The science here is simpler than it sounds. Hawaiian Airlines accepts dogs in the cabin, so a small companion can fly beside you rather than below. Pixel, my Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, has taught me that the paperwork trips people up far more than the pet does. Read this like a checklist, tick each item, and the cabin option stays open for your dog.
Hawaiian Airlines's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Hawaiian Airlines handles your pet
HAWAIIAN AIRLINES: cabin (small dogs/cats $125 mainland / $35 interisland), checked baggage ($225 mainland / $60 interisland), and cargo via Hawaiian Air Cargo. Brachycephalic breeds explicitly ACCEPTED in cabin if carrier fits under seat. Brachycephalic breeds NOT accepted as cargo (Hawaii's tropical climate). In checked baggage they're strongly discouraged but accepted with oversized crate (4-5 in extra clearance head/nose).
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Hover the to read the exact wording; the opens the source page.
In the cabin Accepted
In the hold / cargo Accepted
Snub-nosed breedsNot accepted
Cabin policy
Snub-nosed breeds banned Yes“Snub nosed dogs and cats are temperature-sensitive, and should not be transported in the luggage compartment”
Snub-nosed breeds listFrench Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Chow Chow, Bullmastiff, Brussels Griffon, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Mastiff“Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold Snub-Nosed Breeds Flown by Hawaiian Airlines All brachycephalic breeds must fly in a crate one size larger than normally required. T”
Minimum age8 weeks“One dog or cat per carrier is permitted except for two puppies and kittens of the same breed aged between 8 weeks and 6 months of age.”
Advance booking notice3 hours“Guests must check in no later than 3 hours before departure and bring printed copies of all required documents Pets in the Cabin Hawaiian…”
Advance booking required Yes“Please note: No cargo facility available at San Jose, CA or Oakland, CA Requirements Advance booking is required Please note: No cargo facility available at San Jose, CA or Oakland, CA Requirements Advance booking is…”
Max pets per passenger1“Pet Restrictions: Maximum of 1 animal per kennel *and* maximum amount of kennels per passenger based upon maximum allowed per aircraft…”
Booking methodmake your own flight reservations“You may book your pet in the passenger cabin at the same time you make your own flight reservations”
Cold-weather embargo-6.6°C“Pets will be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).”
Banned destinations Yes“EXCEPTION: Live animals will not be accepted for travel to/from New York City (JFK) both in the passenger compartment and as checked baggage, except for qualified comfort/service animals The passenger must make all…”
Max per flight3“B-717/B-767/A330: 3 pets per flight Note: One passenger may check-in multiple animals d under the seat.”
Carrier size43 × 43 cm“…upright, turn, and lay down in a natural position. They must not exceed the dimensions of 17" x 11" x 9.5" (43 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm). The animal is required to stay in the carrier throughout the journey.”
Crate must have/besoft-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier“…upright, turn, and lay down in a natural position. They must not exceed the dimensions of 17" x 11" x 9.5" (43 cm x 28 cm x 24 cm). The animal is required to stay in the carrier throughout the journey.”
Hold & cargo policy
Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned Yes“Note 1: Animals will not be accepted for check-in to a city that is under a seasonal pet acceptance embargo.”
Hold: Snub-nosed breeds listFrench Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Chow Chow, Bullmastiff, Brussels Griffon, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Mastiff“Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold Snub-Nosed Breeds Flown by Hawaiian Airlines All brachycephalic breeds must fly in a crate one size larger than normally required. T”
Hold: Minimum age8 weeks“Age requirements Minimum age for pets flying as checked baggage is 8 weeks of age and weaned Age requirements Minimum age for pets flying as checked baggage is 8 weeks of age and weaned”
Hold: Advance booking notice3 hours“Guests must check in no later than 3 hours before departure and bring printed copies of all required documents Pets in Checked Baggage Hawaiian…”
Hold: Advance booking required Yes“Please note: No cargo facility available at San Jose, CA or Oakland, CA Requirements Advance booking is required Please note: No cargo facility available at San Jose, CA or Oakland, CA Requirements Advance booking is…”
Hold: Heat embargo29°C“Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29”
Hold: Crate must have/behard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier“Transporting Containers/Kennels Approved Container Required Animals accepted as checked baggage must be placed in a hard sided shipping container”
Cargo: Pets accepted Accepted“Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.”
Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned Yes“Snub nosed dogs and cats are temperature-sensitive, and should not be transported in the luggage compartment”
Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds listFrench Bulldog, English Bulldog, Pug, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso, Chow Chow, Bullmastiff, Brussels Griffon, Shar Pei, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Mastiff“DOGS : American Bully Burmese, American Staffordshire Terrier Exotic, American Pit Bull Terrier, Himalayan, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog, Bull Mastiff, Bull Terrier, Chow Chow, Dutch Pug, English…”
Cargo: Minimum age8 weeks“Age requirements Minimum age for pets flying as checked baggage is 8 weeks of age and weaned.”
Cargo: Advance booking notice48 hours“Reservations Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure.”
Cargo: Advance booking required Yes“Advance Arrangements Required The number of containers allowed per flight, both as carry-on and checked baggage, is limited as follows: Baggage Compartment: Passenger Compartment: Note: HA will not accept animals in the…”
Cargo: Max pets per flight3“B-717/B-767/A330: 3 pets per flight Note: One passenger may check-in multiple animals, as long as the aircraft limitation…”
Cargo: Cold-weather embargo7°C“Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C)”
Cargo: Heat embargo29°C“Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29”
Cargo: Crate must have/behard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier“For pets traveling as checked baggage, kennels must be hard-sided Transporting Containers/Kennels Approved Container Required Animals accepted as checked baggage must be placed in a hard sided shipping container Kennel…”
Health & documents
Health certificate required Yes“Forms Required A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel for flights from Hawaii and 14 days for flights d under the seat.”
Acclimation certificate required Yes“The acclimation certificate must specify the minimum temperature at which the animal may travel Animals may be accepted for travel if the temperature falls below 45F/7C only under the following conditions: There is no…”
Carrier fit certificate required Yes“The acclimation certificate must specify the minimum temperature at which the animal may travel An acclimation certificate is required for all pets traveling to/from all US cities from Oct Animals may be accepted for…”
Health certificate validity10 days“If travel is outside of 30 days, passenger needs to obtain a new Health Certificate dated within 10 days of return flight”
Other rules
Service & assistance animals
Esa noteEmotional Support animals must travel as standard pets“Emotional Support animals must travel as standard pets, and all pet fees and rules apply”
Fee waived Yes“Service dog pet policy All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge There are no fees for the transportation of service animals, in either the passenger or luggage compartment Trained service an”
Cabin allowed No“On flights originating from Phoenix, Arizona (PHX), birds are only accepted as on flights as service animals (not accepted as pets in cabin or as luggage) Service dog pet policy All service dogs may fly in the cabin at…”
Esa recognized No“Emotional support and service dogs in training as not accepted as service animals”
Forms required Yes“Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation must also be submitted Domestic Travel The passenger must make all arrangements and assume full responsibility for complying with any applicable laws,…”
In the cabin Accepted
In the hold / cargo Accepted
Snub-nosed breedsNot accepted
Cabin policy
Snub-nosed breeds banned Yes“Snub nosed dogs and cats are temperature-sensitive, and should not be transported in the luggage compartment”
One-way fee35 USD“Related: How to clear airport security with a pet Pet fee The cost to fly your pet in the cabin is $35 USD for inter-island flights and $125 for flights between Hawaii and the United ag.”
Minimum age8 weeks“One dog or cat per carrier is permitted except for two puppies and kittens of the same breed aged between 8 weeks and 6 months of age.”
Advance booking notice48 hours“Reservations Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure.”
Advance booking required Yes“Please note: No cargo facility available at San Jose, CA or Oakland, CA Requirements Advance booking is required Please note: No cargo facility available at San Jose, CA or Oakland, CA Requirements Advance booking is…”
Max pets per passenger1“Pet Restrictions: Maximum of 1 animal per kennel *and* maximum amount of kennels per passenger based upon maximum allowed per aircraft…”
Hold & cargo policy
Hold: Snub-nosed breeds banned Yes“Snub nosed dogs and cats are temperature-sensitive, and should not be transported in the luggage compartment”
Hold: Minimum age8 weeks“Age requirements Minimum age for pets flying as checked baggage is 8 weeks of age and weaned Age requirements Minimum age for pets flying as checked baggage is 8 weeks of age and weaned”
Hold: Advance booking notice3 hours“Guests must check in no later than 3 hours before departure and bring printed copies of all required documents.”
