Rule 19: Acceptance of Dogs, Cats and Birds for Travel
 

IMPORTANT NOTE:  This Rule 19 does not apply to the transportation of Service Animals and Support Animals nor to animals transported as cargo.  For Service Animals and Support Animals, please see Rule 10: Service Animals and Support Animals of this Contract of Carriage.  For cargo arrangements, please visit our cargo page at: www.hawaiianaircargo.com, or call us at 1-877-HA-CARGO (422-2746).

This Rule 19 applies to dogs, cats and birds only.  For purposes of this Rule 19, the use of the word “pet,” or “pets,” refers only to dogs, cats and birds.

YOU ASSUME FULL FINACIAL AND OTHER RESPONSIBILITY FOR COMPLIANCE WITH THIS RULE 19 AND ALL GOVERNMENTAL REQUIREMENTS, REGULATIONS, OR RESTRICTIONS, INCLUDING ENTRY PERMITS AND REQUIRED HEALTH CERTIFICATES FOR YOUR ANIMALS.  IF YOU FAIL TO MEET THE REQUIREMENTS OF ANY GOVERNING JURISDICTION, YOUR ANIMAL MAY BE DENIED TRANSPORT. YOU AGREE TO REIMBURSE US FOR ANY COSTS AND EXPENSES, LOSSES OR DAMAGES INCURRED THAT (1) RESULT FROM YOUR FAILURE TO COMPLY WITH THIS RULE 19 INCLUDING, BUT NOT LIMITED TO, BOARDING FEES, ADDITIONAL TRANSPORT FEES, VETERINARIAN COSTS, AND ANY OTHER RELATED SERVICE EXPENSES; (2) RELATE TO ANY CHANGE IN TRAVEL PLANS, INCLUDING A CHANGE IN SEATING ACCOMODATIONS, CHANGE OF AIRCRAFT, CANCELLATION OF TRAVEL, ALTERNATIVE TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS, OR OTHERWISE AS A RESULT OF OR RELATING TO YOUR ANIMAL BEING REMOVED FROM A FLIGHT OR NOT ACCEPTED FOR TRAVEL IN ACCORDANCE WITH THIS RULE 19; AND (3) RESULTS THE BEHAVIOR OF YOUR ANIMAL, INCLUDING ANY DAMAGE AND HARM TO ANY PERSON OR PROPERTY.

We recommend that you provide us with advance notification of your intent to travel with your dog, cat or bird by calling us at 1-800-367-5320 or by emailing us using our Ask a Question page located here.

  1. GENERAL CONDITIONS OF TRAVEL FOR ALL DOGS, CATS AND BIRDS ONLY.

    We will not accept peacocks, ferrets, rodents (i.e., guinea pigs, mice, rats, etc.), spiders, mosquitoes, reptiles (i.e., snakes, turtles, etc.) or live fish for transportation as carry-on baggage or checked baggage under any circumstances.

    For us to accept your dog, cat or bird (also referred to as “pet” or “pets”), you must be a ticketed passenger traveling on the same flight, and satisfy all the required terms and conditions of this Rule 19.  For any dogs, cats or birds needing travel that do not meet the requirements for of this Rule 19, and for any other types of animals, please see our cargo page at: www.hawaiianaircargo.com, or call us at 1-877-HA-CARGO (422-2746) to make other arrangements.  

    The purpose of this Rule 19 is to ensure the safety and security of our guests and crew, and the well-being of your pets.  We strongly recommend that you read and understand all the provisions of this Rule 19 before attempting to travel with any pets.

    You must satisfy all the general conditions of this Section A. below to travel with your pet. 

    NOTE:  WE WILL NOT TRANSPORT ANY PET TO OR FROM NEW YORK OTHER THAN THROUGH OUR CARGO SERVICES.  PLEASE SEE OUR CARGO CONTACT INFORMATION ABOVE.

