Hawaiian Airlines Military Baggage Policy

If you’re an active-duty U.S. military member or a qualifying dependent traveling with Hawaiian Airlines, you could be eligible for some baggage fee waivers.

In this post, we’ll explain which branches of the U.S. military are eligible and what baggage allowances are to expect, depending on whether you’re traveling on orders or for leisure.

We’ll also cover how much you’ll have to pay if you purchase extra baggage, or your bags are oversized and/or overweight. Whether you’re traveling interstate or overseas, you’ll find the information below.

Let’s begin!

Who is Eligible for Hawaiian Airlines Military Baggage Benefit?

Hawaiian Airlines’ military baggage benefits applies to active-duty military personnel members of the following branches of the United States Armed Forces:

• Army
• Navy
• Air Force
• Marines
• Coast Guard

Cadets of the above branches also qualify, as do members of the National Guard.

However, members of the Reserve Officer Training Corps (ROTC) do not qualify.

The military baggage benefit extends to your accompanying spouse or dependents of eligible military personnel when traveling on orders only.

Remember to carry your military ID, travel orders, and any required travel documents to verify your eligibility for military baggage benefits.

Carry On Baggage Allowance

Regular carry-on baggage allowances apply for active-duty U.S. military personnel.

You’re allowed to bring 1 personal item and 1 carry-on bag onboard.

Personal Item Allowance

All fare types include 1 personal item for free.

Personal Item Size Limit

Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t specify a size allowance for personal items. However, it should be able to fit under the seat in front of you.

As a guide, most airlines use 18 x 14 x 8 inches (45 x 35 x 20 centimeters) as the size limit for personal items.

Examples of typical personal items include:

• Handbag
• Laptop bag
• Small backpack
• Briefcase

Personal Item Weight Limit

As is common practice with U.S. domestic airlines, there is no weight limit for your personal item.

Carry On Bag Allowance

All fare types include 1 carry-on bag for free.

Carry On Bag Size Limit

Your carry-on bag can be up to 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 centimeters) in size. It should be able to fit in the overhead bin or under the seat in front of you.

Examples of typical carry-on bags include:

• Small suitcase
• Backpack
• Duffel bag
• Garment bag

Carry On Bag Weight Limit

Hawaiian Airlines imposes a weight limit of 25 pounds (11 kilograms) on your carry-on bag.

You should be able to lift it in the overhead bin without needing assistance.

Military Baggage Allowance

Active Duty Military Personnel Traveling on Military Orders

For active-duty U.S. military personnel traveling on orders, they are entitled to travel with up to 5 checked bags for free.

Checked Bag Size Limit

When traveling on orders, each of your free checked bags can be up to 80 linear inches (206 centimeters) in size. Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t accept checked bags larger than 80 linear inches, so make sure that you measure them before you leave for the airport.

Checked Bag Weight Limit

For travel on military orders, each of your free checked bags can weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

If your bags exceed 70 pounds, it will be subject to overweight baggage fees when checking in at the airport.

Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t accept checked baggage weighing more than 100 pounds (45 kilograms)

Active Duty Military Personnel on Personal Travel

When traveling on personal business, your military baggage benefit entitles you to 2 free checked bags.

Checked Bag Size Limit

When on personal travel, your checked bag can be up to 62 linear inches (157 centimeters) in size. This corresponds to Hawaiian Airlines’ standard checked bag size.

If your checked bag exceeds 62 linear inches, it will be subject to oversized baggage fees upon check-in.

Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t accept checked bags larger than 80 linear inches (206 centimeters).

Checked Bag Weight Limit

For personal travel, your free checked bags can weigh up to 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms) each. This is also the standard checked bag weigh allowance, as per the airline’s baggage policy.

If your checked bag weighs more than 70 pounds, it will be subject to an overweight baggage fee when you check in at the airport.

Hawaiian Airlines doesn’t accept checked bags heavier than 100 pounds (45 kilograms).

