Flying with Pets on Airlink: What You Need to Know

OK hear me out — flying with your furry friend doesn't have to be a nightmare. I've taken Nala, my 22kg Australian Shepherd, on enough flights to know what works and what doesn't. Airlink has specific pet policies depending on how you want to travel with your companion, and getting the details right upfront saves you stress at the airport.

Here's the real talk: Airlink allows pets, but the rules differ based on whether your pet travels in the cabin, as checked baggage, or in cargo. Let me break down exactly what you need to know.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pets: No cabin pets allowed on Airlink
  • Checked baggage: Allowed (book 72 hours in advance)
  • Cargo: Allowed
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: Max 27.9cm (W) × 27.9cm (H) × 45.7cm (L)
  • Cabin carrier weight: 8kg combined (pet + carrier)
  • Minimum age: 8 weeks for cabin; 10 weeks for checked/cargo
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — no travel if tarmac temps exceed this
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — may require vet acclimation certificate

Cabin Travel: The Reality Check

I'm going to be straight with you: Airlink does not allow pets in the cabin. This means Nala doesn't get to sit under my seat on an Airlink flight. If you're used to flying with smaller pets on other carriers, this is a significant difference.

This policy applies to all pets, regardless of size. Even a 2kg Chihuahua won't be allowed in the cabin. Service dogs may have different rules — we're still verifying this with Airlink directly, so contact them if you have a certified service animal.

If cabin travel is essential for your pet, you'll need to look at alternative airlines. But if checked baggage or cargo works for your trip, keep reading.

Checked Baggage: Your Best Option for Most Pets

This is where most pet owners will travel with Airlink. Your dog or cat travels in the hold with your luggage, but in a proper pet carrier — not just tossed in with your suitcases.

Booking Requirements

You must book your pet at least 72 hours before departure. This is non-negotiable. You can't show up at the airport and add your pet to the flight. Airlink limits the number of pets per flight, so early booking is crucial.

Carrier Specifications

Your carrier must meet these standards:

  • Hard-sided or soft-sided: Hard-sided crates are preferred for checked baggage
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides (IATA requirement)
  • Water bowl: Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside
  • Absorbent liner: Mat or liner inside to handle accidents
  • "Live Animals" label: Required on the crate with orientation arrows

Trust me on this one — invest in a quality IATA-compliant crate. When I flew Nala on a longer journey, the hard-sided crate with proper ventilation made all the difference. She was calm, safe, and the crew knew exactly how to handle her.

Temperature Restrictions

Airlink won't transport pets if:

  • Heat: Tarmac temperatures at origin or destination exceed 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold: Temperatures drop below -6.7°C (20°F) — unless your vet provides an acclimation certificate

This is a safety thing. I learned this the hard way when I tried to fly Nala during a summer heatwave. The airline refused, and honestly, they were right. Cargo holds aren't temperature-controlled like the cabin, and overheating is a real risk.

Cargo Travel: For Longer Distances

If you're relocating or need to transport your pet separately from your luggage, cargo is an option. The rules are similar to checked baggage but with stricter requirements.

Carrier Requirements for Cargo

  • Hard-sided crate only: Soft-sided carriers are not accepted
  • IATA-compliant: Must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
  • Water bowl: Attached, fillable from outside
  • Ventilation: Three-sided minimum per IATA standards
  • Absorbent liner: Required
  • "Live Animals" labels: Required with directional arrows

Age and Health Requirements

Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for cargo travel (compared to 8 weeks for cabin). This gives younger animals time to fully wean and develop.

Health Certificates: Non-Negotiable

This is the one thing I cannot stress enough: you need a vet-issued health certificate. Even if Airlink's website doesn't explicitly list it, you will be asked for it at the airport. Don't risk being denied boarding.

Certificate Details

  • Issued within: 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days — check your destination)
  • What it covers: Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • When to get it: Schedule your vet appointment at least 2 weeks before travel to avoid last-minute stress

I always book my vet appointment 3 weeks out. It gives me a buffer in case anything comes up, and the certificate is fresh when I travel.

Breed Restrictions: Know Before You Book

Airlink restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide standard, not unique to Airlink.

Restricted breeds include:

  • Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
  • Pugs (all types)
  • Boxers
  • Boston Terriers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Mastiffs (all types)
  • Pit Bulls and related breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier)
  • Japanese Chin
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Shar Pei
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Affenpinscher
  • And several others — check the full list with Airlink if your breed is borderline

If your dog is on this list, contact Airlink directly. Some airlines make exceptions, and individual cases vary.

Special Situations: What's Not Allowed

  • Pregnant animals: Most airlines don't accept visibly pregnant pets due to health risks
  • Animals in heat: We're still verifying Airlink's specific policy — contact them directly
  • Sedation: IATA prohibits sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal can't maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Don't do it unless explicitly instructed by both your vet and Airlink

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 3 weeks before: Schedule vet appointment for health certificate
  • 2 weeks before: Book your pet with Airlink (required 72 hours in advance for checked baggage)
  • 10 days before: Get health certificate issued by your vet
  • 1 week before: Confirm all booking details with Airlink
  • Before packing: Ensure carrier meets all requirements (ventilation, water bowl, absorbent liner, labels)
  • Day before: Exercise your pet well; keep them calm and hydrated
  • Day of travel: Arrive early; have health certificate and booking confirmation ready

Pro Tips from My Experience

After flying Nala across multiple continents, here's what actually works:

  • Acclimate your pet to the carrier weeks in advance. Leave it open at home, put treats inside, let them nap in it. When they're comfortable, the flight is less stressful.
  • Exercise your pet heavily before the flight. A tired dog is a calm dog. I always take Nala on a long hike or beach run before we head to the airport.
  • Use absorbent pads designed for pets. Regular newspaper won't cut it. Get proper puppy pads or airline-grade liners.
  • Bring familiar items. A blanket or toy with your scent helps. Nala travels with a small blanket from home.
  • Don't sedate your pet. I know it's tempting, but it's dangerous and prohibited. Trust the process.
  • Arrive extra early. Pet check-in takes longer. I always arrive 3 hours early when flying with Nala.

Questions? Contact Airlink Directly

We're still verifying some policies with Airlink — specifically around service animals, animals in heat, and specific route embargoes. For the most current information on these topics, contact Airlink directly before booking. They're responsive and can answer breed-specific questions too.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate every detail of flying with your pet.

Related Guides

Data auto-verified from official Airlink sources. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm current policies directly with Airlink before booking, as pet travel policies can change.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 22, 2026