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The Real Deal: Flying Your Pet on flydubai
Look, I'm Marco. I've flown with my French Bulldog Mochi more times than I can count, and I've learned some hard lessons the expensive way. Here's what I wish someone had told me upfront: flydubai has strict rules about which pets can fly in the cabin, and if your dog or cat is a snub-nosed breed, you're looking at cargo only. Let me walk you through exactly what you need to know.
Can Your Pet Fly in the Cabin?
Cats: Yes, but with conditions. Cats are allowed in the cabin on flydubai, but they must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh no more than 7 kg (about 15 lbs) including the carrier. You'll pay AED 100 (approximately USD 27) one way.
Dogs: Generally no — cargo is your option. Here's the gotcha: flydubai's official policy states "pets generally not allowed in cabin" and directs you to use flydubai Cargo instead. However, the data shows cabin travel is technically possible under specific conditions. Before booking, contact flydubai directly at cargo@flydubai.com to confirm your dog's eligibility. Same fee applies: USD 27 one way.
Brachycephalic breeds (snub-nosed dogs and cats): Banned from cabin travel. This is non-negotiable. If you have a French Bulldog (like Mochi), Pug, Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, or any of the restricted brachycephalic breeds, cabin travel is off the table. The restriction applies to both dogs and cats. Mochi learned this the hard way — we had to pivot to cargo, which actually worked out fine, but I wish I'd known sooner.
Cabin Carrier Requirements: Get This Right
If your pet qualifies for cabin travel, your carrier must meet these exact dimensions:
- Length: 45 cm (17.7 inches) maximum
- Width: 23 cm (9 inches) maximum
- Height: 23 cm (9 inches) maximum
- Combined weight (pet + carrier): 7 kg (15.4 lbs) maximum
Soft-sided carriers are required. Hard-sided crates won't fit under the seat. Look for carriers with mesh panels for ventilation — IATA regulations demand adequate airflow, and flydubai enforces this.
You must include an absorbent liner or mat inside the carrier. Accidents happen during flight. A washable pad or puppy pads will save your deposit and your pet's dignity.
Book by phone only. You cannot add a pet to your booking online. Call flydubai directly and book at least 96 hours (4 days) before departure. I learned this the hard way when I tried to add Mochi online and got nowhere.
Cargo Travel: The Reality for Most Dogs
If your dog doesn't qualify for cabin (which is most dogs), cargo is your path. Here's what you need to know:
Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only. Soft-sided carriers are rejected for cargo. Your crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards — this is non-negotiable and universal across airlines. Expect to spend USD 150–300+ on a proper crate.
Attached water bowl is mandatory. The crate must have a water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside without opening the crate. This is a safety requirement.
Ventilation on at least three sides. IATA requires this. No exceptions.
Absorbent liner inside. Same as cabin — accidents happen, and you want your pet comfortable.
"Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows. These must be clearly visible on the crate. You can print them from IATA templates or your vet can provide them.
Temperature restrictions apply. flydubai will not accept pets if tarmac temperatures at origin or destination exceed 29.4°C (85°F), or fall below -6.7°C (20°F). If you're flying to a hot destination in summer, you might get bumped. I've seen this happen in July flights to the Middle East.
Minimum age: 10 weeks. Your pet must be fully weaned. Younger animals are too fragile for cargo travel.
Health Certificates: Non-Negotiable
You must have a vet-issued health certificate, and it's valid for only 10 days. Get it issued as close to your departure date as possible — ideally 3–5 days before. I learned this lesson when my vet issued Mochi's certificate too early, and I had to get a new one.
The certificate must confirm:
- Your pet is in good health
- Vaccinations are current (especially rabies)
- No signs of infectious disease
- Vet's signature and official stamp
Destination country import regulations may require additional permits or quarantine. flydubai's policy notes that pets are subject to destination country rules. Before booking, check the import requirements for your destination — some countries require import permits, quarantine periods, or additional health documentation. Contact your destination's agriculture or customs department directly.
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin fee: USD 27 (AED 100) one way
- Cabin carrier max weight (pet + carrier): 7 kg
- Cabin carrier dimensions: 45 cm L × 23 cm W × 23 cm H
- Minimum pet age (cabin): 16 weeks
- Minimum pet age (cargo): 10 weeks
- Health certificate validity: 10 days
- Advance booking required: 96 hours (4 days) minimum
- Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
- Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
- Max pets per passenger: 1
What You Need to Do: Your Checklist
- Confirm breed eligibility: Check if your pet is on the brachycephalic restricted list. If yes, cargo only.
- Get a health certificate: Schedule a vet appointment 7–10 days before departure. Cost is typically USD 50–150.
- Check destination import rules: Contact your destination country's customs or agriculture authority. Some require import permits (allow 2–4 weeks for processing).
- Book by phone: Call flydubai at least 4 days before departure. Have your pet's age, weight, and breed ready.
- Get the right carrier: For cabin, soft-sided only (45×23×23 cm max). For cargo, IATA-compliant hard-sided crate with water bowl and ventilation.
- Add absorbent liner: Place washable pads or puppy pads inside the carrier.
- Prepare "Live Animals" labels: For cargo, print and affix these to all sides of the crate.
- Arrive early: Pet check-in may take extra time. Arrive 3 hours before domestic flights, 4 hours before international.
- Keep pet calm: Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel — a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies.
Common Mistakes I've Made (So You Don't Have To)
Booking online: You can't. Phone only. I wasted 30 minutes trying.
Wrong carrier size: That "airline-approved" carrier you found on Amazon? Measure it. Twice. Mochi's first carrier was 2 cm too long.
Forgetting the health certificate: You will be denied boarding. No exceptions. Get it in writing from your vet.
Assuming your destination doesn't require permits: Some countries do. Check before you book your flight, not the day before departure.
Traveling in summer without checking temperature embargoes: If it's hot where you're going, your pet might not be allowed to fly. Plan ahead.
Assistance Animals & Service Dogs
We're still verifying flydubai's specific policy for service animals and emotional support animals. Contact flydubai directly to confirm documentation and approval requirements.
General Rules That Apply to Everyone
Your pet must remain in the carrier throughout the flight. No exceptions, even for a quick bathroom break. Plan accordingly.
One pet per passenger maximum. If you're traveling with a partner, you can each bring one pet.
Pregnant animals are not accepted. If your pet is visibly pregnant, contact flydubai to discuss options — they may refuse travel due to health risks.
Animals in heat: We're still verifying flydubai's specific policy. Contact them directly if this applies to your pet.
Next Steps
Flying with a pet isn't complicated, but it requires planning. Start here:
- Confirm your pet's breed isn't restricted
- Schedule a vet appointment for the health certificate
- Check your destination's import requirements
- Call flydubai to book (at least 4 days out)
- Get the right carrier and supplies
- Arrive early on travel day
For a comprehensive checklist and step-by-step guidance, check out our pet travel documents checklist and pet travel costs guide.
Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — it'll walk you through every step for your specific pet and destination.
Data auto-verified from official flydubai sources as of April 17, 2026. Policies change — always confirm directly with flydubai before booking. Contact: cargo@flydubai.com or call their reservations line.
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026