dog travel jetstar

Travel Without Barriers

Australian Flights

Time to read: Approximately 16 minutes

TravelPaws has undertaken an investigation below to clarify the booking procedures and carriage requirements for travel with an Assistance/Service Dog on Australia’s major airlines- Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Jetstar.

Terminology

“Service Dog”  is the term primarily used by Qantas, Virgin Australia and Jetstar, and is defined by each to include Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs.

Preparing to Travel

When making travel arrangements with Australia’s major airlines you will likely be asked to provide the following information;

• Handler name and Service Dog name.
• Type of Service Dog (Guide, Hearing or Assistance Dog).
• Name of training organisation or trainer.
• Age, sex and breed of Service Dog.
• Weight and length of Service Dog.
• Whether the Service Dog is in good health and free from infectious diseases.

You will likely also be asked to provide current identification issued by an organisation approved by the airline for you (as a Handler/Trainer) and your Service Dog. More information on documentation required by each airline can be found below.

Be sure to check out TravelPaws other relevant resources if you haven’t already. These include our Australian Country Guide , Travel Checklists , and Travel Rules on who to contact before your trip.

On the Day of Your Flight

At the airport, your dog must be accompanied by you or its trainer and wear its identifying coat. On request, you must be able to produce proof of identity documents issued by an approved organisation showing that your dog has passed the Public Access Test (PAT). Examples of the PAT can be found at the following links; ACT PAT form and Qld PAT form . Note that is is TravelPaws experience that a PAT is not required where the Service Dog is from a recognised training organisation and has documentation to prove this.

On the plane, your dog must continue to wear its identifying coat, and will likely need to be harnessed with a suitable restraint and be sitting on a moisture absorbent mat. Check this with your airline.

You may prepare for your flight by exercising your dog and limiting their fluid intake prior to boarding.

For general information on flying with an Assistance Animal, visit the Civil Aviation Safety Authority’s website.

Please note that each airline has its own conditions of carriage for Service Dogs. These are outlined below.

If you have a complaint about Qantas, Virgin Australia or Jetstar that has not been resolved by the airline itself, you may contact the Airline Customer Advocate (ACA) by completing the online Airline Customer Advocate (ACA) complaints form or by calling 1800 813 129 (in Australia).

If you are denied travel with your Service Dog and you need to contact the Australian Human Rights Commission for advice, you can complete the online Australian Human Rights Commission complaints form or call 1300 369 711 (in Australia).

The Airlines

TravelPaws has documented the specific requirements and procedures for the three major airlines, including relevant contact details.

Travelling with a Service Dog 

TravelPaws recommends you read this link:

You can read up on information relating to travel with your Service Dog on Qantas here.

Criteria for Carriage

A dog is permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin on a Qantas flight if it;

• Is a Service Dog trained to assist a person with a disability, to alleviate the effects of that disability.
• Has been trained and certified or accredited by a training organisation or training that is a full member of ADI ( You can check whether an organisation is a full member of ADI using their member search tool linked here ) or is approved under the QLD Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act ( A list of trainers and training institutions approved under the QLD Act can be found here ).
• Has a current Public Access Test (PAT) and meets the appropriate standards of hygiene, behaviour and safety for an animal in a public place, including an aircraft cabin. Examples of the PAT can be found at the following links; ACT PAT form and Qld PAT form . Note that it is TravelPaws experience that a PAT is not required where the Service Dog is from a recognised training organisation and has documentation to prove this.
• Has NOT been declared a dangerous dog or restricted breed. A list of restricted breed dogs can be found at this link under the heading ‘Restricted breed dog definition.’
• Does not have an infectious disease or pose a threat to public health or the health of other animals.
• Does not exceed 45kg in weight and 129cm in length. Please note that where a Service Dog is within weight limits but measures between 86-129cms, special assistance must be notified of the dog’s measurements, as three seats will be required in a row on the aircraft. Qantas will provide only one additional seat for a Service Dog, the second additional seat required in this circumstance will be at the Handler’s own expense. Also note that this information is not listed on Qantas’ Service Dog information page for the general public; it can be found on Qantas’ Service Dog information page for travel agencies which is linked here.

If your dog meets all these criteria, you may fill out Qantas’ application for carriage of a Service Dog form and return it to [email protected] at least 14 days prior to travel. Once approved, this form will be valid for future travel with the approved Service Dog on Qantas flights, though will need to be updated annually. TravelPaws recommends filling out the form in advance of making a booking to avoid the standard 14 day wait period and to enable immediate travel in the future. You can update your Qantas Frequent Flyer Profile by emailing your Assistance Dog details so each time you do a booking it will generate an automatic alert.

If your dog does NOT meet all these criteria, you can complete Qantas’ additional information form to be considered for an exemption.

Note also that if you are travelling internationally, you will also have to complete Qantas’ international declaration form . This Qantas International declaration form must be completed and emailed here 14 days in advance and each time you travel internationally . If you are considering flying with Qantas, please read their specific destination requirements on this form BEFORE you book.

How to Book

Please be aware that Handlers have reported varied experiences when navigating airline booking processes; some have found them to be successful and expedient, whilst others have encountered numerous errors and time-consuming phone calls.

Be especially conscious of the potential for misinformation. In TravelPaws’ experience, statements made on the airline’s website may not always reflect what you are told on the phone, and vice versa. If in doubt, double check and try to get any advice you are given in writing.

Finally, note that to ensure the available discounts are properly applied, carer bookings will have to be done over the phone.

Booking Options:

You may book yourself a ticket online through Qantas’ online booking portal . After completing your booking online, make note of your booking reference number and contact Qantas’ special assistance team to book in your Service Dog by calling 1800 177 474 or emailing [email protected] . Please be aware that TravelPaws has not been able to verify that this procedure works effectively. We would welcome your feedback.

Alternatively, you can make the entire booking over the phone by calling the contact centre on 1300 655 234 or special assistance team on 1800 177 474. Note that if you book by phone with Qantas directly (instead of online) and you advise the Qantas representative that you cannot book online because of a disability, you will not be charged the phone booking fee.

Whichever option you choose, don't forget to provide Qantas with a copy of the application for carriage of a Service Dog form. You can do this after you make your booking so long as you include your booking reference number in the correspondence.

Please note, when you book your Service Dog, an extra seat will be provided at no additional charge. Be aware that any additional seats required to accommodate your Service Dog, for example where the dog measures between 86-129cms, will be at your own expense.

Whether your booking is accepted will depend on the flight’s availability. Qantas does not otherwise limit the number of Service Dogs permitted in the aircraft cabin per flight.

At the Airport and During the Flight

Qantas has specific conditions of carriage that apply to Service Dogs and Service Dogs in training. TravelPaws recommends that prior to your flight you read this link thoroughly: You can read up on Qantas’ Service Dog conditions of carriage here.

