Juneyao Airlines Pet Travel Overview
I learned the hard way that flying with Luna, my 5kg tabby, requires precision planning. After comparing policies across multiple carriers, I discovered that Juneyao Airlines (HO) offers cabin pet travel on select domestic routes—but only if you book correctly and meet their exact specifications. This guide covers everything you need to know based on verified policy data.
Juneyao Airlines allows both cats and dogs in the cabin on specific domestic routes within China. The airline charges a flat fee of 1,200 CNY (approximately $165-180 USD) per pet, one-way. However, availability is limited to four domestic routes, and advance booking is mandatory.
Quick Comparison: Juneyao vs. Industry Standards
| Feature | Juneyao Airlines (HO) | Industry Standard |
|---|---|---|
| Cabin Pet Travel | ✓ Yes (select routes) | ✓ Yes (varies by airline) |
| One-Way Cabin Fee | 1,200 CNY | $100–$200 USD equivalent |
| Carrier Type (Cabin) | Soft-sided required | Soft-sided required |
| Max Carrier Length (Dogs) | 58 cm | 46 cm (industry standard) |
| Max Carrier Width (Dogs) | 37 cm | 28 cm (industry standard) |
| Max Carrier Height (Dogs) | 35 cm | 28 cm (industry standard) |
| Max Combined Weight (Cats/Dogs) | 10 kg | 8–10 kg |
| Advance Booking Required | 48 hours (dogs) | 24–72 hours |
| Health Certificate Required | ✓ Yes | ✓ Yes |
| Sedation Allowed | ✗ No | ✗ No (IATA prohibited) |
Key Numbers at a Glance
- Cabin Fee: 1,200 CNY per pet, one-way
- Minimum Age: 8 weeks (cabin), 10 weeks (cargo/checked baggage)
- Max Combined Weight: 10 kg (pet + carrier)
- Carrier Dimensions (Cats): 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H
- Carrier Dimensions (Dogs): 58 cm L × 37 cm W × 35 cm H
- Health Certificate Validity: 10 days before departure
- Advance Booking Window: 48 hours minimum (dogs)
- Available Routes: PVG-LJG, SHA-TYN, TYN-NKG, NKG-HZD
Cabin Travel: Cats & Dogs
Juneyao Airlines allows both cats and dogs to travel in the cabin with you—a major advantage over cargo-only policies. This means your pet stays with you throughout the flight, reducing stress and health risks.
Eligible Routes
Pet cabin travel is available on four domestic routes only:
- PVG-LJG (Shanghai Pudong to Lijiang)
- SHA-TYN (Shanghai to Taiyuan)
- TYN-NKG (Taiyuan to Nanjing)
- NKG-HZD (Nanjing to Hangzhou)
If your route isn't listed, contact Juneyao directly—they may offer cargo or checked baggage options.
Booking Method
Pet bookings are handled exclusively through the Juneyao Airlines mobile app. You cannot book a pet through their website or phone. Download the app, select your flight, and add your pet during booking. This is non-negotiable.
Advance Booking Requirement
You must book your pet at least 48 hours before departure. This gives Juneyao time to confirm pet availability on your flight (they limit the number of pets per flight). Don't wait until the last minute—slots fill up, especially on popular routes.
Carrier Requirements: Soft-Sided Only
Juneyao requires soft-sided carriers for cabin travel. This is standard across most airlines because soft carriers fit under the seat in front of you, keeping your pet close and secure.
Carrier Dimensions
For Cats:
- Length: 45.7 cm (18 inches)
- Width: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
- Height: 27.9 cm (11 inches)
For Dogs: Juneyao is more generous than industry standard:
- Length: 58 cm (23 inches)
- Width: 37 cm (15 inches)
- Height: 35 cm (14 inches)
When I flew with Luna, I used a soft-sided carrier that measured 45 × 27 × 27 cm. It fit perfectly under the seat, and Luna had enough room to turn around. Measure your carrier before booking—if it's too large, you'll be denied boarding.
Weight Limit
The combined weight of your pet plus the carrier cannot exceed 10 kg. Luna weighs 5 kg, and her carrier weighs about 1.5 kg, so we were well within limits. If your pet is close to 8 kg, factor in the carrier weight—you might be over the limit.
