Chinese Airline Now Allows Pets in Cabin on Int’l Flights

Source: OT-Team(G), 南方Plus

Hainan Airlines officially launched its pet-in-cabin service on the Beijing-Bangkok international route starting August 15, 2025, becoming the first Chinese airline in the mainland to offer this service on both international and regional flights.

This initiative not only introduces a new mode of cross-border travel for pet owners in the  Chinese mainland but also marks an international breakthrough for Hainan Airlines in the "pet-friendly" service sector, aiming to create a more comforting and personalized in-flight experience for passengers.

From August 15 onwards, passengers traveling on Hainan Airlines' Beijing-Bangkok flights can apply to bring small pets (only domesticated cats and dogs) into the cabin, allowing them to share a warm and welcoming cross-border journey with their beloved animals. Currently, this service is available only for economy class passengers on the Beijing-Bangkok route, with plans for gradual expansion to more international and regional routes depending on passenger demand and operational conditions.

Hainan Airlines will accept qualified cats and dogs for in-cabin pet transportation, with a limited number of pets allowed per flight, following a "first come, first served" allocation policy. To ensure the safety, comfort, and hygiene of the pets during the journey, as well as to maintain the in-flight experience for other passengers, Hainan Airlines has established clear application requirements: the applying passenger must be an adult and not part of any special assistance groups, such as unaccompanied minors, passengers with medical conditions, or pregnant passengers. The applicant must also provide a valid "Animal Health Certificate," proof of pet vaccinations, pet identification, entry documents, and a signed transport agreement.

It is important to note that, unlike domestic flights, passengers traveling on international and regional routes need to complete pet identification and entry documentation procedures in advance. Additionally, each passenger is allowed to bring only one pet into the cabin for international and regional flights, as opposed to domestic routes, where passengers may bring up to two pets.