Can You Fly with Pets on AirAsia Indonesia?

Here's the straightforward answer: cats can fly in the cabin on AirAsia Indonesia, but dogs cannot. This is a critical distinction that changes everything about your travel planning.

I learned this the hard way during my first international move with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever. I'd assumed most airlines had similar pet policies—they don't. AirAsia Indonesia has a complete ban on dogs in the cabin across all routes. However, if you're traveling with a cat, you have cabin options. Let me walk you through exactly what's allowed and what you need to do.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cats in cabin: Allowed (pre-booking required)
  • Dogs in cabin: Not accepted on any route
  • Cats in cargo: Allowed (with proper crate)
  • Dogs in cargo: Allowed (with proper crate)
  • Cabin carrier max weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H (must fit under seat)
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Minimum pet age: 8 weeks (cabin), 10 weeks (cargo/checked baggage)
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — no travel if tarmac temps exceed this
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — may require acclimation certificate

Flying with Cats on AirAsia Indonesia

Cabin Travel (Your Best Option)

Cats are welcome in the cabin on AirAsia Indonesia flights. This is the least stressful option for your cat—they stay with you the entire flight instead of traveling in cargo.

Carrier Requirements:

  • Type: Soft-sided carrier only (hard-sided carriers won't fit under the seat)
  • Dimensions: Maximum 45.7 cm long × 27.9 cm wide × 27.9 cm high
  • Weight limit: 8 kg total (cat + carrier combined)
  • Ventilation: Mesh sides required for airflow
  • Interior: Absorbent mat or liner (accidents happen during flights)
  • Fit: Must fit completely under the seat in front of you

I recommend measuring your carrier before booking. Many standard pet carriers are slightly too large. Look for airline-approved soft-sided carriers—they're designed specifically for this purpose and typically cost $30–60.

Cargo or Checked Baggage (For Larger Cats)

If your cat is too large for cabin travel, cargo is your alternative. This requires a hard-sided IATA-compliant crate.

Cargo Carrier Requirements:

  • Type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate (not soft-sided)
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
  • Water bowl: Attached, fillable from outside the crate
  • Absorbent liner: Required inside the crate
  • Labels: "Live Animals" stickers with orientation arrows on all sides

Cargo travel is more stressful for cats than cabin travel. The hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled, but your cat will be separated from you. Only choose this if cabin travel isn't possible.

Flying with Dogs on AirAsia Indonesia

Important: AirAsia Indonesia does not accept dogs in the cabin on any route. This is a complete ban, not a breed-specific restriction.

However, dogs can travel via cargo or checked baggage if you use the proper IATA-compliant hard-sided crate. This is how I transported Cooper on my moves—it's not ideal, but it works.

Cargo/Checked Baggage Requirements for Dogs:

  • Crate type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant only
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
  • Water bowl: Attached and fillable from outside
  • Absorbent liner: Required
  • Live Animals labels: Required on all sides with orientation arrows
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old, fully weaned

Cargo travel for dogs is expensive and stressful. Budget $500–2,000+ depending on your dog's size and destination. I recommend contacting AirAsia Indonesia's cargo department directly for pricing and availability before booking your flight.

Breed Restrictions You Must Know

Both cats and dogs have breed restrictions on AirAsia Indonesia. These apply to cabin, cargo, and checked baggage travel.

Restricted Cat Breeds:

  • British Shorthair
  • Burmese
  • Exotic Shorthair
  • Himalayan
  • Persian
  • Scottish Fold

Restricted Dog Breeds (Brachycephalic/Snub-Nosed):

The list is extensive and includes Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Mastiffs, Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, and many others. If your dog has a flat face or shortened muzzle, contact AirAsia Indonesia before booking. These breeds face respiratory risks during flight, and airlines take this seriously.

Check the complete brachycephalic breed guide to see if your dog is affected.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable. You will not board without it.

What You Need:

  • Health certificate: Issued by a licensed veterinarian
  • Validity: Must be dated within 10 days of your departure
  • Timing: Get it as close to departure as possible (some destinations require 7 days instead of 10)
  • Destination requirements: Check if your destination country requires additional import permits or vaccinations (rabies, for example)

Schedule your vet appointment at least 2 weeks before travel. Your vet needs time to examine your pet and issue the certificate. Don't wait until the last minute—I've seen travelers miss flights because their vet couldn't fit them in.

