When traveling with children, especially by air, understanding the airline’s policy in advance can help you plan a smooth and stress-free journey. At Hawaiian Airlines, the child policy is thoughtfully structured to accommodate families, provide safety, and ensure a pleasant experience for every passenger. In this guide, we break down every aspect of the Hawaiian Airlines child policy, including seating rules, age categories, fees, documentation, and amenities.

Understanding the Hawaiian Airlines Child Age Categories

Hawaiian Airlines divides children into several categories based on age, each with specific guidelines and options for travel.

Infants (Under 2 Years Old)

• Lap Infant: A child under 2 years of age may travel as a lap infant on the lap of a paying adult (18 years or older) without occupying a separate seat.

• Ticketing Fees: For domestic flights within the U.S., a lap infant may travel for free. For international flights, Hawaiian Airlines charges 10% of the adult fare plus applicable taxes.

• Seat Option: Parents can purchase a separate seat for the infant if preferred. This is recommended when bringing an FAA-approved child safety seat (car seat).

Children (2 to 11 Years Old)

• Children over the age of 2 must occupy their own seat.

• A regular child fare ticket is required.

• FAA-approved child restraint systems are permitted and encouraged for safety.

• Hawaiian Airlines offers early boarding for families with young children, helping to settle in before general boarding begins.

Unaccompanied Minors (5 to 11 Years Old)

Children aged 5 to 11 who travel without a parent or legal guardian are classified as unaccompanied minors and must adhere to specific rules:

• Mandatory Unaccompanied Minor Service: Hawaiian Airlines mandates that children in this age range traveling alone enroll in the unaccompanied minor program.

• Fee: A service fee of $35 per segment for neighbor island flights and $100 per segment for North America flights is charged.

• Supervision: Hawaiian Airlines staff provide supervision throughout the journey, from check-in to final pickup.

• Restrictions: Not available for codeshare flights or international routes. Also, unaccompanied minors are only permitted on nonstop or direct flights.

Booking Guidelines for Children on Hawaiian Airlines

Booking tickets for children is straightforward, but it’s crucial to follow the exact procedures:

• Lap Infant Tickets: Must be added during booking or by contacting Hawaiian Airlines customer service. Failure to do so may result in denied boarding or additional charges at the airport.

• Child Seats: For infants occupying their own seat, ensure the car seat is FAA-approved and fits within the dimensions of the aircraft seat.

• Unaccompanied Minor Booking: Bookings must be made directly through Hawaiian Airlines Reservations and not online to ensure all policies are correctly applied.

Travel Documentation Requirements

All minors must present appropriate identification depending on their destination:

Domestic Travel

• No government-issued ID is required for children under 18.

• Proof of age (such as a birth certificate) may be requested.

International Travel

• A valid passport is mandatory for all travelers, including infants.

• Depending on the destination, a notarized letter of consent may be required if the child is not traveling with both parents.

Hawaiian Airlines follows U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) guidelines for minors entering and exiting the country.

In-Flight Services and Amenities for Children

Traveling with children doesn’t have to be a challenge. Hawaiian Airlines offers several in-flight amenities and services to make the experience more enjoyable:

• Priority Boarding: Families with children under 2 receive priority boarding to get settled early.

• Entertainment: On select aircraft, Hawaiian Airlines provides seatback entertainment with child-friendly movies, TV shows, and music.

• Complimentary Snacks and Meals: Children receive the same high-quality service as adults, including meals and snacks where applicable, depending on the flight duration and destination.

• Activity Kits: On some long-haul routes, Hawaiian Airlines may offer free activity kits to keep children entertained.

Baggage Allowance and Child Equipment

Understanding baggage rules is essential when traveling with children. Hawaiian Airlines allows the following:

• Lap Infant Items: One diaper bag, one stroller, and one car seat per child can be checked for free.

• Strollers and Car Seats: Can be gate-checked or checked at the counter without additional fees.

• Children with Their Own Seat: Entitled to the same baggage allowance as an adult ticket.

Families are encouraged to label all child equipment clearly with contact details.

Special Assistance for Families

Hawaiian Airlines is committed to ensuring all passengers, especially families, have the support they need:

• Pre-Boarding: Available for families with children under two years of age.

• Special Meals: While not specifically categorized as “child meals,” special dietary requests can be made at least 48 hours before departure.

• Connecting Flights: For unaccompanied minors, only direct or same-plane connecting flights are permitted, and the airline does not offer escort through customs for international connections.

Tips for a Smooth Journey with Kids on Hawaiian Airlines

Here are some expert tips to make the most of the Hawaiian Airlines child policy:

• Book Early: Flights during peak travel seasons fill quickly, especially seats for unaccompanied minors.

• Call Customer Support: For complex travel plans involving children, always speak directly with a Hawaiian Airlines representative.

• Prepare Travel Kits: Include toys, snacks, headphones, and a blanket to keep your child comfortable throughout the flight.

• Download Entertainment: Even though Hawaiian Airlines provides some entertainment, downloading backup content on tablets or smartphones is a wise precaution.

Conclusion

The Hawaiian Airlines child policy is thoughtfully designed to support families traveling together or children traveling alone. From infants flying free on domestic routes to specialized supervision for unaccompanied minors, Hawaiian Airlines prioritizes safety, convenience, and comfort. By understanding and adhering to the child policy, you can ensure a seamless travel experience tailored to your family’s needs.

If you’re planning your next vacation or family visit, trust Hawaiian Airlines to provide the care and services required for young flyers. And don’t forget to prepare accordingly, double-check documentation, and call ahead if in doubt—your smooth travel begins with informed planning.