GoFirst Pet Travel: What You Need to Know

I see pet travel rejections at my clinic every week, and most come down to one thing: people don't know their airline's actual rules until they're at the airport. GoFirst (G8) has specific policies for dogs and cats, and they're stricter than many travelers expect. Here's what I tell my clients: book early, get your paperwork right, and verify everything directly with the airline.

The most common mistake I see is assuming cabin travel is always an option. It's not with GoFirst. Let me walk you through your actual options.

Can Your Pet Fly on GoFirst?

Cabin travel: GoFirst does not accept pets in the cabin. This applies to both dogs and cats, regardless of size. Even Pixel, my 7kg Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, cannot travel with me in the cabin on GoFirst.

Cargo and checked baggage: Both dogs and cats can travel via cargo or checked baggage, but with strict conditions. This is where the real rules kick in.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pets: Not allowed (0 fee = not applicable)
  • Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks (fully weaned)
  • Minimum age (cargo/checked baggage): 10 weeks (fully weaned)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7cm L × 27.9cm W × 27.9cm H (must fit under seat)
  • Cabin carrier weight limit: 8kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cargo carrier type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant only
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — no travel if tarmac temps exceed this
  • Cold embargo: −6.7°C (20°F) — may require acclimation certificate
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue date
  • Advance booking: Required — do not show up at the airport with a pet

Cargo vs. Checked Baggage: Which Option?

GoFirst allows both, but they're different experiences:

  • Cargo: Your pet travels in a dedicated cargo hold with climate control. More expensive, but safer for longer flights.
  • Checked baggage: Your pet travels in the same hold as luggage. Cheaper, but less specialized handling.

Here's what I tell my clients: if your pet is anxious or the flight is long, cargo is worth the extra cost. If it's a short domestic flight and your pet is calm, checked baggage works. Either way, the carrier requirements are nearly identical.

Carrier Requirements (Cargo & Checked Baggage)

Hard-sided crate only. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo or checked baggage travel. This is non-negotiable.

IATA-compliant. Your crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). Look for the IATA label on the crate or ask the manufacturer. This ensures proper ventilation, strength, and safety.

Ventilation on three sides minimum. Your pet needs air from multiple angles. Mesh or perforated panels on at least three sides are required.

Attached water bowl. The crate must have a water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside without opening the crate. This is critical for longer flights.

Absorbent liner. Place an absorbent mat or pad inside the crate to manage accidents. Most airlines require this.

"Live Animals" labels. Your crate must display bright "Live Animals" stickers with orientation arrows (showing which way is up). These are usually included with IATA crates or available from pet travel suppliers.

Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable

This is where I see the most rejections. You must have a vet-issued health certificate. Even if GoFirst's website doesn't explicitly mention it, the airport will check it. I've seen families turned away at check-in because they didn't have one.

Timing matters: Get the certificate issued within 10 days of your departure date. Some destinations require 7 days. Don't risk it—get it as close to travel as possible.

What the certificate covers:

  • Confirmation your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Vaccination records (especially rabies, if traveling internationally)
  • Microchip information (if applicable)
  • Your vet's signature and clinic stamp

When I issue Pixel's health certificate, I always include extra copies. One goes to the airline, one stays with you, and one goes in the carrier. Better safe than sorry.

Breed Restrictions: Check Your Breed

GoFirst restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide standard, but the specific list varies by airline.

Commonly restricted breeds include:

  • Dogs: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, French Bulldogs, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Mastiffs (all types), Staffordshire Bull Terriers, American Bullies, and others
  • Cats: Persians, Exotic Shorthairs, Himalayans, British Shorthairs, Burmese, Scottish Folds

Important: If your breed appears on this list, contact GoFirst directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions with vet clearance; others don't. Don't assume.

Temperature Embargoes: Plan Around Weather

GoFirst will not transport pets if temperatures are too extreme:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F). If the tarmac temperature at origin or destination exceeds this, your pet cannot fly.
  • Cold embargo: −6.7°C (20°F). If temperatures drop below this, you may need an acclimation certificate from your vet stating your pet can handle cold travel.

This is why summer travel is risky in hot climates. I always tell clients: check the weather forecast for your departure and arrival cities before booking. If it's peak summer in India or the Middle East, cargo travel may not be possible.

Other Restrictions

Pregnant animals: GoFirst does not accept visibly pregnant pets. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Animals in heat: We're still verifying GoFirst's specific policy on this—contact them directly.

Sedation: Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide.

Service dogs: We're still verifying GoFirst's service dog policy—contact them directly for exemptions and documentation requirements.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

8–12 weeks before travel:

  • Confirm your pet's breed is not restricted (or get vet clearance if it is)
  • Book your pet with GoFirst directly—don't assume availability
  • Check temperature forecasts for your travel dates
  • Ensure your pet is at least 10 weeks old (for cargo/checked baggage)

4 weeks before travel:

  • Schedule a vet appointment for health certificate and pre-flight check-up
  • Verify your pet's vaccinations are current (especially rabies for international travel)
  • Order or purchase an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate if you don't have one
  • Test the crate at home—your pet should be comfortable in it

10 days before travel:

  • Get the health certificate issued (within 10-day window)
  • Confirm your booking with GoFirst and provide pet details
  • Prepare the crate: absorbent liner, water bowl, ventilation check
  • Pack "Live Animals" labels if not included with crate

Day before travel:

  • Do a final crate inspection—no sharp edges, secure water bowl, good ventilation
  • Keep your pet calm and well-exercised
  • Gather all documents: health certificate, booking confirmation, ID
  • Arrive at the airport early (check GoFirst's specific pet check-in time)

International Travel: Extra Steps

If you're flying to another country, you'll need:

  • Import permit: Some countries require an import permit for pets. Check the destination country's requirements.
  • Microchip: Many countries require a microchip (ISO 11784/11785 standard).
  • Rabies vaccination: Most countries require proof of rabies vaccination within a specific timeframe.
  • Health certificate: Must be government-endorsed for international travel (not just any vet certificate).

I always recommend checking with your destination's veterinary or agricultural authority at least 8 weeks before travel. Rules vary by country, and missing a requirement can mean your pet is quarantined or denied entry.

Common Mistakes I See

  • Booking without confirming breed restrictions: Don't assume your breed is allowed. Check first.
  • Getting the health certificate too early: A certificate issued 15 days before travel is invalid. Get it within 10 days.
  • Using a soft-sided carrier for cargo: It won't be accepted. Hard-sided only.
  • Forgetting the water bowl: Your pet needs access to water during flight. The bowl must be attached and fillable from outside.
  • Not pre-booking: Show up at the airport with a pet, and you'll be denied. Pre-booking is mandatory.
  • Traveling in extreme heat: If it's 30°C+ at your destination, cargo travel may be refused. Plan around weather.

Final Thoughts

Flying with a pet on GoFirst requires planning, but it's absolutely doable if you follow the rules. The key is starting early, getting your paperwork right, and confirming everything directly with the airline. When I flew Pixel to visit family, I booked 10 weeks in advance, got her health certificate at exactly the 10-day mark, and triple-checked her crate setup. She traveled safely in cargo, and I had peace of mind.

Your pet's safety depends on preparation. Don't cut corners on the carrier, the health certificate, or the booking process.

Need personalized help? Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—they'll walk you through every step specific to your pet and destination.

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Data auto-verified from official airline sources. Last updated: January 2025. Note: GoFirst's official website is no longer active. Information reflects industry standards and historical GoFirst policies. Always contact the airline directly or check with your booking agent for current policies before travel.

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