Hawaiian Airlines has already announced that it allows assistance dogs to travel with their owners in the cabin of its planes. This is great news for people who need the help of this animal for medical reasons.
There are a few important things to keep in mind if you plan to travel with your service dog on Hawaiian Airlines, as the airline has a strict set of rules and guidelines in place to ensure safety and comfort of all passengers.
First, your service dog must be properly trained to help you with your medical condition and must be able to behave appropriately in a public environment or in the cabin. This means he should be well behaved, non-aggressive and well groomed.
Additionally, you will need to provide documentation proving that your dog is a service animal, such as a registration certificate or a letter from a licensed healthcare professional. These documents must be presented at the time of booking and check-in.
Chenil requirement
It is also important to note that Hawaiian Airlines has implemented certain weight and size restrictions for assistance dogs traveling in the cabin. Your four-legged friend should weigh no more than 70 pounds (including the weight of the carrier), and the carrier should fit comfortably under the seat in front of you.
Fees for shipping a dog on Hawaiian Airlines flights:
If it travels as checked baggage (in the hold of the aircraft) or will be sent via Hawaiian Airlines cargo service, the following charges will apply:
$60 USD on flights between Hawaii and the United States
$225 USD on flights between the United States and countries in North America
Contact and inform the airline’s customer service department in advance
Finally, it is recommended that you inform the Hawaiian company of your intention to travel with an assistance dog at least 48 hours in advance, so that appropriate arrangements can be made for you and your animal.
Other documents are required to be provided on some flights
On some flights, such as those connecting Hawaiian to an outside destination, the Hawaiian airline only allows emotional support animals with the presence of an animal health certificate issued by a veterinarian less than two weeks before the flight.
And on flights serving Lihue Airport (LIH), Kahului (OGG) and Kona Airport (KOA), Hawaiian Airlines may require passengers traveling out of state to nearby Hawaiian Islands to they present a valid Neighbor Island Inspection Permit issued by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture.
On international flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines, certain other documents may be required depending on the internal regulations of the country of destination.
Assistance dog owners should check with their destination country’s embassy or consulate for specific requirements for traveling with their four-legged friends. Depending on the country, additional documents such as import permits, vaccination records or quarantine measures may be required.
Prohibition of carrying an assistance dog in certain cases
Although Hawaiian Airlines allows service dogs on board, there may be restrictions for travel to certain countries. Countries have different regulations regarding service animals, and it is essential to check these requirements in advance to avoid any surprises or complications.
What to do before boarding?
Before boarding, make sure your service dog is ready for the trip. You have to :
– Ensure your pet is well behaved and groomed
– Train your pet to behave properly during travel.
– Bring all necessary supplies, such as a leash, collar, food, water bowl, and any medication your service dog may need.
On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport early to avoid any delays. When checking in, let the Hawaiian Airlines agent know that you are traveling with a service dog. The latter will check your dog’s certificate and vaccination record before issuing you a boarding pass.
You will need to provide the following documents:
– Animal health certificate
– Vaccination record
The airline will provide you with a safety briefing card and you will need to sign a form certifying that your service dog is properly trained and under your control during the flight.
Complete the animal service transportation form
It is mandatory for all passengers traveling with a service animal.
The form will ask for basic information about you and your service animal, including your name, your flight number, and the breed and weight of your service animal. You will also need to sign this document and confirm that your service animal has been trained to behave properly in a public place.
Be sure to bring a copy of the completed form to the airport on the day of your departure. You will need to present it to the gate agent before boarding the aircraft.