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Can You Fly with Pets on AR?
Yes, AR allows dogs and cats to travel with you on flights. You have three options: cabin travel (your pet stays with you), checked baggage (your pet travels in the hold), or cargo (for larger pets or when cabin/checked isn't suitable). Each option has different rules, so it's important to understand which works best for your situation.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin carrier dimensions: 45cm (L) × 35cm (W) × 25cm (H)
- Cabin carrier weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
- Cabin pet fee: 2,500 ARS per pet, one way
- Maximum pets per passenger (cabin): 2
- Minimum age for cabin travel: 16 weeks
- Minimum age for checked/cargo: 10 weeks
- Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
- Advance booking required: At least 24 hours before flight
- Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
- Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)
Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin
If your pet is small enough and meets the requirements, cabin travel is the most comfortable option—your pet stays with you in the main cabin rather than in the cargo hold.
Who Can Fly in the Cabin?
Your dog or cat can fly in the cabin if it meets all of these criteria:
- At least 16 weeks old
- Weighs no more than 8 kg (including the carrier)
- Fits in a soft-sided carrier measuring 45cm × 35cm × 25cm
- Is not a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed
- Is not visibly pregnant
- Has a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
- Has an import permit copy (if traveling internationally)
Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions
Important: AR prohibits the following breeds from cabin travel:
- Dogs: Bulldog, Pug
- Cats: Persian cat
If your dog or cat is a brachycephalic breed, you may still be able to travel via checked baggage or cargo, but you'll need to contact AR directly to confirm eligibility and understand the additional restrictions that apply. These breeds face respiratory challenges during flight, so airlines are cautious.
Cabin Carrier Requirements
Your carrier must be soft-sided (not hard plastic) so it fits under the seat in front of you. It must have:
- Mesh or ventilated sides for adequate airflow
- An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
- Secure closures so your pet cannot escape
Your pet must remain in the carrier throughout the entire flight, including during takeoff and landing.
Cabin Booking & Fees
- Booking window: You must book your pet at least 24 hours before departure (online or by phone)
- Fee: 2,500 ARS per pet, one way
- Maximum pets: You can bring up to 2 pets per passenger
Checked Baggage Travel: Your Pet in the Hold
If your pet is too large for cabin travel or is a brachycephalic breed, checked baggage may be an option. Your pet travels in the aircraft's pressurized hold.
Eligibility for Checked Baggage
- At least 10 weeks old (younger than cabin requirement)
- Not visibly pregnant
- Has a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
- Must be pre-booked in advance (exact hours not specified—contact AR)
Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage
Checked baggage carriers have stricter requirements than cabin carriers:
- Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides (per IATA standards)
- Water bowl: An attached, refillable water bowl or trough accessible from outside the crate
- Absorbent liner: Required to manage accidents during the flight
- "Live Animals" label: Must be clearly marked with orientation arrows
Temperature Restrictions for Checked Baggage
AR will not accept your pet for checked baggage travel if temperatures at the origin or destination exceed:
- Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
- Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
If you're traveling during extreme weather, check the forecast and contact AR to confirm your pet can travel. Cold-weather travel may be possible with a veterinary acclimation certificate—ask your vet.
Cargo Travel: For Larger Pets
Cargo is an option for pets that don't fit cabin or checked baggage requirements. This is a specialized service with stricter rules.
Cargo Carrier Requirements
Cargo carriers must be hard-sided and IATA-compliant. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo. Your crate must include:
- Ventilation openings on at least three sides
- An attached water bowl or trough
- "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
- An absorbent liner inside
- IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) compliance
Cargo Eligibility & Restrictions
- Minimum age: 10 weeks
- Not visibly pregnant
- Valid health certificate (10 days)
- Subject to same temperature embargoes as checked baggage (29.4°C heat / -6.7°C cold)
- Must be pre-booked in advance
Health Certificates & Documentation
A health certificate is mandatory for all travel options. This is non-negotiable and will be checked at the airport.
What You Need
- Veterinary health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian
- Certificate must be dated within 10 days of your departure
- For international travel: Import permit copy (required for cabin travel; check with AR for checked/cargo)
- Proof of rabies vaccination (mandatory per AR policy)
How to Get a Health Certificate
Schedule an appointment with your vet at least 2 weeks before your flight. The vet will examine your pet and issue the certificate. Get it as close to your departure date as possible (within the 10-day window) to maximize validity.
Important Restrictions & Rules
Sedation is Prohibited
Do not sedate your pet. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including AR. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.
Pregnant & Heat Cycles
AR does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, contact AR directly to discuss options. Animals in heat are also restricted—confirm with AR before booking.
Brachycephalic Breed General Restrictions
Beyond cabin restrictions, AR notes that brachycephalic breeds face restrictions on flights exceeding 6 hours and are prohibited on routes where temperatures exceed 25°C. If you're flying a snub-nosed breed, verify your specific route with AR.
Seating & Emergency Exits
Your pet cannot occupy emergency exit rows. The cabin crew will assign you a suitable seat away from emergency exits.
What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist
- 4 weeks before: Contact AR to confirm pet travel is available on your specific flight and route
- 3 weeks before: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate and rabies vaccination check
- 2 weeks before: Purchase or confirm you have an appropriate carrier (soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided IATA-compliant for cargo)
- 10 days before: Get your health certificate from your vet
- 10 days before: Obtain import permit copy if traveling internationally
- 1 week before: Prepare your carrier with absorbent liner and ensure ventilation is clear
- 24 hours before: Book your pet with AR (online or phone) if not already done
- Day of flight: Arrive early, bring all documentation, and keep your pet calm and hydrated
Costs & Fees
Cabin travel costs 2,500 ARS per pet, one way. This is a fixed fee regardless of distance. Checked baggage and cargo fees are not specified in AR's published policy—contact the airline directly for pricing on these options.
Assistance Animals
AR has a separate policy for assistance animals (service dogs, emotional support animals, etc.). Assistance animals require documentation and may have different rules than regular pets. Contact AR directly to discuss your assistance animal's travel needs.
Contact AR for Clarification
Some details—like exact checked baggage fees, specific cargo dimensions, and route-specific restrictions—are not fully published. Contact AR directly before booking to confirm:
- Your pet's eligibility for your specific flight
- Exact fees for checked baggage or cargo
- Temperature conditions on your travel dates
- Whether your pet's breed has any special restrictions
- Import/export requirements for your destination
Final Tips for a Smooth Flight
- Book early—pet spaces are limited and fill up quickly
- Invest in a quality carrier that meets AR's specifications
- Take your pet to the vet for a pre-flight check-up, not just the health certificate
- Practice carrier time at home so your pet is comfortable during the flight
- Bring familiar toys, bedding, or treats to reduce stress
- Avoid feeding your pet right before the flight to reduce nausea
- Keep vaccination records and health certificates in a separate folder
For a personalized travel plan tailored to your pet and destination, get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo.
This guide is based on AR's official pet travel policy, last verified on April 10, 2026. Policies can change, so always confirm directly with AR before booking. For more information, see our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed guide.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026