Airline Pet Travel Regulations Overview

ImmunityQ&AMeongsiljang Veterinary Advisory Board

Airline policies for pet travel vary by carrier, with different requirements for weight, crate specifications, and documentation. We’ve put together a clear overview of the differences between in-cabin and cargo transport, along with the documents you’ll need to prepare.

What Is Flying With Your Pet?

A puppy sitting inside a carrier at the airport check-in counter.

Flying with your pet is an airline service that transports pets in the cabin or cargo hold, provided they meet the airline’s specific requirements for weight, carrier, and documentation. The most important thing to remember is that you must book at least two to four weeks in advance. Since the number of pets allowed per flight is strictly limited, it’s nearly impossible to arrange boarding on the day of travel. For international flights, you’ll also need a veterinary health certificate, so even earlier preparation is essential.

In-Cabin vs. Cargo Hold Transport Differences

There are two main ways to travel with your pet. Small dogs and cats weighing 7–8 kg or less, including their carrier, can travel in the cabin with you. Pets heavier than that must be transported in the cargo hold (as checked baggage). In-cabin travel involves placing the carrier under the seat, which minimizes stress, but airlines typically limit this to 2–5 pets per flight. The cargo hold is a dedicated space with controlled temperature and pressure, but the separation from their owner can still be stressful for pets.

Pet Travel Regulations by Major Airlines

Item	Korean Air	Asiana Airlines	Jeju Air
In-Cabin Weight Limit	7kg including carrier	7kg including carrier	7kg including carrier
Cargo Hold Max Weight	45kg	45kg	32kg
Carrier Dimensions (W+L+H)	115cm or less	115cm or less	115cm or less
Minimum Age for Boarding	8 weeks or older	8 weeks or older	16 weeks or older
International Quarantine Documents	Required	Required	Required

Based on major Korean airlines' published policies as of April 2026. Always re-confirm the final regulations on the airline's website.

Documents to Prepare Before Departure

The required documents differ significantly between domestic and international flights. Missing any of them could result in your pet being denied boarding. - Rabies vaccination certificate: Mandatory for international flights; optional for domestic flights. - Health certificate: Must be issued within 10 days of departure and include an English version. - Microchip registration certificate: Must include the implanted microchip number. - Quarantine certificate: Issued by the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency; final verification takes place at the airport on the day of departure. - Pet registration certificate: A basic domestic requirement for dogs aged two months or older.

Pet passport and vaccination certificate, along with other required documents for international travel

Common Situations Where Boarding Is Denied

Boarding may be denied at the airport in the following cases: if the carrier exceeds size regulations or contains a metal frame; if the animal cannot stand fully upright or turn around inside the carrier; or if late-term pregnant animals, animals immediately post-surgery, senior pets, or brachycephalic breeds (such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and Persians) attempt to travel in the cargo hold. Brachycephalic breeds, in particular, have congenitally narrowed airways, which can lead to severe respiratory distress under stressful conditions such as anxiety or heat. Due to these respiratory risks, many airlines prohibit brachycephalic breeds from traveling in the cargo hold during the summer months.

How to Prepare for Travel to Reduce Stress

Flying can be a major source of stress for pets. The anxiety that arises during travel stimulates the sympathetic nervous system, which can trigger a stress response characterized by an increased heart rate, rapid breathing, and elevated blood pressure. This is especially concerning for brachycephalic breeds, which have congenitally narrow airways. When anxious, these dogs tend to pant more, but because their airways are already restricted, panting becomes inefficient. This increases respiratory resistance and makes them prone to overheating and difficulty breathing. - Crate acclimation training: Place the crate in your pet’s usual living area 2–3 weeks before departure. - Withhold food for 4 hours before boarding: This helps prevent vomiting and accidents. - Pack familiar blankets and toys: The scent of familiar items can provide comfort and reassurance. - Use sedatives only with a veterinarian’s prescription: Sedatives carry risks of cardiovascular side effects, such as low blood pressure, and require precise dosage adjustments depending on the medication. Self-medicating is dangerous; always consult your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis and prescription.

A cat resting comfortably in a carrier lined with a blanket and toys.

International Departure and Arrival Quarantine Procedures

Quarantine regulations vary significantly from country to country for international travel. The United States, Japan, and the European Union require a Rabies Virus Neutralizing Antibody Test (FAVN), and it takes 30 days to receive the results. Australia and New Zealand mandate a minimum quarantine period of 10 days, so you need to start preparing six months before departure. Even when re-entering South Korea, you must report to the Animal and Plant Quarantine Agency; if rabies antibody levels are insufficient, your pet may be subject to additional quarantine at the airport. Please review the Pet Vaccination Schedule for more details.

Additional Precautions for Brachycephalic Breeds and Senior Animals

Brachycephalic breeds such as Bulldogs, French Bulldogs, Pugs, and Shih Tzus, as well as flat-faced cat breeds like Persians and Himalayans, have short, broad skulls that cause the tissues surrounding the airways to collapse inward. This results in increased airflow resistance and congenitally narrowed airways, which can lead to severe respiratory distress under stressful conditions such as heat, humidity, or anxiety. High-temperature and high-humidity environments are particularly dangerous, as they increase panting and exacerbate airway swelling, further compromising respiratory function in brachycephalic animals. Therefore, cargo hold travel during summer should be strictly avoided. Most airlines restrict or prohibit cargo transport for these breeds. Additionally, senior pets with underlying health conditions may face significant physical strain from long-haul flights. For safety, always obtain a comprehensive health assessment from your veterinarian before departure and secure written confirmation of flight eligibility.

Reviewed by a veterinarian

Dr. Tony — Punnawat Phongkittirak

Veterinarian

A veterinarian who majored in veterinary medicine at Khon Kaen University, Thailand, and completed the IVSA program at North Carolina State University in the United States. Drawing on clinical experience at animal hospitals, he works in the pet healthcare field and is dedicated to building a digital care environment that connects pet parents with veterinarians.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is the airline fee for pets?

For domestic flights, in-cabin pet fees range from $10 to $20 one-way. For international flights, short-haul fees are around $70, while long-haul fees range from $100 to $200. For cargo transport, additional charges apply per kilogram, including the weight of the crate.

Do I have to use an airline-approved carrier?

While there’s no specific brand requirement, the carrier must meet IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards. It should have a secure locking door, allow for the attachment of food and water bowls inside, and feature ventilation openings on at least three sides.

Can I keep two pets in the same cage?

Only siblings born from the same mother and under six months of age can be housed together. Adult animals must be kept in separate cages to prevent stress and aggression.

What should I do if my pet has an accident while traveling?

Place two to three absorbent pads on the bottom of the cage. If your pet is traveling in the cabin, you can quickly replace the pads in the airplane lavatory, but removing your pet from the cage is generally prohibited.

Is it safe to give my pet a sedative?

Never administer medication on your own. Sedatives, such as the anxiolytic acepromazine, can cause cardiovascular side effects like hypotension, and extra caution is required for animals with unstable cardiovascular systems. Additionally, dosing varies significantly between medications, and overdosing can lead to situations requiring intensive monitoring. If medication is truly necessary, it must be prescribed by a veterinarian after a thorough examination.

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References

[1] The Dog Care Handbook, Things I Wish My Vet Had Told Me, Chapter on Travel and Transport

[2] The Cat, Clinical Medicine and Management, 2nd Edition, Stress and Transport Chapter

[3] 국토교통부 항공안전법 시행규칙, 반려동물 운송 규정

[4] 농림축산검역본부, 반려동물 출국·입국 검역 안내