Essential Carrier Features
- Mesh ventilation: Required on at least two sides for airflow
- Absorbent liner: Must include a washable mat or absorbent pad inside to manage accidents
- Secure closures: Zippers or latches that won't accidentally open
- Comfort: Soft padding, familiar bedding, and enough space for your pet to stand and turn
Health & Documentation Requirements
Health Certificate (Mandatory)
A veterinary health certificate is required and will be checked at the airport. Get it issued within 10 days of your departure date. Some destinations require 7 days, so aim for as close to departure as possible without cutting it too close.
Your vet should confirm:
- Your pet is in good health and fit to fly
- Vaccinations are current (especially rabies)
- No signs of illness or injury
- Age and microchip information (if applicable)
Cost typically ranges from 50–150 CNY depending on your vet. Don't skip this—you'll be denied boarding without it.
Minimum Age
Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old for cabin travel and fully weaned. Younger animals are at higher risk during flight.
Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Banned
Juneyao follows industry-standard restrictions on brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. Restricted cat breeds include:
- British Shorthair
- Burmese
- Exotic Shorthair
- Himalayan
- Persian
- Scottish Fold
Restricted dog breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), Boston Terrier, Pug, Pekingese, Shih Tzu, Chow Chow, Cane Corso, Dogue de Bordeaux, Japanese Chin, Mastiff (all types), and many others. If your dog is snub-nosed, confirm with Juneyao before booking.
Other Health Restrictions
- Pregnant animals: Not accepted. If your pet is visibly pregnant, you'll be denied boarding.
- Animals in heat: We're still verifying this—contact Juneyao Airlines directly.
- Sedation: Absolutely prohibited. IATA regulations forbid sedating pets during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. Do not sedate your pet.
Cargo & Checked Baggage Options
If your route isn't served by cabin pet travel, Juneyao offers cargo and checked baggage options (we're still verifying specific fees and routes). These require:
- Hard-sided IATA-compliant crates (not soft-sided)
- Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside
- Ventilation openings on at least three sides
- "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
- Absorbent liner inside the crate
- Minimum age: 10 weeks (older than cabin)
- Temperature restrictions: Not below -6.7°C (20°F) or above 29.4°C (85°F) without acclimation certificates
For specific cargo pricing and availability, contact Juneyao directly or use their app.
What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist
- □ Check route eligibility: Confirm your departure and arrival cities are on the four approved routes (PVG-LJG, SHA-TYN, TYN-NKG, NKG-HZD)
- □ Verify breed restrictions: If your pet is brachycephalic, confirm with Juneyao that they're allowed
- □ Book 48+ hours in advance: Use the Juneyao Airlines app only—no website or phone bookings
- □ Get health certificate: Schedule a vet appointment 10 days before departure. Cost: ~50–150 CNY
- □ Measure your carrier: Ensure it meets Juneyao's dimensions and weighs appropriately
- □ Add absorbent liner: Place a washable pad inside the carrier
- □ Microchip your pet: Not required by Juneyao, but highly recommended for safety
- □ Practice carrier time: Get your pet comfortable in the carrier weeks before travel
- □ Arrive early: Plan to arrive 3 hours before domestic flights to allow time for pet check-in
- □ Pack essentials: Bring water, food, medications, and comfort items (toys, blanket with familiar scent)
Practical Tips from My Experience with Luna
- Download the app early: Familiarize yourself with the Juneyao app's pet booking interface at least a week before travel. The process is straightforward but different from standard ticket booking.
- Carrier acclimation: Luna spent two weeks getting comfortable in her carrier before our flight. Leave the carrier open at home so your pet can explore it voluntarily.
- Feeding schedule: Feed your pet 2–3 hours before the flight, not right before. This reduces nausea and accidents.
- Bathroom break: Take your pet outside for a bathroom break immediately before heading to the airport.
- Calming aids: Ask your vet about natural calming supplements (not sedation). Luna took a calming treat 30 minutes before boarding, which helped her relax.
- Temperature control: Soft carriers can get warm. Ensure mesh ventilation is unobstructed, and avoid leaving your pet in the carrier in direct sunlight at the airport.
- Hydration: Offer water before boarding. During the flight, cabin crew may provide water if your pet is thirsty.
Costs & Payment
Cabin pet fee: 1,200 CNY per pet, one-way. This is a flat rate regardless of pet size (as long as it meets weight limits). Payment is processed through the Juneyao app when you book.
Additional costs to budget:
- Health certificate: 50–150 CNY
- Soft-sided carrier (if you don't have one): 200–800 CNY
- Absorbent liners/pads: 20–50 CNY
Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026