PCSing to or From Hawaii? Here Are a Few Major Airline’s Pet Policies!

So, you just received word or orders that you’re PCSing to Hawaii?! That’s SO exciting, and we’re sure you’ll have TONS of fun! Oh, you have pets too, and not sure how or who to book flights with? Absolutely no problem at all! The PCS Planners have put together a few pet policies for major airlines, all in one place! We’d like to make your PCS as smooth as possible, especially when you have fur babies to move with. One of the biggest questions is “who do I book flights with that’ll allow my animals too?”, and we’ve compiled a list of policies to help you choose the best option for your family!
Please also note that Hawaii is a rabies-free state, meaning you’ll need a passing FAVN test for each pet, a health certificate, a certificate of acclimation if necessary, and flea and tick preventative. Please visit HERE for the latest news and requirements for your pets.
Additionally, policies may be slightly different if you’re leaving Hawaii.

1. Pacific Air Cargo
2. American Airlines
3. Delta
4. Alaska Airlines
5. Hawaiian Airlines

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Pacific Air Cargo

*Only available in Los Angeles (LAX), Honolulu (HNL), Kauai (LIH), Maui (OGG), Hilo (ITO), Kona (KOA), Pago Pago (PPG-American Samoa), and Guam (GUM) *

Your pet will travel on the climate-controlled main deck of an aircraft. Crew members will be watching your pets during this flight to ensure safe travel.

Kennel Information:

• The kennel should have three sides of ventilation as well as two dishes attached to the inside of the kennel door for food and water.
• There should be absorbent lining and bedding to aid in the comfort of your animal(s). 
• The kennel should be enclosed and allow room for your pet to stand, sit, and lie in a natural position.

Please visit HERE for more information on pet transport.
Please visit HERE for your free quote (don’t forget your military discount).

American Airlines

Carry-On Pet Kennel Guidelines

Hard-sided kennel

• Mainline flights on American: 19 x 13 x 9 inches / 48 x 33 x 22 centimeters (length x width x height)
• Regional flights on American: 16 x 12 x 8 inches / 40 x 30 x 20 centimeters (length x width x height)

Soft-sided kennel (recommended)

• Must be secure, padded, made of water-repellent material, and have nylon mesh ventilation on 3 or more sides.
• 18 x 11 x 11 inches / 46 x 28 x 28 centimeters (length x width x height)
• Pets must be able to stand, sit, and lie down in a natural position in all carriers.

*Contact reservations to confirm maximum dimensions and to plan for your pet in advance as only a certain number of carry-on pets are allowed per flight.*

Checked Pet Information & Kennel Guidelines

• Checked pets are only accepted for active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Services personnel traveling on official orders. 
• Up to 2 pets may be checked and must meet the minimum age and health requirements of the destination.
• Checked pets are accepted on a first-come-first-serve basis

Kennel Guidelines:

• Pets must be able to stand, sit, and lie down in a natural position.
• Must not exceed maximum weight (pet and kennel combined) of 100lbs. / 45 kgs. 
• Secured at the top and bottom with bolts or screws
• Be leak and escape-proof with a secured fastened door 
• Have ventilation on at least 3 sides for domestic U.S. travel and 4 for international travel
• Have 2 dishes fastened to the door for food and water
• Have a small bag of food for a 24-hour period attached to the top

For more information and kennel size restrictions on carry-on and checked pets, please visit HERE.
If your pet does not fit within carry-on or checked pet limits they may fly in cargo.

For more information on kennel sizing and kennel compatibility, please click HERE.

Temperature Restrictions

You cannot travel with a pet if the current or forecasted temperature is above 85˚F (29.4˚C) at any location on the itinerary.

Pets not traveling in cabin cannot travel to / through / from Phoenix (PHX), Tucson (TUS), Las Vegas (LAS) or Palm Springs (PSP) May 1 – September 30.

You cannot travel with a pet if the ground temperature is below 45˚F (7.2˚C) at any location on the itinerary.

Cold temperature restrictions may be waived if you have a written letter from a licensed vet that includes:

1. Your name and address
2. Your pet’s name
3. Your vet’s name and signature
4. Your vet’s accreditation date and number
5. The temperature your pet is acclimated to

The letter must be dated:
– Within 10 days of the first flight your pet will be on
– Within 30 days of any other trips in the same itinerary

You may need an additional letter for lengthy trips. If the temperature is below 20˚F (-6.6˚C), your pet cannot be checked even with a letter from your vet.

Delta

Carry-On Pet Guidelines

Pets must be in a small ventilated carrier that can fit under your seat. 
Additionally, your pet:

• Must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel
• Must be 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country
• Must be 15 weeks old if traveling to the European Union
• Will count as your carry-on item

Carry-On Kennel Guidelines

• Pets must be able to stand, sit, and lie down in a natural position
• Must fit under the seat directly in front of you
• Must be leak-proof and have ventilation openings on 3 sides (4 sides for international travel)
• Must be 18 x 11 x 11 inches as this fits most aircraft types (double-check your aircraft dimensions to ensure your kennel will fit)

For additional information on fees, booking, and exceptions, please click HERE.

If your pet is too big to fit as a carry-on they may fly in cargo!

