Like other U.S. airlines, Hawaiian Airlines no longer accept emotional support animals on flights. However, you may still be able to board the cabin with your animal if you have a service dog (including a psychiatric service dog) or a pet that fits into a small carrier. Service dog owners are exempt from pet fees and the general size limitations that pets are subject to.
If you plan to fly with a psychiatric service dog on Hawaiian Airlines, you must prepare in advance and be mindful of some important rules. The Aloha State has some quirky requirements for animals from other states, so you need to be well informed for a smooth travel experience. In this article, we’ll explore what you need to know if you plan to fly on Hawaiian Airlines with your animal.
Good News! All airlines still accept Psychiatric Service Dogs on all flights.
If you are interested in a Psychiatric Service Dog Letter, we are happy to connect you with a licensed healthcare provider so they may assist you.
(Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational purposes and should be confirmed directly with the airline. ESADoctors.com is not associated or affiliated with this airline or any of their subsidiaries.)
Hawaiian Airlines Psychiatric Service Dog Policy
Hawaiian Airlines allows for fully-trained service dogs (which includes psychiatric service dogs) to board the cabin with their owners, free of charge. A psychiatric service dog is different from an emotional support animal because PSDs are individually trained to work or perform tasks for the benefit of the handler. An emotional support animal would have to be successfully trained in order to qualify as a psychiatric service dog.
If you are flying with a PSD, you should notify Hawaiian Airlines and submit the forms below at least 48 hours before departure. If you bought your ticket within 48 hours of your flight, you can submit hard copies of the forms on the day of travel to a Hawaiian Airlines agent at your departure airport.
You must submit the following forms:
- U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Air Transportation Form. This form requires you to certify that you have a fully trained service dog that will be under your control at all times. The form requires the name of the dog’s trainer (which can be the owner/handler) and veterinarian.
- U.S. Department of Transportation Service Animal Relief Attestation Form. This form is only required on flights longer than 8 hours and requires you to attest that your service dog will not relieve itself (or can do so in a sanitary manner) during long flights.
Once you have completed the forms, you can submit them on Hawaiian Airline’s “Make a Request” page, which you can find at this link. In the drop-down menu, select “Service Animal” and then submit the required documents:
PSD Letter
If you are in the process of adopting or training a psychiatric service dog, a PSD letter can be a good place to start. A PSD letter is a letter from a licensed healthcare professional that has evaluated your mental and emotional health. You are issued a PSD letter if the licensed professional determines that you have a qualifying condition under the ADA and ACAA for purposes of owning a psychiatric service dog.
If you would like to connect with a healthcare professional online specializing in assistance animals, we can help. Just click on the link below to get started today.
How to Get your Psychiatric Service Dog Letter from ESA Doctors
Your ESA may qualify as a PSD
Health Certificate and Agriculture Forms
In addition to the forms above, Hawaii requires your psychiatric service dog to have a valid animal health certificate if you enter Hawaii from another state. You should obtain this health certificate from your veterinarian and have it dated within 14 days before arrival in Hawaii.
Your service animal must be under your control at all times and well-behaved at the gate and during the flight.
For direct flights to LIH, OGG, or KOA from outside Hawaii, you must also have a valid Neighbor Island Inspection Permit from the Hawaii Department of Agriculture. You should contact the Hawaii Department of Agriculture for more information and requirements if you are flying to these destinations.
Rules for Service Dogs on Hawaiian Airlines
When traveling with a service dog on Hawaiian Airlines, there are some important rules to comply with at the airport and during the flight. Submitting the forms discussed above shows proof that you own a service dog, but keep in mind that under ADA and Air Carrier Access rules, staff members are also allowed to ask you two questions for verbal confirmation: “Is the animal required to accompany you as an accommodation for a disability?” and “What work or task has your animal been trained to perform for you?”
Under disability laws, service dog owners have a right to privacy. They do not have to reveal details about their condition or have the dog demonstrate its trained task.
Service animals must be well-behaved and under your control at all times. Your service dog may be expelled if it engages in disruptive behavior such as barking or growingly, jumping on others, biting or causing injury, running around, or relieving themselves in the airport or the plane in an unsanitary manner.
While on board the plane, keep in mind that your service dog should remain on the floor and not take up space in the aisles or exit rows. Your service dog can sit in your lap if it is smaller than a lap child. Your service dog cannot encroach on the space of another passenger.
If you are arriving in Hawaii from North America or an international airport, keep in mind that a Hawaiian Airlines agent must escort you from the aircraft door to the Animal Quarantine facility when you arrive. Ensure you leave the plane with an agent because Hawaii’s Department of Agriculture can fine you if they are not escorted directly to Animal Quarantine upon landing.
Qualify for a Psychiatric Service Dog Letter Online
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