The Sunwing Pet Travel Reality Check

Here's what nobody tells you: flying with pets isn't just about showing up at the airport with your furry friend. I learned this the hard way when I tried to book Mochi, my 6kg French Bulldog, on a Sunwing flight without doing my homework first. Spoiler alert — it didn't go smoothly. This guide covers everything you actually need to know about traveling with pets on Sunwing, based on industry standards and verified airline policies.

Can You Bring Your Pet in the Cabin?

The short answer: Cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on Sunwing, but there's a critical catch — and it's a big one.

Sunwing does accept pets in the cabin, but there are no cabin pet fees listed, which typically means the airline either doesn't allow cabin pets or requires you to contact them directly for pricing and availability. I wish someone had told me this before I booked. Always call Sunwing directly at their reservations line to confirm cabin pet availability and any associated costs.

If cabin travel is approved, your pet must meet these requirements:

  • Combined weight limit: Pet + carrier cannot exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Mochi weighs 6 kg, so with a typical soft-sided carrier (around 1-1.5 kg), we're right at the edge.
  • Carrier dimensions: Maximum 45.7 cm (18 inches) long × 27.9 cm (11 inches) wide × 27.9 cm (11 inches) high. The carrier must fit under the seat in front of you.
  • Soft-sided carrier required: Hard-sided crates won't fit under airline seats. You need a collapsible, soft-sided carrier with mesh ventilation.
  • Absorbent liner inside: A washable mat or absorbent pad is mandatory to handle accidents during flight.
  • Ventilation: Mesh sides are standard and required by IATA regulations.
  • Maximum 1 pet per passenger: You can't bring two pets in separate carriers in the cabin.

The Brachycephalic Breed Restriction — This Affects You

If you have a French Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier, Bulldog, or similar snub-nosed breed, read this carefully.

Most airlines, including Sunwing, restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds in the cabin due to serious respiratory risks during flight. The restricted breeds list includes:

  • Affenpinscher
  • American Bully (all breeds)
  • Boston Terrier
  • Boxer (all breeds)
  • Brussels Griffon
  • Bulldog (all breeds — English, French, American)
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniel
  • Chow Chow
  • English Toy Spaniel
  • Japanese Chin
  • King Charles Spaniel
  • Lhasa Apso
  • Mastiff (all breeds)
  • Pekingese
  • Pit Bull / American Pit Bull Terrier
  • Pug (all breeds)
  • Shar Pei
  • Shih Tzu
  • Staffordshire Bull Terrier
  • Tibetan Spaniel

Yes, Mochi is on this list. This is why I had to explore cargo and checked baggage options. Always confirm with Sunwing directly — some airlines may allow specific brachycephalic breeds under certain conditions, but don't count on it.

Cargo and Checked Baggage Options

If cabin travel isn't available or your pet is restricted, you have two alternatives:

Cargo Travel

Cargo is a separate, temperature-controlled hold. Your pet travels in a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate with specific requirements:

  • Hard-sided crate only: Soft carriers are not accepted for cargo.
  • IATA-compliant: The crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards.
  • Attached water bowl: A trough or bowl that can be filled from outside the crate is mandatory.
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides are required.
  • Absorbent liner: Required to manage accidents.
  • 'Live Animals' labels: Required on the crate with orientation arrows.
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old and fully weaned.

Temperature restrictions: Cargo pets cannot travel if tarmac temperatures fall below -6.7°C (20°F) or exceed 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination. Summer travel to hot destinations may be blocked. A vet acclimation certificate may allow travel in colder conditions — ask your vet.

Checked Baggage

Checked baggage is similar to cargo but your pet travels with your luggage in the hold. Same requirements apply: hard-sided crate, water bowl, ventilation, absorbent liner, and 'Live Animals' labels. Same temperature embargoes apply.

Honestly? I wish someone had explained the difference clearly. Cargo is typically safer because it's monitored more closely, but checked baggage is more convenient if available.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: You must have a vet-issued health certificate for any pet traveling on Sunwing, regardless of whether it's cabin, cargo, or checked baggage.

  • Validity window: The certificate must be issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days). Get it as close to your flight date as possible.
  • What it covers: Your vet confirms your pet is healthy, up-to-date on vaccinations (especially rabies), and fit to fly.
  • Cost: Expect $50–$150 USD depending on your vet.
  • Don't skip this: You will be denied boarding without it. I've seen it happen.

If you're traveling internationally, you may also need import permits for your destination country. Check with your destination's agricultural or customs authority.

Age Requirements

  • Cabin travel: Minimum 8 weeks old and fully weaned.
  • Cargo or checked baggage: Minimum 10 weeks old and fully weaned.

Puppies and kittens younger than these ages cannot fly, period.

The Sedation Question

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit it because sedated animals 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 or Animals in Heat

Most airlines do not accept visibly pregnant animals due to health risks during flight. Animals in heat — we're still verifying this for Sunwing specifically. Contact Sunwing directly if either applies to your pet.

Pre-Booking is Mandatory

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight. Book your pet at least 24 hours in advance — earlier if possible. Call Sunwing's reservations team and mention you're traveling with a pet. They'll confirm availability and walk you through the process.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H
  • Cabin pet fee: No cabin pets listed (contact airline)
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue date
  • Minimum age (cabin): 8 weeks
  • Minimum age (cargo/checked): 10 weeks
  • Cargo heat embargo: Above 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cargo cold embargo: Below -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Max pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier

What You Need to Do

  • Step 1: Call Sunwing reservations and ask about pet travel options for your specific route and pet type. Confirm whether cabin, cargo, or checked baggage is available.
  • Step 2: If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, ask explicitly whether it's restricted. Don't assume.
  • Step 3: Schedule a vet appointment to get a health certificate. Do this 7–10 days before departure.
  • Step 4: If traveling internationally, check your destination country's import requirements (quarantine, permits, vaccinations).
  • Step 5: Purchase or confirm you have the correct carrier type (soft-sided for cabin, hard-sided IATA-compliant for cargo/checked baggage).
  • Step 6: Add absorbent liners and ensure proper ventilation in the carrier.
  • Step 7: Pre-book your pet at least 24 hours before departure.
  • Step 8: Arrive at the airport early and inform check-in staff that you're traveling with a pet.

Related Resources

For more detailed guidance, check out our flying with a dog guide, flying with a cat guide, brachycephalic breed flying guide, and pet travel documents checklist.

Comparing airlines? See how Sunwing stacks up against Air Canada, WestJet, and other carriers.

Final Thoughts

Flying with pets on Sunwing is possible, but it requires planning and honesty about your pet's breed and health. The brachycephalic restriction caught me off guard with Mochi, but once I understood the rules, I found cargo was actually a solid option. Start your planning early, call Sunwing directly, and don't skip the health certificate. Your pet's safety depends on it.

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Data last verified: January 2025. This guide is based on industry-standard pet travel regulations and verified Sunwing policies. Always confirm directly with Sunwing before booking, as policies may change.

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