In summary, for all domestic and international flights;

• The Service Dog must be accompanied by their Handler at all times in the airport and during the flight and be wearing their identifying vest, coat and/or medallion.
• The Handler must ensure they have current identity documents available in their carry-on baggage to produce if requested, including an identity card issued by a member organisation of ADI or issued under the QLD Guide Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009, or another form of identification deemed acceptable by Qantas at the time of approval.
• The Handler and Service Dog must generally pre-board the aircraft.
• The Service Dog must be seated on a moisture absorbent mat, provided by Qantas, on the floor in the space allocated by Qantas. For safety reasons, the dog must be suitably restrained whilst seated.
• The Handler accepts full responsibility for their Service Dog.
• Service Dogs may be refused carriage if their behaviour compromises the safety of the aircraft. On the day of travel, the Pilot in Command has the final decision as to whether or not the Service Dog is carried, and they may impose any further conditions required in the interests of safety.

Please note that further conditions apply on international flights, and to Service Dogs in training. They can also be found at the link above.

Codeshare Flights 

Please be aware that if your flight is a codeshare flight, the relevant Service Dog requirements will be those of the airline operating the flight. For example, if your Qantas flight is a codeshare operated by Jetstar, your Service Dog will need to meet Jetstar’s Service Dog criteria for carriage and conditions of carriage.

Travelling with a Carer

Qantas requires passengers who need assistance with meals and drinks, using the bathroom, administering medication or communicating with flight staff to travel with an escort or carer.

If you are travelling domestically with a carer you are eligible for reduced fares for both yourself and your carer, provided you hold a current carer concession photo I.D issued by People with Disability Australia, or a current Centrelink pensioner concession card with blind entitlement, or a current travel pass for a person with vision impairment issued by a state or territory authority.  TravelPaws recommends that you read Qantas’ criteria thoroughly and use their language when applying to travel with a carer.

To ensure the available discount is properly applied, make your carer booking over the phone by calling the Qantas contact centre on 1300 655 234.

You can get more information on travelling with a carer on Qantas airlines here or by calling the contact centre on 1300 655 234.

Where do I go for any questions?

Customer Service (for queries about travel in the next 24 hours): 13 13 13

Contact Centre: 1300 655 234

Special Assistance Phone: 1800 177 474

Special Assistance Phone via Relay Service:

• Voice relay users phone 1300 555 727, then ask for Qantas on 1800 177 474
• TTY users phone 133 677, then ask for Qantas on 1800 177 474

Special Assistance Email: [email protected]

Please note, those contacting Qantas from outside Australia can find a list of Qantas’ international contact numbers here.

Complaints 

Complaints Online Form: You can submit a complaint by filling out Qantas’ online feedback form.

2. Virgin Australia

Travelling with a service dog.

You can read up on information relating to travel with your Service Dog on Virgin Australia here.

A dog is permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin on a Virgin Australia flight if it;

• Is a certified/registered Guide or Hearing Dog accompanying a guest with a vision or hearing impairment, OR
• Is an Assistance Dog trained to assist with a disability and to alleviate the effects of the disability, and that meets the standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for an animal in a public place.
• Additionally, Virgin Australia will only carry Service Dogs that can fit comfortably on the floor and not impede the exit or escape path lighting. Virgin’s Engineering Team stipulate that the maximum measurements generally permitted are up to 45kg in weight and 85cm in length. If your Service Dog exceeds these measurements, please email Virgin here , or contact them by emailing or calling 1300 139 303 to confirm your dog’s eligibility to travel.

Please note that requests to travel with an Assistance Dog require different documentation depending on whether or not your dog was trained at an organisation pre-approved by Virgin Australia. Pre-approved organisations include;

• Organisations prescribed by section 9 of the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). Pre-approved organisations by Virgin under Section 9 of the DDA is linked here . Please note that for the purposes of section 9(2), there are currently no accredited animal training organisations prescribed by the regulations.
• Organisations accredited by Assistance Dogs International (ADI). You can check whether an organisation is accredited by ADI using their member search tool linked here.
• Organisations or trainers accredited under the Queensland Guide Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009. A list of trainers and training institutions approved under the QLD Act can be found here.
• Organisations or trainers accredited under the Western Australia Dogs Act 1976. A list of organisations prescribed under the WA Act can be found at this link under the heading ‘Public access rights for assistance dogs.’
• Dogs accredited by the South Australian Dog and Cat Management Board under the Dog and Cat Management Act 1995. Information on accreditation under the South Australian Act, including a list of prescribed accreditation organisations, can be found at this link.

If your dog has been trained by one of these organisations, you will only need to provide a document confirming this (at the time of travel).

If your dog has NOT been trained by one of these organisations, you will need to provide documents that confirm your dog has been trained to alleviate the effects of a disability, and documents that confirm your dog meets the standards of hygiene and behaviour appropriate for an animal in a public space (note that this is most easily confirmed by providing a Public Access Test). You can send these documents to [email protected]

You may call Virgin’s special assistance line on 1300 139 303 to book yourself and your Service Dog. The Virgin representative on the call will go through Service Dog criteria and conditions of carriage during the call.

Alternatively, you may book yourself a ticket online using Virgin’s online booking portal. After completing your booking online, make note of your booking reference number and submit Virgin’s specific service request form explaining that you will be travelling with your Service Dog. Virgin will respond to your request via email or phone call. Please be aware that TravelPaws has not been able to verify that this procedure works effectively. We would welcome your feedback.

Please note, when you book a Service Dog, an extra seat will be provided free of charge.

Also note that Virgin Australia generally only accepts up to two Service Dogs per flight on their domestic and international short haul services. You can submit a request for more than two Service Dogs to be permitted to travel on the same flight by emailing Virgin Australia at [email protected] as far in advance of making your booking as possible. Whether this request is approved will depend on the operational and safety requirements of the particular flight.

At the Airport and During the Flight 

Virgin Australia has specific conditions of carriage that apply to Service Dogs. TravelPaws recommends that prior to your flight you read the information provided by Virgin at this link under the heading ‘Important Information for the Carriage of Service Dogs in the Cabin.’

In summary;

• Service Dogs must be accompanied by their handler at all times in the airport and during the flight, be harnessed and be wearing an identifying coat and/or I.D medallion.
• Handlers/Trainers must be able to present a current handler/trainer I.D.
• Service Dogs must be seated on an absorbent mat for the duration of the flight. You may bring your own mat or Virgin Australia can provide one.
• Handlers must provide a suitable restraint for their dogs.
• Virgin Australia has the absolute discretion to refuse to carry a Service Dog if, at any time, they consider the Service Dog to be unsuitable for travel. On the day of travel, the Pilot in Command has the final decision as to whether or not the Service Dog is carried, and they may impose any further conditions required in the interests of safety.

If your flight is a codeshare, the relevant Service Dog criteria for carriage and conditions of carriage will depend on which of Virgin’s codeshare partners the flight is with and where you are flying to. Virgin Australia advises contacting the airline operating your flight to confirm the requirements that apply.

Virgin Australia requires passengers who do not meet the Virgin Australia Independent Travel Criteria listed here to travel with a carer.

To book travel with a carer call Virgin’s special assistance line on 1300 139 303. The representative on the call will take you through a questionnaire to determine the level of assistance required and, based on this, whether or not you are eligible for a discount. Carer bookings must be done over the phone to ensure available discounts are properly applied.

TravelPaws recommends that you read Virgin Australia’s criteria thoroughly and use their language when applying to travel with a carer.

