Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Fees 2026 — Complete Guide
Hawaiian Airlines is the airline of the islands — nonstop flights between the mainland, Hawai'i, and across the Pacific. Between the Alaska Airlines merger and a fee schedule friendlier than most majors, there is a lot to unpack. Here is the complete 2026 guide to Hawaiian's baggage fees and how to avoid them.
Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Fees at a Glance
| Item | Fee | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Personal Item | Free | All fares |
| Carry-On | Free | All fares |
| 1st Checked Bag | $30 | Interisland + mainland |
| 2nd Checked Bag | $40 | Per bag |
| 3rd Checked Bag | $150 | Per bag |
| Oversize (62+ in) | $175 | Additional |
| Overweight (51–70 lbs) | $50 | Additional |
Checked Bag Fees on Hawaiian Airlines
For interisland and mainland US flights in 2026, Hawaiian Airlines charges:
- First checked bag: $30
- Second checked bag: $40
- Third and subsequent bags: $150 per bag
- Maximum weight: 50 lbs (23 kg) per bag
- Maximum size: 62 linear inches (length + width + height)
💡 The $30 First Bag Is a Bargain
At $30, Hawaiian's first checked bag undercuts Delta, American, United ($35–$40), and Alaska ($35). On a round trip that is $10–$20 in your pocket — before credit card perks. The $40 second bag is also on the cheaper end of the majors' $45–$50 range.
International routes differ: long-haul flights to Asia, Australia, New Zealand, and the South Pacific generally include the first checked bag in the fare. Interisland flights follow the standard schedule above.
See Hawaiian Airlines' current fees on our comparison page →
Carry-On & Personal Item Policy
Hawaiian Airlines allows one carry-on bag and one personal item free of charge on every fare — including Main Cabin Basic. Carry-on dimensions must not exceed 22″ × 14″ × 9″, and personal items (backpacks, purses, laptop bags) must fit under the seat in front of you.
✅ No Basic Economy Carry-On Trap
Unlike American ($45 gate charge) and United (no carry-on at all in Basic Economy), Hawaiian does not restrict carry-ons on its lowest fares. Main Cabin Basic still includes a full-size carry-on and a personal item at no extra cost.
Overhead bin space on interisland flights fills up fast — most are short hops on narrow-body aircraft. Boarding early or flying with only a personal item is the easiest way to guarantee space near your seat.
Oversized & Overweight Bag Fees
This is where Hawaiian's fee schedule stops being a bargain:
- Oversized (over 62 linear inches): $175 additional
- Overweight (51–70 lbs): $50 additional
- Bags over 70 lbs: Generally not accepted as checked baggage — must be shipped as cargo
⚠️ The $175 Oversize Fee Is Steep
At $175, Hawaiian's oversize charge is notably higher than the $100–$200 range most competitors quote — and it stacks on top of the regular checked bag fee. A 65-inch surfboard or golf travel case over the limit runs $175 + $30 = $205 for the first bag alone. Measure your bag before the airport: anything over 62 linear inches triggers it.
The overweight fee is more forgiving — $50 for a 51–70 lb bag is on the low end of the industry's $100–$200 range. Still, a 55-lb first checked bag costs $30 + $50 = $80 each way, so pack a scale.
How to Save on Hawaiian Airlines Baggage Fees
Best Ways to Get Free Bags on Hawaiian
- Get the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard: Cardholders get 1 free checked bag on every Hawaiian flight, plus a free bag for up to 5 additional guests on the same reservation. One round trip with a companion covers the annual fee.
- Join HawaiianMiles Premier Club: Premier Club members get free checked bags as part of their benefits, along with priority check-in and boarding. It is the fastest path to free bags if you fly Hawaiian regularly.
- Fly First or Business Class: Premium cabins include 2 free checked bags on most routes — more than enough for a week in the islands.
- Book interisland with just a carry-on: Hawaiian's carry-on is free on every fare — live out of a 22″ bag and your interisland hops cost $0 in baggage fees.
- Active Military: Active US military members get generous baggage allowances on personal and official travel.
One more note for 2026: Hawaiian officially joined the Alaska Airlines family in late 2025. The carriers still operate under their own fee schedules for now, but Alaska has said it will align the programs over time — so check both fee tables before booking. Compare Hawaiian and Alaska side by side →
Plan Your Trip With the Right Numbers
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a checked bag on Hawaiian Airlines in 2026?+
The first checked bag costs $30, the second costs $40, and the third and subsequent bags cost $150 each on interisland and mainland US routes. International routes, especially long-haul Pacific flights, often include the first bag free.
Does Hawaiian Airlines charge for carry-on bags?+
No. Hawaiian includes one carry-on bag (up to 22″ × 14″ × 9″) and one personal item free on every fare, including Main Cabin Basic. There is no Basic Economy carry-on restriction like American or United.
What credit card gives free checked bags on Hawaiian?+
The Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard gives the cardholder 1 free checked bag on every Hawaiian flight, plus free bags for up to 5 additional guests on the same reservation. It is the simplest way to make your checked bags $0.
Do HawaiianMiles Premier Club members get free bags?+
Yes. Premier Club members receive free checked bags as part of their benefits, along with priority check-in, boarding, and other perks. It is the best no-credit-card route to free bags on Hawaiian.
How much does Hawaiian charge for oversized or overweight bags?+
Oversized bags (over 62 linear inches) cost $175 extra, and overweight bags (51–70 lbs) cost $50 extra — on top of the regular checked bag fee. Bags over 70 lbs are generally not accepted as checked baggage.
The Bottom Line
Hawaiian is one of the cheapest majors to fly with a checked bag —$30 first bag, $40 second — and its free carry-on on every fare is a genuine standout. Watch the $175 oversize fee, and if you visit Hawai'i more than once a year, the World Elite Mastercard makes your bags free. With the Alaska merger in motion, keep an eye on the schedule for 2027. Check Hawaiian Airlines' current rates →