Flying with Pets on Shanghai Airlines: What You Actually Need to Know

I'm Marco, and I've learned Shanghai Airlines' pet policies the hard way—by showing up at the airport with Mochi, my 6kg French Bulldog, only to discover some pretty strict rules I wish someone had explained upfront. Here's what nobody tells you about flying with pets on Shanghai Airlines (FM), straight from someone who's been there.

Can My Pet Fly in the Cabin?

Here's the gotcha: Shanghai Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin. Zero. Not even tiny Mochi, despite her being well under typical weight limits.

This was a shock to me because I'd flown other airlines where small dogs traveled with me up front. But Shanghai Airlines follows China Eastern's rules (they're part of the same group), and cabin pets simply aren't an option on this carrier.

Your only options are checked baggage or cargo. Both require hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates—not the soft carriers you'd use for cabin travel on other airlines.

Brachycephalic Breeds: The Deal-Breaker

This is where I hit the real wall. Mochi is a French Bulldog, and Shanghai Airlines bans brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds entirely—in both checked baggage and cargo.

The restricted list includes:

  • French Bulldogs (yes, that's Mochi)
  • Pugs (all types)
  • Bulldogs (all types)
  • Boxers
  • Boston Terriers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Japanese Chin
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Lhasa Apsos
  • Shar Peis
  • Mastiffs (all types)
  • Bull Terriers (all types)
  • Staffordshire Bull Terriers
  • American Bully (all breeds)
  • Cane Corso
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Presa Canario

This is an industry-wide standard due to respiratory risks during flight, but Shanghai Airlines enforces it strictly. If your pet is on this list, you cannot fly with Shanghai Airlines, period. I learned this after booking my ticket.

Checked Baggage vs. Cargo: Which Option?

Since cabin travel isn't available, you're choosing between two hold-based options:

Checked Baggage

Your pet travels in the hold with your luggage. This is the simpler option for most travelers—you book it when you book your flight, and your pet goes through baggage handling.

Cargo

Your pet travels as cargo, which means separate booking, separate handling, and typically more expensive. You'd use this for international moves or when you need guaranteed space and climate control.

For most trips, checked baggage is the standard choice. Cargo is overkill unless you're relocating internationally.

Carrier Requirements: Hard-Sided Only

Here's what nobody tells you: the carrier you use for checked baggage or cargo is completely different from cabin carriers.

You must use a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate. No soft-sided carriers. No exceptions.

Your crate must include:

  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides (IATA requirement)
  • An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside

I wish someone had told me this before I bought a soft carrier thinking it would work. It won't. Budget $150–300 for a proper IATA-compliant hard crate.

Temperature Restrictions: Check Before You Book

Shanghai Airlines enforces strict temperature limits for pet travel:

  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)

If the tarmac temperature at your origin or destination exceeds these thresholds, your pet cannot fly. This is non-negotiable.

This is huge. I almost booked a summer flight to Southeast Asia and didn't realize the heat embargo would have blocked Mochi. Check the weather forecast for your travel dates before committing to a booking.

If you have a vet's acclimation certificate, you may be able to travel in colder conditions—but you'll need to arrange this in advance.

Health Certificate: Absolutely Non-Negotiable

You need a vet-issued health certificate, and it must be issued within 10 days of your departure date. Some destinations require 7 days, so aim for as close to your flight as possible.

This certificate will be checked at the airport. If it's missing or expired, you will not be allowed to board.

What to do:

  • Schedule a vet appointment 7–10 days before your flight
  • Bring proof of current vaccinations (especially rabies)
  • Ask your vet to include your pet's microchip number and any health notes
  • Get the original certificate—don't rely on email copies alone

Minimum Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old for checked baggage or cargo travel. Puppies and kittens must be fully weaned.

If you're traveling with a young pet, plan accordingly. You can't bring a 6-week-old puppy, no matter how cute.

Advance Booking: You Must Pre-Book

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet and expect to travel. Shanghai Airlines requires advance booking at least 48 hours before departure.

Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, so early booking is essential. Call or contact Shanghai Airlines directly to add your pet to your reservation—don't assume it's automatic.

I learned this the hard way when I tried to add Mochi to my booking online and it wouldn't let me. You have to call.

Fees: What You'll Actually Pay

Shanghai Airlines charges pet fees for checked baggage travel. Based on China Eastern's structure (which Shanghai Airlines follows), expect:

  • Checked baggage pet fee: $165–440 USD depending on pet size and route
  • Cabin pet fee: Not applicable (pets not allowed in cabin)

Cargo pricing is separate and typically higher. Get a quote directly from Shanghai Airlines' cargo department for international moves.

These fees are in addition to your ticket price, so budget accordingly.

Sedation: Don't Even Think About It

IATA regulations prohibit sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including Shanghai Airlines.

Your vet might suggest it, but unless both your vet and the airline explicitly approve it in writing, do not sedate your pet. It's dangerous and will get you denied boarding.

Pregnant or Animals in Heat: Not Allowed

Shanghai Airlines does not accept visibly pregnant animals or animals in heat. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline before booking—but expect a no.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pets allowed: No
  • Checked baggage/cargo allowed: Yes (non-brachycephalic breeds only)
  • Minimum pet age: 10 weeks (checked/cargo)
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Advance booking required: 48 hours minimum
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Checked baggage pet fee: $165–440 USD (size-dependent)
  • Carrier type required: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant only
  • Max pets per passenger: 1 pet carrier

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

  • Verify your breed isn't banned: Check the brachycephalic list above. If your pet is listed, you cannot fly Shanghai Airlines.
  • Book your pet 48+ hours in advance: Call Shanghai Airlines directly—don't assume online booking works.
  • Schedule a vet appointment: Get a health certificate issued 7–10 days before departure.
  • Check temperature forecasts: Confirm tarmac temperatures at origin and destination won't exceed 29.4°C or fall below -6.7°C.
  • Buy an IATA-compliant hard crate: Soft carriers won't work. Include ventilation, water bowl, absorbent liner, and "Live Animals" labels.
  • Acclimate your pet to the crate: Spend weeks getting them comfortable—not days.
  • Bring original health certificate to the airport: Don't rely on email copies.
  • Arrive early: Pet check-in may take extra time.

Related Resources

For more detailed guidance, check out our pet travel documents checklist, brachycephalic breed flying guide, and pet travel costs guide.

If you're comparing airlines, Air France and British Airways have different pet policies worth exploring.

Final Thoughts

Shanghai Airlines' pet policies are strict, but they're clear once you know them. The biggest surprises for me were the no-cabin rule, the brachycephalic breed ban, and the temperature restrictions. Plan ahead, book early, and get your health certificate sorted—and you'll avoid the headaches I faced.

If you have any questions about your specific situation, contact Shanghai Airlines directly before booking. They're the only source of truth for your particular route and pet.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to simplify the process and ensure you're not missing anything.

Data auto-verified from official Shanghai Airlines sources and industry standards. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm current policies directly with Shanghai Airlines before booking, as pet policies can change.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026