Contact Centre: 13 67 89

Special Assistance Phone: 1300 139 303

• Voice relay users phone 1300 555 727, then ask for Virgin Australia on 1300 139 303.
• TTY users phone 133 677, then ask for Virgin Australia on 1300 139 303.

Special Assistance for Medical Needs Email: [email protected]

General Enquiries and Booking Assistance Online Form: You can also request assistance with your booking by filling out Virgin Australia’s online general enquiries form.

Please note, those contacting Virgin from outside Australia can find a list of Virgin’s international contact numbers here under the drop-down titled ‘Guest Contact Centre (Reservations and General Enquiries).’

Complaints Online Form: You can submit a complaint by filling out Virgin Australia’s online feedback form.

Complaints Mailing Address:  Virgin Australia Guest Relations- Complaints, PO Box 1034, Spring Hill, Qld, 4004.

You can read up on information relating to travel with your Service Dog on Jetstar here.

Criteria for Carriage 

A dog is permitted to travel in the aircraft cabin on a Jetstar flight if it;

Is a Guide Dog accredited by a Guide Dog training organisation that can demonstrate membership of:

• The Association of the Blind WA.
• Guide Dogs NSW/ACT.
• Guide Dogs QLD.
• Guide Dogs SA/NT.
• Guide Dogs of Victoria.
• Royal Guide Dogs for the Blind and Association of Tasmania.
• Seeing Eye Dogs Australia.

Is a Hearing Dog accredited by a relevant association such as Lions Hearing Dogs Inc.

Is an Assistance Dog accredited by:

• Canine Helpers for the Disabled Inc.
• Assistance Dogs Australia.
• Association of Australian Assistance Dogs (NQ) Inc.
• Australia Support Dogs Inc.
• Righteous Pups Australia Inc.
• Smartpups Australia Inc.
• Service Dog training associations accredited by Assistance Dogs International (but not candidate members). You can check whether an organisation is accredited by ADI using their member search tool linked here.
• Specified individual trainers accredited under the Queensland Guide Hearing and Assistance Dog Act 2009. A list of trainers and training institutions approved under the QLD Act can be found here.

**No weight or length restrictions apply to Service Dogs carried by Jetstar.

If your dog is trained to assist with a disability but is not from an approved training organisation on the list above, it will require clearance to travel. Contact Jetstar Customer Service on 13 15 38 at least 14 days prior to travel to initiate a travel clearance application. Once initiated, your application will be forwarded to Customer Advocacy who will review the application and contact you directly to advise you of its outcome.

Please note that dogs who are not approved for travel in the aircraft cabin will not be able to travel with Jetstar as they do not have pressurised cargo holds.

Also note that you will be required to show a current Service Dog ID card, Service Dog accreditation or Jetstar approval letter on the day of travel to confirm your dog’s eligibility to travel.

How to Book 

You may make book yourself and your Service Dog over the phone by calling Jetstar customer service on 13 15 38. Please note that Jetstar does not have a dedicated special assistance line.

Alternatively, you may book yourself a ticket online through Jetstar’s online booking portal . The portal allows you to specify that you will be travelling with a Service Dog. If, after you have completed your booking online, you notice that the booking does not reflect the fact that you will be travelling with a Service Dog (eg. if an extra seat has not been allocated), make note of your booking reference number and call customer service on 13 15 38 to check the booking and update it if needed. Unfortunately, Jetstar does not have a publicly available email so this must be done on the phone. Please be aware that TravelPaws has not been able to verify that this procedure works effectively. We would welcome your feedback.

Note also that when you book a Service Dog, an extra seat will be provided free of charge. Generally, you will be assigned a middle seat and the extra seat for your dog will be a window seat.

Whether your booking is accepted will depend on the flight’s availability. Jetstar does not otherwise limit the number of Service Dogs permitted in the aircraft cabin per flight.

Jetstar has specific conditions of carriage that apply to Service Dogs and Service Dogs in training. TravelPaws recommends that prior to your flight you read this link thoroughly: You can read up on Jetstar’s Service Dog conditions of carriage here.

• The Handler must ensure they have current identity documents available in their carry-on baggage to produce if requested, including an identity card issued by a member organisation of ADI or issued under the QLD Guide Hearing and Assistance Dogs Act 2009, or an approval letter issued by Jetstar.
• The Service Dog must be seated on a moisture absorbent mat on the floor in the space allocated by Jetstar. Please note that it is Jetstar's policy that customers must provide their own absorbent mat, Jetstar will not provide one. However, many Handlers report that Jetstar has provided them with an absorbent mat.
• For safety reasons, the Service Dog must be restrained by attaching its leash to the aircraft seat leg, seat track ring or other tether point approved by Jetstar. The leash should have the ability to be shortened or lengthened as required.

Please note that further conditions apply on international flights, and to Service Dogs under training. They can also be found at the link above.

Please be aware that if your flight is a codeshare flight, the relevant Service Dog requirements will be those of the airline operating the flight. For example, if your Jetstar flight is a codeshare operated by Qantas, your Service Dog will need to meet Qantas’ Service Dog criteria for carriage and conditions of carriage.

Jetstar requires passengers who do not meet the Jetstar Independent Traveller Requirements listed here to travel with an accompanying passenger/carer who is at least fifteen years old and is physically able to assist.

At the time of booking, advise Jetstar that you will be travelling with a carer and they will arrange for you to be seated together. Please note that carers are required to purchase an ordinary fare, as there is no discount available for Jetstar flights. TravelPaws recommends that you read Jetstar’s criteria thoroughly and use their language when applying to travel with a carer.

You can get more information on travelling with a carer on Jetstar airlines here or by contacting customer service on 13 15 38.

Customer Service: 13 15 38

Customer Service via Relay Service:

• Voice Relay users phone 1300 555 727, and ask for Jetstar on 13 15 38
• TTY users phone 133 677, and ask for Jetstar on 13 15 38

Special Assistance Live Chat: To speak with a Jetstar representative online click the ‘chat now’ button located under the heading ‘have a question on specific assistance?’ at this link.

Please note, those contacting Jetstar from outside Australia can find a list of Jetstar’s international contact numbers here.

Complaints Live Chat: If your complaint is not resolved during the chat, you will be assigned a case number and the Customer Resolutions Team will get back to you within 15 business days.

Can pets travel with you in the cabin on planes? Technically yes, but Australia's major airlines don't allow it

Theoretically, pets could have been able to sit with their owners in the cabins of planes since December. 

But currently, Australia's major airlines don't allow it.

And that's unlikely to change any time soon. 

Here's why. 

Can pets fly in the cabins of planes?

According to the body that regulates aviation safety in Australia — Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) — yes, but there are some conditions. 

In December last year, CASA updated its regulations for the carriage of animals on aircraft, which essentially gave airlines permission to carry animals in cabins if they chose to. 

But that doesn't mean people are able to jump on a plane with their dog under their arm — the rule changes just give airlines the ability to allow that. 

When discussing the changes back in July last year, CASA spokesman Peter Gibson said airlines would still have to make sure it was safe to have pets in the cabin . 

"If they're going to do it, they're going to have to do it safely and they'll have to show us how they're going to be able to do it safely," he said.

