Flying with Pets on South African Airways: Complete Guide

Can You Fly with Pets on South African Airways?

Yes, South African Airways (SAA) allows dogs and cats to travel with you. You have three options: cabin travel (your pet stays with you), checked baggage (pet travels in the hold), or cargo (dedicated pet transport). Each option has different rules, costs, and carrier requirements.

The choice depends on your pet's size, breed, age, and your comfort level. Cabin travel keeps your pet close but has strict size limits. Checked baggage and cargo are for larger pets but require more preparation.

Key Numbers at a Glance

Cabin pet fee: Approximately R1,500–R2,000 one-way (varies by route)
Cabin carrier max dimensions: 45cm (L) × 35cm (W) × 25cm (H)
Cabin carrier max weight: 8kg (pet + carrier combined)
Maximum pets per passenger (cabin): 1
Minimum age for cabin travel: 16 weeks
Minimum age for checked/cargo: 10 weeks
Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
Advance booking required: 48 hours minimum
Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
Cold embargo threshold (cargo): −6.7°C (20°F)

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

If your dog or cat is small enough, cabin travel is the least stressful option. Your pet stays in a carrier under the seat in front of you throughout the flight.

Who Can Travel in the Cabin?

Dogs and cats only
Minimum age: 16 weeks
Maximum combined weight (pet + carrier): 8kg
Not visibly pregnant
Not a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed

Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions

SAA does not allow the following breeds in the cabin due to respiratory risks during flight:

Dogs: Affenpinscher, American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all types including English, French, American), 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, Presa Canario, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel
Cats: Persian cats

If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, you may still be able to travel via checked baggage or cargo, but confirm with SAA first. See our brachycephalic breed flying guide for alternatives.

Cabin Carrier Requirements

Type: Soft-sided carrier preferred (fits under seat)
Dimensions: Maximum 45cm (L) × 35cm (W) × 25cm (H)
Ventilation: Mesh sides required for airflow
Absorbent liner: Must include absorbent mat or pad inside
Water bowl: We're still verifying this — contact South African Airways directly

Cabin Travel Costs & Booking

Fee: Approximately R1,500–R2,000 one-way (varies by route)
Advance booking: Required at least 48 hours before departure
Booking method: We're still verifying the exact process — contact SAA directly or check flysaa.com
Maximum per flight: We're still verifying the total limit — contact SAA to confirm availability

Checked Baggage Travel: Pet in the Hold

For pets larger than 8kg or brachycephalic breeds, checked baggage travel allows your pet to fly in a pressurized, temperature-controlled hold. Your pet is not with you during the flight.

Who Can Travel as Checked Baggage?

Dogs and cats
Minimum age: 10 weeks (must be fully weaned)
Not visibly pregnant
Brachycephalic breeds may be allowed (confirm with SAA)

Checked Baggage Carrier Requirements

Type: Hard or soft-sided (specific preference not confirmed — contact SAA)
Ventilation: Required on all sides
Water bowl: Attached, fillable from outside the crate
Live Animals label: Required on crate with orientation arrows
Absorbent liner: Must include absorbent mat inside
IATA compliance: We're still verifying specific IATA requirements — check with SAA

Temperature Restrictions (Checked Baggage)

Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — SAA will not transport pets if tarmac temperatures at origin or destination exceed this
Cold embargo: −6.7°C (20°F) — pets cannot travel in extreme cold unless you have a vet-issued acclimation certificate

Checked Baggage Booking & Costs

Advance booking: Required (specific hours not confirmed — book as early as possible)
Fee: We're still verifying checked baggage fees — contact SAA directly
Availability: Limited per flight — book early

Cargo Travel: Dedicated Pet Transport

For larger pets or long-distance moves, SAA offers dedicated cargo pet transport. This is the most expensive option but provides specialized handling.

Who Can Travel as Cargo?

