Travel plans don’t always go as expected, and when that happens, knowing where you stand with your airline can make a world of difference. If you’re flying with this carrier and are wondering about the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy, you're in the right place. This guide breaks down all the key aspects you need to know, from free cancellations to refund eligibility, so you’re not caught off guard when your travel plans change.
Understanding the Hawaiian Airlines Cancellation Policy
The Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy is designed to give passengers flexibility, especially in uncertain times. Whether you need to cancel your flight last minute or weeks in advance, the policy offers options depending on the type of ticket you purchased and when you cancel.
Like many airlines, the carrier allows free cancellation within a certain window and offers refunds or credits depending on fare class and conditions.
24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation
One of the best features of the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy is the 24-hour risk-free cancellation period. According to U.S. Department of Transportation guidelines, passengers are allowed to cancel their flight within 24 hours of booking—provided the flight was booked at least 7 days before departure.
What this means for you:
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Full refund to the original form of payment.
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No cancellation fees apply.
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Available for all ticket types, including Main Cabin and First Class.
This is ideal if you booked a flight on impulse or noticed a mistake shortly after confirming.
Cancellation Policy for Refundable Tickets
If you purchased a refundable fare, the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy works in your favor. These tickets can be canceled at any time before departure with no fees.
Refundable tickets include:
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First Class Fully Refundable fares
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Business Class Fully Refundable fares
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Main Cabin Refundable fares (only on select routes)
You will get a full refund to your original payment method. Just be sure to cancel before your scheduled departure to qualify for a refund.
Cancellation Rules for Non-Refundable Tickets
Most passengers travel on non-refundable fares since they are more affordable. If you cancel a non-refundable ticket, the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy doesn’t allow a cash refund—but you won’t lose the entire value of your ticket.
Instead, you’ll receive a future travel credit or eCredit after deducting applicable fees (if any). The credit can be used for future bookings on the same airline and is usually valid for 12 months from the original ticket issue date.
Key tips:
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Cancel your flight before it departs to preserve the value.
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No-shows typically forfeit the full ticket amount.
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Change fees may apply depending on your destination and fare rules.
Cancellation Policy for Award Tickets
If you booked using HawaiianMiles, the airline’s frequent flyer program, the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy still applies—just a bit differently.
For award bookings:
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Cancellations must be made before flight departure.
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Miles are redeposited to your account.
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A cancellation or redeposit fee may apply (based on status level or how close to departure you cancel).
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Taxes and fees paid during booking may be refunded to your original form of payment.
Frequent flyers with elite Pualani status might enjoy waived or reduced cancellation fees.
Canceling a Flight Due to Medical or Emergency Reasons
The airline may provide exceptions under the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy if your cancellation is due to a medical emergency, death in the family, or other unavoidable circumstances.
In these cases:
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Supporting documentation (such as a doctor’s note or death certificate) is usually required.
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Requests are handled on a case-by-case basis.
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If approved, change fees may be waived, and refunds or credits issued.
While not guaranteed, it’s always worth contacting customer service in these situations.
How to Cancel Your Hawaiian Airlines Flight
Canceling a flight is simple and can be done in several ways:
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Online via the Website:
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Go to the "My Trips" section.
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Enter your confirmation code and last name.
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Select the flight you want to cancel and follow prompts.
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Mobile App:
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Use the airline's official app for easy cancellation.
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Manage trips, view credits, and receive real-time updates.
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By Phone:
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Call customer support if you need help with special cases or award bookings.
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Be prepared with your booking number and passenger details.
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Airport Ticket Counter:
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If you’re already at the airport, visit the desk for in-person assistance.
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The cancellation process is user-friendly and ensures passengers get updates on refunds or credits without hassle.
What Happens After You Cancel?
Once your cancellation is confirmed, you’ll receive a cancellation email outlining:
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Refund or credit status
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Amount deducted (if applicable)
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Credit validity period
For eligible refunds, the processing time may take 7–10 business days, depending on your bank. Credits are typically available for immediate use after cancellation.
Tips for Minimizing Cancellation Costs
To avoid losing money or value when plans change, keep the following tips in mind:
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Book Refundable Fares When Uncertain: If your schedule isn’t fixed, spend a little extra for flexibility.
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Act Within 24 Hours: Canceling within the risk-free window can save you from unnecessary charges.
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Use Travel Insurance: It can cover cancellations due to emergencies.
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Redeem Miles Strategically: Canceling award tickets often involves fewer penalties than cash bookings.
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Monitor Travel Alerts: If your flight is delayed or canceled by the airline, you may be eligible for a refund—even on non-refundable fares.
These small steps can make a big impact if your travel plans shift unexpectedly.
Conclusion
The Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy offers a balanced mix of flexibility and structure. Whether you’re booking a quick island hop or a long-haul international trip, it’s important to understand your rights and options when it comes to canceling a flight. Knowing when and how to cancel, what fees apply, and how to preserve the value of your ticket ensures peace of mind throughout your travel journey.
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