Jules · with Nala (Australian Shepherd, 22kg) “Nala has opinions about layovers.” Meet all guides →
About this guide ↓
This guide was generated by Pawgo's AI using verified data from official sources. Jules is a fictional persona — the data is real.
Okay, big one up front: Thai Airways says no to dogs in the cabin. Zero. Nala rides in cargo or the hold, and honestly, once you know that going in, the rest falls into place fast. Sam and I love a route that's this clear-cut, because it means we plan around the real rule instead of hoping. Let's map out exactly what Thai Airways wants from you.
Thai Airways's pet policy splits into cabin and cargo. This page summarizes the weight limits, fees, brachycephalic-breed restrictions, and carrier specifications for both modes — sourced from the airline's official pet pages.
How Thai Airways handles your pet
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Tap the to read the exact wording; the opens the source page.
Hold: Embargoed routesnce as checked baggage. (For cargo acceptance, please contact directly to Cargo Department ) Affenpinscher American Bulldog / Bully American Pit Bull Terrier American Staffordshire verified 2026-07-07
Esa noteemotional support dogs are not permittedverified 2026-07-15
Fee waived✓ Yesverified 2026-07-15
Recognized✓ Yesverified 2026-07-15
Cabin allowed✓ Yesverified 2026-07-15
Esa recognized✓ Yesverified 2026-07-15
Advance notice hours48 hoursverified 2026-07-15
Documentation required✓ Yesverified 2026-07-15
Recognized organizationsAssistance Dogs International (ADI), International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), or Assistance Dogs Europe (ADEu)verified 2026-07-15
Cargo: Max weight (pet + crate)70 kgverified 2026-07-23
Cargo: Crate must have/beIATA-compliant, absorbent liner, live-animal label, a carrierverified 2026-07-20
Book the cargo spot at least 3 hours before departure. Call Thai Airways cargo and confirm the reservation before heading to the airport. Route restrictions apply for aircraft type A320 and destinations like Auckland, Denpasar, Dubai, Hong Kong, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and Sydney. Verify the specific flight accepts the dog. Lock the 3-hour window and get written confirmation.
Thai Airways bans 34 snub-nosed and other dog breeds from acceptance as checked baggage. Check the published embargo list against the breed before booking. A banned breed cannot fly as checked baggage on this carrier. Confirm the dog is not on the 34-breed list first. Contact Thai Airways directly to verify eligibility before paying for anything.
Frequently asked
Can snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds fly Thai Airways?
Snub-nosed breeds such as bulldogs, pugs and Persian cats are not accepted in the hold.
How much does it cost to fly a pet on Thai Airways?
On flights within Metropolitan France, Thai Airways charges from 600 USD in the cabin, one way per pet. Longer routes cost more — price your exact itinerary.
What if my flight is delayed past my health certificate validity?
If the certificate window expires before you board, you'll need a re-issue. Build a 1-2 day buffer between the cert date and departure to absorb minor delays.
What happens if I forget a document?
At the destination airport: at best, an extended inspection while you produce backup; at worst, the pet is held in quarantine or returned to origin at your cost. Bring printed copies.
The cabin fee reaches 600 USD, charged for a dog up to 30 kg as 4 units. Lighter tiers cost less: 300 USD up to 10 kg, 450 USD up to 20 kg. Heavier tiers cost more: 750 USD up to 40 kg. Weigh the dog before booking to confirm the exact tier. Budget 600 USD for the 30 kg bracket.
So there's your Thai Airways picture: cargo or hold only, breed list to check, and a fee that scales with weight. Sam and I always run the numbers against the actual route before we commit, and you should too. Pop your real dates, destinations, and dog details into Pawgo's plan-builder and get a personalized plan that spells out every step for your trip. Go get it sorted.
