Can You Fly with Pets on Thai Lion Air?

Yes, Thai Lion Air allows both dogs and cats to travel with you. You have three options: cabin travel (your pet stays with you), cargo transport (for larger pets), or checked baggage (though this is not recommended for most pets). The airline's pet program is straightforward once you understand the specific requirements.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: 150 SGD (Singapore Dollars) one-way for dogs or cats
  • Cabin carrier max weight: 7 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H (approximately 46 × 28 × 28 cm)
  • Minimum pet age (cabin): 8 weeks old
  • Minimum pet age (cargo): 10 weeks old
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Cargo advance booking: Required at least 48 hours before flight
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F) — no pet travel if temperatures exceed this
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F) — no pet travel if temperatures drop below this

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

This is the most popular option for small dogs and cats. Your pet stays in a carrier under the seat in front of you for the entire flight.

Who Can Travel in the Cabin?

  • Dogs and cats only (other animals require special approval)
  • Must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned
  • Cannot be visibly pregnant
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier) must not exceed 7 kg
  • Maximum 1 pet per passenger

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your carrier must meet strict standards to fit under the seat and keep your pet safe:

  • Type: Soft-sided carriers only (hard-sided crates won't fit under the seat)
  • Dimensions: Maximum 45.7 cm long × 27.9 cm wide × 27.9 cm high (roughly 46 × 28 × 28 cm)
  • Ventilation: Mesh sides required for adequate airflow
  • Interior: Must include an absorbent mat or liner to manage accidents
  • Weight limit: Pet + carrier combined cannot exceed 7 kg

Tip: Measure your carrier carefully before booking. Many standard pet carriers exceed these dimensions. Look for airline-approved soft-sided carriers marketed for cabin travel.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds

Thai Lion Air restricts many flat-faced breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. If your dog or cat is a brachycephalic breed, you must confirm with the airline before booking.

Restricted dog breeds include:

  • All Bulldogs (English, French, American, Old English)
  • All Pugs and Pug mixes
  • All Mastiffs
  • Boxers
  • Boston Terriers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Shar Peis
  • Bull Terriers and Staffordshire Bull Terriers
  • American Pit Bull Terriers
  • Affenpinschers
  • Lhasa Apsos
  • Japanese Chins
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • English Toy Spaniels
  • Cane Corsos
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Presa Canarios

For cats, Persian cats are typically restricted.

See our complete brachycephalic breed guide for more information.

Cargo Transport: For Larger Pets

If your pet is too large for cabin travel or you prefer cargo transport, Thai Lion Air accepts dogs and cats in the cargo hold.

Cargo Requirements

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old and fully weaned
  • Carrier type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only (soft-sided carriers are not accepted)
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides per IATA regulations
  • Water bowl: Attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • Absorbent liner: Required inside the carrier
  • Live Animals label: Crate must display "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows
  • Advance booking: Must be booked at least 48 hours before departure
  • Breed restrictions: Brachycephalic breeds are banned from cargo
  • Pregnant animals: Not accepted

Temperature Restrictions for Cargo

Thai Lion Air will not transport pets in cargo if temperatures are extreme:

  • Heat embargo: No travel if tarmac temperature exceeds 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
  • Cold embargo: No travel if temperature drops below -6.7°C (20°F) — though a vet acclimation certificate may allow travel in colder conditions

Always check the weather forecast for your travel dates. If temperatures are borderline, contact the airline to confirm your pet can travel.

Checked Baggage: Not Recommended

While Thai Lion Air technically allows pets in checked baggage, this option is not recommended because:

  • Your pet travels in the cargo hold without your presence
  • Temperature and humidity are not always controlled
  • Your pet has no access to water during the flight
  • Cabin travel (if your pet qualifies) is safer and allows you to monitor your pet

If you must use checked baggage, the same carrier requirements as cargo apply (hard-sided, IATA-compliant, with water bowl and absorbent liner).

Health Certificates & Documentation

A veterinary health certificate is mandatory for all pets traveling on Thai Lion Air, whether in the cabin or cargo.

