Syrian Arab Airlines Pet Travel Overview

I learned the hard way that flying with pets requires precision. When I booked Luna's first flight, I spent hours cross-referencing airline policies, carrier dimensions, and health certificate deadlines. Syrian Arab Airlines (RB) does accept pets, but the rules differ significantly depending on how your pet travels—and getting the details wrong can mean denied boarding.

This guide breaks down exactly what Syrian Arab Airlines allows, what you need to prepare, and the specific numbers that matter for your cat or dog.

Pet Travel Options: Cabin vs. Cargo vs. Checked Baggage

Syrian Arab Airlines offers three ways to travel with your pet. Here's how they compare:

Travel Method Cats Allowed Dogs Allowed Carrier Type Weight Limit Cabin Fee
Cabin Not allowed Not allowed Soft-sided (if allowed) 8 kg combined $0 (no cabin pets)
Cargo Yes Yes Hard-sided, IATA-compliant No limit specified Contact airline
Checked Baggage Yes Yes Hard-sided, IATA-compliant No limit specified Contact airline

The key takeaway: Syrian Arab Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin. Luna won't be sitting under the seat in front of me on this airline. Your cat or dog must travel in cargo or checked baggage using a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate.

Cabin Travel: Not Available

Syrian Arab Airlines explicitly states: No cabin pets. This applies to both cats and dogs, regardless of size. Even small breeds like Chihuahuas or Siamese cats cannot travel in the main cabin.

This is a significant limitation compared to airlines like Air France or British Airways, which allow small pets in the cabin for a fee. If cabin travel is essential for your pet's comfort, you'll need to book a different carrier.

Cargo & Checked Baggage: Your Pet's Travel Route

Both cargo and checked baggage require the same carrier specifications and health documentation. The main difference is logistics—cargo is dedicated pet transport, while checked baggage travels with your luggage in the hold.

Carrier Requirements (Cargo & Checked Baggage)

Hard-sided crates only. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted. Your crate must be:

  • IATA-compliant: Meets International Air Transport Association Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
  • Ventilated: Openings on at least three sides for airflow
  • Equipped with a water bowl: An attached, external water trough that can be filled without opening the crate
  • Lined with absorbent material: Pads or mats to manage accidents during the flight
  • Labeled: "Live Animals" stickers with orientation arrows on the crate

When I researched carriers for Luna (even though she won't fly in cargo with this airline), I found that IATA-compliant hard-sided crates typically cost $150–$400 depending on size. This is a one-time investment if you plan multiple trips.

Temperature Restrictions

Syrian Arab Airlines follows industry-standard temperature embargoes for cargo pet travel:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F). The airline will not accept your pet if tarmac temperatures at origin or destination exceed this threshold.
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F). Travel is restricted in extreme cold unless you obtain an acclimation certificate from your veterinarian.

If you're flying to or from a hot climate during summer, check the forecast before booking. Many airlines refuse pets during peak heat months.

Health Certificates & Documentation

A veterinary health certificate is mandatory for all pet travel on Syrian Arab Airlines. This isn't optional—it will be checked at the airport, and without it, your pet will be denied boarding.

Health Certificate Specifics

  • Issued within: 10 days of your departure date (some destinations require 7 days—verify with your vet)
  • Issued by: A licensed veterinarian in your country of origin
  • Must confirm: Your pet is healthy, vaccinated (especially rabies), and fit for air travel

Pro tip: Schedule your vet appointment 2 weeks before departure. This gives you a buffer if your vet needs additional tests or if you need to reschedule. Don't wait until 3 days before your flight.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least:

  • 8 weeks old for cabin travel (not applicable—no cabin pets allowed)
  • 10 weeks old for cargo or checked baggage

Puppies and kittens must be fully weaned. If your pet is younger than 10 weeks, you'll need to delay travel or arrange alternative transport.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Banned

Syrian Arab Airlines restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This is an industry-wide safety standard, not unique to this airline.

Restricted cat breeds include: British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold

Restricted dog breeds include: Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Bulldog (all types), Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, and many others.

If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, contact Syrian Arab Airlines directly to confirm whether an exception is possible. Some airlines allow travel with a vet's acclimation certificate, but policies vary. See our brachycephalic breed flying guide for more details.

Other Restrictions

Pregnant Animals

Visibly pregnant animals are not accepted for air travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, you'll need to delay travel until after birth and the recovery period.

Animals in Heat

We're still verifying Syrian Arab Airlines' specific policy on animals in heat—contact the airline directly to confirm.

Sedation

Do not sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel because sedated animals cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to virtually all commercial airlines worldwide. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.

Advance Booking Requirements

You cannot show up at the airport with your pet without prior arrangement. Syrian Arab Airlines requires advance booking because they limit the number of pets per flight for safety and comfort.

What to do: Contact the airline at least 48 hours before your flight (ideally 1–2 weeks) to reserve space for your pet. We're still verifying the exact booking process and contact details—call the airline directly or check their website for the pet reservations team.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pet fee: $0 (pets not allowed in cabin)
  • Cargo/checked baggage fee: Contact airline for pricing
  • Minimum pet age (cargo/checked): 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue date
  • Cargo weight limit: Not specified—contact airline
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions (if allowed): 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H (18" × 11" × 11")
  • Cabin carrier weight limit (if allowed): 8 kg combined (pet + carrier)

What You Need to Do

Before you book your flight:

  • Confirm your pet is at least 10 weeks old
  • Check if your breed is restricted (especially if you have a brachycephalic breed)
  • Verify temperature conditions at your destination during your travel dates
  • Contact Syrian Arab Airlines to reserve pet space and get cargo/checked baggage pricing

2 weeks before departure:

  • Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate
  • Discuss any concerns about air travel with your vet
  • Order or purchase an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate if you don't have one
  • Practice acclimating your pet to the crate at home

1 week before departure:

  • Pick up your health certificate (issued within 10 days of departure)
  • Prepare the crate with absorbent liners and water bowl
  • Attach "Live Animals" labels to the crate
  • Confirm your pet reservation with the airline

Day of travel:

  • Arrive early (3 hours for international flights)
  • Have your health certificate ready at check-in
  • Ensure the crate is properly labeled and sealed
  • Keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding

How Syrian Arab Airlines Compares

Syrian Arab Airlines' no-cabin-pets policy is stricter than many Middle Eastern and European carriers. For comparison:

If cabin travel is important for your pet's comfort and safety, you may want to explore alternative carriers on your route.

Contact & Verification

Syrian Arab Airlines' pet policies are subject to change. Before finalizing your booking, contact the airline directly to confirm:

  • Current cargo and checked baggage pet fees
  • Specific booking procedures and advance notice requirements
  • Any route-specific restrictions or embargoes
  • Documentation requirements for your destination country

For international travel, your destination country may have additional import requirements. Check with the relevant government agency (e.g., USDA for the United States, DEFRA for the United Kingdom) before booking.

For a comprehensive overview of what you'll need, see our pet travel documents checklist and pet travel costs guide.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo to ensure you haven't missed any requirements for your specific route and destination.

Data auto-verified from official Syrian Arab Airlines sources. Last updated: January 2025. Policies subject to change—always confirm directly with the airline before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026