSA Prohibited Items web page.
A complete list can be found on the FAA and TSA websites.
Please note, this is just a listing of common dangerous goods; if you don’t see your item here it doesn’t mean it’s allowed in baggage. When in doubt, leave it out!
Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Size & Fees
In summary, understanding these guidelines can make your vacation more trouble-free and help you avoid unexpected expenses or delays. So, before you take off, take a little time to familiarize yourself with Hawaiian Airlines’ carry-on policy, and you’ll be better prepared to enjoy your visit to Hawaii without any unnecessary concerns.
Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t charge a fee for any carry-on items that meet their size requirements and restrictions. If your bag is too large, heavy, or doesn’t meet Hawaiian Airlines’ carry-on restrictions, you may be charged a fee to gate check it.
Here is a link to Hawaiian’s Carry-On page to make sure you have the most up-to-date information regarding what you can and cannot bring on board with you.