But major airlines don't allow it

Back when the changes were being discussed, Qantas and Jetstar indicated they weren't keen on the idea, but Virgin was considering it . 

Six months after the changes came into effect, neither of those three major airlines allow pets in the cabin. 

What are the current rules for travelling with pets?

• Virgin: All pets must travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Virgin only allows cats and dogs under 65 kilograms (and that weight limit includes the crate they're travelling in) to travel on their planes
• Qantas:  All pets must travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft. Qantas allows cats, dogs, rabbits, guinea pigs, domestic fish with no aeration requirements and domestic birds on their planes
• Jetstar:  Jetstar's website says the airline "is not equipped" to transport pets, directing customers to Qantas Freight instead

However, all three airlines allow service dogs — so that's guide dogs, hearing dogs and assistance dogs — in the cabins of their planes.

Jetstar has ruled out emotional support pets, but Virgin allows them on flights to and from the US — where they're permitted on planes. 

A bunch of restrictions apply to service dogs, including wearing their harnesses, being appropriately certified and being properly restrained. 

It's all up to the airlines 

The CASA rules are quite broad, so it would be up to the airlines to decide their pet travel policies. 

"[The ruling] just talks about animals — so theoretically, it could be a boa constrictor," Mr Gibson said. 

He said it airlines would need to take a "common-sense approach" to animal travel. 

"At a serious level, you've got people who can be highly allergic to animals,  so you've got to take that into account," he said. 

"Some people get bad asthma, so that's a serious issue.

"Other people just get freaked out by snakes."

What could the rules be?

Airlines would need to make sure animals don't block the aisles, don't block the exit rows and can be properly restrained in the case of emergency. 

So some pets might be small enough to sit on a passenger's lap.

But larger pets might need to have their own seat booked. 

Then there's also the issue of animal droppings — service dogs have to have a "moisture absorbent mat" for this, so it's likely they'd be required for all pets. 

Mr Gibson hinted that coming up with policies and procedures for ensuring the safety and comfort of passengers and crew on planes might be too much for airlines. 

"It's up to them to develop those and, of course, make the threshold decision," he said.

"Do they actually want to do it or not — can they be bothered going through all this effort?"

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• Travel Health and Safety

Jetstar: Pet Policy

• Planes & Seat Maps

Does Jetstar have a service for Pet Carriage?

Jetstar does not accept reservations for the carriage of pets on any of its aircraft.

SeatGuru was created to help travelers choose the best seats and in-flight amenities.

Jetstar Airways flying with pets

What is jetstar policy on pet acceptance.

Unfortunately, Jetstar is unable to accept reservations for pets on any of its aircraft . Because Jetstar does not have pressurized cargo facilities, animals cannot be transported in the aircraft hold. If you would like to arrange transport for your pet, you can contact the following transport services for more information:

• Qantas Freight .

Can I travel with a Service Dog on Jetstar flights?

Service Dogs are accepted for transportation in the cabin, free of charge, on all Jetstar flights, except flights operated by Jetstar Pacific (BL) . Passengers traveling with a Service Dog can book their flights online or by contacting Jetstar Reservations. When booking your flight through Jetstar.com, you should check your itinerary carefully to ensure that your service dog has been recorded. If your Service Dog is not recorded on your itinerary, you must contact Jetstar Reservations immediately.

Appropriate and current service dog ID cards or documentation (such as Service Dog accreditation from the relevant body or approval letter obtained from Jetstar) must be provided when checking in at the airport check-in counter. Accreditations and approvals for Service Dogs may vary depending on the operating carrier .

Flights operated by Jetstar (JQ) and Jetstar Asia (3K)

Jetstar does not have a limit for the number of passengers traveling with an accredited Service Dog on each flight. Accredited Service Dogs includes:

• Guide Dogs accredited by a training organization that can demonstrate membership of the International Guide Dog Federation, Guide Dogs NSW/ACT, the Association for the Blind WA, Guide Dogs Qld, Guide Dogs Victoria, Guide Dogs SA/NT, Seeing Eye Dogs Australia and Royal Guide Dogs for the Blind Association of Tasmania.
• Hearing Dogs accredited by a relevant association (e.g. Lions Hearing Dogs Inc.).
• Assistance Dogs accredited by Assistance Dogs Australia, Canine Helpers for the Disabled Inc, Association of Australian Assistance Dogs (NQ) Inc, Smartpups Australia Inc, Righteous Pups Australia Inc, Australian Support Dogs Inc, Service Dog Training Associations accredited by Assistance Dogs International (but not candidate members), specified individual trainers accredited under the Guide, Hearing and Assistance Dog Act 2009.
• Other Service Dogs trained to assist a person with a disability (in this case, an application must be submitted to Jetstar at least 14 days prior to travel).

Flights operated by Jetstar Japan (GK)

Only Guide Dogs, Hearing Dogs and Mobility Assistance Dogs are accepted on board, at no additional charge. Jetstar Japan will not accept for carriage Emotional Assistance Animals. Accredited certification and training documentation must be presented at the time of checking-in.

More information here >>

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Best Dog Harnesses and Carriers for Travel

CR’s pup volunteers and their owners evaluated four harnesses and carriers for travel that can keep your pooch safe on car trips

When you shop through retailer links on our site, we may earn affiliate commissions. 100% of the fees we collect are used to support our nonprofit mission. Learn more .

It’s that time of the year again: You’re about to set off on an adventure, and you wouldn’t dream of leaving your favorite pup pal behind. Even if you’re homebound for the foreseeable future, traveling with dogs anywhere—the park, beach, vet—should be a safe experience in which your dog feels comfortable and secure.

We’ve all been stopped at a red light and looked over to see the cutest dog ever sticking their head out of the car window next to us or excitedly leaping from the back seat to the passenger seat. But experts warn against giving your dog free rein in your car because doing so can be risky for your dog and the driver.

Using a dog harness or soft carrier allows you to keep your pup in a contained spot in your car or trunk, mitigate potential harm to them should you get into an accident, and—in a best-case scenario—make them feel safe and secure. 

We enlisted the help of some of our favorite CR pooch volunteers to try out two harnesses and two travel carriers that have been independently tested and certified as safe by the Center for Pet Safety (CPS)—more on pet safety a bit later. Meet four of our hard-working volunteers:

Photo: Consumer Reports Photo: Consumer Reports

While we can’t say they—or we—were barking mad about them all, here’s what we learned from their reactions and our experiences taking them for a spin in the car.

Become a member to read the full article and get access to digital ratings.

We investigate, research, and test so you can choose with confidence.

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3 Most Pet-Friendly Airlines in Australia (2024 Update)

Do you live in Australia and are considering traveling via air with your pet? If so, it’s important to be familiar with the various Australian airlines and their rules regarding flying with your pets.

Despite high rates of pet ownership, Australia has yet to welcome dogs and cats into passenger cabins. Until last year, all animals except for service animals were strictly prohibited from accompanying passengers in the cabin on flights. The Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) changed the rules in December 2021 , allowing individual airlines to determine their own pet policies.

