Thanks, Rhapsody, for directing me to the Contract of Carriage.

Okay, after several emails to HA and my own investigation of their new rules, I think I have the answer... Staying in Honolulu for one night on the way to and from Papeete, Tahiti, now subjects us to the new domestic luggage restrictions between Honolulu and our home city (PHX) -- i.e., one checked bag at 50 pound max. We will not be considered as ongoing "international" passenger, despite our combined itinerary, because of the one night stopover in Hawaii.

This is a change from their previous policy, which used to state:


"The checked baggage weight allowance for passengers who are ticketed for international travel to/from or via the U.S. regardless of fare breaks or stopover at any point in the itinerary, will be 70 lbs/32 KG with no additional charge."


Now, the policy states:


"For flights to/from an international flight (including PPG) with a connection of eight (8) hours or more to/from a domestic flight that requires baggage to be rechecked for a connecting [sic] the flight, the domestic baggage rules apply."


This new policy results in an international flight turning into a domestic flight, subject to stricter baggage rules, if you decide to stay in Hawaii for any length of time on your way to Tahiti or on the way home, instead of just flying straight through to Papeete. Fees for excess baggage are hefty, too, from $80 to $105.

I know that HA's 70 pound international allowance is generous when compared to the other carriers flying to PPT, which have a 50-pound allowance, and that's one of the reasons we chose Hawaiian. We are staying in Tahiti for two full months, also have a lot of friends to bring gifts for, and we carry more luggage than average passengers. The excess bag fees and excess weight fees will add greatly to the cost of our trip because of this new rule.


Here is the link to HA's Contract of Carriage, for more info:



hawaiianair.com/AboutUs/…





So, heads up for anyone flying to Tahiti via Hawaiian Airlines! If you are taking a lot of luggage, you might not want to spend an overnight in HNL on your way to Tahiti or home, or you will be subject to the new domestic baggage restrictions for part of your trip.