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Hawaiian Airlines Carry-On Rules 2026 22 x 14 x 9"

By Caden Sorenson Updated May 16, 2026 Sourced from the official Hawaiian Airlines policy

Exact Hawaiian Airlines carry-on dimensions, weight limits, and fees for 2026.

Quick answer

Hawaiian Airlines carry-on bags can be up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm), with a 11.5 kg (25 lb) weight limit, and no carry-on fee on most fares.

  • Carry-on size: up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm)
  • Weight limit: 11.5 kg (25 lb)
  • Carry-on fee: free on most fares
  • Personal item: must fit under the seat, free on every fare
  • Gate-check risk: Medium
  • Last verified: May 16, 2026
Hawaiian Airlines carry-on maximum size, 22 x 14 x 9 inches (56 x 36 x 23 cm) 22" (56 cm) 9" (23 cm) 14" (36 cm) L H W
Hawaiian Airlines maximum carry-on dimensions, including wheels and handles.

Carry-On Bag

Max dimensions (in)
22 x 14 x 9"
Max dimensions (cm)
56 x 36 x 23 cm
Weight limit
11.5 kg (25 lb)
Fee
Free
Gate-check risk
Medium

Hawaiian enforces a 25 lb carry-on weight limit, which is unusual for a US carrier. Bags are weighed at the gate on Neighbor Island flights.

Personal Item

Max dimensions (in)
Not published
Max dimensions (cm)
Not published
Included
Yes, free

Purse, briefcase, small backpack, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

See checked bag fees & more

Hawaiian Airlines carry-on dimensions and bag size

The maximum Hawaiian Airlines carry-on size is 22 x 14 x 9 inches, which works out to 56 x 36 x 23 cm. These measurements include wheels, handles, and any external pockets. Gate sizers on Hawaiian Airlines match the published limits closely, so a bag marketed as "22 inch" can fail if its wheels push the total past 22 inches. Always measure your bag packed, not empty.

Hawaiian Airlines carry-on weight limit

Hawaiian Airlines limits carry-on bags to 11.5 kg (25 lb). Most domestic check-in counters do not weigh carry-ons, but gate agents can pull bags that look heavy. If your bag is over the limit, expect to be asked to check it, sometimes at a higher gate-check fee.

Does Hawaiian Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

No. Hawaiian Airlines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares. This applies across standard economy fares.

What bags fit as a Hawaiian Airlines personal item

Common bag types compared against the Hawaiian Airlines personal item limit. Sizes are typical retail dimensions and vary by brand.

Bag type Typical size On Hawaiian Airlines
Standard backpack
Everyday daypack, laptop backpack
18 x 13 x 8" Under-seat only
Tote bag
Canvas or leather tote
15 x 14 x 5" Under-seat only
Laptop bag
Messenger or slim briefcase
16 x 12 x 4" Under-seat only
Small duffel
Gym or weekender
18 x 11 x 11" Under-seat only
Purse
Handbag or crossbody
12 x 10 x 5" Under-seat only
Under-seat roller
Mini wheeled bag
16 x 14 x 8" Under-seat only

Hawaiian Airlines carry-on by fare class

Fare Carry-on Personal item Notes
Main Cabin Basic Included Included Carry-on and personal item included on all fares.
Main Cabin Included Included Standard one carry-on plus one personal item.
Extra Comfort Included Included Includes priority boarding which helps secure overhead bin space.
First Class Included Included Boards first with priority overhead access.

Hawaiian Airlines overhead bin size by aircraft

Carry-on max is 22 x 14 x 9 inches with a 25 lb weight limit that Hawaiian does enforce. Personal item must fit under the seat. Widebody A330 and 787 aircraft have generous bins, while Boeing 717 interisland flights have smaller bins and frequently require valet gate check.

Avoiding gate-check on Hawaiian Airlines

On 717 interisland flights expect your roller to get valet tagged at the gate regardless of fare. Book Extra Comfort or First for earlier boarding on North America and international routes if you need guaranteed bin space.

What counts as a personal item on Hawaiian Airlines

Allowed

  • Purse
  • Laptop bag
  • Briefcase
  • Small backpack

Counts as a second carry-on

  • A second roller bag
  • Any bag that will not fit under the seat in front of you

Common Hawaiian Airlines carry-on mistakes

  • Overpacking a carry-on past 25 lbs. Hawaiian weighs them when in doubt.
  • Expecting overhead space on 717 interisland hops, where bins are very small.
  • Assuming the Alaska merger has unified baggage rules. Through 2026 Hawaiian still posts its own policy with a weight cap Alaska does not have.

What happens if your bag does not fit on Hawaiian Airlines

On Boeing 717 interisland flights agents routinely valet roller bags at the jet bridge at no charge. Tag at the door, retrieve on the jet bridge at arrival.

Hawaiian Airlines vs Alaska Airlines carry-on

Hawaiian and Alaska share the 22 x 14 x 9 carry-on footprint and are now under one parent company, but Hawaiian enforces a 25 lb weight limit while Alaska does not publish one. Hawaiian's 717 interisland fleet forces more gate checks than anything Alaska operates on the mainland.