Hold: Advance booking required Yes“Pet Reservations Hawaiian Airlines requires at least 48 hours’ advance notice if you plan to travel with a pet Please note: No cargo facility available at San Jose, CA or Oakland, CA Requirements Advance booking is…”
Hold: Cold-weather embargo7°C“…if the local temperature at the origin, destination or connecting airport is expected to be below 45F/7C Minimum Temperature Animals will not be accepted as checked baggage”
Hold: Heat embargo29°C“Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29”
Hold: Crate must have/behard-sided ok, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier“Transporting Containers/Kennels Approved Container Required Animals accepted as checked baggage must be placed in a hard sided shipping container”
Cargo: Pets accepted Accepted“Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.”
Cargo: Snub-nosed breeds banned Yes“Snub nosed dogs and cats are temperature-sensitive, and should not be transported in the luggage compartment”
Cargo: Minimum age8 weeks“One dog or cat per carrier is permitted except for two puppies and kittens of the same breed aged between 8 weeks and 6 months of age.”
Cargo: Advance booking notice48 hours“Reservations Reservations must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure.”
Cargo: Advance booking required Yes“Advance Arrangements Required The number of containers allowed per flight, both as carry-on and checked baggage, is limited as follows: Baggage Compartment: Passenger Compartment: Note: HA will not accept animals in the…”
Cargo: Heat embargo29°C“Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29”
Cargo: Crate must have/behard-sided ok, water bowl, ventilated, IATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrier“For pets traveling as checked baggage, kennels must be hard-sided Transporting Containers/Kennels Approved Container Required Animals accepted as checked baggage must be placed in a hard sided shipping container Kennel…”
Health & documents
Health certificate required Yes“Hawaii to Mainland Original health certificate required/must be dated within 10 days of departure date Health Certificate Requirement Health certificates must be signed/issued by a licensed/certified veterinarian Health…”
Import permit copy required Yes“Owners of birds flying from the United States must have an import permit animals to Pago Pago provided the animal originated in a country designated as "rabies-free" and is accompanied by an import permit from the…”
Acclimation certificate required Yes“An acclimation certificate is required for all pets traveling to/from all US cities from Oct Animals may be accepted for travel if the temperature falls below 45F/7C only under the following conditions: There is no…”
Health certificate validity30 days“Note: Health Certificate is valid for 30 days from original departure date INTERNATIONAL CONTRACT OF CARRIAGE: RULE 105 ACCEPTANCE OF PETS AND…”
Health certificate validity10 days“If travel is outside of 30 days, passenger needs to obtain a new Health Certificate dated within 10 days of return flight”
Other rules
Cargo reservations for dogs on Hawaiian Airlines must be made at least 48 hours prior to departure. Call the airline the moment travel dates are fixed. Reserve the cargo space before the 48-hour deadline closes. Confirm the booking reference in writing. A booking made inside that 48-hour window can be refused, leaving the dog without a confirmed cargo slot on the flight.
Hawaiian Airlines will not transport any dog in the cabin at temperatures lower than 20°F, which is -6.6°C. Check the forecast low for departure, connection, and arrival airports. Below 45°F, carry an acclimation certificate. Below -6.6°C, expect the pet to be declined outright. Rebook to a warmer time slot when the forecast approaches that -6.6°C floor.
Frequently asked
- How many pets can I bring on Hawaiian Airlines?
- Hawaiian Airlines allows 1 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier.
- What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
- If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.
- What happens if I forget a document?
- At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
The science here is simpler than it sounds, but your route is yours alone. Hawaiian Airlines opens the door for dogs in cabin, cargo, and hold, yet the snub-nosed rules and temperature limits reshape every itinerary differently. Build a personalized plan for your actual dog, breed, and dates using Pawgo's plan-builder. It turns these scattered rules into one clear checklist so nothing surprises you at the counter.
Glossary
- ISO chip
- ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
- FAVN
- Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
- Brachycephalic
- Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
- AVIH
- Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.