Flying with Your Pet on PAL Express: What You Need to Know

I remember the first time I flew Tafoukt—my 20kg Border Collie mix rescued from a Moroccan shelter—across the Mediterranean. The anxiety was real. Not because she wasn't ready, but because I wasn't entirely sure what PAL Express would require. Now, after coordinating dozens of rescue dog relocations between Morocco and France, I've learned that clarity matters. This guide covers exactly what PAL Express allows, what they require, and how to prepare.

PAL Express accepts both cats and dogs in cabin, cargo, and checked baggage. But each option has specific rules about carrier size, weight, age, and documentation. Let's walk through them together.

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet Beside You

If you want your cat or dog with you in the cabin, PAL Express does allow this. It's the least stressful option for most pets—they stay close to you, experience familiar sounds, and avoid the hold entirely.

Cabin Carrier Dimensions & Weight

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

  • Length: 45 cm (18 inches)
  • Width: 35 cm (11 inches)
  • Height: 25 cm (10 inches)
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): 7 kg maximum

This is tight. A 5kg cat plus a soft-sided carrier can easily hit that limit. Weigh your pet and carrier together before booking—don't guess. If your pet is heavier, cargo or checked baggage may be your only option.

Carrier Type & Features

PAL Express requires a soft-sided carrier for cabin travel. Hard-sided crates won't fit under the seat. Your carrier must have:

  • Mesh or ventilated sides (IATA standard)
  • An absorbent liner or mat inside to manage accidents
  • Secure closures that won't pop open during turbulence

I've used the same collapsible soft carrier for three years of cross-border rescues. It's worth investing in quality—your pet's comfort and safety depend on it.

Cabin Fees & Booking

For dogs in cabin: 2,500 PHP (Philippine Pesos) one-way. For cats in cabin: No cabin pet fee listed—we're still verifying this with PAL Express directly. Contact them to confirm.

You must book your pet at least 24 hours in advance. Don't show up at the airport hoping to bring your dog aboard. PAL Express limits the number of pets per flight, and advance booking ensures your spot.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned. Younger animals aren't physiologically ready for flight stress.

Cargo & Checked Baggage: For Larger Pets

If your pet is too large for cabin (over 7kg combined with carrier) or you prefer they travel in a dedicated cargo hold, PAL Express accepts pets in both cargo and checked baggage.

Carrier Requirements for Cargo/Checked Baggage

These options require hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates—not soft carriers. Your crate must include:

  • Hard plastic or metal construction (IATA LAR compliant)
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • An attached, external water bowl that can be filled without opening the crate
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside
  • Live Animals labels with orientation arrows on at least two sides

This is non-negotiable. IATA regulations exist to protect your pet during handling and transport. Tafoukt's first cargo journey was in a proper IATA crate, and I could see the difference—she was secure, had water access, and the handlers knew exactly how to treat the crate.

Age & Temperature Restrictions

For cargo or checked baggage, your pet must be at least 10 weeks old (older than cabin travel).

Temperature embargoes: PAL Express will not accept pets if:

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

These aren't arbitrary. Extreme temperatures in the hold can cause heat stress or hypothermia. If you're flying during summer to a hot destination, cargo travel may be blocked. Plan accordingly.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable for all travel modes: you must have a vet-issued health certificate. Even if PAL Express doesn't explicitly ask for it on their website, you will be denied boarding without it.

Health Certificate Timing

Your certificate must be issued within 10 days of departure. Some destinations require 7 days. Get it as close to your flight as possible—don't get it two weeks early and hope it still counts.

Your vet will examine your pet, confirm they're fit to fly, and issue the certificate. This typically costs €30–€80 depending on your location. Budget for it.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds

PAL Express restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is industry-wide, not unique to PAL Express.

Restricted breeds include: Pugs, Bulldogs (all types), French Bulldogs, Boston Terriers, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, Japanese Chins, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Chow Chows, Shar Peis, Affenpinschers, Brussels Griffons, and several others.

If your breed is on this list, contact PAL Express directly—some airlines make rare exceptions with additional vet documentation, but don't count on it. For more detail, see our brachycephalic breed flying guide.

What You Cannot Do

Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. 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 are not accepted. Most airlines refuse visibly pregnant pets due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with PAL Express before booking.

Animals in heat: We're still verifying PAL Express's specific policy—contact them directly.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin dog fee: 2,500 PHP one-way
  • Cabin cat fee: Verify with airline
  • Max cabin carrier weight: 7 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Max cabin carrier dimensions: 45 × 35 × 25 cm
  • Cabin advance booking: 24 hours minimum
  • Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum age (cargo/checked): 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 1. Check your pet's weight and breed. Weigh your pet + carrier together. If over 7kg, book cargo or checked baggage. If your breed is brachycephalic, contact PAL Express first.
  • 2. Schedule a vet appointment. Get a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Don't wait until the last minute.
  • 3. Choose your travel mode. Cabin (24+ hours advance notice), cargo, or checked baggage. Book immediately—pet spots fill up.
  • 4. Get the right carrier. Soft-sided for cabin (45 × 35 × 25 cm max). Hard-sided IATA crate for cargo/checked baggage with water bowl and Live Animals labels.
  • 5. Confirm temperature conditions. If traveling in extreme heat or cold, verify that tarmac temperatures won't trigger an embargo.
  • 6. Prepare absorbent liners and comfort items. Pack extra pads, a familiar blanket, and calming treats.
  • 7. Contact PAL Express directly. Confirm all details 48 hours before departure. Policies can shift, and direct confirmation protects you.

A Broader Perspective: Why This Matters

When I started rescuing dogs from Moroccan shelters, I realized that international pet travel infrastructure—these detailed carrier specs, health certificates, temperature rules—exists for a reason. It protects animals. Yes, it's bureaucratic. Yes, it costs money. But it means your pet arrives safely, not stressed or injured.

The same rules that get my rescue dogs to loving French families apply to your cat or dog. Whether you're relocating, visiting family, or moving permanently, these standards exist across airlines because animal welfare matters.

For more guidance on costs, documents, and international moves, explore our pet travel documents checklist and pet travel costs guide.

Still Have Questions?

PAL Express's official policies are detailed, but they don't cover every scenario. If you're unsure about your specific situation—your pet's breed, weight, destination, or health status—contact PAL Express directly before booking. A 10-minute call now prevents a denied boarding at the airport.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to walk through your specific journey step by step.

Data auto-verified from official PAL Express sources. Last updated: January 2025. Policies subject to change—always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

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