See Alaska Airlines carry-on size
Hawaiian Airlines checked baggage fees
Domestic economy
1st bag$45
2nd bag$55
Long-haul / international
1st bagNot published
Weight limit50 lb
Linear dim62 in
Overweight & oversize
51–70 lb$100
71–100 lb$200
63–80 in$200

North America routes: $45 first / $55 second bag (increased April 10, 2026). Inter-island Hawaii fees are reduced to $30 first / $40 second. Some Main Cabin fares include a free checked bag; Main Cabin Basic does not. Atmos Rewards elites and eligible Hawaiian/Alaska credit cardholders receive free bags. Oversize (63-115 in) increased to $200 as of April 10, 2026.

Ways to skip the Hawaiian Airlines checked bag fee

  1. Pack carry-on only. Confirm your bag fits the Hawaiian Airlines carry-on size.
  2. Use a Hawaiian Airlines co-branded credit card. These typically waive the first checked bag fee for the cardholder and companions.
  3. Earn elite status. Mid-tier and above usually waive one or two bags per direction.
  4. Book a higher fare. Premium Economy, Business, and First usually include 1 to 2 checked bags.
Hawaiian Airlines special items & sports equipment
Ski / snowboard
Not published
Golf clubs
Not published
Bicycle
Not published
Pet in cabin
$100
Pet as cargo
Not published

Musical instruments: Small instruments count as carry-on. Surfboards are accepted with a separate fee on Hawaii routes.

Surfboards, skis, golf, and bike equipment count as a standard checked bag on most routes. Pet-in-cabin: $35 inter-island, $100 mainland-to-Hawaii (lowered from $125 effective Jan 2, 2026 per Oct 14, 2025 announcement).

Hawaiian Airlines basic economy restrictions
Main Cabin Basic Hawaiian Airlines's lowest fare tier
Carry-on allowed
Yes
Personal item allowed
Yes
Checked bag surcharge
$45
  • No free checked bag included
  • Seat assigned at check-in
  • Last boarding group
  • No changes or refunds

Frequently asked questions

What is the Hawaiian Airlines carry-on size limit?

Hawaiian Airlines allows carry-on bags up to 22 x 14 x 9" (56 x 36 x 23 cm), including wheels, handles, and any external pockets. The weight limit is 11.5 kg (25 lb).

What are the Hawaiian Airlines carry-on dimensions in cm?

The Hawaiian Airlines carry-on size limit in centimeters is 56 x 36 x 23 cm. In inches that converts to 22 x 14 x 9". Both measurements include wheels, handles, and external pockets.

What is the Hawaiian Airlines carry-on weight limit?

Hawaiian Airlines limits carry-on bags to 11.5 kg (25 lb). Overweight carry-ons are usually asked to be checked at the gate, which can trigger a gate-check fee.

Does Hawaiian Airlines charge for carry-on bags?

No. Hawaiian Airlines includes a free carry-on bag plus a free personal item on most fares.

What is the Hawaiian Airlines personal item size?

Hawaiian Airlines does not publish strict personal item dimensions. Your bag must fit fully under the seat in front of you, which is typically about 18 x 14 x 8 inches. Purse, briefcase, small backpack, or laptop bag that fits under the seat in front of you.

Will my bag be gate-checked on Hawaiian Airlines?

Hawaiian Airlines currently has a medium gate-check risk based on our review of boarding policies and traveler reports. Arrive early in your boarding group to improve the odds of space in the overhead bins.

Does a 22-inch suitcase fit as a Hawaiian Airlines carry-on?

Usually yes. A standard 22 x 14 x 9 inch carry-on suitcase fits within the Hawaiian Airlines carry-on limit of 22 x 14 x 9". Confirm your specific bag measures under the limit with wheels and handles included.

Does a backpack count as a personal item on Hawaiian Airlines?

Hawaiian Airlines does not publish exact personal item dimensions, but a standard daypack usually fits under the seat. Oversized hiking or travel backpacks will not fit and count as a carry-on.

Does Hawaiian Airlines weigh personal items?

Hawaiian Airlines does not weigh personal items. The only requirement is that the bag fits fully under the seat in front of you. If it does not fit, gate agents may ask you to move it to the overhead bin, which counts as a carry-on.

How much does a checked bag cost on Hawaiian Airlines?

The first checked bag on Hawaiian Airlines costs $45 for domestic economy. A second bag costs $55. International fares and premium cabins may include free checked bags.

What are the Hawaiian Airlines overweight and oversize bag fees?

Hawaiian Airlines charges $100 for bags weighing 51 to 70 lb, $200 for 71 to 100 lb, and $200 for bags measuring 63 to 80 linear inches. Bags over 100 lb or 80 inches are generally refused.

Flying Hawaiian Airlines out of these airports?

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Sources & verification

Last verified 2026-05-16 against the official Hawaiian Airlines policy at https://www.hawaiianairlines.com/content/travel-info/baggage/carry-on-luggage . Airlines change their rules without notice, so always confirm with Hawaiian Airlines before flying. See our research methodology.