Over 10 Chinese airlines now allow pets in cabin on select routes. Fees range RMB 1,000–1,500, apply 24+ hours ahead. Cats/dogs only, health certs, carriers, and breed restrictions apply. Check airline rules before booking.
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Sitting Next to a Dog on Your Next Flight in China? Here's What You Need to Know
For many pet owners, planning a holiday comes with one big question: who will take care of their pet?
In China, more airlines are now making it possible for passengers to travel with their pets in the cabin, instead of leaving them behind or using traditional pet cargo transport.
According to Chinese media reports, more than 10 domestic airlines have launched pet-in-cabin services under certain conditions. China Southern Airlines has expanded the service to 35 domestic airports and 760 routes, while Xiamen Airlines now offers it on more than 270 routes, covering popular destinations including Beijing, Shanghai, and Hangzhou. Some airlines, including Hainan Airlines and Tianjin Airlines, have also extended similar services to certain international routes.
The service is also becoming easier to identify when booking flights. Some airlines, including China Eastern, China Southern, and Spring Airlines, have added “pet-friendly flight” labels on some ticket booking pages, with reminders for passengers choosing seats near pets.
However, this does not mean every pet can simply board the cabin.
Most airlines only accept domesticated cats and dogs, and pets usually need to be at least eight weeks old, healthy, free from infectious diseases, and without strong odors. Pets that are sick, aggressive, pregnant, nursing, or within 48 hours after giving birth are generally not accepted.
Some airlines may also restrict certain flat-faced dog or cat breeds due to breathing risks.
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Pet owners usually need to prepare a valid quarantine certificate, vaccination records, and an airline-approved pet carrier. During the flight, the pet must stay inside the carrier. Some airlines may also require pets to wear diapers, while dogs may need to wear a muzzle throughout the journey.
Fees for pet-in-cabin services are usually around RMB 1,000 to 1,500, while booking a separate seat for a pet may cost extra. Applications usually need to be made through official channels more than 24 hours before departure.
As pet ownership continues to grow in China, pet travel is becoming a new service area for airlines. A 2026 industry report shows that China’s urban dog and cat population exceeded 126 million in 2025, and the pet consumer market is expected to reach RMB 405 billion by 2028.
For pet owners planning to fly in China, the key reminder is: check with the airline before booking.
Rules may vary by airline, route, aircraft type, pet size, breed, documents, and available quota. Even if an airline offers pet-in-cabin service, not every flight may be eligible.
Source: 央视新闻
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