Cargo Information

• A pet shipped through cargo cannot be booked until 14 days prior to departure
• Pets are not guaranteed to be on the same flight as owners
• You must drop off your pet at least 3 hours before departure

Checked Pet Information & Kennel Guidelines

Military members and U.S. State Department Foreign Service Officers can check their pets as baggage for a fee when traveling on active transfer orders. Fees do apply.
You may check cats (with some exceptions), dogs (with some exceptions), household birds (domestic U.S. only), Guinea Pigs (domestic U.S. only), Rabbits (domestic U.S. only), and Hamsters (domestic U.S. only). All other animals must fly in cargo.

Kennel Guidelines:

• Your pet must be able to sit, stand, and lie down in a natural position.
• Must be made of wood, plastic, or metal with NO wheels
• Have ventilation openings on 3 sides in addition to the door opening
• Have functional handles on the exterior
• “Live Animal” stickers must be placed on top and on one side 
• Contain bedding, shredded paper, or towels to absorb accidents
• Contain 2 dishes attached to the inside of the door for food and water
• Giant-sized crates may only be shipped in cargo

For kennel guidelines, health & breed restrictions, and additional information, please click HERE.

Temperature Restrictions

Your pet cannot travel if the temperature exceeds 80˚F (27˚C) or if the temperature falls below 20˚F (-7˚C) while the animal is on the ground at any point in the routing. A Certificate of Acclimation is required when temperatures fall between 20˚F (-7˚C) and 45˚F (7˚C).

Alaska Airlines

Carry-On Pet Guidelines

• Pet carrier counts towards your carry-on bag allotment
• Only dogs and cats are allowed to fly on Alaska Airlines to Hawaii

Carry-On Kennel Guidelines

• Hard-sided 17 x 11 x 7.5 inches 
• Soft-sided 17 x 11 x 9.5 inches
• Carrier must be clean and leak-proof with absorbent bedding 
• Carrier must be escape proof 
• Carrier must have adequate ventilation
• Carrier must be free of tears, cracks, or breaks

Pets may also fly in cargo if they’re too big for carry-on or checked!
Please visit HERE for kennel guidelines and additional information on cargo.

Temperature Regulations

On the day of travel, if the weather is warmer than 85˚F in the departing or arrival city, your pet may not be accepted for travel.

Pets are allowed to travel when the weather at both the departure and arrival cities is between 45˚ and 85˚F. Exceptions can be made for greater temperature variances if your pet has a certificate of acclimation from your vet specifying temperatures to which your animal is accustomed.  

Please visit HERE for booking, fees, and additional information.

Hawaiian Airlines

Carry-On Pet and Kennel Guidelines

• Only dogs and cats are permitted and only on inter-island flights and flights between the State of Hawaii and North America (except flights to/from JFK, BOS, or AUS).
• Your pet must be in an approved carrier that fits under the seat.
• You may book your pet at the same time you book your tickets (subject to additional fees and availability).

Kennel Requirements:

• Must be soft-sided and leak-proof
• Your pet must be able to stand, sit, and lie down in a natural position
• Must be stowed under the seat directly in front of you
• Must not exceed 16 x 10 x 9.5 inches (length x width x height)
• Your pet and carrier must not exceed 25lbs

For additional information on carry-on pets, please click HERE.

Checked Pet Information and Kennel Guidelines

• Kennels must be hard-sided, leak-proof, designed to prevent escape, and have functional handles on the outside 
• Your pet must be able to stand, sit, and lie down in a natural position
• The kennel must contain absorbent material for accidents 
• Your pet must not be leashed or restrained while in their kennel
• The total weight of your kennel (including the animal) must not exceed the maximums below:
  • 21 x 16 x 15 inches – 18lbs
  • 28 x 20.5 x 21.5 inches – 25lbs
  • 32 x 22.5 x 24 inches – 40lbs
  • 36 x 25 x 27 inches – 70lbs

If your pet exceeds these limits they may fly in the cargo department.

For additional information on restrictions, fees, and other info, please visit HERE.

Cargo Pet Information and Kennel Guidelines

• Must have required documentation such as a health certificate for each pet
• Advance booking is required

Kennel Guidelines:

• Kennels must be hard-sided and have ventilation on all four sides
• Kennels must have metal bolts
• Your pet must be able to stand, sit, and lie down in a natural position
• Kennel must be leak-proof and have absorbent bedding
• Kennels that have been modified are prohibited
• Kennels must have two bowls for food and water fastened on the inside of the door
• Food must be taped to the top of the kennel in the event of delays. Water is also permitted if fastened to the top
• “Live Animal” stickers must be placed on kennel prior to drop off

For more information on restrictions, guidelines, and policies, please click HERE.

Temperature Regulations

The local temperature at your origin, destination, or connection airport must not be above 85˚F / 29˚C during transport and must not be below 20˚F / -7˚C. For temperatures between 20˚F / -7˚C and 45˚F / 7˚C, a current acclimation certificate from the animal’s veterinarian dated within 10 days of travel is required.

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We hope that this list helps you with bringing your pets with you on your move! Always remember to double-check your airline’s website for any new updates or changes. Keep a look out for our other incoming articles for more information on bringing your pets to and from Hawaii!