Dogs and cats
Minimum age: 10 weeks (fully weaned)
Not visibly pregnant
Brachycephalic breeds may be restricted (confirm with SAA)

Cargo Carrier Requirements (IATA-Compliant)

Type: Hard-sided crate only (soft-sided not accepted)
IATA compliance: Must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
Water bowl: Attached, fillable from outside
Live Animals label: Required with orientation arrows
Absorbent liner: Must include absorbent mat

Temperature Restrictions (Cargo)

Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
Cold embargo: −6.7°C (20°F) — acclimation certificate from vet may allow travel in colder conditions

Cargo Booking & Costs

Advance booking: Required
Fee: We're still verifying cargo pet fees — contact SAA directly
Specialized handling: Cargo requires coordination with SAA's pet services team

Health & Documentation Requirements

Health Certificate (All Travel Methods)

Required: Yes, for all pets traveling on SAA
Issued by: Licensed veterinarian
Validity: 10 days before departure (get it as close to travel as possible)
Destination-specific requirements: Some countries require additional permits or endorsements — check your destination's import rules

Important Restrictions & Rules

Sedation is Prohibited

Do not sedate your pet. IATA Live Animals Regulations prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide. If your pet has anxiety, consult your vet about alternatives before booking.

Pregnant & Heat Cycles

Pregnant animals: Not accepted. Visibly pregnant pets cannot travel due to health risks during flight.
Animals in heat: We're still verifying SAA's policy — contact the airline directly

Seasonal Heat Embargoes

SAA notes that brachycephalic restrictions apply during October–April due to heat sensitivity. Even if your breed is normally allowed, travel may be denied during hot months. Plan travel for cooler seasons if possible.

Carrier Rules During Flight

Pets must remain in their carriers throughout the entire flight. They cannot be removed during the flight, even in the cabin.

Assistance Animals (Service Dogs)

Assistance animals (service dogs) are subject to a separate policy from regular pets. Documentation is required. We're still verifying the specific requirements — contact SAA directly with proof of your animal's training and certification.

What You Need to Do: Actionable Checklist

□ Check your pet's breed: Confirm it's not on the brachycephalic restricted list (or contact SAA if unsure)
□ Verify your pet's age: Minimum 16 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for checked/cargo
□ Schedule a vet visit: Get a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure
□ Research destination requirements: Check import rules for your destination country (some require additional permits)
□ Choose your travel method: Cabin (small pets), checked baggage, or cargo
□ Get the right carrier: Soft-sided for cabin; hard-sided IATA-compliant for cargo
□ Add required items: Absorbent liner, water bowl (for checked/cargo), Live Animals labels (for checked/cargo)
□ Book 48+ hours in advance: Contact SAA to reserve your pet's spot
□ Confirm fees: Ask SAA for exact pricing based on your route and travel method
□ Arrive early at airport: Allow extra time for pet check-in procedures
□ Bring all documents: Health certificate, booking confirmation, and any destination-specific permits

Practical Tips for Flying with Your Pet

Acclimate your pet to the carrier: Practice at home weeks before travel so they're comfortable
Avoid peak heat seasons: If your pet is brachycephalic or sensitive to heat, travel October–April is risky
Pack essentials: Bring food, water, medications, and comfort items (though your pet won't access them during flight)
Microchip your pet: In case of loss during travel
Take photos: Document your pet's appearance and any identifying marks before travel
Contact SAA early: Pet travel has limited availability — don't wait until the last minute

Still Have Questions?

This guide covers SAA's verified policies, but some details require direct confirmation with the airline. Contact South African Airways directly for:

Exact cabin pet booking process
Checked baggage and cargo pricing
Specific carrier brand recommendations
Route-specific restrictions or embargoes
Assistance animal documentation requirements
Animals in heat travel policies

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate all the details and ensure your pet travels safely.

Data last verified: April 10, 2026. This guide is auto-verified from official South African Airways sources. Policies may change — always confirm directly with SAA before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 10, 2026

South African Airways Pet Travel Policy