Checked Bag Weight Limit for Travel to Australia or New Zealand

For Hawaiian Airlines flights to or from Australia or New Zealand, your checked baggage weight allowance is 70 pounds (32 kilograms). However, this is also the maximum weight allowed. Checked bags weighing more than 70 pounds will not be accepted at check-in.

Checked Bag Weight Limit for Travel to Papeete

For flights to or from Papeete, Hawaiian Airlines won’t accepted checked baggage weighing more than 70 pounds.

Dependents of Active Duty Military Personnel Traveling on Military Orders

Your accompanying spouse or dependents of active-duty military personnel traveling on orders qualify for the same checked baggage as the military member: 5 free bags, up to 80 linear inches (206 centimeters) in size and weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).

Dependents of Active Duty Military Personnel on Personal Travel

Unfortunately, the free military baggage benefit doesn’t extend to your spouse or dependents of active-duty military members, when traveling on personal business.

They will need to pay for any checked baggage, as per Hawaiian Airlines’ baggage policy.

Baggage Fees

In this section we will cover what checked baggage fees to expect if you check additional baggage beyond what’s included with the military baggage benefit.

Extra Baggage Fees

When you purchase additional baggage, each bag has the following allowances:

• Size limit: 62 linear inches (157 centimeters)
• Weight limit: 50 pounds (22.5 kilograms).

The charge for each bag depends on the type of travel you’re taking. In order of increasing fee, the categories of travel are:

• Within the Hawaiian Islands
• Domestic (within the U.S.)
• International

Travel within Hawaii

Domestic Travel

International Travel

Hawaiian Airlines includes 2 free checked bags with all its international tickets.

Oversized Baggage Fees

In this section, we’ll explain how much you’ll have to pay if your checked baggage is oversized.

Your bag is considered oversized if it’s between 62 and 80 linear inches (157 to 206 centimeters).

Hawaiian Airlines won’t accept checked baggage larger than 80 linear inches.

If your checked baggage is oversized and overweight, both baggage fees will apply.

Travel within Hawaii

Domestic Travel

International Travel

Overweight Baggage Fees

In this section, we’ll explain how much you’ll have to pay if your checked baggage is overweight.

Hawaiian Airlines categorizes overweight baggage within two weight ranges:

• 51 to 70 pounds (23 to 32 kilograms)
• 71 to 100 pounds (32.2 to 45 kilograms)

The airline doesn’t accept checked baggage heavier than 100 pounds. However, if you’re traveling to Australia or New Zealand, the checked bag weight limit is 70 pounds only.

If your checked baggage is overweight and oversized, both baggage fees will apply.

Travel within Hawaii

Domestic Travel

International Travel

Australia and New Zealand

For travel to Australia or New Zealand, overweight checked baggage isn’t allowed. Standard checked bags can weigh up to 70 pounds without any extra fees. However, bags weighing more than this aren’t allowed.

Japan and Korea

Pago Pago

Papeete

For travel to or from Papeete, checked bags can weigh up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms). Baggage beyond this weight won’t be accepted.

Checking Your Bags at the Airport

It’s recommended that you arrive at the airport early to allow time to have your military documents verified and bags checked in. Y

Arrive at the airport early to avoid any last-minute rush. Hawaiian Airlines recommends arriving 2 and a half hours before your flight’s scheduled departure.

As airline staff will need to verify your military status, you won’t be able to use the kiosks at the airport to check in. Instead, head to the check-in counters where the airline staff will verify your military documents and check in your bags.

Final Thoughts

Hawaiian Airlines has a generous baggage allowance for active-duty U.S. military personnel. When traveling on orders, you can check up to 5 bags for free. Each bag can be up to 80 linear inches in size and weigh up to 70 pounds. This benefit also extends to your dependents traveling with you.

When traveling for leisure, you can check up to 2 bags for free. Each bag can be up to 62 linear inches in size and weigh up to 50 pounds. However, in this instance, your dependents aren’t eligible for this military baggage benefit.

Remember to always check Hawaiian Airlines’ website or contact their customer service for the latest information on baggage allowances and fees.

We thank you for your service.

Sources

• Hawaiian Airlines