Flying with Pets on Nextjet: What You Need to Know

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I've learned that understanding an airline's pet policy before you book is the difference between a smooth journey and a stressful scramble at the airport. Nextjet has specific rules for pet travel, and I'm going to walk you through exactly what they are.

Here's the reality: Nextjet does not allow pets in the cabin. This means if you're flying with a dog or cat on this airline, you'll need to arrange cargo or checked baggage transport. It's not ideal, but it's manageable if you prepare properly.

Nextjet Cabin Pet Policy: No Cabin Pets Allowed

Unlike some airlines that welcome small dogs and cats in the cabin with you, Nextjet's policy is clear: no cabin pets. There are no cabin pet fees because the service simply isn't available.

This applies to all pets—whether you have a tiny Chihuahua or a large breed. The only exception would be certified service dogs, but we're still verifying Nextjet's specific service animal policy—contact them directly to confirm if you travel with a service animal.

If you're looking for an airline that allows cabin pets, you'll need to explore other carriers. But if Nextjet is your only option, cargo and checked baggage transport are your paths forward.

Cargo and Checked Baggage: Your Pet Transport Options

Nextjet does allow pets to travel via cargo or checked baggage. Both options require your pet to travel in the hold of the aircraft, separate from the cabin. The key difference is in how you book and coordinate the logistics.

Cargo transport is typically handled through the airline's dedicated cargo department and offers more control over timing and handling. Checked baggage transport is booked alongside your passenger ticket and is more straightforward for smaller pets.

When I shipped Cooper on a previous move, I chose cargo because his size (28kg) and the distance warranted the extra attention. The process took coordination, but knowing the requirements ahead of time made it manageable.

Carrier Requirements: Hard-Sided Crates Only

Whether you're using cargo or checked baggage, your pet must travel in a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate. This is non-negotiable. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for hold transport.

Your crate must include:

  • Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate—your pet needs access to water during transport
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides per IATA Live Animals Regulations
  • Absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents during travel
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows clearly displayed on the crate

IATA compliance isn't just a suggestion—it's a requirement. When you purchase or rent a crate, confirm it meets IATA LAR (Live Animals Regulations) standards. Most pet travel suppliers can provide IATA-certified crates.

Age Requirements: Your Pet Must Be Old Enough

Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for cargo or checked baggage travel. This is the industry standard minimum, and some airlines require older. Your pet must also be fully weaned.

If you have a younger puppy or kitten, you'll need to wait or explore alternative travel arrangements. Plan your move accordingly if you have a very young pet.

Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable Documentation

You must have a vet-issued health certificate for your pet to fly on Nextjet. This is required by virtually all airlines, even if it's not explicitly stated on their website—it will be checked at the airport.

Critical timing: The certificate must be 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.

Schedule your vet appointment early. Don't wait until the week before your flight. I learned this the hard way on my first international move—my vet had a two-week backlog, and I nearly missed my window.

Temperature Restrictions: Seasonal Travel Limits

Nextjet follows industry-standard temperature embargoes for pet cargo and checked baggage transport:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F). If tarmac temperatures at your origin or destination exceed this, your pet cannot fly.
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F). If temperatures drop below this, your pet cannot fly unless you have an acclimation certificate from your vet.

This means summer travel to hot destinations and winter travel to cold climates may be restricted. Check the forecast for your travel dates and destination. If you're traveling during extreme seasons, contact Nextjet directly to discuss options or acclimation certificates.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Are Banned

Nextjet, like most airlines, restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during air travel. These breeds struggle with temperature regulation and oxygen intake, making flight particularly dangerous for them.

Restricted breeds include: Bulldogs (all types), Pugs, French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, Chow Chows, Japanese Chins, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Shar-Peis, Mastiffs (all types), Pit Bulls and related breeds, and others.

If your breed is on this list, you cannot fly with Nextjet. Check the full list and confirm with the airline if you're unsure about your specific breed. Some airlines have slightly different restrictions, so always verify directly.

Advance Booking: Book Your Pet Before You Book Your Flight

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to fly. Nextjet requires advance booking for all pet transport. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, so availability is restricted.

Book your pet's transport as early as possible—ideally when you book your own ticket, or even before. Contact Nextjet's cargo or customer service department to arrange transport. We're still verifying the exact booking process and advance notice requirements—contact them directly for specific procedures.

Sedation: Absolutely Not Allowed

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA Live Animals Regulations prohibit sedation during flight. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to virtually all commercial airlines worldwide.

Even if you think it will help your anxious pet, don't do it. Your vet will refuse to prescribe it for flight, and the airline will deny boarding if they discover sedation. Work with your vet on calming techniques instead—pheromone sprays, anxiety wraps, and gradual crate acclimation are safer alternatives.

Pregnant and Animals in Heat: Not Accepted

Nextjet does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, you cannot fly with them on this airline.

Animals in heat present similar concerns. If your pet is in heat or you suspect pregnancy, confirm directly with Nextjet before booking. Plan your travel around your pet's reproductive cycle if possible.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pets allowed: No
  • Cargo/checked baggage pets: Yes (with restrictions)
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo: Below -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Advance booking required: Yes
  • Sedation allowed: No

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 8-10 weeks before departure: Confirm your pet meets Nextjet's requirements (age, breed, health status). Contact Nextjet to book cargo or checked baggage transport.
  • 6-8 weeks before: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate. Confirm your vet can issue it within the 10-day window.
  • 4-6 weeks before: Purchase or rent an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate. Test it with your pet to ensure comfort.
  • 2-3 weeks before: Acclimate your pet to the crate with short periods inside, gradually increasing duration.
  • 10 days before: Get your health certificate from your vet. Verify it includes all required information.
  • 1 week before: Confirm your booking with Nextjet. Verify crate dimensions, water bowl, ventilation, and labels.
  • Day before: Pack your pet's travel kit: food, water, bowls, medications, comfort items, and copies of all documents.
  • Day of travel: Arrive early. Coordinate with Nextjet's cargo or baggage team for check-in procedures.

A Word from Experience

Flying with a pet in cargo isn't the ideal scenario—I won't pretend it is. But it's a safe, regulated option when cabin travel isn't available. The key is preparation. When I shipped Cooper, I knew exactly what to expect because I'd done my homework. No surprises at the airport. No last-minute scrambling for documents. Just a smooth handoff and the confidence that he was traveling safely.

Nextjet's policies are strict, but they exist to protect your pet. Follow them, and your pet will arrive at your destination safely.

Need personalized guidance for your specific situation? Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—they'll help you navigate every detail of flying with your pet.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some details about Nextjet's specific booking procedures, cargo department contact information, and service animal policies. Contact Nextjet directly to confirm:

  • Exact cargo and checked baggage booking procedures
  • Current pet transport fees (if applicable)
  • Service animal policies and documentation requirements
  • Specific embargoed routes or seasonal restrictions
  • Maximum number of pets per flight

Data last verified: 2024. This information is auto-verified from official airline sources. Policies change—always confirm directly with Nextjet before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026