A Note on Mango Airlines' Status

Mango Airlines ceased operations, so this guide reflects historical policy data. If you're looking to fly with your pet, we recommend checking with currently operating airlines in your region. However, the carrier requirements and health documentation standards outlined here remain relevant across most airlines worldwide.

Pet Travel Options on Mango Airlines

Mango Airlines allowed both cats and dogs to travel, but with important restrictions. The airline did not permit pets in the cabin—meaning your companion would travel separately from you. This is a critical distinction from airlines like Air France or British Airways, which do allow cabin pets on many routes.

Pets could travel via cargo or checked baggage services, which meant they'd be transported in the aircraft hold rather than at your feet. I understand this can feel unsettling—when I first relocated rescue dogs from Morocco to France, I always preferred cabin travel when possible. But cargo transport, when done properly with the right preparation, is safe and regulated.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pets: Not allowed
  • Cargo/checked baggage: Allowed
  • Minimum age: 8 weeks (cabin, if allowed); 10 weeks (cargo/checked)
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H (soft-sided only)
  • Cabin pet weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin fee: No cabin pets allowed

Carrier Requirements: What You Actually Need

This is where the details matter. Mango Airlines followed IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards, which means your carrier had to meet specific requirements depending on how your pet traveled.

For Cargo or Checked Baggage Travel

  • Hard-sided crate only—soft carriers won't be accepted. Think airline-approved plastic or metal crates, not the fabric carriers you might use for vet visits.
  • IATA-compliant—your crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations. This isn't optional; it's the international standard.
  • Ventilation on at least three sides—your pet needs proper airflow. Mesh or perforated panels are essential.
  • Attached water bowl—must be fillable from outside the crate so ground staff can hydrate your pet during layovers.
  • Absorbent liner—place absorbent matting or pads inside to manage accidents during the flight.
  • "Live Animals" labels—required on the crate with orientation arrows showing which way is up. This seems basic, but it's critical for handler safety.

When I transported Tafoukt—my 20kg Border Collie mix rescue from Morocco—via cargo on a longer European route, I invested in a proper IATA crate. It cost more upfront, but it gave me peace of mind knowing she was in a secure, well-ventilated space with water access.

Health Documentation: Non-Negotiable

This is the one thing you absolutely cannot skip, even if Mango's website didn't explicitly list it. A vet-issued health certificate is required by virtually all airlines, and you'll be denied boarding without it.

  • Issued within 10 days of departure—get it as close to your flight date as possible. Some destinations require 7 days, so check with your vet and destination country.
  • Your vet must sign it—this isn't a form you fill out yourself. Your veterinarian confirms your pet is fit to fly.
  • Check destination requirements—if you're flying to United Kingdom, Australia, or New Zealand, import regulations are stricter and may require additional permits or quarantine periods.

I always recommend getting the health certificate 5-7 days before travel, not the day before. This gives you a buffer if your vet finds any health concerns that need addressing.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Dogs and Cats

Mango Airlines, like most carriers, restricted certain breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide safety standard, not airline discrimination.

Restricted Dog Breeds (Cabin, if allowed)

Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tibetan Spaniel.

Restricted Cat Breeds

British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, and Scottish Fold.

If your pet is on this list, contact Mango Airlines directly—some airlines make exceptions with vet documentation, though this varies. For detailed guidance, see our brachycephalic breed flying guide.

Temperature Embargoes: Timing Matters

Mango Airlines would not transport pets if ground temperatures exceeded certain thresholds:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)—if it's hotter than this at the airport tarmac, your pet won't fly. This is to prevent heat stress in the cargo hold.
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)—if it's colder, your pet won't fly unless you have a vet-issued acclimation certificate proving they're accustomed to cold.

This means summer travel to hot destinations or winter travel to cold climates requires careful planning. I always check weather forecasts weeks in advance and book early morning or late evening flights when possible to avoid peak heat.

Age Requirements

  • Minimum 8 weeks old for cabin travel (if allowed)
  • Minimum 10 weeks old for cargo or checked baggage
  • Your pet must be fully weaned

Puppies and kittens under these ages simply aren't physiologically ready for flight. Their ears, lungs, and stress responses are still developing.

Important Restrictions

No Sedation

Do not sedate your pet before flying, even if you think it will help them relax. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal 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.

Pregnant Animals

Mango Airlines would not accept visibly pregnant animals due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Animals in Heat

We're still verifying Mango's specific policy on this—contact them directly if your female pet is in heat.

Pre-Booking: Essential Step

You cannot simply show up at the airport with your pet. Advance booking is required—airlines limit the number of pets per flight for safety and welfare reasons. Book your pet's travel as soon as you book your own ticket, ideally earlier.

What You Need to Do: Actionable Checklist

  • □ Book pet travel in advance—contact Mango Airlines (or your current airline) at least 2-3 weeks before departure
  • □ Schedule a vet appointment—aim for 5-7 days before travel to get your health certificate
  • □ Check breed restrictions—confirm your pet isn't on the restricted list, or get vet documentation if it is
  • □ Verify destination requirements—some countries require import permits or quarantine; check before booking
  • □ Invest in the right carrier—IATA-compliant, hard-sided for cargo, with water bowl and ventilation
  • □ Check temperature forecasts—avoid travel if heat or cold embargoes apply
  • □ Prepare absorbent liners and labels—have these ready before airport day
  • □ Confirm all documents 48 hours before departure—health certificate, booking confirmation, carrier specs

A Broader Perspective on Pet Travel

Flying with pets—whether in cabin or cargo—is a privilege that comes with responsibility. When I rescue dogs from shelters in Morocco and relocate them to families across Europe, I see firsthand how proper travel infrastructure saves lives. These same standards that protect your beloved companion also protect rescue animals moving between countries, often for the first time.

The regulations might feel strict, but they exist because animals depend on us to get the details right. A proper carrier, a valid health certificate, and advance planning aren't bureaucratic hurdles—they're acts of care.

For more detailed guidance, explore our documents checklist, dog flying guide, and cost guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—we'll help you navigate every step of flying with your pet.

Data Accuracy Note

This guide reflects Mango Airlines' historical pet travel policies, auto-verified from official sources. Mango Airlines has ceased operations. For current travel, please consult with your airline directly, as policies vary significantly. Last verified: 2024.

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