However, as of December 2022, all airlines staunchly prohibit pets in the cabin, with the exception of service dogs. Three airlines allow you to fly your pet as cargo, but the process has changed temporarily due to COVID-19 restrictions. Let’s look into the specific details of flying with your pet in Australia.

• A Quick Look at The Best Pet-Friendly Airlines (2024 Update)

The 3 Most Pet-Friendly Airlines in Australia

Qantas is currently the only airline in Australia that allows you to travel with your pet on an international flight. Not all routes accept pets though, so you’ll need to research your travel destination before you go. Qantas Freight coordinates pet transport for several other airlines as well, including REX.

While you were once able to book your pet’s flight online, COVID-19 restrictions resulted in a temporary change of policy which requires you to call their pet travel specialists in order to book their flight. If you’re flying domestic, your pet may only come if it’s a single sector flight. Like all airlines in Australia in 2022, Qantas only allows service animals to fly in the cabin. All other animals will be relegated to the cargo hold.

• Allows international travel on select routes
• Most domestic routes allow pets as long as you book a single sector flight
• Qantas Freight allows some exotic pets
• Online booking temporarily suspended
• 2. Virgin Australia

Prior to the pandemic, pets could fly in the cargo hold on your domestic flight. However, current restrictions dictate that animals must be conveyed through a Commercial Pet Transport Company instead of being transported by Virgin Airlines directly. A pet transport company typically picks up your pet from your home and ships them directly to your location.

Qantas Freight is an exception to the rule, as this airline can coordinate with other airlines such as Virgin to accommodate pet travel. This policy was implemented in order for pets to be able to be reunited with their owners immediately despite quarantine requirements. As of 2022, Virgin Airlines only allows dogs under 65 kilograms on domestic flights. There are no international travel provisions, or allowances for exotic pets.

• Allows cats and dogs under 65 kilograms
• Most domestic flights accept pets
• Pet flights must be arranged through a third-party company due to current restrictions
• 3. Regional Express (REX)

Instead of creating a separate booking for your pet, REX considers pets as checked baggage as long as they’re under 30 kilograms. The price is determined by weight and starts at $5.50 per kilogram, which is fairly straightforward to calculate in advance.  Under temporary travel restrictions, REX asks their customers to book their pet’s flight through Qantas Freight or Dogtainers with at least 72 hours’ notice before their flight.

Only dogs and cats are allowed to fly Regional Express. However, not every canine and feline can come aboard. In addition to certain breeds that every Australian airline excludes, REX will also not allow Brachycephalic breeds such as Shih Tzus or Pugs on their flights. You are also somewhat limited on the travel destination, as REX only allows pets on select domestic flights.

• REX considers smalls dogs and cats as checked baggage for an extra fee
• Several popular breeds are excluded from flying
• Currently books through Qantas Freight or Dogtainers
• Select domestic flights only
• Common Airline Exclusions

As of December 2022, only certified service animals are allowed to accompany passengers in airplane cabins. Even though the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) changed their stance to allow airlines to make their own rules about pet policies, most airlines have expressed hesitancy about letting pets ride with human travelers.

Some possible reasons for the hesitancy include concerns about dealing with other customer’s pet allergies, as well as specific airport restrictions about animals in the building. It appears that Qantas and Jetstar are in no hurry to change their minds on the matter. Virgin Australia has hinted that they’re trying to figure out how to accommodate pets in the future. The decisions are weighty, as dog-owners will likely choose Virgin over Qantas if they amend the rules while people who don’t feel comfortable with animals at all will likely ride Jetstar.

• Dog Breeds That Are Excluded

Regardless of the recent governmental policy change, certain dogs aren’t allowed to fly on any Australian airline. These breeds have been deemed dangerous and include:

• Fila Brasileiro
• Japanese Tosa
• Dogo Argentino
• American Pit Bull and other Pit Bull Breeds
• Perro de Presa Canario

All of these dogs are banned from being imported into the country and are not allowed to fly within the country if they’re already there. Staffordshire Terriers and brachycephalic breeds may face certain additional restrictions depending on the airline. For example, Qantas and Virgin requires a pet travel specialist to always book any brachycephalic breed, regardless of current Covid-19 restrictions. REX flatly prohibits brachycephalic breeds on their planes at all due to their inherently greater health risk.

Flying Safely with Your Pets: Know Before You Go

When flying with your pet , you’ll want to book as far in advance as you possibly can. Most airlines only allow a limited number of animals on flights, so you’ll want to secure your spot before they run out. Qantas also requires you to book your animal’s flight at least 72 hours prior to take off.

• Medical Records

All airlines require basic documentation such as rabies certificates , but some may require more medical records and health clearances from a vet, especially if your animal is considered a high-risk brachycephalic breed. Of course, all service animals must be certified to be allowed in passenger cabins, and not all airlines consider emotional support animals as service animals.

The price of flying with your pet varies greatly but count on spending as much on your pet’s flight as you will on your own ticket. The general estimate for flying with a pet in Australia ranges between $350-$700, but the actual price is determined by the weight and breed of your pet, as well as the specific airline’s rules.

• Your Pet’s Comfort

Only you can truly determine if your pet is deemed safe for travel. Even if your veterinarian has given you the all-clear, you might not want to risk flying an extremely anxious, elderly, or sick pet. Some people chose to sedate their pet in order to make their flight a more relaxing experience, but most airlines advise against this as sedation can cause breathing problems.

Currently, three Australian airlines allow your pet to take to the skies. Qantas allows pets on select international routes, while Virgin Australia and Regional Express (REX) offer select domestic flights only. Unfortunately, pets aren’t allowed in the passenger cabins unless they are certified service animals , but recent policy alterations dictate that this could change in the near future.

• 5 Most Pet-Friendly Airlines In Canada
• 10 Most Pet-Friendly Airlines in the UK
• https://www.abc.net.au/news/2022-04-30/pets-on-planes/101028046
• https://www.airtasker.com/pet-care/pet-transport/price/pet-transport-cost/
• https://www.traveller.com.au/join-the-pet-set-travelling-with-your-furry-friend-h24243
• https://www.travelnuity.com/flying-with-a-dog-in-australia/
• https://www.executivetraveller.com/news/pet-travel
• https://freight.qantas.com/pets/update-to-our-pet-booking-policy.html#book-with-a-pet-travel-specialist
• https://www.qantas.com/us/en/travel-info/baggage/travelling-with-pets.html
• https://freight.qantas.com/pets/pet-travel-faqs.html
• https://freight.qantas.com/pets/pet-travel-faqs.html#how-do-i-calculate-the-cost-of-my-pets-travel
• https://www.virginaustralia.com/us/en/travel-info/specific-travel/pets/
• https://www.rex.com.au/feedback/ShowFAQ.aspx?aid=25
• https://www.rex.com.au/FlightInfo/SRC.aspx?d=1&pos=pabrac#cola

Featured Image Credit: Photo Spirit, Shutterstock

Brooke Bundy

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• Travel Advice

Aussie passengers may be able to fly with pets in the cabin

A strict ban on animals in Australian plane cabins will be relaxed this year, opening up the possibility of pets being able to fly in the cabin with their owners.

Jetstar’s urgent plea to passengers

Qantas reveals fancy new in-flight menu

Man’s bizarre ‘raw-dog’ act on flight

Airlines may allow passengers to travel with their pets in economy or business class when a strict ban on animals from plane cabins is relaxed later this year.

