Planning a trip often involves booking flights well in advance. But life happens—plans change, emergencies arise, and sometimes, cancellations become necessary. That’s when knowing the Hawaiian Airlines refund policy becomes essential. Whether you’re dealing with a canceled flight, change of plans, or a simple mistake in booking, understanding how refunds work with Hawaiian Airlines can save you both time and money.
In this guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the Hawaiian Airlines refund policy, including refundable vs. non-refundable tickets, time limits for refunds, how to request them, and some tips to improve your chances of getting your money back.
What Does the Hawaiian Airlines Refund Policy Cover?
The Hawaiian Airlines refund policy outlines the conditions under which passengers can receive a refund on their airfare. While some tickets are eligible for a full refund, others come with specific restrictions or penalties. Generally, your eligibility for a refund depends on:
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The type of ticket purchased (refundable or non-refundable)
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When you cancel the ticket
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The reason for cancellation
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Whether the airline canceled the flight
Let’s take a closer look at these elements.
Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets
One of the most important things to understand is the difference between refundable and non-refundable fares. Hawaiian Airlines offers both options, and the refund policy is different for each.
Refundable Tickets
If you purchased a refundable ticket, you’re in luck. These tickets can be canceled at any time before departure, and you’ll receive a full refund to your original form of payment. These are often more expensive, but they provide the most flexibility.
Non-Refundable Tickets
Non-refundable tickets, on the other hand, do not qualify for a full refund. If you cancel, you won’t get your money back. However, the airline usually offers a credit voucher (travel credit) which you can use for future travel, minus any applicable cancellation fees.
24-Hour Cancellation Rule
A great tip for all travelers is the 24-hour risk-free cancellation policy. According to U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines, Hawaiian Airlines allows you to cancel any reservation made directly with the airline within 24 hours of booking—as long as the flight is at least 7 days away. In this case, you are eligible for a full refund, regardless of whether the fare is refundable or not.
This is an easy way to fix booking errors or adjust plans shortly after reserving your flight.
Refunds for Canceled Flights
If Hawaiian Airlines cancels your flight, the refund policy changes in your favor. You are entitled to a full refund, including any optional services you purchased (like seat upgrades or baggage fees). This holds true whether you purchased a refundable or non-refundable ticket.
Flight cancellations may occur due to:
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Weather conditions
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Operational issues
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Government restrictions
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Health or safety concerns
In such cases, you can either rebook without additional fees or request a full refund.
Requesting a Refund: Step-by-Step Process
If you’re eligible for a refund based on the Hawaiian Airlines refund policy, here’s how to go about requesting it:
1. Cancel Your Flight
Log into your Hawaiian Airlines account or use the confirmation number to access your booking. Cancel the reservation from the "Manage Flights" section.
2. Fill Out the Refund Request Form
Visit the official Hawaiian Airlines website and navigate to the Refund Request page. Fill out the required details such as:
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Passenger name
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Booking confirmation number
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Flight details
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Reason for cancellation
3. Wait for Processing
Refunds typically take between 7 to 10 business days to process if you used a credit card. Refunds to debit cards or other payment methods may take a bit longer.
Refunds for Extra Services
It’s not just the ticket itself that might be refundable. According to the Hawaiian Airlines refund policy, you can also request refunds for additional services such as:
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Seat upgrades
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Priority boarding
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Checked baggage fees
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Wi-Fi purchases
However, this only applies if you cancel the entire trip or if the airline fails to deliver the purchased service.
Medical and Emergency Refunds
Life can be unpredictable. If you need to cancel due to a medical emergency, family bereavement, or other unforeseen situations, Hawaiian Airlines may make exceptions to their standard refund policy.
In such cases, passengers are advised to contact customer service and provide documentation like:
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Doctor’s note
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Hospital records
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Death certificate (in case of bereavement)
Though not guaranteed, Hawaiian Airlines often accommodates such requests with credit vouchers or partial refunds.
Refunds for Unused Portions of Your Trip
Did you skip a leg of your journey or return early for any reason? You may be eligible for a partial refund of the unused portion. However, this only applies under specific conditions, and passengers need to contact the airline to evaluate their case.
Important Things to Remember
Here are a few final tips to keep in mind when dealing with the Hawaiian Airlines refund policy:
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Always check the fare rules before purchasing a ticket
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Use the 24-hour window wisely
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Refunds are typically issued to the original form of payment
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Some refunds may come in the form of travel credit
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Keep copies of all documents and correspondence
Final Thoughts
Understanding the Hawaiian Airlines refund policy can make all the difference when unexpected events disrupt your travel plans. Whether you’re dealing with a last-minute change or a canceled flight, knowing your rights and options helps you stay in control.
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