    1. We Must Have Space Available.There are a limited number of kennels per flight that we will accept on the aircraft cabin or baggage compartment.We recommend that you notify us in advance if you plan to travel with your pet(s) so that we can confirm that space on the aircraft is available.
    2. No Dogs or Cats Less Than 8 Weeks Old; No Birds Less Than 2 Weeks Old.We will not accept any dog or cat less than eight (8) weeks old and any bird less than two (2) weeks old, and we reserve the right to require documentation from your veterinarian that your pet(s) meets the stated requirements.
    3. No Interline Transfers.Live animals will not be accepted for interline transfer to or from any other airline other than ‘Ohana. We will only accept pets for travel on our flights or those of ‘Ohana by Hawaiian when: (i) you check-in at one of our ticket counters, you do not have a connecting flight operated by another carrier, and (ii) you satisfy all of the applicable requirements stated in this Rule 19.
    4. You Have an Approved Kennel.In addition to meeting any other kennel requirements set forth in this Rule 19, your kennel must also meet the requirements of the United States Department of Agriculture Animal Welfare Act (AWA) and the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).
    5. You Obtained an Animal Heath Certificate (Except for Interisland Travel).You must provide us with a copy of an animal health certificate for each pet traveling to or from the State of Hawaii dated within fourteen (14) days of travel.The animal health certificate must be from a licensed veterinarian and indicate that the designated animal is healthy enough for the intended travel.
    6. You Comply With Any Applicable Special Rules.There are special rules applicable to travel to and/or from specific states.You are responsible for assuring that your pet meets all applicable state specific state requirements.
    7. You Satisfy the State of Hawaii Restrictions for any Animals Arriving in Hawaii.The State of Hawaii has strict laws regarding the import of animals. Some animals that may be allowed as pets in other states may be restricted or prohibited in Hawaii.PLEASE NOTE THAT YOU ARE SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR UNDERSTANDING AND COMPLYING WITH STATE OF HAWAII REQUIREMENTS.If you are considering bringing your dog, cat or birdto Hawaii, you should contact the State of Hawaii Animal Industry Division – Animal Quarantine Branch as soon as possible to make sure that your animal meets their requirements for entry into the state.Because of all the necessary procedures, the process must generally begin months in advance of travel to Hawaii.
      1. Dogs and Cats:Dogs and cats may be quarantined for up to 120 days upon arrival in the State of Hawaii unless they meet all the State’s 5-Day-Or-Less program requirements, which include certain pet vaccinations, a blood test, and waiting periods.
      2. Birds: Most bird species, except certain poultry, require two (2) permits – a Plant Quarantine Import Permit AND a Poultry and Bird Permit from the Livestock Disease Control Branch.Furthermore, many bird species are prohibited from entry into the State of Hawaii or may only enter under specific conditions.Birds are also not permitted to travel directly into Kahului, Maui; Lihue, Kauai and Kailua-Kona, Hawaii, on a State of Hawaii Direct Entry Permit.
  2. TRAVEL IN THE AIRCRAFT CABIN (DOGS AND CATS ONLY).

    We may accept small dogs and cats only as pets for travel in the main cabin of our aircraft if you meet all the requirements of this Section B.  Any dog or cat not meeting the requirements of this Section B, may be checked for travel in the baggage compartment upon meeting all the requirements of Section C below.  Any animal not meeting the requirements of this Section B or Section C of this Rule 19 will be refused transport.

    YOU ASSUME FULL RESPONSIBILITY FOR THE SAFETY, WELL-BEING, AND CONDUCT OF YOUR DOG OR CAT, INCLUDING THE INTERACTION OF YOUR DOG OR CAT WITH OTHER PASSENGERS WHILE ON BOARD THE AIRCRAFT.

