Planning travel often means preparing for changes — whether due to personal reasons, schedule shifts, or unexpected events. In 2026, Hawaiian Airlines continues to update its policies to balance flexibility and fare integrity while staying aligned with U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requirements. Understanding the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy, including the 24-hour risk-free rule, refund eligibility, fare-specific conditions, and how credits work, is essential before booking or canceling flights. +1-888-511-8011
This guide breaks down the most current 2026 cancellation rules, how refunds are processed, what happens with non-refundable tickets, and tips to minimize loss when plans change.
1. What Is the 24-Hour Risk-Free Cancellation Rule?
One of the most traveler-friendly features of the Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy is the 24-hour risk-free window.
How It Works
If you book directly with Hawaiian Airlines (website, app, or phone) and the departure date is at least seven days away, you can cancel within 24 hours of booking and receive a full refund back to your original form of payment.
This rule applies regardless of fare type, including Main Cabin Basic and other non-refundable fares.
The refund includes taxes and fees—not just the ticket cost—provided the request is made within that 24-hour window.
This policy is particularly useful if you book quickly and then realize you made an error or your plans shift soon after purchase.
Important Notes
The flight must be scheduled at least 7 days after the booking to qualify for the 24-hour free cancellation.
If you booked through a third-party travel site or travel agent, their own cancellation rules may apply instead. Always verify with the booking source.
2. Refundable vs. Non-Refundable Tickets
Hawaiian Airlines categorizes fares broadly into refundable and non-refundable (including Main Cabin Basic and some standard Main Cabin tickets). The way cancellations and refunds are handled depends heavily on this classification.
Refundable Tickets
If you purchased a refundable fare, you can cancel at any time before departure and get a refund to your original payment method.
Unused tickets are refundable in full, including all fare and taxes.
Partially used tickets may receive a refund for the unused portion, calculated as the difference between the total fare and what’s already flown.
Service fees may apply unless you choose travel credit instead of a cash refund.
Non-Refundable Tickets
Most standard economy and Main Cabin Basic fares are non-refundable once outside the 24-hour free cancellation window.
After that window, these tickets typically won’t be refunded in cash. Instead, you’ll usually receive a travel credit (sometimes called eCredit) for future travel with Hawaiian Airlines.
The credit amount is generally the unused ticket value minus any applicable fees.
Credits are valid for one year from the original ticket purchase date, though you should always check the specific terms tied to your ticket.
3. How Refunds Are Processed
Refund processing timeframes and conditions vary depending on the ticket and payment type:
Refund Timing
Credit Card Purchases: Typically refunded within 7 business days.
Cash, Check, or Other Payments: Can take up to 20 business days to process.
Service Fees
Hawaiian Airlines may assess service fees on refunded tickets unless you opt for travel credits:
Within Hawaii: ~$25 fee on refundable tickets.
Continental USA or Between Hawaii and Mainland: ~$100 fee on refundable tickets.
Military and government fares are often exempt from service fees.
4. Travel Credits vs. Cash Refunds
Travel Credits
If you cancel a non-refundable ticket outside the 24-hour window, most of the time you'll receive a travel credit valid for future Hawaiian Airlines flights.
Credits are typically valid for up to one year from the original ticket issuance date.
Unlike a cash refund, travel credits stay in your airline account and must be applied toward a new booking.
Be mindful of expiration: once a travel credit expires, it usually cannot be reinstated.
Cash Refunds
Cash refunds are mainly reserved for:
Refundable fares
Cancellations within the 24-hour free window
Situations where the airline cancels or significantly changes your flight (see below)
5. Airline-Initiated Cancellations and Refund Rights
Even if your ticket is non-refundable, if Hawaiian Airlines cancels or significantly changes your flight, you may be owed a full refund to your original payment method if you choose not to accept the alternative flight offered.
A “significant change” could include:
Major schedule delays
Changes in routing or transfer airports without notice
Downgrades in cabin class
This right is protected under U.S. DOT regulations and stands even for some non-refundable tickets.
6. No-Show Policies and Consequences
If you don’t cancel before your flight departs (i.e., you’re a “no-show”), Hawaiian Airlines’ policy may:
Cancel any return or onward segments of the reservation.
Forfeit the value of non-refundable fares and any associated credits.
To avoid this, cancel or modify your reservation well before departure.
7. How to Cancel Your Hawaiian Airlines Flight
Online
Log into your Hawaiian Airlines account on the website or app.
Navigate to “My Trips.”
Select your flight and choose “Cancel.”
Follow prompts to confirm refund or travel credit.
By Phone or Agent
Call Hawaiian Airlines Reservations or speak to a service agent at the airport if you need assistance.
Customer service can guide refunds, credits, or exceptions where applicable.
Always verify your ticket’s specific fare rules, as they determine your refund or credit options.
8. Tips to Minimize Cancellation Costs
To make cancellations more manageable:
Book refundable fares if you anticipate possible changes.
Cancel within 24 hours to ensure a full refund.
Monitor flights for schedule changes that may qualify for refunds.
Use travel credits sooner rather than later to avoid expiration.
Consider travel insurance for additional protection.
Final Takeaways: Hawaiian Airlines Cancellation Policy 2026
The Hawaiian Airlines cancellation policy in 2026 blends traveler flexibility with structured fare rules:
The 24-hour risk-free cancellation gives passengers full refunds for most bookings as long as the flight is at least a week away.
Refundable fares offer the most flexibility; non-refundable fares usually become travel credits after cancellation.
Airline-initiated cancellations or major schedule changes typically entitle you to refunds even for non-refundable tickets.
No-show passengers risk losing the value of unused tickets, making timely cancellation vital.
Understanding these rules helps you plan with confidence and minimize risk when travel doesn’t go as originally intended.
