Hawaiian Airlines has introduced a groundbreaking policy change that significantly improves travel for passengers carrying sporting equipment, aligning its baggage rules with evolving industry standards and enhancing convenience for adventure-seekers. As of January 8, 2025, the airline now allows surfboards, bicycles, golf clubs, and other bulky sports gear to be checked in as standard baggage—eliminating the additional fees that were previously applied due to size restrictions.
A Win for Active Travelers
For years, passengers travelling to and from Hawaii have faced steep surcharges for transporting oversized sports equipment. Under the updated policy, travellers can now check in their gear under standard baggage fees, provided they meet specific weight and dimension criteria:
- Bicycles and windsurfing equipment up to 70 pounds (32 kg) qualify as standard checked baggage.
- All other sporting equipment, including surfboards, fishing gear, and golf clubs, must not exceed 50 pounds (23 kg).
- Size limits vary: Smaller items like baseball equipment and wakeboards are capped at 62 linear inches (132 cm), while larger gear such as surfboards and canoes can go up to 115 linear inches (292 cm).
- Equipment exceeding these limits will still be accepted, but passengers must pay the standard oversized baggage fees.
- Hang-gliding equipment remains prohibited.
The Cost Breakdown
For passengers flying between Hawaiian islands, the first checked bag costs $30, and the second is $50. That means a suitcase and a bicycle (within the new size limits) would total $80. For flights between Hawaii and the U.S. mainland, the first checked bag is $40, and the second is $45. Premium customers, Hawaiian Airlines Mastercard holders, and international travellers (excluding Australia and New Zealand) continue to enjoy free checked baggage allowances.
Passengers who purchase a ticket using the Hawaiian Airlines World Elite Mastercard can check two bags for free, including sporting equipment on eligible flights, subject to availability and applicable restrictions. Blackout dates may apply, and passengers are encouraged to review the airline’s terms and conditions for further details. Additionally, members receive benefits such as a free checked bag on Neighbor Island flights, 10% or 20% off one Neighbor Island booking per quarter, and monthly network-wide deals.
Changes to Australian Routes
In March 2024, Hawaiian Airlines revised its baggage policy for flights to and from Australia for the first time since launching Australian services in 2004. Economy and Extra Comfort passengers are now allowed one complimentary checked bag (23 kg) instead of the previous two. A second checked bag will now cost AU$150. This policy applies to all tickets issued on or after March 14, 2024 (AEST). However, Business Class passengers still enjoy two 32 kg checked bags as part of their fare.
For those travelling with sporting equipment, Hawaiian Airlines now charges a $150 excess fee for surfboards, golf clubs, and other sports gear up to 32 kg when carried as a second item on Australian routes.
Andrew Stanbury, Managing Director of International and North America Sales at Hawaiian Airlines, explained that this change aligns with industry pricing trends while reaffirming the airline’s commitment to authentic Hawaiian hospitality.
What Sparked the Change?
This policy shift comes after a public dispute in November 2023 involving professional surfer Billy Kemper. Kemper took to social media to highlight his struggles with the airline’s previous surfboard policy when his gear was denied at Honolulu International Airport. Following the backlash, Hawaiian Airlines initially increased the allowed weight for surfboard bags to 100 pounds while reducing excess baggage fees.
Now, the airline has taken another step forward. Sandra Wang, Hawaiian Airlines’ product manager, noted the importance of the change in a recent statement:
“Hawai’i is synonymous with surfing and many ocean and land-based activities that draw visitors from around the world. We are excited to extend this new benefit to our visitors and kamaʻāina so they can enjoy their favorite sports and hobbies while exploring Hawai’i and anywhere they travel in our network, including Asia, Oceania, and the U.S. continent.”
Huakaʻi by Hawaiian: More Perks for Kamaʻāina
This baggage policy update coincides with the launch of Huakaʻi by Hawaiian, a program designed to provide exclusive perks and discounts for local residents. The initiative underscores the airline’s commitment to making travel more accessible and convenient for Hawaii’s residents while also enhancing tourism-related travel.
An Industry Shift?
While Hawaiian Airlines’ move benefits travellers significantly, it is not without precedent. Airlines such as Alaska Airlines and Qantas have implemented similar baggage policies to cater to adventure-seeking travellers. This shift underscores a broader industry trend where airlines recognize the demand for more flexible baggage options for sports enthusiasts and frequent travellers. Alaska Airlines already had a similar policy in place—and with Alaska’s acquisition of Hawaiian Airlines underway, some speculate this change may have been influenced by the merger. Regardless of the reason, the update aligns Hawaiian with traveller-friendly baggage policies seen at other major airlines catering to adventure-seeking passengers.
For surfers, cyclists, and golf enthusiasts, this move makes island-hopping and long-haul travel more affordable and convenient. It also reflects a growing trend in the airline industry—where customer feedback, social media advocacy, and competitive pressures drive policy adjustments. As airlines compete to win over niche markets like sports travellers, such baggage policy updates could become more common across the industry.
For now, Hawaiian Airlines passengers can celebrate a more budget-friendly way to bring their sporting gear to paradise. Whether this is just the start of broader baggage policy shifts remains to be seen—but for travellers who love the outdoors, it’s certainly a step in the right direction.