Freight

Need to get a tuxedo to your brother on Lana’i? How do you help aunty send Moloka’i bread to O’ahu? At Island Air, our air service connecting Hawai’i’s smaller island communities is what we do best. And that includes freight service on our scheduled flights.

Island Air handles freight on select routes. Parcels are moved counter-to-counter. All freight must be prepaid and is carried on a space available basis.

Routes

Freight is accepted for transport between the following destinations:

• Honolulu / Moloka’i
• Honolulu / Lana’i
• Honolulu / Kapalua
• Moloka’i / Lana’i
• Moloka’i / Kapalua
• Lana’i / Kapalua

Restrictions

Freight is not accepted in or out of Lihue, Kahului, Kona, or Hilo because our operation at those airports is handled by a contract service provider who is not yet qualified to process freight.

Freight is not cargo. Cargo moves on cargo aircraft, meaning only packages are loaded onboard. Freight is loaded on passenger aircraft and travels along with passengers and baggage. This means there are restrictions involved that apply to freight, which may not necessarily apply to cargo.

Everyone sending freight is required to be qualified by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) as a “known shipper.” Known shipper qualification can take up to seven business days to complete because the request is processed in Washington D.C.

Customers sending less than 12 shipments per year: The known shipper qualification process may not be the best option. Island Air will accept freight on the routes listed above if sent through a freight forwarder. We recommend Hawaii Air Cargo (Honolulu phone number 808-836-1936).

Although the known shipper qualification process may seem like an inconvenience, TSA has put these restrictions in place in ensure safe passenger air travel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why send freight on Island Air?
It’s the fastest, most convenient way to move parcels between Hawai'i’s smaller island communities.

Who qualifies as a known shipper?
Customers / Businesses who meet the criteria that TSA has deemed acceptable in its known shipper qualification process. Most who apply do qualify.

How are customers/businesses qualified? What is the qualification process?
Click here to fill out the application. 

Once submitted by Island Air, clearance notification is usually sent to us by TSA in seven working days.

Is there a cost to become a known shipper?
There is no cost to apply for known shipper status.

Are freight fees refundable?
No, freight is non-refundable

My business is a qualified known shipper with another airline. Does my status apply at Island Air?
No, you must be qualified as a known shipper with Island Air.

Does Island Air offer freight accounts?
Yes. All freight must be prepaid at the time that you drop off the freight. Acceptable forms of payment are: cash, check, Visa, Master Card, and Discover. If your business ships at least three times a week you can request that we keep your credit card number on file for your business and as your freight is accepted, we will charge your freight fees for you. A separate freight account form is required, which an Island Air representative can assist you to complete.