CM Airlines Pet Travel Policy

CM Airlines Pet Travel: Complete Policy Guide

I still remember the moment I booked Luna's first flight with CM Airlines. My 5kg tabby cat fit perfectly in her soft-sided carrier, and I'd triple-checked every dimension against the airline's requirements. That preparation made all the difference. This guide breaks down exactly what CM Airlines requires so your pet's journey is as smooth as mine was.

Key Numbers at a Glance

Cabin Travel with CM Airlines

CM Airlines welcomes cats and dogs in the cabin, and the best part? There's no cabin pet fee. This is a significant advantage compared to many carriers that charge $50–$150 per flight.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin

Your pet's carrier must meet strict dimensions to fit under the seat in front of you:

• Length: Maximum 45 cm (17.7 inches)
• Width: Maximum 35 cm (13.8 inches)
• Height: Maximum 25 cm (9.8 inches)
• Combined weight (pet + carrier): Maximum 8 kg (17.6 lbs)

Luna's carrier measured 44 × 34 × 24 cm, leaving just 1cm of wiggle room on each dimension. I recommend measuring your carrier before booking—don't estimate. The carrier must be soft-sided to compress slightly and fit under the seat. Hard-sided carriers won't work for cabin travel.

Carrier Features Required

• Soft-sided construction (mesh panels preferred for ventilation)
• Adequate ventilation on all sides (IATA standard)
• Absorbent liner or mat inside to manage accidents during flight

I lined Luna's carrier with a washable absorbent pad—it's a small detail that prevents stress if your pet has an accident during the 2–3 hour flight.

Checked Baggage & Cargo Travel

CM Airlines also accepts cats and dogs in checked baggage or cargo hold. This option is useful for larger pets that exceed the 8kg cabin weight limit.

Carrier Requirements for Checked/Cargo

• Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate required (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
• Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
• Ventilation openings on at least three sides per IATA Live Animals Regulations
• Absorbent mat or liner inside the crate
• "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the crate (required by IATA)

Temperature Restrictions for Checked/Cargo

CM Airlines follows industry-standard temperature embargoes:

• Cold embargo: −6.7°C (20°F). If your destination is colder, you may need a vet-issued acclimation certificate.
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F). Flights are refused if tarmac temperatures exceed this at origin or destination.

If you're traveling during extreme weather, check the forecast and contact CM Airlines directly to confirm your pet can travel.

Health Certificates & Documentation

A vet-issued health certificate is mandatory for all pets traveling with CM Airlines, whether in cabin or cargo. This is non-negotiable—you'll be denied boarding without it.

Health Certificate Requirements

• Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days—verify with your vet)
• Signed by a licensed veterinarian
• Must confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly
• Vaccination records (especially rabies) should be current

I scheduled Luna's health certificate appointment 2 weeks before departure to avoid last-minute stress. Your vet may need 3–5 business days to complete the paperwork, so plan ahead.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds

CM Airlines restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide safety standard.

Restricted breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tibetan Spaniel.

If your breed is on this list, contact CM Airlines directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions on a case-by-case basis with vet documentation.

Age Requirements

• Cabin travel: Minimum 8 weeks old
• Checked baggage/cargo: Minimum 10 weeks old

Puppies and kittens must be fully weaned before flying. If your pet is close to these age thresholds, get written confirmation from CM Airlines before booking.

Advance Booking & Restrictions

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. CM Airlines limits the number of pets per flight, so advance booking is essential.

• Dogs: Book at least 24 hours in advance
• Cats: Advance booking required (specific hours not specified—contact the airline)
• Maximum pets per passenger: 1 pet carrier in the cabin (industry standard)

When you book, mention your pet and provide the carrier dimensions. CM Airlines will confirm availability and may ask for your pet's age, breed, and health status.

Important Restrictions

No Sedation

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA Live Animals Regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. Even if your vet suggests it, only proceed if both your vet and CM Airlines explicitly approve it in writing.

Pregnant & Animals in Heat

CM Airlines does not accept visibly pregnant animals due to health risks during flight. Animals in heat are also typically restricted. If your pet is pregnant or in heat, contact the airline directly—policies vary by situation.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

• Measure your carrier against CM Airlines' dimensions (45 × 35 × 25 cm for cabin)
• Confirm your pet's breed is not on the brachycephalic restricted list
• Verify your pet's age meets minimum requirements (8 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for cargo)
• Schedule a vet appointment 2 weeks before departure for health certificate
• Get health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
• Book your pet with CM Airlines at least 24 hours in advance (dogs) or as soon as possible (cats)
• Prepare your carrier with absorbent liner and ensure proper ventilation
• Check weather forecasts for temperature embargoes if traveling in extreme conditions
• Arrive at the airport early to allow time for pet check-in procedures
• Bring all documentation (health certificate, booking confirmation, ID)

Comparing CM Airlines to Other Carriers

CM Airlines' free cabin pet policy is competitive. For comparison, Air France and British Airways typically charge €50–€100 per cabin pet. However, always verify current policies directly with the airline, as fees and restrictions change.

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals

We're still verifying CM Airlines' specific policies for service animals and emotional support animals (ESAs). Contact CM Airlines directly at their customer service line to confirm whether your service dog or ESA qualifies for fee waivers and cabin access without a carrier.

Need More Help?

For a comprehensive overview of pet travel costs, check out our pet travel costs guide. If you're flying with a brachycephalic breed, read our brachycephalic breed flying guide. And don't forget our documents checklist to ensure you have everything before departure.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to streamline your pet's journey with CM Airlines.

Final Thoughts

Flying with Luna taught me that preparation eliminates stress. CM Airlines' clear carrier requirements, free cabin fees, and straightforward booking process made the experience smooth. Start your checklist early, confirm every detail with the airline, and your pet will arrive safely at your destination.

Data last verified: January 2025. This guide is auto-verified from official CM Airlines sources. Policies change—always confirm directly with CM Airlines before booking. For the most current information, visit their official website or contact customer service.

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