Temperature Embargoes: Critical Timing

This is where many people get caught off guard. AirAsia Indonesia will refuse to transport your pet if temperatures are too extreme.

Heat Embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)

If the tarmac temperature at your departure or destination airport exceeds 29.4°C, your pet cannot fly. This is a safety rule, not a suggestion. In tropical climates like Indonesia, this can happen during midday hours. Book early morning or late evening flights to avoid heat embargoes.

Cold Embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)

If temperatures drop below -6.7°C, your pet cannot fly unless you have an acclimation certificate from your vet. This certificate confirms your pet is physically adapted to cold conditions. If you're traveling to a cold destination, ask your vet about this option at least 4 weeks before departure.

Sedation: Don't Do It

IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all airlines worldwide, including AirAsia Indonesia.

Even if your vet suggests it, even if you think it will help—don't sedate your pet for flight. Work with your vet on calming techniques instead (anxiety wraps, pheromone sprays, etc.).

Advance Booking: You Cannot Show Up at the Airport

This is critical: you must pre-book your pet before arrival at the airport. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight. You cannot show up with your cat or dog and expect to board.

Contact AirAsia Indonesia at least 48 hours before your flight to confirm your pet's booking. Get confirmation in writing. I learned this lesson the hard way on my second move—always have written confirmation.

What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist

10 Weeks Before Travel

  • Confirm your pet's breed is not restricted (check breed lists above)
  • If traveling with a dog to a cold destination, consult your vet about acclimation certificates
  • Research your destination country's import requirements (quarantine, vaccinations, permits)

6 Weeks Before Travel

  • Book your AirAsia Indonesia flight
  • If traveling with a cat in cabin, purchase an airline-approved soft-sided carrier and test the fit
  • If traveling with a dog in cargo, order an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate and "Live Animals" labels

4 Weeks Before Travel

  • Schedule your vet appointment for the health certificate
  • Order any destination-specific import permits
  • Check tarmac temperature forecasts for your travel dates (avoid heat embargoes)

2 Weeks Before Travel

  • Attend your vet appointment and obtain the health certificate
  • Confirm all destination import documents are in order
  • Pack your pet's travel essentials (food, water, medications, comfort items)

48 Hours Before Travel

  • Contact AirAsia Indonesia to pre-book your pet
  • Get written confirmation of your pet's booking
  • Verify your carrier meets all size and weight requirements
  • Ensure your health certificate is dated within 10 days of departure

Day of Travel

  • Arrive at the airport early (at least 3 hours for international flights)
  • Bring your health certificate and any import permits
  • Have your pet's booking confirmation ready
  • Keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding

Practical Tips from My Experience

I've moved Cooper internationally three times. Here's what actually works:

  • For cabin cats: Soft-sided carriers with mesh panels are your friend. They're lightweight, fit under seats, and your cat can see out. Practice short car rides in the carrier weeks before your flight.
  • For cargo dogs: Hard-sided crates are mandatory, but they're also durable. I've reused the same crate for all three of Cooper's moves. Invest in a good one—it's worth it.
  • Temperature timing: In Indonesia, fly early morning (6–8 AM) to avoid afternoon heat. This also means fewer delays and a calmer airport experience.
  • Health certificates: Get them 5–7 days before departure, not 10 days. Vets sometimes make mistakes on dates. A fresh certificate gives you a safety buffer.
  • Destination research: Some countries require quarantine or specific vaccinations. Indonesia has strict import rules. Check with your destination's agriculture ministry before booking.

What We're Still Verifying

AirAsia Indonesia's website doesn't specify exact pet fees for cabin or cargo travel. We're still verifying this information. Contact AirAsia Indonesia directly for current pricing before booking. Fees vary by route and pet size.

Similarly, specific embargoed routes and maximum pets per flight aren't publicly listed. Always confirm these details with the airline.

Next Steps

Ready to book? Here's what to do:

  1. Verify your pet's breed isn't restricted (use the lists above)
  2. Check your destination country's import requirements
  3. Book your AirAsia Indonesia flight
  4. Contact AirAsia Indonesia's pet booking team to pre-book your pet
  5. Schedule your vet appointment for the health certificate
  6. Prepare your carrier and travel documents

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you haven't missed anything specific to your destination.

Data last verified: This guide is auto-verified from official AirAsia Indonesia sources. Policies change—always confirm directly with the airline before traveling.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026