    1. You satisfy all the General Conditions.No dog or cat will be accepted for travel in the cabin of our aircraft unless you satisfy all the conditions of Section A. above.
    2. No Cabin Travel from North America to Hawaii.The State of Hawaii has very stringent import restrictions that apply to live animals.Because of those restrictions, no animals are allowed in the aircraft cabin for flights from North America to Hawaii.
    3. You Provide an Acceptable Kennel.A kennel is required for cabin travel, and it must:
      1. be soft-sided and leak proof;
      2. be large enough to allow the animal(s) to sit, stand upright, turn around, and lie down in a natural position.
      3. be no larger than 16 inches long by 10 inches wide by 9.5 inches tall; and
      4. be in proper working condition to safely secure the animal(s).

        NOTE: NO MORE THAN (I) ONE (1) ADULT DOG OR CAT, OR (II) TWO (2) PUPPIES OR KITTENS OF THE SAME BREED OR LITTER MAY OCCUPY A SINGLE KENNEL; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE TOTAL WEIGHT, INCLUDING THE KENNEL, DOES NOT EXCEED 25 POUNDS.  WE RESERVE THE RIGHT IN OUR SOLE DISCRETION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE KENNEL IS ACCEPTABLE FOR TRAVEL.

         

    4. You Pay the Required Kennel Fee and Do Not Exceed the Carry-On Limit.You must pay the applicable kennel fee to transport your dog or cat in the cabin.Upon payment of the kennel fee, you are allowed one (1) kennel only in lieu of either your carry-on bag or personal item.The kennel fee is as follows:
      1. Travel within the State of Hawaii: $35.00.
      2. Travel from the State of Hawaii to North America: $175.00.

         

    5. No Offensive or Disruptive Behavior.We will refuse to accept, and may remove from any flight, any dog or cat that is offensive or disruptive.The decision on whether a dog or cat is offensive or disruptive shall be in our sole discretion based on one or more factors, including, but not limited to:
      1. the displays of certain behaviors or traits such as excessive barking (for dogs only);
      2. emitting strong odors;
      3. aggressiveness;
      4. growling or hissing; and
      5. failure to be housebroken.
    6. Special Seating Requirements.The following rules apply to seating:
      1. No pets are permitted in
        1. the first-class section of the aircraft (except for interisland travel on our B717 aircraft);
        2. the bulkhead;
        3. any emergency exit rows; and
        4. and rows adjacent to the emergency exit rows.
      2. You must stow your kennel under the seat directly in front of you.
      3. Your animal(s) must remain in its kennel always while in the boarding area, in the airport lounge, and during boarding and deplaning, and always while on-board the aircraft.
  3. TRAVEL IN THE AIRCRAFT BAGGAGE COMPARTMENT (DOGS, CATS AND BIRDS).

We may accept dogs, cats, and birds for travel in the baggage compartment of our aircraft if you meet all the requirements of this Section C.  Any animal not meeting all the requirements of Section B or this Section C of this Rule 19 will be refused transport.

  1. You satisfy all the General Conditions.No dog or cat or bird will be accepted for travel in the baggage compartment of our aircraft unless you satisfy all the conditions of Section A. above.
  2. We Have Space Available.For the safety of your animals, we are limited to transporting three (3) kennels in the baggage compartment of any flight operated by Hawaiian and one (1) kennel in the baggage compartment of any flight operated by ‘Ohana.Space is booked on a first-come first-served basis.
  3. No Animals in the Baggage Compartment from April 15 Through October 15 for Select Cities.We will not accept any animals in the baggage compartment of our aircraft from April 15 through October 15 for travel to or from the following cities:
    1. San Jose, California (SJC);
    2. Sacramento, California (SMF);
    3. Las Vegas, Nevada (LAS); and
    4. Phoenix, Arizona (PHX).
  4. You Sign a Liability Release.
    1. All animals.We require that you sign our general liability release form prior to us accepting your dog, cat or bird for transport in the baggage compartment of our aircraft.
    2. Snub Nose/Short Nose Pets.For any snub nose/short nose dog or cat, we require that you sign a second liability release form prior to us accepting your animal or transport in the baggage compartment of our aircraft.In that release, you: (1) acknowledge our warning regarding the risk to the snub nosed/short nosed animals(s); (2) release us from all liability resulting from the transportation of your snub nosed/short nosed animal(s) and (3) agree not to file any claim with us relating to the transportation of your snub nosed/short nosed animal(s). Snub nose/short nose Pets have been shown to suffer severe respiratory difficulties either in transit, or because of Hawaii’s tropical climate.Thus, we discourage the transport of these animals if they cannot be transported in the cabin of the aircraft.
  5. You Provide an Acceptable Kennel.A kennel is required for baggage compartment travel, and it must:
    1. be non-folding and non-collapsible;
    2. be hard sided (e.g. wood, metal or a material of comparable strength), be leak proof, designed to prevent escape and have adequate handholds to enable lifting without coming into contact with the animal;
    3. be in proper working condition that will safely secure the animal;
    4. be large enough to allow the animal to sit, stand upright, turn and lie down in a natural position;
    5. not exceed 36″L x 25″W x 27″H; and
    6. for any flights between the Continental USA and Hawaii, have two dishes (one for food and one for water) attached to the inside of the kennel which are accessible from the outside of the kennel so they can be filled from outside the kennel without opening the door. Note, however, birds are unable to be fed or provided with water from outside the kennel when a mosquito net is required per State of Hawaii Animal Industry Division rules and regulation.

