Book Flights on Hawkair

Hawkair started out in 1994 as a cargo service airline. The airline began its passenger services in 2000, flying a single route between Terrace and Vancouver. Hawkair’s network has since grown to include Vancouver, Smithers, and Prince George. Besides its scheduled flights, Hawkair operates cargo and charter flight services.

Hawkair’s headquarters are in Terrace, British Columbia, and the airline recently moved its Vancouver operations to Vancouver Airport’s Main Terminal (Domestic Building), making it easier for passengers on connecting flights to reach their departure gates.

Hawkair Ticketing and Check-in Information

Flight schedules are seasonal so you may need to double-check the timing and frequency of your Hawkair flights depending on when you fly.

The recommended check-in time for Hawkair flights is 90 minutes prior to your flight’s departure. For flights from Prince Rupert, you can also check in at the Highliner Hotel two and a half hours before the scheduled departure time. All Hawkair airport counters close 30 minutes before departure. In order to receive a boarding card for your flight, you must show a valid government-issued photo ID (or two non-photo IDs) at the time of check-in.

For additional information on Hawkair’s check-in guidelines, as well as details regarding special assistance and unaccompanied minors, check the airline’s website.

Hawkair Baggage Information and Restrictions

Checked Luggage Restrictions for Hawkair

The checked baggage allowance on Hawkair is calculated on the basis of weight (up to two bags per passenger) and each passenger is entitled to a total of 23 kg. The maximum size of each bag should not exceed 158 cm (L + H + W). Excess baggage fees are steep at $1.05 CAD per 0.5 kg and will only be carried on board if the there is space available in the aircraft.

Infants seated on a fare-paying passengers’ laps are not entitled to a baggage allowance, although you can bring along a car seat or stroller without paying an additional fee. Hawkair does not offer a checked-through service so those with connecting flights will have to collect their bags at the other end of their Hawkair flight and then check them in with the connecting airline.

You can view Hawkair’s entire checked baggage policy on the airline’s website.

Carry-On Baggage Restrictions for Hawkair

Hawkair allows passengers up to two items of carry-on luggage as long as the combined weight of both items does not exceed 10 kg and the combined dimensions are no bigger than 55 cm x 40 cm x 23 cm.

You can view details regarding cabin baggage restrictions on the airline’s website.

Hawkair Special Luggage Requirements

Hawkair has quite an extensive list of Dos and Don’ts with regard to special luggage requirements. While all sports equipment (with the exception of bicycles, which are charged at $50 CAD plus taxes) weighing less than 45 kg can be counted towards the checked-baggage allowance, the fine print on this allowance is very specific.

For example, for hockey equipment, you can carry only one equipment bag and two hockey sticks while for golf bags, this is restricted to 14 clubs, golf balls, and a pair of shoes.

If you have any special luggage requirements, visit the airline’s website for details on travelling with sports equipment, firearms, hunting equipment, and frozen food.

Hawkair Seating Options

Hawkair flights have only Economy class seating. The seat pitch on both types of aircraft used by the airline is 30-31” and the seat width is 17”.

Travelling with Pets: Hawkair

Don’t forget Milo!

Keep in mind that only a limited number of pets will be allowed to travel on each flight so once you’ve confirmed your travel dates, you should book your flights as soon as possible. Small dogs, cats, and birds, are allowed to travel in the aircraft cabin and passengers should notify the airline of their request to carry an animal on-board at the time of booking their tickets.

Pet carriers should fit comfortably under the passenger’s seat and not exceed dimensions of 22.8 cm x 39.3 cm x 54.6 cm. While only one animal per kennel/carrier can travel in the aircraft cabin, you can transport up to three animals in one kennel as checked-in cargo, subject to meeting the airline’s carrier conditions. If the carrier does not meet the airline’s safety specifications, it may not be allowed on the flight.

The maximum weight allowance for carriers in the cabin is between 10-12 kg while the cargo limit can go up to 45 kg. Charges for transporting animals range between $40-$85 CAD (plus taxes) depending on the weight and size of the carrier. Animals transported as cargo are subject to freight rates, a $20 CAD handling fee, and taxes.

Service animals can travel for free and do not need to travel in a carrier. However, you will need to carry the animal’s training certificate with you. If you’re travelling during the winter holidays, keep in mind that Hawkair does not transport animals as checked baggage from the 15th of December until the 6th of January.

For further details on Hawkair’s policies regarding travelling with pets, check the airline’s website.

Hawkair In-flight Service, Beverages, and Meals

Hawkair offers its passengers complimentary beverages and snacks on most of its routes. If you prefer, you can also carry your own food on-board, however no beverages are permitted for security reasons.

Since the airline operates smaller airplanes and flies only short-haul flights, there is no in-flight entertainment provided.

Hawkair Fleet

The Hawkair fleet consists of aircraft from the DeHavilland Dash 8 series. The D-100 is a 37-seat plane while the D-300 can seat up to 50 passengers.

Hawkair: Lounge Access

Hawkair does not operate any airport lounges. However, passengers flying to or from Vancouver can pay to use the Plaza Premium independent lounge at the Domestic Terminal for a quick nap, shower, Internet access and watching television.