Azur Air Pet Travel Policy

Flying with Pets on Azur Air: What You Need to Know

When I booked Luna's first flight with Azur Air, I spent hours cross-referencing their pet policy against other carriers. As a Russian charter airline, Azur Air has specific requirements that differ from major international carriers. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to know before flying with your cat or dog.

Quick Comparison: Azur Air vs. Other Airlines

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin Pet Fee: 3,000 RUB (one-way)
• Maximum Pet Weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
• Carrier Dimensions: 55 cm (L) × 40 cm (W) × 20 cm (H)
• Minimum Pet Age: 8 weeks
• Advance Booking (Cabin): 24 hours minimum
• Advance Booking (Checked): 48 hours minimum
• Pets Per Passenger: 1 pet maximum

Cabin vs. Checked Baggage: Which Option for Your Pet?

Azur Air allows pets in both the cabin and as checked baggage. Luna traveled in the cabin with me, which I preferred for a 3-hour flight—I could monitor her stress levels and ensure she had water access.

Cabin Travel (Recommended for shorter flights):

• Your pet stays with you during flight
• Requires 24 hours advance notice
• Fee: 3,000 RUB one-way
• Maximum combined weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier)
• Carrier must fit under the seat in front of you

Checked Baggage (For longer flights or larger pets):

• Pet travels in cargo hold with climate control
• Requires 48 hours advance notice
• Fee structure: we're still verifying this—contact Azur Air directly
• Same carrier requirements apply (hard-sided, IATA-compliant)
• Brachycephalic breeds still banned

Carrier Requirements: The Non-Negotiables

This is where I learned the most. Azur Air has strict carrier specifications, and they're not flexible. Here's what your carrier must have:

• Hard-sided construction: Soft-sided carriers are not permitted. Luna's soft carrier wouldn't have worked—I had to invest in a rigid plastic crate.
• IATA Compliance: Your carrier must meet International Air Transport Association standards. Look for the IATA label on the bottom.
• Proper Ventilation: At least two sides must have ventilation holes (typically 1-inch diameter, spaced 1-2 inches apart).
• Absorbent Liner: A washable, absorbent pad must line the bottom. I used puppy pads—essential for accidents during the flight.
• Water Bowl: An attached or removable water bowl is mandatory. Azur Air takes hydration seriously.
• "Live Animal" Label: Your carrier must display official live animal labels on top and at least one side.
• Dimensions: Maximum 55 cm (length) × 40 cm (width) × 20 cm (height). Measure twice—airlines enforce this strictly.

Luna's 5 kg weight plus her carrier came to exactly 7.8 kg, well within the 8 kg limit. If you're close to the limit, weigh your pet and carrier together at home first.

Health Documentation & Breed Restrictions

Health Certificate Required: You must provide a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian. We're still verifying the exact validity period—contact Azur Air to confirm how recent it needs to be.

Brachycephalic Breeds Are Banned: This applies to both cabin and checked baggage travel. Azur Air follows the standard brachycephalic breed restrictions, which typically include:

• Bulldogs (English, French, American)
• Pugs
• Boston Terriers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Boxers
• Persian and Himalayan cats

For a complete list and breed verification, see our brachycephalic breed guide.

Booking Your Pet: Phone Only

Here's the biggest difference from major carriers: you cannot book your pet online with Azur Air. You must call them directly. This caught me off guard initially, but it actually meant speaking with someone who could answer specific questions about Luna's travel.

Booking Timeline:

• Cabin pets: Call at least 24 hours before departure
• Checked baggage pets: Call at least 48 hours before departure
• Have your pet's age, weight, breed, and carrier dimensions ready
• Confirm the 3,000 RUB fee and payment method

Contact Azur Air directly for their phone number and booking procedures, as they're a charter airline with varying contact information by region.

Sedation: Not Required, But Vet Approval Needed If Used

Azur Air does not require sedation for cabin pets. However, if you choose to sedate your pet (which I didn't for Luna's short flight), you'll need veterinary approval. Sedation can actually increase stress in some animals, so discuss this with your vet beforehand.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

• 4-6 weeks before: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate. Confirm the certificate's validity period with Azur Air.
• 4 weeks before: Measure your pet and purchase an IATA-compliant hard-sided carrier if you don't have one. Test it at home—your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
• 2 weeks before: Practice short trips in the carrier to acclimate your pet. Luna rode in hers for 15-minute car trips before the flight.
• 1 week before: Confirm your flight details and prepare to call Azur Air for pet booking.
• 48-72 hours before: Call Azur Air to book your pet (if checking baggage) or confirm cabin booking.
• 24 hours before: Final call to confirm all details. Prepare your health certificate and have it ready for check-in.
• Day of flight: Arrive early. Bring the health certificate, carrier with absorbent liner and water bowl, and any comfort items (a familiar blanket or toy).

Practical Tips from My Experience with Luna

• Carrier comfort: Add a thin, washable blanket to the absorbent liner. Luna felt more secure with something familiar.
• Hydration: Freeze the water bowl the night before so it melts slowly during the flight, providing water without spillage during takeoff and landing.
• Timing: Book an early morning flight if possible. Shorter wait times mean less stress for your pet.
• Documentation: Make two copies of your health certificate—one for check-in and one to keep with your pet's records.
• Cost planning: Budget 3,000 RUB per one-way flight. Round-trip travel costs 6,000 RUB. See our pet travel cost guide for budgeting other expenses.

Cargo Travel: Not Recommended

Azur Air does not offer cargo pet travel services. Your only options are cabin or checked baggage.

Service Animals & ESA Documentation

We're still verifying Azur Air's policies on service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs). Contact them directly for information about fee waivers or documentation requirements for certified service animals.

Countries You Can Fly To

Azur Air is a Russian charter airline, so routes and destinations vary seasonally. Pet import regulations differ significantly by country. Before booking, research the destination country's requirements:

• United States – CDC and USDA requirements
• United Kingdom – PETS travel scheme or new post-Brexit rules
• Germany – EU pet passport requirements
• France – EU regulations apply

Always verify destination import rules before booking your flight. See our documents checklist for a comprehensive list of what you might need.

Final Thoughts

Flying Luna on Azur Air was straightforward once I understood their phone-only booking system and carrier requirements. The 24-hour cabin notice is generous compared to some carriers, and the 3,000 RUB fee is reasonable. The main challenge is the brachycephalic breed ban and the requirement to call rather than book online—plan accordingly.

For personalized guidance on your specific route and pet, get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo.

Data last verified: January 2024. This information is auto-verified from official Azur Air sources. Policies change—always confirm directly with Azur Air before booking.

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