Currently, only service dogs are allowed to travel in plane cabins and all other animals are kept in the cargo hold on commercial flights under strict rules enforced by the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA).

But The Australian reports those rules will change from December 2, leaving it up to individual airlines to decide whether or not to allow pets in the cabin of their own planes.

Qantas and Jetstar have already ruled out the possibility but Virgin Australia is yet to make a decision, according to The Australian.

“We’ll consider the regulatory changes as part of a wider pet travel review we’re currently undertaking,” a Virgin Australia spokesman told the newspaper.

“Regardless of the outcome, designated service dogs will still be able to travel in the cabin.”

CASA spokesman Peter Gibson said there would be a number of things airlines would have to sort out before they gave pets the green light to board.

“From a safety point of view, what we’re saying is they should think about not in exit rows because the dog could get in the way … and not in the aisles,” he told 3AW Breakfast .

“You’re going to have other passengers who may be allergic to dogs and cats.

“It’s not 100 per cent simple but what we’re saying from a rules point of view is as long as the safety rules are ticked off we’re not going to get in the way of it.”

The new CASA rules suggest airlines consider how animals are contained and restrained, their reactions to noise, the nuisance to other passengers, the distraction of flight crew, as well as how “excrements or fluids” would be contained.

“A large animal should always be secured so as not to damage or affect the balance of the aircraft in flight,” the new rules state.

“A small or medium-sized animal carried in the cabin would normally need as a minimum to be restrained during takeoff and landing and in turbulence.”

Pets are frequently able to travel in the cabin of airlines in other parts of the world, including Europe and the US, where owners are typically charged a fee.

In Australia, pets – with the exception of service animals – can only travel in the cargo hold, with animal transport companies partnering with airlines to provide that service.

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Jetstar has issued an urgent reminder to passengers of embattled airline Bonza to take up the airline on a specific offer before this weekend.

In just over two weeks, Qantas will launch into a destination the airline hasn’t touched in 20 years. And now, a new menu to match has been revealed.

It’s the buzziest new trend taking over the skies — with more and more passengers engaging in the “raw-dog” travel trend.

BARK Air expands airline to Chicago with flights catered to dogs

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Anyone who's tried flying with their dog knows it can be a pain. BARK Air is an air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first.

Pooches are pampered from booking to arrival and now it's expanding to Chicago for the first time with service at Midway Airport.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

Dave Stangle, VP of Brand Marketing for BARK, joined ABC7 Thursday to talk more about the expansion.

Stangle spoke about the idea behind creating the airline, the amenities they offer and what the expansion means for their four-legged and two-legged passengers.

The full interview can be viewed in the video player above.

BARK Air set off on its maiden voyage in May , when they were offering trips from New York to Los Angeles. It was pretty popular last month already, with 15,000 requests for new destinations.

The CEO says everything is catered to dogs so they have a low-stress trip.

It will cost you $6,000 for a domestic flight, and $8,000 for an international flight for one dog and one human.

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New airline offering dogs first class service, to fly out of Bay Area

SAN JOSE, Calif. - Starting in the fall, a new service is launching in the Bay Area that promises dog owners a way to travel together conveniently and comfortably with their fur baby, making the four-legged air passenger the priority customer.  

In October, BARK Air plans to expand its services to San Jose Mineta Airport , offering what it called the "world’s first air travel experience designed specifically for dogs first, and their human companions second."

BARK Air first launched last month, providing flights to limited locations: New York to Los Angeles and New York to London.

SEE ALSO : Donations flood in to help model donkey behind 'Donkey' in Shrek movie

In the coming months, the company plans to expand to more locations. In addition to San Jose Mineta, BARK Air will operate out of the metro areas of Phoenix, Miami/Fort Lauderdale, Paris, and Chicago, the company said.

"Traveling long distances with a dog is a challenge many dog parents face, particularly for those dogs that don’t fit into a carrier that can be placed under the seat in front," BARK said in a press release. "Too often, dogs are denied travel, confined to a duffle bag, or endure the stress of flying in cargo."

The company said it aimed to eliminate the stress and offer a more humane option, emphasizing ways to make its canine passengers calm and comfortable and giving their "two-legged companion" a curated and personalized, hassle-free experience. 

Here is how it works: 

• Dog owners book flights on BARK Air .
• After their trip is purchased, owners are contacted by a BARK Air concierge to collect information about each dog and their human’s travel plans to tailor the trip to each customer.
• No crates or lines: On travel day, passengers arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to departure time "for a simple, efficient check-in process where dogs can meet other furry friends on their flight."
• Concierge service: Before boarding, a BARK Air concierge will welcome dogs at the gate to help them settle into their experience through socialization and "dog-centric cabin preparation." The concierge also evaluates each dog to ensure the pup is doing well, adapting to the new environment, and make sure its needs are met.
• Flight prep: Prior to boarding, the plane is treated to a "Dogs Fly First" flight prep with calming pheromones, music, and colors that pups prefer. All furry passengers have access to various aids such as calming treats, noise-canceling ear muffs, and calming jackets to ensure a stress-free and enjoyable flight.
• Pampered pup: Onboard, dogs are served a snack or beverage of choice during ascent and descent to ensure they do not experience any cabin pressure triggered ear discomfort. Treats and other in-flight amenities are offered throughout the flight to make the trip enjoyable for both the "furry passengers and their humans."

Not surprisingly, the premium pup treatment will cost a premium price. The air service said pricing will vary based on routes, time of year, and whether the ticket is for a round trip or one-way.

A quick check of flights, for one way from San Jose to Chicago in the fall will cost $6,000. 

A one-way ticket to New York will cost $6,500. 

San Jose flights to and from Chicago begin on Oct. 17. For New York, it's scheduled to launch on Nov. 22.

BARK Air said the ticket price covered its four-legged passenger, as its "human companion flies free!"

The company acknowledged the fare reflected the high-end service it was offering and said, "Our goal over time is to bring down the ticket cost and make this Dogs Fly First experience available to every dog and their people who have a desire to travel together."

BARK Air said it has partnered with an Argus Platinum-rated charter company which handles all aircraft, crew, maintenance, and insurance related matters. 

Before moving into the air travel industry, New York-based BARK began as a company that sells toys, treats, and other specialty dog products.  

"We are continuing to expand our offerings to ensure we make dogs as happy as they make us, because we know that dogs and humans are better when they are together," the company said. "We’re excited to introduce a new standard of travel, in which dogs are treated like family, not luggage."

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• Airline Travel

What Does 'Raw-Dogging' a Flight Mean? All About the Viral Travel Trend

Plane passengers are boasting about going without any form of entertainment in the air

For most travelers, a long flight means browsing the on-demand movie offerings, binge-watching Netflix on their phone, or just listening to a podcast.

Not so for “raw-doggers.”

A new TikTok trend sees plane passengers boasting about enduring an entire flight without any form of entertainment or distraction: no phone, no tv, no books, no music. Some even forgo the free snacks.

