Can You Fly with Pets on Asiana Airlines?

Yes, Asiana Airlines (OZ) welcomes pets on board. You can travel with dogs and cats in the cabin, as checked baggage, or via cargo. Each option has different rules, so choosing the right one depends on your pet's size, age, and your travel needs.

The good news: Asiana has clear, documented policies for pet travel. The important part: you must book your pet in advance and meet specific requirements. Last-minute pet travel on Asiana isn't possible.

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet Beside You

Who can fly in the cabin? Dogs and cats weighing up to 10 kg (22 lbs) combined with their carrier can travel in the cabin with you.

Age requirement: Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old.

Carrier dimensions: Your soft-sided carrier must not exceed:

  • Length: 55 cm (21.6 inches)
  • Width: 40 cm (15.7 inches)
  • Height: 20 cm (7.9 inches)

The carrier fits under the seat in front of you. Soft-sided carriers are preferred because they compress slightly and slide under seats more easily than hard-sided crates.

What goes inside the carrier:

  • An absorbent mat or liner to manage accidents
  • Proper ventilation (mesh sides are standard)
  • Your pet stays in the carrier for the entire flight

Booking and fees: You must book your pet at least 7 days (168 hours) before departure. The cabin pet fee is approximately $125 USD one-way, though this varies by route. Only one pet per passenger is allowed in the cabin.

Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds are banned from cabin travel. This includes Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers, Boston Terriers, Shih Tzus, Persians, and many others. See the full list below.

Checked Baggage Travel: Your Pet in the Hold

If your pet is too large for the cabin or you prefer this option, checked baggage pet travel is available.

Age requirement: Minimum 10 weeks old (must be fully weaned).

Carrier requirements: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crates only. Your carrier must have:

  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside
  • An absorbent liner inside
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside

Temperature restrictions: Asiana will not accept pets for checked baggage travel if:

  • The temperature at origin or destination exceeds 29.4°C (85°F)
  • The temperature drops below -6.7°C (20°F)

If you need to travel in colder conditions, ask your vet about an acclimation certificate, which may allow travel below the cold threshold.

Advance booking: Pre-book your pet before arrival at the airport. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight.

Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds are restricted for checked baggage travel due to respiratory risks in the hold.

Cargo Travel: For Larger Pets or Long-Distance Moves

Asiana accepts pets via cargo for more complex or long-distance relocations.

Age requirement: Minimum 10 weeks old (fully weaned).

Carrier requirements: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crates only, with:

  • Ventilation on at least three sides
  • Attached water bowl
  • Absorbent liner
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows

Temperature embargoes: Same as checked baggage — no travel above 29.4°C (85°F) or below -6.7°C (20°F) without acclimation certification.

Brachycephalic breeds: Banned from cargo travel.

Advance booking required: Cargo pet travel must be arranged well in advance. Contact Asiana's cargo department directly for pricing and scheduling.

Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions

Asiana bans snub-nosed breeds from all travel methods (cabin, checked baggage, and cargo) due to respiratory sensitivity to air pressure and temperature changes.

Restricted dog breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, 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, Pit Bull, Presa Canario, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel.

Restricted cat breeds include: British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold.

If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, Asiana will not permit travel. Always confirm your specific breed with the airline before booking.

Health Certificates and Documentation

Health certificate required: Yes, for all travel methods (cabin, checked baggage, cargo).

Validity: Your vet-issued health certificate must be dated within 10 days of departure. Get it as close to your travel date as possible to avoid expiration issues.

What to do: Schedule a vet appointment 1–2 weeks before your flight. Your vet will examine your pet and issue the certificate. Bring this to the airport.

We're still verifying whether Asiana requires government-endorsed certificates or import permits for specific destinations — contact Asiana Airlines directly if traveling internationally.

Special Rules: Pregnant Animals and Sedation

Pregnant animals: Asiana does not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, contact the airline to discuss your options.

Sedation: Do not sedate your pet before flying. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. Only sedate your pet if explicitly instructed by both your vet and Asiana.

Assistance Animals (Service Dogs)

Asiana has a separate policy for assistance animals (service dogs). Documentation is required. We're still verifying the specific pre-approval process — contact Asiana directly for details on traveling with a service dog.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: ~$125 USD one-way (varies by route)
  • Max cabin pet weight (with carrier): 10 kg (22 lbs)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 55 × 40 × 20 cm
  • Minimum age (cabin): 16 weeks
  • Minimum age (checked/cargo): 10 weeks
  • Advance booking required: 7 days (168 hours) minimum
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue date
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)

What You Need to Do: Actionable Checklist

  • Check your pet's breed: Confirm your dog or cat is not on the brachycephalic restricted list. If it is, Asiana cannot accept it.
  • Verify your pet's age: Cabin travel requires 16 weeks; checked/cargo requires 10 weeks minimum.
  • Schedule a vet appointment: Book 1–2 weeks before departure to get a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel.
  • Choose your travel method: Cabin (pet with you), checked baggage (hold), or cargo (for relocations).
  • Get the right carrier: Soft-sided for cabin (55 × 40 × 20 cm max); hard-sided IATA-compliant for checked/cargo.
  • Add required items: Absorbent liner, ventilation (mesh for cabin; three-side openings for cargo), water bowl (checked/cargo only).
  • Book your pet at least 7 days ahead: Call Asiana or book online. One pet per passenger in cabin.
  • Check temperature conditions: If traveling above 29.4°C or below -6.7°C, ask about acclimation certificates or alternative dates.
  • Bring all documents to the airport: Health certificate, booking confirmation, and carrier labels.
  • Acclimate your pet to the carrier: Asiana requires pets to be comfortable in their carriers before flight.

Practical Tips for Flying with Pets on Asiana

Carrier acclimation: Start using the carrier weeks before your flight. Leave it open at home, place treats inside, and take short trips in the car. A pet comfortable in its carrier is less stressed during flight.

Seasonal restrictions: Brachycephalic breed restrictions apply seasonally (typically May–September) due to heat sensitivity. If you have a restricted breed, winter travel may be your only option — but Asiana still won't accept them.

International travel: If flying to another country, check that destination's import rules. Some countries require additional permits or quarantine. Your vet can advise.

Soft-sided cabin carriers: These compress slightly and fit under seats better than hard-sided crates. Look for carriers with mesh ventilation panels.

Checked baggage temperature risk: The hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled, but delays or ground time can expose your pet to extreme heat or cold. Avoid travel on very hot or very cold days if possible.

Water and food: For cabin travel, your pet stays in the carrier throughout the flight, so bring a small water bowl you can offer during boarding or after landing. For longer flights, ask Asiana about feeding options.

For more detailed guidance, see our flying with a dog guide, documents checklist, and brachycephalic breed guide.

Need More Help?

Get your free personalized travel plan from PawGo — we'll help you navigate Asiana's rules and prepare your pet for travel.

Data note: This guide is auto-verified from official Asiana Airlines sources and was last updated on April 9, 2026. Policies can change. Always confirm directly with Asiana Airlines before booking, especially for international travel or if your pet has health concerns.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 09, 2026