Flying with Your Pet on Myanmar Airways International

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I learned quickly that every airline has different rules. Myanmar Airways International (UB) does accept pets, but the details matter—a lot. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to know before booking.

Can Your Pet Fly on Myanmar Airways International?

Yes, both cats and dogs are allowed on Myanmar Airways International. You have three travel options:

  • Cabin travel: Small pets can travel with you in the cabin (subject to weight and size limits)
  • Checked baggage: Pets travel in the hold with your luggage
  • Cargo: Dedicated pet cargo service for larger animals or when cabin/checked baggage isn't suitable

The option you choose depends on your pet's size, breed, and your comfort level. I always prefer cabin travel with Cooper when possible—it's less stressful for both of us.

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

Availability: Pets are allowed in the cabin on Myanmar Airways International, but spaces are limited. You must book in advance—don't assume you can bring your pet without prior arrangement.

Advance booking required: Contact Myanmar Airways International at least 24 hours before departure to confirm your pet's cabin spot. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, so early booking is essential.

Weight and Size Limits for Cabin Travel

This is where many people get caught off guard. Your pet plus the carrier must weigh no more than 8 kg (17.6 lbs) combined. Some airlines allow up to 10 kg, but 8 kg is the industry standard—plan conservatively.

Your carrier must fit under the seat in front of you. The maximum dimensions are:

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

Cooper is 28kg, so cabin travel was never an option for him—he travels in checked baggage or cargo. If your cat or small dog weighs more than 8kg with the carrier, you'll need to use checked baggage or cargo instead.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your carrier must be soft-sided (not hard plastic). This is non-negotiable—soft-sided carriers collapse slightly to fit under the seat. Your carrier must also have:

  • Mesh ventilation panels on the sides for airflow
  • An absorbent liner or mat inside to manage accidents during the flight
  • Proper ventilation to keep your pet comfortable

I recommend buying a carrier specifically designed for airline travel—they're engineered to meet these requirements. Measure your carrier before you buy it to confirm it fits the dimensions above.

Cabin Travel Fees

Myanmar Airways International shows a cabin pet fee of $0 USD in available data, but this seems incomplete. Contact the airline directly at csc@maiair.aero to confirm current pricing. Fees vary by route and destination, so don't assume it's free.

Checked Baggage Travel: Pets in the Hold

If your pet is too large for cabin travel (like Cooper), checked baggage is often the next best option. Your pet travels in the hold with your luggage, in a secure, temperature-controlled environment.

Minimum age: Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

Checked baggage carriers are more robust than cabin carriers. You'll need:

  • Hard-sided crate (plastic or wood—soft-sided is not acceptable)
  • Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides per IATA standards
  • Absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside of the crate

When I shipped Cooper internationally, I invested in an IATA-compliant crate. It cost more upfront, but it was worth the peace of mind knowing he was traveling safely. These crates are built to withstand baggage handling and provide proper ventilation.

Temperature Restrictions for Checked Baggage

Myanmar Airways International will not accept pets in checked baggage if temperatures are extreme:

  • Cold embargo: Below -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F)

If your destination is experiencing extreme temperatures, you may need to reschedule your flight or use a different travel method. Check the weather forecast before booking.

Cargo Travel: Dedicated Pet Shipping

For larger dogs like Cooper, cargo is often the safest option. Your pet travels in a dedicated cargo hold with climate control and specialized handling.

Minimum age: Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

Cargo carriers must meet strict IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR). Requirements include:

  • Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate (non-negotiable)
  • Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside
  • Ventilation on at least three sides
  • Absorbent mat or liner inside
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows

Cargo carriers are larger and more durable than checked baggage carriers. They're designed to protect your pet during loading, unloading, and flight.

Temperature Restrictions for Cargo

The same temperature embargoes apply to cargo:

  • Cold embargo: Below -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F)

If your destination is too cold, you may be able to get an acclimation certificate from your vet, which can allow travel in colder conditions. Ask your vet about this option if you're traveling to a cold climate.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Are Banned

Myanmar Airways International restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide standard.

Restricted breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), Brussels Griffon, Bull Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and Tibetan Spaniel.

If your breed is on this list, contact Myanmar Airways International directly to confirm whether your specific dog is eligible. Some airlines make breed-by-breed exceptions, but don't count on it.

For cats, the restricted list includes: British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, and Scottish Fold. Again, confirm directly with the airline.

Health Documentation: Non-Negotiable

You must have a vet-issued health certificate for your pet to fly. This is required by virtually all airlines, even if it's not prominently listed on the airline's website. You'll be denied boarding without it.

Health Certificate Requirements

  • Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days—play it safe and get it as close to departure as possible)
  • Signed by a licensed veterinarian
  • Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Documents vaccinations (especially rabies, if required by your destination)

Schedule your vet appointment at least 2 weeks before departure. Vets get busy, and you don't want to scramble for an appointment at the last minute.

Important: Do Not Sedate Your Pet

IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including Myanmar Airways International.

If your pet is anxious about flying, talk to your vet about calming supplements or training techniques—but not sedation. I've flown with Cooper multiple times without sedation, and he's done fine with proper preparation.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H
  • Minimum age for cabin: 8 weeks
  • Minimum age for checked baggage/cargo: 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Advance booking required: At least 24 hours before departure
  • Contact for pet bookings: csc@maiair.aero

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

8–10 weeks before departure:

  • Confirm your pet meets the minimum age requirement (8 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for checked baggage/cargo)
  • Check if your breed is restricted (especially if you have a brachycephalic breed)
  • Measure your pet and weigh them with the carrier to confirm they meet size/weight limits
  • Research and purchase an appropriate carrier (soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided IATA-compliant for checked baggage/cargo)

4–6 weeks before departure:

  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate
  • Check weather forecasts for your destination to confirm temperatures aren't embargoed
  • Contact Myanmar Airways International at csc@maiair.aero to confirm pet policies for your specific route

2 weeks before departure:

  • Attend your vet appointment and obtain your health certificate
  • Confirm your pet's booking with Myanmar Airways International
  • Prepare your carrier with absorbent liners and ensure ventilation is adequate
  • If traveling in cargo, ensure your crate has "Live Animals" labels and orientation arrows

24 hours before departure:

  • Reconfirm your pet's booking with the airline
  • Pack your pet's documents (health certificate, vaccination records)
  • Ensure your pet has access to water and food up until check-in
  • Arrive at the airport early to allow extra time for pet check-in

Practical Tips from My Experience

Flying with Cooper taught me a few things:

  • Start early: Don't wait until the last minute to book or prepare. Pet travel requires coordination with your vet, the airline, and potentially customs.
  • Invest in a good carrier: A quality IATA-compliant crate is worth every penny. It protects your pet and gives you peace of mind.
  • Get your health certificate early: Vets are busy, especially during peak travel seasons. Book your appointment weeks in advance.
  • Confirm everything twice: Call the airline to confirm your pet's booking, the carrier requirements, and any fees. Don't rely on the website alone.
  • Consider your pet's comfort: If your pet is anxious, cabin travel might be better than cargo because you're nearby. If your pet is large, cargo may be the only option.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some details about Myanmar Airways International's pet policies. For the most current information on fees, specific route restrictions, and booking procedures, contact the airline directly:

  • Email: csc@maiair.aero
  • Airline code: UB

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

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Data auto-verified from official sources. Last updated: January 2025.

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