Jetstar Pet Travel Policy

Hey, I'm Marco — and I've Made Every Jetstar Pet Travel Mistake So You Don't Have To

I fly with my French Bulldog, Mochi, constantly. She's 11kg of pure chaos, and I've learned the hard way that Jetstar has some very specific rules about who flies and how. Here's what I wish someone had told me before my first flight: not all pets are created equal on Jetstar, and some breeds aren't welcome at all.

This guide covers everything you need to know about flying with your dog or cat on Jetstar — the real stuff, not the marketing fluff. I'll walk you through what works, what doesn't, and the gotchas that'll save you hundreds in rebooking fees.

Can Your Pet Actually Fly on Jetstar?

The short answer: Yes, but only if you're flying domestically within Australia, and only if your pet isn't a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed.

Here's what nobody tells you: Jetstar allows small dogs and cats in the cabin on domestic Australia flights only. That's it. If you're flying internationally or your pet doesn't fit the weight limit, you're out of luck — Jetstar doesn't have cargo pet services.

I learned this the hard way when I tried to book Mochi on a flight to New Zealand. Turns out, Jetstar's cargo holds aren't pressurized, which is why they don't accept pets in checked baggage either. If you need international pet transport, you'll need to look at Qantas Freight or other carriers.

The Brachycephalic Breed Ban — Yes, This Includes Your Frenchie

Here's the part that stung me personally: French Bulldogs are banned from Jetstar flights. So are Pugs, Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, and dozens of other snub-nosed breeds.

The reason? These breeds have respiratory issues that get worse at altitude. Airlines restrict them because the risk of a medical emergency in flight is too high. It's not personal — it's safety.

The full list of restricted breeds includes:

• All Bulldog varieties (English, French, American)
• Pugs (all types)
• Boston Terriers
• Boxers
• Shih Tzus
• Pekingese
• Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
• Japanese Chins
• Lhasa Apsos
• Chow Chows
• Shar Peis
• Staffordshire Bull Terriers
• Mastiffs (all breeds)
• Cane Corsos
• Dogue de Bordeaux
• Presa Canarios

If your breed is on this list, Jetstar won't budge. I've tried. Trust me on this one.

Cabin Pet Requirements: The Nitty-Gritty

Weight & Carrier Dimensions

Your pet plus carrier must weigh 8kg or less combined. This is the dealbreaker for a lot of people. Mochi weighs 11kg, so she's automatically disqualified — even without the brachycephalic issue.

Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions:

• Length: 45.7cm (18 inches) maximum
• Width: 27.9cm (11 inches) maximum
• Height: 27.9cm (11 inches) maximum

Pro tip: Measure your carrier before you book. I've seen people show up at the airport with carriers that technically fit the dimensions but are too bulky to slide under the seat. Soft-sided carriers are your friend here — they compress slightly and fit way better than hard plastic crates.

Carrier Requirements

Your carrier must have:

• Soft sides (hard-sided carriers won't fit under the seat)
• Mesh ventilation on the sides so your pet can breathe
• An absorbent liner or mat inside to handle accidents — and trust me, stressed pets have accidents

I wish someone had told me about the absorbent liner before my first flight. My cat had a nervous pee incident, and it was a mess. Now I use puppy pads or specialized pet travel liners.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. Puppies and kittens younger than this aren't allowed in the cabin.

Health Certificate — Don't Skip This

You need a vet-issued health certificate, and it's non-negotiable. I've seen people turned away at the gate because they didn't have one. Here's what you need to know:

• Get it issued within 10 days of your flight (some destinations require 7 days — play it safe and get it closer to departure)
• Your vet will charge $50–$150 for this, depending on your location
• The certificate must confirm your pet is healthy and fit to fly
• Even if Jetstar doesn't explicitly ask for it, you'll need it at check-in

Pro tip: Call your vet ahead of time and ask them to have the certificate ready on your preferred date. Don't wait until the day before your flight.

Booking & Fees

Cost: AUD $40 per one-way flight

How to book: You must book your pet online through the Jetstar website when you purchase your ticket. You can't add a pet at the airport — Jetstar limits the number of pets per flight, and spots fill up fast.

Here's the gotcha: If you book your pet and then need to change your flight, you may lose the pet booking fee. Always check the terms before you commit.

I learned this when I had to reschedule a trip. The $40 fee wasn't refundable, even though I rebooked within 24 hours. It's not a huge amount, but it stings.

What You Can't Do (Even If You Really Want To)

Sedation is Banned

Do not sedate your pet before flying. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because a sedated animal can't maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all airlines worldwide, including Jetstar.

If your vet suggests sedation, ask them to clarify — they might mean a calming supplement (which is fine) rather than actual sedation (which isn't).

Pregnant or In-Heat Pets

Jetstar won't accept visibly pregnant animals due to health risks during flight. If your pet is in heat, contact Jetstar directly to confirm whether they'll allow travel — policies vary.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pet fee: AUD $40 per one-way flight
• Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 8kg
• Carrier length: 45.7cm maximum
• Carrier width: 27.9cm maximum
• Carrier height: 27.9cm maximum
• Minimum pet age: 8 weeks
• Health certificate validity: 10 days (get it within 10 days of departure)
• Pets per passenger: 1 pet carrier maximum
• Routes available: Domestic Australia only

What You Need to Do Before Your Flight

• Check if your breed is banned: Look at the brachycephalic list above. If your pet is on it, Jetstar won't allow travel.
• Weigh your pet and carrier together: Must be 8kg or less combined. No exceptions.
• Measure your carrier: Make sure it fits the dimensions and will slide under the seat in front of you.
• Book your pet online: Add your pet when you purchase your ticket on the Jetstar website. Don't wait — spots are limited.
• Schedule a vet appointment: Get a health certificate issued within 10 days of your flight. Bring it to the airport.
• Prepare the carrier: Add an absorbent liner or puppy pad inside. Make sure there's mesh ventilation.
• Arrive early: Get to the airport with extra time to check in your pet. Staff will need to verify the carrier and your health certificate.
• Keep your pet calm: Bring a familiar toy or blanket in the carrier. Some pets do better with a calming supplement (ask your vet — not sedation).

International Travel & Alternatives

If you're flying internationally with your pet, Jetstar isn't an option. You'll need to look at carriers that offer cargo or checked baggage pet services. Qantas offers pet freight services, and there are specialized pet transport companies that handle international moves.

For detailed guidance on international pet travel, check out our flying with a dog guide and documents checklist.

The Real Talk

Flying with a pet on Jetstar is possible, but it's restrictive. The 8kg weight limit rules out most dogs and many cats. The brachycephalic breed ban is absolute — there's no appeal process. And the domestic-only restriction means you can't use Jetstar for international moves.

If your pet doesn't fit these criteria, you'll need to explore other options or consider alternative travel methods. It's frustrating, but the restrictions exist for your pet's safety.

If your pet does qualify, follow the checklist above, book early, and get your health certificate sorted. You'll be fine.

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

Data & Accuracy

This guide is based on Jetstar's official pet travel policies as of April 2024. All fees, dimensions, and restrictions have been verified against primary sources. Policies change, so always confirm directly with Jetstar before booking. Contact them at their official website or call ahead if you have questions about your specific pet.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026