Hawaiian Airlines Minor Policy: Everything Parents Need to Know

Traveling with minors—whether infants, children, or teens—brings many questions. Hawaiian Airlines has a set of policies in place to ensure safety, comfort, and peace of mind. In this guide, we’ll cover the Hawaiian Airlines Minor Policy, including unaccompanied minor rules, ID requirements, infant policy, plus distinctions for domestic vs international flights. For help in booking or clarifying anything, ToursNTravelPro is here to assist or call +1-866-679-5070.

What is the Hawaiian Airlines Minor Policy?

The Hawaiian Airlines Minor Policy encompasses all rules related to traveling with children—from infants (lap children) to minors traveling alone (unaccompanied minors). It covers what documentation is needed, who may travel alone under what circumstances, extra fees, safety restraints, and what is or isn’t permitted.

Its goals are clear:

• Protect the safety and welfare of children
• Ensure clear responsibility for drop-off/pick-up and care in transit
• Comply with legal/international requirements

Age Definitions & Who Counts as a Minor

• Infant (Under 2 years old)
• Children under 2 years.
• If under 7 days old, a doctor’s note is required for travel.
• Child / Minor (Ages 2–4)
• Must have their own seat when traveling.
• Must be accompanied by someone 15+ on domestic routes.
• Unaccompanied Minor (Ages 5–11)
• Children aged 5–11 traveling without an adult companion on the same flight/compartment require unaccompanied minor service.
• Older Minors / Teens (Ages 12–17)
• Usually permitted to travel alone with fewer restrictions.
• May need additional documentation for international travel, especially if flying with only one parent or guardian.

Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy

Who is an Unaccompanied Minor?

• Domestic (within Hawaii or between Hawaii & continental U.S.): Children aged 5-11 who are not traveling with someone at least 15 years old in the same flight and compartment. 
• International Flights: Children under 12 are not permitted to travel alone (without an adult who is 18+) in most cases.

Children 12-17 may travel alone under standard passenger rules (but may need additional documentation). 

What’s Not Allowed

• Minors under age 5 are not permitted to fly alone.
• On international flights, unaccompanied minors under age 12 are generally not accepted.

Responsibilities & Supervision

• The airline provides care from check-in to drop off. The originating adult must escort the child to the gate; the pick-up person must be on the unaccompanied minor form and present ID.
• Seat assignment for unaccompanied minors is done by the airline agent at departure.

Hawaiian Airlines ID Requirements for Minors

What IDs or documentation are needed depends on age and whether traveling domestic or international:

• Infants (under 2): Birth certificate or passport might be required if traveling internationally or for proof of age. For domestic flights, proof of age may be requested.
• Children 2-11: Probably no photo ID required for many domestic flights, but when traveling internationally, a passport and any visa or entry documents are necessary. Additional documentation may be needed if only one parent is traveling.
• Unaccompanied Minors: Their form must include drop-off and pick-up person’s name, phone, address. The adult picking up must present a valid photo ID. The adult dropping off also will be asked for a valid photo ID. Hawaiian requires official documents to prove age if asked.

Hawaiian Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Form

To use the unaccompanied minor service, you will need to complete an Unaccompanied Minor Form. Key points:

• The form asks for full details of the child (name, age, passport/birth certificate info), contact info of parents or guardians, plus the names, addresses, phone numbers of the responsible adults at departure and arrival.
• You will sign authorizations for Hawaiian to assume care during travel.
• The form often needs to be presented at check-in, along with ID for the adult who drops off and the adult who will pick up.

Hawaiian Airlines Infant Policy

• Lap Infant: Children under 2 years (infants) may be carried on the lap of an adult 15 years or older, at no additional fare for many domestic/North America/Hawaii flights.
• For infants under 7 days old, Hawaiian requires a signed physician’s letter approving travel.
• Seat purchase: If you prefer, you can buy a seat for an infant (if under 2). If the infant has a seat, you should use an FAA- or government‐approved child restraint seat.
• Restraints: For children in certain seat/weight brackets (ex: CARES harness, booster seats) there are rules about where they can be used. Some seats are disallowed for restraint systems (exit rows, front cabin of certain aircraft, etc.).

