Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Fees (2026)
Quick summary
Hawaiian Airlines (now part of the Alaska Air Group) is a full-service carrier where a carry-on bag and a personal item are free on every fare. Checked bag fees rose for tickets bought on or after April 10, 2026: on North American routes the first bag is $45, the second is $55, and the third is $200, while shorter inter-island (Neighbor Island) flights are cheaper at $30 first, $40 second, and $50 third. First Class includes two free checked bags, and elite members, Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard holders, and active-duty military can have fees waived. Many trans-Pacific international economy fares still include one or two free checked bags.
The bottom line on Hawaiian Airlines baggage
Hawaiian Airlines is a bundle-style full-service carrier: your carry-on and personal item ride free on every fare, so the only travelers who really pay are those checking bags. The trap is the April 2026 fee jump on North American routes, where the first bag now runs $45 and the second $55 — noticeably more than the $30/$40 you pay flying between the islands.
The surest way to come out ahead is to travel with just the free carry-on and personal item. If you must check, the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard waives your first bag on Hawaiian-operated flights and pays for itself in one round trip, and First Class or active-duty military status covers two bags outright.
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Our own 1–5 rating of Hawaiian Airlines's baggage policy, scored from the verified data on this page. See airline rankings → · How we score →
Hidden pitfalls most travelers miss
- Checked-bag fees jumped for tickets bought on or after April 10, 2026 — the first North American bag is now $45 and the second $55, well above the $30/$40 inter-island rates.
- Overweight (51–70 lb, +$100) and oversize (62–115 linear in, +$200) surcharges on North American routes stack on top of the base checked-bag fee.
- The carry-on is free, but it must stay within 22 x 14 x 9 in and 25 lbs — heavier or larger cabin bags get sent to the hold at the paid checked rate.
Hawaiian Airlinesbaggage allowance & fees at a glance
| 🎒 Personal item | One free personal item (purse, laptop bag, or small backpack) that must fit under the seat in front of you, on every fare. |
| 🧳 Carry-on allowance | One free carry-on bag on every fare, in addition to your personal item. It must fit the overhead bin within 22 x 14 x 9 inches and weigh 25 lbs or less. |
| 🧳 First checked bag | $45 |
| 🧳 Second checked bag | $55 |
Hawaiian Airlines checked bag fees
| 1st checked bag (North America) | $45 |
| 2nd checked bag (North America) | $55 |
| 3rd+ checked bag (North America) | $200 each |
| 1st checked bag (inter-island) | $30 |
| 2nd checked bag (inter-island) | $40 |
| 3rd+ checked bag (inter-island) | $50 each |
| Max size / weight per bag | 50 lbs (23kg) and 62 linear inches (157cm) |
| Overweight (51–70 lbs) | $100 per bag (North America) / $35 (inter-island) |
| Oversize (62–115 linear in) | $200 per bag (North America) / $35 (inter-island); bags over 115 in are not accepted |
Excess baggage cost calculator
Estimate what Hawaiian Airlines will actually charge for your bags — one way, typical domestic/regional route.
- Checked bag #1$45
Estimates only. Fees vary by route, fare type, and date — always confirm before booking.
Hawaiian Airlines vs Alaska Airlines vs Delta Air Lines: baggage compared
Head-to-head on the fees that actually decide the cheaper airline for bags.
| Hawaiian Airlines | Alaska Airlines | Delta Air Lines | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carry-on included | ✅ Free | ✅ Free | ✅ Free |
| 1st checked bag | $45 | $45 | $45 |
| 2nd checked bag | $55 | $55 | $55 |
| Overweight surcharge | $100 | $100 | $100 |
| Weight limit | 23 kg | 23 kg | 23 kg |
Flying Hawaiian Airlines abroad?
Hawaiian Airlines is a full-service carrier based in US — if this is an international trip, a travel eSIM means you land with data already working, with no roaming bill.
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🔁 Change & cancellation
Main Cabin and higher fares allow changes/cancellations with the value held as a credit; Main Cabin Basic (basic economy) is generally non-changeable. Tickets booked directly can be canceled for a full refund within 24 hours of purchase when booked at least 7 days before departure. International (e.g., trans-Pacific) baggage allowances and rules differ from domestic.
Hawaiian Airlines flight delayed or cancelled?
Compensation rules follow the route, not the airline — a US-departing Hawaiian Airlines flight delayed 3+ hours can be worth up to €600. Checking costs nothing.
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Other common fees
| Carry-on pet (in cabin) | From $35 (inter-island) / $125 (North America) |
| Overweight bag (51–70 lbs) | $100 (North America) / $35 (inter-island) per bag |
| Oversize bag (62–115 linear in) | $200 (North America) / $35 (inter-island) per bag |
What stops you paying these fees on Hawaiian Airlines
- An overweight bag costs +$100 here over 23 kg, each way. A scale costs about $10 — the maths on that →
How to avoid extra fees
- Carry the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard to get your first checked bag free on Hawaiian-operated flights — it offsets the annual fee on a single round trip.
- Flying within the islands? Inter-island checked bag fees ($30/$40) are much lower than North American routes ($45/$55), so budget accordingly.
- Travel with just a carry-on and personal item (both free) to skip checked bag fees entirely.
- First Class includes two free checked bags up to 70 lbs each, and active-duty military get complimentary bags — confirm eligibility before paying.
- Keep each checked bag under 50 lbs (23kg) and 62 linear inches to avoid the overweight ($100) and oversize ($200) surcharges on North American routes.
Hawaiian Airlines baggage — FAQ
＋ − How much does Hawaiian Airlines charge for checked bags?
On North American routes the first checked bag is $45, the second is $55, and the third is $200 (for tickets bought on or after April 10, 2026). Inter-island flights are cheaper — $30 first, $40 second, and $50 third.
＋ − Is the carry-on free on Hawaiian Airlines?
Yes. Every fare includes one free carry-on (max 22 x 14 x 9 in, 25 lbs) plus one free personal item that fits under the seat.
＋ − How do I avoid checked bag fees on Hawaiian?
Use the Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard (first bag free), hold elite status, fly First Class (2 free bags), or travel as active-duty military. Otherwise, pack into the free carry-on and personal item.
＋ − Are checked bags free on Hawaiian's international flights?
Often yes. Many trans-Pacific international economy fares include one or two free checked bags, and the allowance differs from the domestic/inter-island fee structure. Confirm the allowance for your specific route before you fly.
Sources & official policy links
Independent guide — not affiliated with Hawaiian Airlines. Figures here reflect Hawaiian Airlines's published US fares as of 2026-07-12.