Checking baggage between United and Hawaiian on diff. tix?

Question

Hi -- has anyone had luck or have any tips on how to check baggage through with Hawaiian and United on different itineraries? The TLDR is that on our way home, we have KOA to HNL on Hawaiian, then HNL to mainland on United, on separate itineraries. Is there ANY way to get this sorted out ahead of time, or do we have to ask at the airport and hope for the best? Traveling with an 80-yo and want to make things as easy as possible.

The long story is: we couldn't book the full itinerary together because the class of ticket with United (premium economy) was not an option if we added KOA as the final destination. So we booked nonstop roundtrip to HNL to get the premium economy, and then roundtrip HNL to KOA on Hawaiian. On the way there, we will spend a few nights on Oahu so the luggage is not an issue -- but when we come back from KOA I would love to avoid my MIL having to get the baggage and re-check, back through security, etc. etc., for the flight to the mainland. (Extra walking and stress on my MIL). We will be checking 2 bags. I know Hawaiian and United partner -- is there any chance to streamline this ahead of time? (Fwiw I talked to multiple United reps before booking to try to get the premium economy seat on the full itinerary, was a no go.) Or could we leave some of our party at the gate, and then one or two of us just go out and handle the bags? Anyone have any experience with this? Thank you!

Answer

Checking baggage through when flying on Hawaiian and United on separate itineraries can be tricky because airlines typically only automatically transfer luggage for flights booked on the same ticket. However, there are a few strategies and tips to make the process smoother, especially when traveling with a senior passenger.

Key points to consider:

Since your flights are on separate itineraries, Hawaiian and United will not automatically check your bags through to your United flight. This means your mother-in-law will normally need to pick up the bags at HNL, go through the terminal, and re-check them with United.
Even though Hawaiian and United have a partnership and codeshare agreements, these typically only allow through-checked luggage for flights booked on the same ticket. On separate tickets, this service is not guaranteed.
You can call both airlines in advance and ask if Hawaiian will accept a through-check for separate tickets. Some agents may offer to tag the bags to United at KOA if the connection is tight, but it’s rare and not standard policy. Make sure to get confirmation in writing if possible.

Options to streamline the process at the airport:

Use Hawaiian Airlines baggage assistance: Hawaiian staff can often help with baggage transfer and provide guidance for seniors. When checking in at KOA, ask if they have any special procedures for passengers connecting to United on a separate itinerary.
Meet-and-greet or baggage concierge services: Some airports and airlines offer services where staff will help collect and re-check bags. At HNL, you can inquire about such options for Hawaiian to United transfers. There may be an additional fee.
Split responsibilities among family members: You can have one or two members of your party go ahead to handle baggage re-check with United while the senior stays seated or rests in the terminal. This reduces stress and extra walking for your mother-in-law.
Priority assistance for seniors: At both Hawaiian and United, request wheelchair or escort service for your mother-in-law. This allows her to get to the baggage claim and re-check counter without navigating the terminal alone.

Other tips:

Leave extra connection time at HNL to account for baggage claim, re-check, and security. Even though it may be a short flight from KOA, plan at least 90–120 minutes if your mother-in-law is handling bags herself.
Label luggage clearly and include a contact card in each bag in case of any mix-ups.
Consider traveling light if possible, as fewer checked bags will reduce the effort required.

In summary, with separate itineraries it is unlikely that Hawaiian will check bags through to United automatically. The most reliable approach is to plan for baggage pick-up and re-check at HNL, but you can minimize stress for your senior traveler by arranging wheelchair/escort service, having family members assist, and leaving extra connection time. Calling both airlines in advance and explaining your situation may provide additional accommodations.

Checking baggage between United and Hawaiian on diff. tix?

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