“Just raw-dogged a 7-hour flight (new personal best),” a U.K.-based DJ named Wudini announced in a video posted June 4 that now has more than 13 million views. “No headphones, no movie, no water, nothing.”

Numerous other TikTokers have been documenting their activity-free flights for the past several months. “My beige flag is that I raw dog flights,” wrote Veronica Skaia in January. “No headphones. No movies. I just stare into the abyss for hours and watch the little gps plane.”

Australian musician Torren Foot also got in on the trend, writing on Tuesday, June 25, “Just raw dogged it, 15hr flight to Melbourne, no music, no movies, just flight map (I counted to 1 million twice).” 

A TikTok user named Michelle took to the social media platform to comment on how few of her fellow passengers seemed to be watching anything other than the flight map during a five-hour trip from New York to San Francisco. 

“I have never seen so many people raw-dogging a flight in my life,” she wrote. “Literally just staring straight ahead the entire time?”

Another TikToker who goes by West shared in May that he’d “successfully completed” a seven-hour flight viewing only the flight maps.

“Anyone else bareback flights?” he wondered in the accompanying caption, seemingly introducing some new borrowed jargon for the movement.

“I've got DMs on Instagram like, ‘Bro, you need to teach us how to bareback flights,’” West told GQ .

“I got sick of watching the same movies,” he added, comparing the quiet flying style to meditation. “Visually, you are kind of impaired. You only get to look at the seat in front of you, to your right or left if you're at the window. All you hear is that drumming sound of the engine. It's just white noise.”

Never miss a story — sign up for  PEOPLE's free daily newsletter  to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from juicy celebrity news to compelling human interest stories.

The trend prompted some social media users to reminisce about a memorable TV character who was an early adopter of raw-dogging flights: David Puddy, Elaine Benes’ on-and-off beau on Seinfeld. 

In the season 9 episode “The Butter Shave,” Puddy (Patrick Warburton) irritated Elaine ( Julia Louis-Dreyfus ) by refusing her offer of something to read while flying home from a European vacation, opting instead to simply stare straight ahead.

“Respectfully, you are not ‘rawdogging’ if you watch the flight map,” read one post on X (formerly Twitter). “Puddy was staring at the back of the seat in front of him. man up.”

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Travelling with pets

Cats, dogs and small caged birds can travel as checked-in baggage on all domestic flights around New Zealand provided they fly in pet carriers suitable for air travel .  

Add your pet to your domestic flight booking

If you have a domestic flight booked with Air New Zealand, please complete this form to request that your pet is added to your booking. You will need the following information:

• Your six-character booking reference (found on your flight confirmation emails and itinerary)
• Weight of pet
• Weight of pet's carrier
• Your contact details

If your booking is for a regional route and includes more than one pet carrier per person, you'll need to pre-book your pets to  travel as cargo due to the space limitations of our smaller turbo-prop aircraft.

Weigh your pet and the carrier

To help us plan for your pet's travel, we need to know the weight of your pet (to the nearest kilogram) as well as the weight of your pet's carrier. If in doubt, it's best to round upwards so that we can have accurate information for our loading teams.

See how much it costs

The pet carriage fee is payable at the airport and reflects the special treatment required to ensure the safety of your pet.

How much you need to pay depends on the size of your pet.

For bookings made before 23 May 2024:

• For pets up to 25kg: NZD $75
• For pets over 25kg: NZD $100

For bookings made after 23 May 2024:

• A flat fee of NZD $120 for all pet sizes

Book an extra bag (if needed)

To help us calculate and plan for your pet's travel in the hold, we consider your pet's checked-in carrier as part of your baggage allowance. 

Tip : when booking your flight, look for a fare with baggage allowance.

If the carriage of your pet results in you exceeding your baggage allowance, you can upgrade your booking to a seat+bag fare, or pre-pay for the  extra bag  prior to arriving at the airport and before check-in closes.

If you choose not to pre-pay for the extra bag, then the  excess baggage charge  and the pet carriage fee will both be payable at the airport.

If you are an Airpoints Gold, Elite or Koru member, you may be entitled to an additional bag at no charge.

Prepare your pet's travel carrier

We will not accept carriers where the animal is unable to naturally stand, sit up, turn around and lay down. 

For your pet's comfort and safety during their flight,  all pets  must travel in carriers that meet the current  standards approved by the International Air Transport Association  (IATA).

Get the right carrier size and set-up for your pet:

• When standing outside the carrier,   no part of your pet should be taller or longer than the carrier.
• When inside the carrier, they shouldn't have to duck to see out of the carrier door. The carrier should also be wide enough for your pet to turn around easily and long enough for them to lie down comfortably with their paws extended.
• The carrier must be fitted with a small water container that is fillable from the outside of the carrier. 
• For your pet's comfort and to avoid mess, the carrier floor must be lined with absorbent material such as paper, shredded newspaper or puppy pee pad.
• If the carrier does not meet our size and construction requirements , we will not accept the pet to board on your flight, and it may need to be rebooked for a later flight or day of travel, which could incur additional expenses. 

Animals per carrier

If you're travelling with more than one pet in a carrier, you need to meet these requirements:

• Only kittens and puppies over 8 weeks will be accepted for travel
• A mother and her litter are acceptable provided the kittens or puppies are over 8 weeks
• Up to 3 weaned kittens or puppies if from the same litter and less than 6 months old, and not over 14 kg each
• Maximum two adult pets of comparable size up to 14kg each per carrier. Pets must be familiar with each other and used to living together.
• Only 1 animal per carrier if exceeding 14 kg
• The carrier must meet our requirements and be fit for purpose

Familiarise your pet with the carrier

Ideally, your pet should be familiarised with their travel carrier at least two weeks before travel. This will help your pet feel more secure and comfortable, and reduce anxiety levels for both you and your pet. 

On the day of the flight

Help your pet get ready to travel.

After checking that your pet looks healthy and fit for travel, it's time to get ready for the flight. 

• Give your pet a light meal and a little water no less than two hours prior to departure, keeping in mind that travelling on a full stomach can cause motion sickness for pets. 
• You must put adequate absorbent material such as a puppy pee pad in the carrier. You may also wish to include a small comfort blanket or an old shirt with your scent on it.
• Before you place your pet in the carrier, make sure they have had plenty of opportunities to go to the toilet and stretch and exercise.
• Remember to put a small treat or favourite toy as well as their leash in your carry-on bag so that you can reward them at the end of their journey.

Before check-in

Please arrive at the airport 60 minutes prior to your flight's departure.  If you haven't checked in online already, please check in passengers before taking your pet to either the Special Assistance or Oversized Baggage counter (depending on the airport).

Staff will then check that the pet's carrier meets the requirements and the pet and carrier will be weighed and payment taken.

Important : we may refuse your pet's travel if the carrier does not meet the size and construction requirements .

Remember that every airport has a different configuration of where to take your pet for check-in and regulations on how your pet can arrive at the airport. 

• From Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Nelson or Queenstown , your pet must be in their carrier before arriving at the terminal
• From a New Zealand regional airport (excluding Nelson), your pet can be on a leash and placed in the carrier at check-in

After your pet has been checked in

The Air New Zealand ground staff who load the pets onboard at the departure airport and unload at the arrival airport are trained in pet travel and will do what they can to minimise stress for your furry or feathered friend.