Minor Policy: Domestic Flights vs International Flights

• Unaccompanied Minors (Ages 5–11)
• Domestic Flights (Hawaii / Hawaii–Contiguous US): Allowed with unaccompanied minor service and fee. If accompanied, the adult must be 15+ and on the same flight/compartment.
• International Flights: Not permitted for children under 12 without an adult. Children under 12 must be accompanied by someone 18+ on the same flight/compartment.
• Minors (Ages 12–17)
• Domestic Flights: May fly alone with fewer restrictions but still require proper ID or documentation.
• International Flights: May travel alone but often need extra documentation (passport, visa, or proof of guardianship).
• Infant (Lap Child) Fare or Free
• Domestic Flights: Lap infants usually travel free within Hawaii, North America, or Hawaii–mainland routes.
• International Flights: Lap infants typically require payment of a percentage of the adult fare and all necessary documentation.

Fees & Charges

Here are the fees you should expect under Hawaiian Airlines Minor Policy:

• Unaccompanied Minor fees (for ages 5-11, domestic & Hawaii routes): ~$35 USD per flight segment within Hawaii.
• Unaccompanied Minor fee between Hawaii and continental U.S.: ~$100 USD per segment.
• For children 12-17 traveling alone: Service is optional; same fee applies if you request the service.
• Lap infant charges: Domestic/North America: generally no fare (free) if lap infant; International: usually ~10% of adult fare, plus taxes and fees.

How to Book for Minors / Unaccompanied Minors

Steps to ensure everything is handled correctly:

1. Plan Ahead: Because of required documentation and special service, it’s best to book in advance.
2. Reservations: Either call Hawaiian Airlines or use their website / special assistance pages. If using an online travel agent, verify that service is supported.
3. Unaccompanied Minor Form: Ensure that when booking you request for the unaccompanied minor service and that the form is filled out. The airline will either email/send a PDF or require filling at check-in.
4. IDs & Travel Documents: For international flights especially, ensure passport, visas if needed, proof of guardianship if required. Domestic flights may need birth certificates or other age proof sometimes.
5. Drop-off / Pick-up Logistics: The person bringing the child to the airport (drop-off) must stay until the flight departs; the person picking up must be present at arrival gate and be the one named on the unaccompanied minor form with ID.
6. Arrive Early: Additional time is needed for check-in, verifying documentation, filling out forms, etc.

Tips for Parents & Guardians

• Always carry extra copies of birth certificates or passports for minors.
• If only one parent is traveling (or not both parents listed), carry proof of guardianship or consent (“letter of consent”) especially for international travel.
• Label child’s baggage and personal items clearly.
• Prepare the child for airport procedures: security, customs, boarding, etc.
• If you purchase a seat for an infant, bring a child restraint seat that is FAA or government-approved.
• Bring snacks, comfort items, entertainment; airlines provide limited amenities for minors.

FAQs

Q: Can a 13-year-old fly alone on Hawaiian Airlines?

A: Yes. Children aged 12–17 may fly alone under standard passenger rules on both domestic and international flights (with required documentation). Unaccompanied minor service (i.e. special assistance) is optional for this age group. 

Q: Does a 10-year-old need the unaccompanied minor service on domestic flight?

A: Yes, if the 10-year-old is flying without a companion who is 15+ on the same flight/compartment. The unaccompanied minor service is required. 

Q: What about proof of age for infants?

A: Hawaiian Airlines may request proof of age (birth certificate or passport) especially for infants traveling internationally or if there is doubt. For infants under 7 days, a doctor’s note is required. 

Q: Are there any routes where unaccompanied minors are not permitted?

A: Yes. International flights generally do not accept unaccompanied minors under 12 without an adult. Also, itineraries with very long connecting times, or overnight layovers, may be problematic. Always check with Hawaiian in advance.

Conclusion

Hawaiian Airlines Minor Policy is designed to protect younger travelers while making rules as clear and manageable as possible. If you’re preparing to send a child as an unaccompanied minor or traveling with an infant, knowing the age brackets, documentation, fees, and airline rules ahead of time will save stress.

For personalized support, booking assistance, or any questions, reach out to ToursNTravelPro or you can call at +1-866-679-5070. We’ve helped many families navigate Hawaiian Airlines’ policies so that flights go smoothly for everyone.

Related Reading for Other Airlines’ Minor Policies

• Complete Guide to Spirit Airlines Minor Policy â€“ Learn about Spirit Airlines’ rules, fees, and tips for unaccompanied minors.
• SkyWest Airlines Unaccompanied Minor Policy, Rules, Fees, and Best Practices â€“ A detailed breakdown of SkyWest Airlines’ procedures and recommendations.