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Traveling with your furry companion can be stressful, especially when traveling to and from Hawaii. You want to keep your pet safe and comfortable during the long journey, preferably in the cabin with you rather than relegated to cargo.

If you’re short on time, here’s a quick answer: Delta, Alaska, Hawaiian, United and American Airlines allow pets in cabin on flights departing Hawaii, though restrictions and fees apply.

In this comprehensive guide, we will provide detailed information on the Hawaii pet travel policies of major US airlines. We have researched the airline websites, pet travel policies, and consumer experiences to compile everything you need to know about flying with your cat or small dog in cabin to and from the Hawaiian Islands.

Delta

Breed Restrictions

Delta allows domesticated dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin on most flights within the U.S. However, some dog breeds are restricted including Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, Presa Canarios, Dogo Argentinos, Cane Corsos, and wolf dog hybrids.

These breeds are unfortunately banned for safety reasons according to Delta’s policy.

Carrier Guidelines

Pets in cabin must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably in their carriers. Carriers should be leak-proof and well-ventilated. Soft-sided carriers should be made of water-resistant material and have mesh ventilation on at least two sides.

The maximum dimensions for in-cabin pet carriers on Delta are 18″ long x 11″ wide x 11″ high.

Number of Pets Allowed

Delta allows up to 2 pets per passenger on their flights. The pets must remain in their carriers under the seat in front of the passenger for the whole flight duration. Make sure to confirm pet policy for your specific flight as some Delta partner airlines may have different rules.

Fees

Within the U.S. $125 per pet, per flight segment
To/from Hawaii $225 per pet, per flight segment

These fees apply for both cats and dogs traveling in the cabin. Fees are non-refundable unless there are extenuating circumstances. Payment can be made on Delta’s website or at the airport on the day of departure.

Booking Process

Pets traveling in cabin must be booked at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. This gives Delta time to update flight manifests with pet information. Use Delta’s online booking form or call their pet desk to add your pet to your reservation.

Be prepared to provide details like pet type, breed, total dimensions of carrier, combined weight of pet and carrier, etc. Delta will ask for contact information and an emergency point of contact as well.

Lastly, don’t forget to arrive at the airport early on travel day to get your pet cleared before boarding the plane.

Alaska Airlines

Breed Restrictions

Alaska Airlines allows domesticated dogs, cats, rabbits and household birds in the cabin, but does not allow snakes, reptiles, ferrets, rodents and spiders. They do not have specific breed restrictions, but dogs must be able to stand, sit, and turn around comfortably in their carrier.

Carrier Guidelines

The carrier or kennel for your pet must be leak-proof and ventilated on at least two sides. Soft-sided carriers should be made of durable, washable material and have mesh ventilation on two sides. The maximum dimensions are 17 in long x 12 in wide x 7.5 in high.

Number of Pets Allowed

You can bring one pet carrier per passenger on Alaska Airlines flights. However, some flights have limits depending on aircraft type, so be sure to notify the airline when booking if you plan to travel with your pet.

Fees

The fee for pets traveling in the cabin is $100 each way. This applies to flights within the U.S. On flights to/from Mexico, Canada or Costa Rica, the fee is $125 each way.

Booking Process

Be sure to indicate you are traveling with a pet when making your reservation on AlaskaAir.com or through their pet reservation line. Only a certain number of pets are allowed per flight, so space is limited.

Allow extra time when traveling with a pet, as you may need to provide health certificates at check-in.

Hawaiian Airlines

Breed Restrictions

Hawaiian Airlines has no breed restrictions for pets traveling in cabin. All domestic cats and dogs are allowed, as long as they meet the carrier guidelines and other pet policy requirements.

Carrier Guidelines

Pets must travel in an approved carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. The carrier must be leak-proof and well-ventilated. Dimensions should not exceed 18″ x 14″ x 9″. Make sure there is enough room for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably.

Number of Pets Allowed

Only one pet carrier with up to two animals is permitted per passenger. The animals must be from the same family and under 20 lbs each. Additional pets can travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold.

Fees

There is a $225 per carrier fee each way to bring a pet in the cabin. This covers up to two pets in one carrier. No additional fees apply for checked pets traveling as cargo.

Booking Process

Let Hawaiian Airlines know you are traveling with a pet when making your reservation. Only a limited number of pets are allowed per flight, so space must be confirmed in advance. Check in early at the airport on departure day to process your pet for travel.

United Airlines

Breed Restrictions

United Airlines allows domesticated cats, dogs, rabbits and household birds in the cabin, but there are some breed restrictions. Snub-nosed dogs and cats like pugs, boxers and persians are restricted from flying when the ground temperature is above 85 degrees Fahrenheit at any point of the itinerary due to risk of heat stroke.

United also does not allow dog breeds that are considered aggressive, including pit bull terriers, American Staffordshire terriers, and Staffordshire bull terriers.

Carrier Guidelines

All pets must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably in their carriers. For cabin travel, soft-sided and hard-sided kennels are allowed as long as they meet the size requirements below:

  • Soft-sided pet carriers: maximum dimensions are 18″L x 11″W x 11″H
  • Hard-sided pet carriers: maximum dimensions are 17.5″L x 12.5″W x 8.5″H

Carriers that exceed these dimensions must be transported as checked baggage. All pets must be able to enter and exit the kennel on their own.

Number of Pets Allowed

United allows one pet carrier per passenger on board. Each carrier counts as one piece of carry-on baggage. Additional fees apply for transporting more than one pet per flight.

Fees

United charges a $125 pet fee each way for kennels held in the cabin. This covers pets traveling within the U.S. 48 states. Other routes like Hawaii may have additional charges. United does not limit the number of pets allowed on each flight, but advance reservations are recommended as space is limited.

Booking Process

Pets traveling in cabin must be booked in advance by calling the United Airlines PetSafe reservations team at 1-800-575-3335. Online booking is not available. Be prepared to provide your pet’s breed, weight and carrier dimensions. United recommends booking pets at least 2 days before departure date.

American Airlines

Breed Restrictions

American Airlines does not have any breed restrictions for pets traveling in cabin. All domesticated dogs, cats and household birds are allowed provided they meet the size and kennel requirements.

Carrier Guidelines

Pets must travel in an approved in-cabin kennel that fits under the seat in front of you. The kennel must be leak-proof, well-ventilated, and the animal must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably. Kennels typically must be 19 x 10 x 12 inches in size.

Number of Pets Allowed

American Airlines allows one pet per passenger to travel in cabin. If there are two passengers, two pets would be allowed. The pets must remain in their carriers under the seat in front of the passenger for the whole flight.

Fees

American Airlines charges a $125 pet fee each way for pets traveling in cabin within the United States. For international flights to and from the US, the fee is $200 each way. This non-refundable fee must be paid at the time of booking.

Booking Process

Passengers must inform American Airlines during booking if they plan to travel with a pet in cabin. Only a certain number of pets are allowed on each flight, so space must be confirmed in advance. Once booked, passengers must check-in at the airport ticket counter on the day of travel to document the pet.

Conclusion

We hope this guide has provided the details you need to travel with your furry friend in cabin to and from Hawaii. Each airline has specific pet policies, so be sure to check with them directly when booking.

With proper planning and an approved carrier, you can feel confident keeping your cat or small dog comfortable by your side during flights to Hawaii and beyond.

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