Before being loaded on the aircraft, your pet will wait in a special area separated from the rest of the checked-in baggage. 

Generally, pets will be last to be loaded onto the flight to avoid any lengthy waits on the tarmac.

Before the flight, the pilot is given information about the loaded cargo including any animals onboard. 

Your pet will be secured in a climate-controlled space in the aircraft hold which, just like an aircraft cabin, is pressurised for their comfort. The lights are dimmed during the flight, which helps to keep pets calm.

Arrival and pick up

Your pet will be carried into the baggage arrival area by one of our team. This may be before, during or after other baggage has been delivered to the baggage claim area, depending on the airport.

To be mindful of other passengers and airport regulations, please do not let your pet out of its carrier until you have left the terminal building.

Your pet's carrier will have cable ties securing the door. If your pet is not an escape artist, you can ask one of our ground staff or the airport helpdesk team to locate some scissors to cut the ties before the next part of your journey.

Select the right travel carrier for your pet

Air New Zealand carries animals in accordance with the current standards published in the IATA Live Animal Regulations .

Cat and dog carriers

Construction of cat or dog carrier

✔  Fibreglass, metal, rigid plastic, welded metal mesh, solid wood, and plywood carriers

✔  Ventilation holes are only permitted on the upper half of three sides, excluding the door. See example

✔  The door must be open and covered with welded mesh, bars etc., nose and paw-proof

✔  The door must form the whole of one end of the carrier (can be sliding or hinged) and can't be accidentally opened

✔  The floor must be solid and leak-proof and the interior must be smooth with nothing sticking out

✔  Spacer bar must be fitted in the middle on three sides (not the door). Handles should allow easy carriage of the carrier

✔  Wheels are permitted but must be removed or inoperable when carried

✔  Water container must be fitted in the carrier

✘ Entirely welded mesh, open wire, pop-up hatch style carriers

✘ Ventilation on the upper and lower sides of a carrier

Door locking and latching

✔ The top and bottom of a plastic carrier must be fixed together using either 'bolt tightened' or another 2-step method e.g. screw & dial

✔ Minimum fasteners include one at each corner and at least 1 down each side, carriers longer than 60cm must have minimum of 2 fasteners each side

✔ Door hinge & locking pins on rigid plastic carriers must engage the carrier by at least 1.6cm beyond the horizontal extrusion above and below the door opening

✔ Cable ties must be attached to all four corners of the carrier's door to prevent it from being prised open by the animal  

✘ Latches fixing the top and bottom of plastic carrier

✘ Restraint straps etc., securing a carrier

✘ Doors that have a 'twist clip' around the locking pins

Inside the carrier

✔ You must include appropriate and proportionate absorbent material e.g. paper, shredded newspaper or puppy pee pad

✔ You can include a blanket in the carrier

✔ Please ensure your pet has had food and water prior to travelling

✘ Important: No food or toys are permitted in, or attached to, the carrier.

Use of cable ties

✔ Airport staff may use a cable tie as a secondary means of securing a cage and preventing accidental opening. 

✘ Must not be applied through ventilation holes

✘ Must not be cut short as they pose a risk of injury to your pet

For other useful information about pet carrier requirements, please visit IATA's pet corner page . 

Example of approved pet carrier for air travel

• Adequate ventilation on the upper section of three sides (not including the door)
• Top and bottom fixed together e.g. tightened bolt and screw at each corner. Minimum of 1 fixing on sides for carriers under 60 cm; minimum of 2 if carrier exceeds 60 cm
• Space bar fitted on three sides
• Leak-proof floor
• Locking pins must extend a minimum of 1.6 cm into the top and bottom lips
• Water container

Example of unsuitable pet carrier

✘ This pet carrier will not be accepted for air travel as it has ventilation holes on the lower half of the carrier's sides and does not include a water container. 

Travel cages and carriers for birds

Your bird/s may travel in a bird travel carrier, or size-appropriate cat/dog carrier may be used, provided the required perch/perches are fitted.

For birds that rest by perching, the carrier must include round perches that:

• are large enough for the birds to grip firmly and comfortably (relevant to the species)
• allow for all birds (if more than one) to perch comfortably at the same time
• are placed so droppings do not fall into food or water troughs
• are placed at such a height that the birds can leave the perch without their heads contacting the roof, nor the tail with the floor while perching
• are not placed too high within the carrier for the birds to become upset during transport.

For parrots (psittacine), that do not rest by perching, suitably sized smooth rails fixed to the floor must be provided so that the birds can feel secure.

Frequently asked questions for pet travel

How do i add a pet to my booking.

If you book directly with Air New Zealand: 

Look for a fare with baggage allowance. If you're an Airpoints member,  you may be entitled to an additional bag at no charge.

After you've made your booking, complete this form to let us know you're travelling with a pet. This helps us to dedicate space for pets in the aircraft hold. We will need to know the following details. 

• Weight of cage

If you're booking with a travel agent: 

Let your travel agent know that you wish to travel with your pet. They will then book you a fare with baggage allowance and help you with the other details.

How do I pay for my pet to travel?

Our staff will take payment when you check your pet in at the airport.

Do I need to include paperwork or vaccination information?

No, you do not need to provide vaccination or vet information for your pet's travel on domestic flights around New Zealand. 

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

• The Best Early Prime Day Deals Under $50

Prime Day this year will be Tuesday, July 16, through Wednesday, July 17, but Amazon has already started to offer deals to get the festivities started early. All of these deals can be found on  Amazon’s Prime Day landing page but are, somewhat confusingly, being called “limited time deals,” or just say “with Prime.” To make things easier, I’ve sifted through the site and compiled a list of good deals below (none of which are under 20 percent off). And to keep things affordable, everything on this list is also under $50. While the offerings are currently a little thin, more deals will roll out as Prime Day approaches, so I’ll continue updating this post with all the deals I find.

Don’t forget: You need to actually be an  Amazon Prime member  to shop the sales, and make sure to sign up for our  email newsletter  so you don’t miss out on our ongoing coverage.

The Strategist  is designed to surface useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Every product is independently selected by our team of editors, whom you can read about  here . We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change.

• the strategist
• prime day 2024

Every product is independently selected by (obsessive) editors. Things you buy through our links may earn us a commission.

Deal of the Day

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Things To Do | What a trip: Far from a dog day afternoon

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Pennsylvania / submitted by Susan Roher of Virginia Beach

This month I attended a Canine Camp Getaway at the Eisenhower Hotel in Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. This is an annual vacation event for people and their dogs. Thirty-plus activities are repeated hourly over several days in and around the spacious grounds — swimming, agility, barn hunting, dock diving, skateboarding, performance tricks and much more. It was a great opportunity to introduce travel and new interests and skills to my dog Ellie (in photograph). Along with the other 150 dogs and their owners, it is certainly something to enjoy for those who consider their canine one of man’s best friends.

caninecampgetaway.com — Share your adventure Tell us about one favorite part — a restaurant, a hike, a monument, a hotel room — of one of your trips. Day trips, too. Submit a high resolution horizontal photo and a description of not more than 125 words to [email protected]. Include the city where you live.

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