GOL Linhas Aereas Pet Travel Policy

Emma · with Luna (Tabby cat, 5kg)
“I made a spreadsheet of every airline's pet policy before booking.”
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GOL Linhas Aereas Pet Policy: What You Need to Know

When I booked Luna's first flight with GOL Linhas Aereas, I spent hours cross-referencing their pet policy against industry standards. As a 5kg tabby cat, Luna qualified for cabin travel—but only if I got every detail right. This guide breaks down exactly what GOL allows, what it costs, and what you need to do before your flight.

Key Numbers at a Glance

Cabin Travel: The Best Option for Most Pets

GOL allows cats and dogs in the cabin, which is the safest and most comfortable option for your pet. Your animal stays with you throughout the flight rather than in cargo hold.

Who Can Fly in the Cabin

• Minimum age: 16 weeks old (your pet must be fully weaned and socialized)
• Weight limit: Pet plus carrier cannot exceed 10 kg total
• Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds are banned, including Persian cats, Bulldogs, and Pugs
• Health status: Not visibly pregnant, not in heat (status varies by individual airline discretion)
• Maximum: 1 pet per passenger

Luna, at 5kg, fit comfortably within the 10kg combined limit with her soft-sided carrier, which weighed about 1.2kg. This gave me a 3.8kg safety margin.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin

Your carrier must meet these exact specifications:

• Dimensions: 45 cm long × 25 cm wide × 25 cm high (maximum)
• Type: Soft-sided carrier (hard-sided carriers won't fit under the seat)
• Ventilation: Mesh panels on multiple sides for airflow
• Interior: Absorbent liner or mat to manage accidents
• Access: Must fit completely under the seat in front of you

I measured Luna's carrier three times before booking—it was exactly 45cm long and fit snugly under the seat. Soft-sided carriers compress slightly, which helps. Hard-sided carriers are too rigid and won't work for cabin travel on GOL.

Cabin Booking and Fees

• Cost: $50 USD per pet, one-way
• Booking method: Online or by phone
• Advance notice: Must book at least 24 hours before departure
• Confirmation: You'll receive a pet booking reference separate from your passenger ticket

I booked Luna 48 hours ahead through GOL's website. The pet fee appeared as a separate line item, and I received a confirmation email with her pet reference number.

Cargo and Checked Baggage Travel

GOL allows pets in cargo and checked baggage, though this is riskier than cabin travel. Pets travel in the aircraft hold without direct passenger supervision.

Cargo/Checked Baggage Requirements

• Minimum age: 10 weeks (younger than cabin minimum)
• Carrier type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate only (soft-sided not accepted)
• Water bowl: Attached external water bowl that can be filled from outside
• Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides per IATA Live Animals Regulations
• Absorbent liner: Required inside carrier
• Labels: "Live Animals" stickers with orientation arrows on all sides
• Brachycephalic breeds: Banned (same as cabin)

Temperature Restrictions

GOL follows industry-standard temperature embargoes for cargo pet travel:

• Cold embargo: Below -6.7°C (20°F) — may be waivable with vet acclimation certificate
• Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F) — non-negotiable

These restrictions exist because aircraft holds aren't climate-controlled during ground operations. If your departure or destination airport is experiencing extreme temperatures, GOL may refuse to transport your pet in cargo.

Health and Documentation Requirements

This is non-negotiable. You will not board without proper documentation.

Health Certificate

• Required: Yes, for both cabin and cargo travel
• Issued by: Licensed veterinarian
• Validity window: Must be issued within 10 days of your departure date
• Timing tip: Get it as close to departure as possible (day before or day of travel is ideal)
• What it covers: General health status, vaccinations (especially rabies), and fitness to fly

I scheduled Luna's health certificate appointment for the day before our flight. The vet confirmed she was healthy, up-to-date on vaccines, and fit for air travel. The certificate cost $75 at my clinic—budget accordingly.

Additional Documentation

• Vaccination records: Must be current (especially rabies)
• Microchip: Recommended (not required, but strongly advised)
• Import permits: Required if flying internationally—check destination country requirements

Important Restrictions and Rules

Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Breeds

GOL bans the following breeds on all flights:

• Cats: Persian cats
• Dogs: Bulldogs, Pugs, and similar snub-nosed breeds

These breeds have respiratory challenges and are at higher risk during air travel. This is an industry-wide standard, not unique to GOL.

Flight Duration and Temperature Restrictions

GOL restricts brachycephalic breeds on flights exceeding 6 hours and prohibits them on certain routes during high-temperature months. Even if your breed isn't on the banned list, check with GOL if you're flying a flat-faced pet on a long route during summer.

Sedation is Prohibited

Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because sedated animals cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.

In-Flight Rules

• Pet must remain in carrier throughout the entire flight
• Carrier cannot be placed in emergency exit rows
• You are responsible for your pet's comfort and behavior

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

4-6 weeks before travel:

• Confirm GOL allows your pet's breed (especially if flat-faced)
• Measure your pet and select an appropriate soft-sided carrier for cabin travel
• Check destination country import requirements if flying internationally

2 weeks before travel:

• Schedule a vet appointment for health certificate (must be within 10 days of departure)
• Ensure vaccinations are current
• Consider microchipping your pet

1 week before travel:

• Book your pet with GOL (online or phone) — minimum 24 hours advance notice
• Acclimate your pet to the carrier with short practice sessions
• Prepare absorbent liners and comfort items for the carrier

1-2 days before travel:

• Get the health certificate from your vet
• Pack pet essentials: water bowl, food, medications, comfort items
• Confirm your pet booking reference with GOL

Day of travel:

• Arrive at the airport early (at least 3 hours for international flights)
• Have health certificate and booking confirmation ready
• Keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding

Comparing GOL to Other Airlines

If you're considering alternatives, here's how GOL's cabin pet policy compares:

GOL's $50 cabin fee is competitive—significantly lower than major US carriers. However, verify current pricing directly with GOL, as fees can change.

Tips from My Experience with Luna

• Carrier comfort: Luna's carrier had mesh panels on three sides, which kept her calm. She could see out without feeling exposed.
• Absorbent liner: I used a washable puppy pad inside. Luna didn't have accidents, but it gave me peace of mind.
• Hydration: I didn't give Luna water right before boarding, but I had a collapsible bowl in my bag for after landing.
• Acclimation: Luna spent two weeks getting used to her carrier at home. By flight day, she was calm inside it.
• Booking confirmation: Keep your pet booking reference separate from your passenger ticket. They're different numbers.

International Travel with GOL

If you're flying to another country, you'll need additional documentation beyond GOL's requirements:

• Import permits: Many countries require advance import permits for pets
• Microchip: Some destinations mandate microchipping
• Quarantine: Certain countries have quarantine periods
• Rabies vaccination: Most countries require proof of current rabies vaccination

Check with your destination country's agriculture or customs authority at least 6 weeks before travel. For example, Australia and New Zealand have strict quarantine requirements, while UK and EU countries follow PETS travel schemes.

Contact GOL Linhas Aereas

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 10, 2026