Royal Jordanian (RJ) operates limited but reliable routes between Amman and major hubs in Europe, North America, and the Middle East. Cooper has not flown RJ, but cargo pet relocations from JFK to AMM are a common path for North American expats moving to Jordan, and the cargo team has experience with the AQCS-equivalent paperwork on the Jordanian side. Here is what I wish someone had told me: book the cargo pet slot early because RJ's cabin space for live animals is smaller than full-service flag carriers.
RJ's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How RJ treats your pet
Cabin policy
| Item | Detail | Source & confidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pets per passenger | Up to 2 per passenger | 95% |
Hold policy
| Item | Detail | Source & confidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds | Not yet documented | — | |
| Advance booking | Add to booking ≥ 48 h before departure | 94% | |
| One-way fee | 120 USD | 95% |
Cargo policy
| Item | Detail | Source & confidence | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Advance booking | Add to booking ≥ 48 h before departure | 95% |
Royal Jordanian requires pet cargo reservations to be made at least 48 hours before travel. Notice to the airline must be confirmed within that window, and last-minute additions are not accepted even when cargo space is technically available on the route. Confirm the reservation in writing through their cargo division team, not the general reservations line.
Frequently asked
- How many pets can I bring on RJ?
- RJ allows 2 in the cabin, per passenger. Each pet needs its own carrier.
- How much does it cost to fly a pet on RJ?
- On flights within Metropolitan France, RJ charges from 120 USD in the hold, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary.
- What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
- If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.
- What happens if I forget a document?
- At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
For Royal Jordanian: book cargo pet slots at least 48 hours in advance through their dedicated cargo division (not the standard reservations line), confirm the booking in writing, and verify aircraft type on every leg since their fleet mix affects cargo capability. The Amman ground handling is generally professional but slow during peak travel seasons. Build your plan against your departure date in Pawgo before booking — it confirms cargo capacity for your specific RJ flight.
Glossary
- ISO chip
- ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
- FAVN
- Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
- Brachycephalic
- Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
- AVIH
- Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.