Can You Fly with Pets on Avianca Ecuador?

Yeah, you can — but here's what nobody tells you: just because a policy exists doesn't mean it's simple. I learned this the hard way with Mochi, my 6kg French Bulldog, when I booked a flight without realizing the brachycephalic breed restrictions. Spoiler: I didn't fly that day.

Avianca Ecuador allows both cats and dogs in the cabin and in cargo/checked baggage. But there are specific rules, weight limits, carrier requirements, and breed restrictions that'll catch you off guard if you're not prepared. Let me walk you through exactly what you need to know.

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

The short answer: Yes, cats and dogs can fly in the cabin with you on Avianca Ecuador.

The catch: Your pet has to fit in a soft-sided carrier that slides under the seat in front of you. And if your pet is a brachycephalic breed (snub-nosed), you're probably out of luck.

Carrier Dimensions & Weight Limits

Your carrier needs to fit these exact specs:

  • Length: 45 cm (about 18 inches) maximum
  • Width: 35 cm (about 14 inches) maximum
  • Height: 25 cm (about 10 inches) maximum
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): 8 kg maximum

Here's the gotcha: these dimensions are tight. I measured Mochi's carrier three times before booking because I was paranoid. The height limit especially — 25 cm is basically the thickness of a small suitcase. Your carrier has to fit completely under the seat in front of you, not beside it.

Carrier type: Must be soft-sided. Hard carriers won't fit under the seat. Make sure it has mesh ventilation on the sides so your pet can breathe and see out.

Inside the carrier: You need an absorbent mat or liner to handle accidents. Trust me on this one — a 6-hour flight with a nervous pup is not the time to find out you forgot this.

The Brachycephalic Breed Problem

This is where I got burned. Avianca Ecuador, like most airlines, restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. The industry-standard restricted breeds include:

  • French Bulldogs (yes, Mochi is on this list)
  • Pugs (all breeds)
  • Bulldogs (all breeds)
  • Boston Terriers
  • Boxers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Japanese Chins
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Mastiffs (all breeds)
  • American Bullies
  • Pit Bulls and related breeds
  • Shar Peis
  • And several others

If your breed is on this list, contact Avianca Ecuador directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with vet clearance; others don't budge. I wish someone had told me to call first instead of finding out at check-in.

Cabin Fees & Booking

Cost: $100 USD per pet, one way.

Booking: You must pre-book your pet at least 48 hours before departure. You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to bring it on board. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, so early booking is essential. One pet carrier per passenger is the standard limit.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. Younger animals aren't allowed in the cabin.

Cargo & Checked Baggage: Traveling Below Deck

If your pet is too large for cabin travel or you prefer cargo, Avianca Ecuador accepts pets in cargo and checked baggage.

Carrier Requirements for Cargo

Cargo is a completely different ballgame. Your carrier needs to be:

  • Hard-sided and IATA-compliant — soft carriers won't work
  • Ventilated on at least three sides per IATA Live Animals Regulations
  • Equipped with an attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Lined with absorbent material to manage accidents
  • Labeled with "Live Animals" stickers and orientation arrows

These crates are bigger and sturdier than cabin carriers, but they're also more expensive. Budget accordingly.

Temperature Restrictions

Here's something that surprised me: airlines won't ship pets in extreme temperatures.

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — if it's hotter than this at the airport or destination, your pet won't fly
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — same rule applies in cold weather

If you're traveling during summer or winter, check the forecast at both airports. If temperatures are borderline, your pet might get bumped from the flight. I learned this when a summer flight to Miami got delayed because the tarmac hit 86°F.

Acclimation certificates: A vet can issue an acclimation certificate that may allow travel in slightly colder conditions. Ask your vet if this applies to your situation.

Cargo Age & Brachycephalic Restrictions

Pets must be at least 10 weeks old for cargo travel (older than cabin requirements). And yes, brachycephalic breeds are still restricted in cargo. No exceptions.

Cargo Booking & Fees

We're still verifying cargo fees and specific booking procedures with Avianca Ecuador — contact them directly for pricing and advance booking requirements.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: You need a vet-issued health certificate for any pet traveling on Avianca Ecuador, whether cabin or cargo.

  • Validity: Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days — check your destination)
  • What it covers: General health, vaccinations (especially rabies), and fitness to fly
  • When to get it: As close to your departure date as possible

I got Mochi's certificate 9 days before a flight once, and the airline almost rejected it because they wanted it within 7 days. Don't risk it — get it within 7 days to be safe.

Check your destination country's import requirements too. Some countries require additional permits or quarantine documentation. If you're flying to United States, United Kingdom, or Australia, there are extra hoops.

What You Cannot Do

Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal can't maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Even if your vet offers it, don't do it unless the airline explicitly requires it (which is extremely rare).

Do not book a pregnant pet. Most airlines, including Avianca Ecuador, won't accept visibly pregnant animals due to health risks during flight.

Do not show up without pre-booking. Seriously. You will be denied boarding.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin fee: $100 USD per pet, one way
  • Cabin carrier max weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45 cm L × 35 cm W × 25 cm H
  • Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum age (cargo): 10 weeks
  • Advance booking required: 48 hours minimum
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days (7 days recommended)
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Max pets per passenger: 1 carrier in cabin

What You Need to Do

Before you book:

  • Check if your breed is on the brachycephalic restricted list. If yes, call Avianca Ecuador to confirm whether exceptions are possible.
  • Measure your pet and your carrier against the cabin dimensions. Be honest — if it's tight, it won't fit.
  • Weigh your pet and carrier together. If combined weight exceeds 8 kg, you'll need cargo instead.
  • Check the weather forecast for your travel dates. If temperatures are near the embargo thresholds, consider alternative dates.

At least 10 days before departure:

  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate. Request it be issued within 7 days of your flight.
  • Research your destination country's import requirements. Some require additional permits.
  • Book your pet with Avianca Ecuador (at least 48 hours before departure).

3-5 days before departure:

  • Confirm your pet's health certificate is ready and includes all required information.
  • Prepare your carrier: add absorbent liner, ensure ventilation is clear, and test that your pet fits comfortably.
  • If flying cargo, confirm the crate meets IATA standards and has water bowl, ventilation, and "Live Animals" labels.

Day of travel:

  • Arrive early. Pet check-in may take extra time.
  • Have your health certificate and any import permits ready at the counter.
  • Keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding.

Real Talk: My Mochi Story

I booked a flight with Mochi without checking the brachycephalic restrictions. At the airport, the agent told me French Bulldogs aren't allowed in the cabin. I had to cancel the entire trip. That $100 pet fee? Wasted. The non-refundable flight? Also wasted. The lesson: always call the airline first if you have any doubt about your breed.

Now I call Avianca Ecuador directly before every booking. It takes 10 minutes and saves me hundreds of dollars and a lot of heartache.

Still Have Questions?

Contact Avianca Ecuador directly for specifics on cargo fees, booking procedures, and any breed-related exceptions. They're the final authority, and policies can change.

For more detailed guidance, check out our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — they'll help you navigate airline policies and destination requirements specific to your pet and route.

Data auto-verified from official Avianca Ecuador sources. Last updated: January 2025. Policies subject to change — always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026