      NOTE: NO MORE THAN: (A) ONE (1) ADULT DOG OR CAT, (B) TWO (2) PUPPIES OR KITTENS OF THE SAME BREED OR LITTER NOT MORE THAN SIX (6) MONTHS OLD, OR (C) TWO BIRDS, MAY OCCUPY A SINGLE KENNEL; PROVIDED, HOWEVER, THAT THE TOTAL WEIGHT, INCLUDING THE KENNEL, DOES NOT 7O POUNDS, AND NO ANIMAL EXCEEDS THE MAXIMUM WEIGHT RECOMMEDED BY THE MANUFACTURER OF THE KENNEL.  WE RESERVE THE RIGHT IN OUR SOLE DISCRETION TO DETERMINE WHETHER THE KENNEL IS ACCEPTABLE FOR TRAVEL.

  6. You Pay the Required Kennel Fee.You must pay the applicable kennel fee to transport your animal(s) in the baggage compartment. The fee per kennel is as follows:
    1. Travel within the State of Hawaii:$60.00.
    2. Travel from North America to Hawaii:$225.00.
    3. Travel from the State of Hawaii to North America:$225.00.
  7. The Environmental Conditions are Adequate.We will not accept animals for travel in the baggage compartment of our aircraft, if we determine, in our sole discretion, that current environmental conditions may pose a hazard to the safety or the comfort of the animal.In making our determination, we may consider, among others, the following maximum and minimum temperature conditions:
  1. Maximum Temperature – Whether the local temperature at the origin, destination or connecting airport is, or is expected to be, above 85F/29C at the time of acceptance of the animal.
  2. Minimum Temperature - Whether the local temperature at the origin, destination or connecting airport is, or is expected to be, below 45F/7C at the time of acceptance of the animal.We may take into consideration an acclimation certificate issued and signed by a licensed veterinarian and dated within ten (10) days of travel (fourteen (14) days if traveling TO Hawaii) stating the minimum temperature at which the animal may travel safely.Animals will never be accepted to/from any Continental USA destination if the temperature is, or is expected to be less than 20F/-7C at any point during transport.

IF WE ARE UNABLE TO ACCEPT AN ANIMAL DUE TO ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS, YOU MAY REBOOK TO THE NEXT AVAILABLE FLIGHT THAT HAS SPACE AVAILABLE FOR YOU AND YOUR ANIMAL, SUBJECT TO SATISFACTORY ENVIRONMENTAL CONDIITONS.  ANY APPLICABLE FARE DIFFERENCES OR DATE CHANGE PENALTIES WILL BE WAIVED, PROVIDED THAT ANY TRAVEL IS REBOOKED TO THE SAME CLASS OF SERVICE AS ORIGINALLY TICKETED.