Journey prep — pre-flight checklist

Documents

• Government-issued photo ID (Real-ID compliant for domestic from May 7, 2025 onward).
• Passport for trans-Pacific (and recommended for Hawaii — many properties scan it).
• Carrier confirmation code (the airline's, not the OTA's) screenshot offline-accessible.
• For non-US citizens visiting Hawaii: ESTA or visa as applicable.

Electronics

• Phone with airline app installed (Hawaiian, United, Delta, Alaska all support offline boarding passes).
• USB-C / Lightning cable + small charger (planes serving Hawaii routes generally have at-seat power on Hawaiian and most US widebodies, less consistent on inter-island).
• Noise-cancelling earbuds for any flight over 4 hours.
• Portable battery (under 100 Wh in carry-on per FAA — most consumer ones are well under this).

Bag layout

• Carry-on (22"×14"×9"): change of clothes, toiletries under 3.4 oz, medications.
• Personal item: documents, electronics, snacks. Slides under the seat.
• Checked bag (if used): solid surf wax / reef-safe sunscreen, sandals, beach gear, anything you can replace.

Hawaii-specific notes

• Reef-safe sunscreen is required on most Hawaiian beaches. Pack one or buy on island.
• USDA agricultural inspection on return — do not pack fresh fruit. Pineapple in commercial packaging is exempt.
• Bring a light layer; the trade winds and rental car AC are cooler than the air outside.
• Phones work normally — no special roaming required for US carriers.

Trans-Pacific notes

• Bring a refillable water bottle — long-haul Premium Economy and above include cabin steward water service, but Economy is intermittent.
• Compression socks help on flights over 10 hours, especially LAX → SYD.
• Set phone to airplane mode immediately after boarding; some carriers charge $10–$20 per leg for in-flight Wi-Fi.
• Check destination customs allowances for alcohol, perfume, and electronics — they're not US rules.

Day of departure

1. Online check-in opens 24 hours before departure on all US carriers.
2. Arrive 2 hours before domestic flights, 3 hours before international or Hawaii departures.
3. USDA queue on Hawaii → mainland can add 20–40 min at HNL on peak days. Build buffer.
4. Confirm bag tag prints if you used kiosk check-in; oversize/early bag drop has a separate line.