Health Certificate Requirements

  • Issued by: A licensed veterinarian
  • Validity: Must be issued within 10 days of your departure date
  • Timing: Get it as close to departure as possible (within the 10-day window)
  • What to include: Pet's name, age, breed, microchip number (if applicable), vaccination records (especially rabies), and a statement that your pet is fit to fly

Do not skip this step. You will be denied boarding if you don't have a valid health certificate, even if the airline's website doesn't explicitly mention it.

For international travel, check if your destination country requires additional import permits or government-endorsed certificates. See our pet travel documents checklist for a complete list.

Sedation: Absolutely Not Allowed

Do not sedate your pet before flying on Thai Lion Air. IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide.

If your pet is anxious about flying, discuss calming strategies with your vet — but sedation is not an option.

Booking Your Pet's Flight

Advance Booking Required

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Thai Lion Air limits the number of pets per flight, so advance booking is essential.

  • Cabin pets: Book in advance (specific hours not confirmed — contact the airline)
  • Cargo pets: Must be booked at least 48 hours before departure

How to Book

We're still verifying the exact booking method — contact Thai Lion Air directly through their website or customer service to add your pet to your reservation. Have your pet's details ready (name, breed, age, weight, health certificate information).

Assistance Animals (Service Dogs)

Assistance animals (service dogs, emotional support animals) are subject to a separate policy from regular pets. Documentation is required. Contact Thai Lion Air directly for specific requirements and any pre-approval process.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 4-6 weeks before travel: Check if your pet's breed is restricted (especially if brachycephalic). Contact Thai Lion Air to confirm your pet can travel.
  • 4-6 weeks before travel: If traveling by cargo, book your pet at least 48 hours in advance.
  • 3-4 weeks before travel: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate (must be issued within 10 days of departure).
  • 2 weeks before travel: If traveling internationally, check destination country import requirements and obtain any necessary permits.
  • 1 week before travel: Confirm your pet's booking with Thai Lion Air.
  • 5-10 days before travel: Get your health certificate from your vet (within the 10-day validity window).
  • For cabin travel: Ensure your carrier meets dimensions (46 × 28 × 28 cm max), is soft-sided with mesh ventilation, includes an absorbent liner, and weighs no more than 7 kg with your pet inside.
  • For cargo travel: Ensure your crate is hard-sided, IATA-compliant, has ventilation on three sides, includes an attached water bowl and absorbent liner, and displays "Live Animals" labels.
  • Day before travel: Acclimate your pet to the carrier. Take a short practice trip if possible.
  • Day of travel: Arrive early. Bring your health certificate and any import permits. Do not sedate your pet.

Cost Summary

Cabin travel: 150 SGD (Singapore Dollars) one-way per pet. See our pet travel cost guide for budgeting tips and how this compares to other airlines.

Cargo travel: Pricing not confirmed — contact Thai Lion Air directly for a quote based on your pet's weight and destination.

Additional costs to budget: Health certificate (typically 50-150 SGD), import permits if traveling internationally, and a suitable carrier if you don't already have one.

Practical Tips for Flying with Your Pet on Thai Lion Air

  • Measure twice, book once: Cabin carriers must fit under the seat. Measure your carrier and the space under the seat in front of you before booking.
  • Practice with the carrier: Let your pet spend time in the carrier at home so they're comfortable on flight day.
  • Bring familiar items: Pack a blanket or toy with your pet's scent to reduce anxiety.
  • Avoid feeding right before flight: Feed your pet 2-3 hours before departure to reduce nausea and accidents.
  • Check weather: Monitor temperatures at your origin and destination. If they're near the embargo thresholds (29.4°C or -6.7°C), contact the airline to confirm your pet can travel.
  • Get microchipped: Ensure your pet has a microchip and your contact information is registered, in case of separation during travel.
  • Book early: Pet spots fill up quickly, especially during peak travel seasons.

Still Have Questions?

Thai Lion Air's pet policy is detailed, but some specifics (like exact booking procedures and cargo pricing) require direct contact with the airline. Reach out to their customer service team before booking to confirm all details for your specific pet and route.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you navigate every step of flying with your pet.

Data last verified: April 11, 2026. This guide is auto-verified from official Thai Lion Air sources and industry standards. Pet policies can change — always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 11, 2026