Hawaiian Airlines Cancellation Policy: Everything You Need to Know Before You Cancel

Travel plans can sometimes take unexpected turns, and having the right information can make all the difference. If you're planning to fly and wondering how flexible your ticket is, understanding the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy is essential. Whether you’re canceling due to a change in schedule or an emergency situation, knowing your options helps you act quickly and avoid unnecessary charges.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know—from 24-hour cancellation windows and refund conditions to award tickets and special exceptions—so you can make informed decisions if plans change.

What Is the Hawaiian Airlines Cancellation Policy?

The Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy outlines the rules that apply when a traveler decides to cancel a flight booking. It covers a range of scenarios, from cancellations shortly after purchase to last-minute changes before departure. The good news is that Hawaiian Airlines offers both flexibility and clarity depending on the type of fare you purchase.

The policy takes into account:

• How the ticket was booked (directly or via third party)

• Whether the fare is refundable or non-refundable

• Whether it was purchased using cash or miles

• How soon before departure the cancellation is made

Let’s dive deeper into each area.

Risk-Free 24-Hour Cancellation Window

One of the traveler-friendly aspects of the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy is the 24-hour cancellation rule. This applies to all types of fares as long as the ticket was:

• Booked directly through Hawaiian Airlines (website, app, or call center)

• Purchased at least seven days before the scheduled departure

If both conditions are met, you’re eligible to cancel within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund without any cancellation fee. This policy gives travelers the flexibility to adjust plans without stress right after booking.

Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets

Understanding your fare type is crucial when reviewing your cancellation options. The Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy has different rules for refundable and non-refundable tickets.

Refundable Tickets

• You can cancel at any time before departure

• No cancellation fees are charged

• Full refund is issued to your original payment method

These fares cost more but offer peace of mind. They’re ideal for business travelers or anyone who may have fluctuating schedules.

Non-Refundable Tickets

• These fares are cheaper but come with more restrictions

• If canceled, you won’t get a cash refund

• Instead, you’ll receive a travel credit (minus any applicable cancellation fee)

• This credit can be used for future bookings and usually expires within one year

The airline may also allow changes instead of cancellations for a fee, depending on availability and route.

Main Cabin Basic: Know the Limitations

If you’ve chosen a Main Cabin Basic fare, there are stricter rules. Under the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy, these tickets are typically:

• Not eligible for changes or cancellations after the 24-hour grace period

• Non-refundable and non-transferable

• Excluded from seat selection and early boarding benefits

If flexibility is important to you, it might be worth choosing a Main Cabin or higher fare class.

Award Tickets and Mileage Redeposit

Travelers who book with HawaiianMiles need to be aware of special conditions related to mileage bookings.

Key points:

• If you cancel an award ticket, the miles can be redeposited to your HawaiianMiles account

• Taxes and fees may be refunded or turned into a travel credit

• Redeposit fees may apply if you're not part of Hawaiian’s elite frequent flyer program (Pualani Gold or Platinum)

Elite members often enjoy fee waivers and faster processing, so it pays to check your membership tier benefits.

How to Cancel a Hawaiian Airlines Flight

Canceling a flight is relatively straightforward. Hawaiian Airlines offers several ways to do it:

Online:

1. Go to hawaiianairlines.com

2. Click on “Manage Flights”

3. Enter your last name and confirmation code

4. Select the flight you want to cancel

5. Confirm the cancellation and follow instructions for refunds or credits

Mobile App:

The mobile app offers the same functionality as the website. Simply navigate to your booking, and follow the steps to cancel.

Phone:

Call Hawaiian Airlines customer service if you:

• Booked through a special program

• Have a medical or emergency situation

• Need help with award travel

Make sure to have your confirmation number and passenger details ready for a faster process.

Cancellation Fees: When and Why They Apply

Although Hawaiian Airlines has removed change fees for most domestic and international flights, cancellation fees may still apply based on fare type, destination, and time of cancellation.

Here’s a general breakdown:

• Refundable tickets: No cancellation fees

• Non-refundable tickets: Possible fee, amount varies

• Main Cabin Basic: No cancellations allowed after 24 hours

• Award tickets: Redeposit fee (usually around $30–$50) for non-elite members

These fees are typically subtracted from the total ticket value before issuing the credit.

Travel Credit: How It Works

If you're issued a travel credit as part of your cancellation, here's what you need to know:

• It’s issued in the original passenger’s name

• Valid for 12 months from the date of original booking

• Can only be used toward future flights operated by Hawaiian Airlines

• Not redeemable for cash and usually cannot be transferred

Always keep your credit code and expiration date handy. Set a reminder so you don’t miss the opportunity to use it.

Exceptions for Emergency or Involuntary Cancellations

Life happens, and Hawaiian Airlines makes allowances for certain circumstances:

• Medical emergencies

• Family death or critical illness

• Military deployment

If your cancellation falls under these categories, you may qualify for a waiver of fees or additional flexibility. You’ll typically need to provide:

• Medical records

• Death certificate

• Deployment orders

Call customer service and be ready to submit documentation. They’ll guide you through the specific steps based on your situation.

What Happens If Hawaiian Airlines Cancels Your Flight?

Sometimes, the airline cancels a flight due to weather, maintenance issues, or scheduling changes. Under the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy, you have several options:

1. Full refund to your original payment method

2. Rebooking on the next available flight at no additional charge

3. Travel credit for future use (if preferred)

If your cancellation leads to extended delays, the airline may provide food vouchers, hotel accommodation, or alternate transportation depending on the circumstances.

Third-Party Bookings: A Different Set of Rules

If you booked your Hawaiian Airlines ticket through a third-party website (like Expedia, Kayak, or a travel agency), the cancellation process gets a little more complicated. While the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy still applies to the fare rules, the actual process of canceling and refunding is handled by the third party.

What to do:

• Contact the agency or platform where you booked

• Ask for details on how they handle refunds or credits

• Review their individual cancellation and refund policies

Be aware that third-party platforms may impose additional service fees, and the refund timeline might be longer than booking directly through the airline.

Final Thoughts

No one books a flight expecting to cancel, but things can change in an instant. That’s why knowing the ins and outs of the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy is so important. From refundable fares and award ticket rules to travel credits and special exceptions, understanding your options allows you to stay one step ahead when plans shift.

Whether you need to cancel within 24 hours of booking or you’re dealing with a last-minute emergency, Hawaiian Airlines offers multiple avenues for support. Just make sure you know your fare type, act quickly, and keep track of any travel credits issued.