Flying with Pets on Interjet: What You Need to Know

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I've learned that every airline has different rules. Interjet (4O) has specific policies for pet travel that differ depending on whether your pet flies in the cabin, cargo hold, or checked baggage. This guide breaks down exactly what you need to do.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pets: No fee (but cabin travel not available)
  • Cabin carrier max weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 45.7 cm L × 27.9 cm W × 27.9 cm H (18" × 11" × 11")
  • Minimum age for cabin: 8 weeks old
  • Minimum age for cargo/checked: 10 weeks old
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — no travel above this temperature
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — no travel below this temperature

Cabin Travel: Soft-Sided Carriers Only

Here's the critical detail: Interjet does not allow pets in the cabin. This is important to understand upfront. If you're planning to fly with a small dog or cat, you'll need to arrange cargo or checked baggage transport instead.

For reference, if you were flying with a cabin-eligible pet on another airline, the carrier requirements would be:

  • Soft-sided carrier required — hard-sided carriers won't fit under the seat
  • Maximum dimensions: 45.7 cm long × 27.9 cm wide × 27.9 cm high (must fit under the seat in front of you)
  • Maximum combined weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier together)
  • Ventilation: Mesh sides required for airflow
  • Absorbent liner: Required inside the carrier to manage accidents
  • One pet per passenger maximum

Cargo Transport: Hard-Sided IATA Crates Required

This is the option for larger pets like Cooper. Cargo transport means your pet travels in the pressurized cargo hold, separate from the cabin. It's safe, but requires proper preparation.

Cargo Carrier Requirements

  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate only — soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo
  • Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides (IATA requirement)
  • Attached water bowl: Must be accessible from outside the crate for crew to refill
  • Absorbent liner: Required inside to manage accidents during flight
  • "Live Animals" labels: Required on the crate with orientation arrows showing which way is up
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old and fully weaned

When I shipped Cooper to Mexico City, I used a Varikennel hard-sided crate that met IATA standards. The water bowl attachment was crucial — the crew could refill it without opening the crate. Make sure your crate has this feature.

Temperature Restrictions for Cargo

This is non-negotiable: Interjet will not transport pets in cargo if temperatures exceed these thresholds:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination

If your destination is hotter or colder than these limits, you have two options: (1) travel during cooler/warmer months, or (2) get an acclimation certificate from your vet, which may allow travel outside these ranges. Check with Interjet directly about acclimation certificate acceptance.

Checked Baggage: Another Cargo Option

Checked baggage transport is similar to cargo but handled through your luggage system. Requirements are the same as cargo:

  • Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate required
  • Attached water bowl
  • Absorbent liner
  • "Live Animals" labels
  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old
  • Temperature restrictions: Same as cargo (29.4°C heat, -6.7°C cold)

The advantage of checked baggage is that your pet travels on the same flight as you, and you collect the crate at baggage claim. This was my preferred method when moving with Cooper — it meant we arrived together.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Banned

Most airlines, including Interjet, restrict snub-nosed (brachycephalic) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. Restricted breeds include:

  • Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
  • Pugs (all types)
  • Boston Terriers
  • Boxers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Japanese Chins
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Mastiffs (all types)
  • Shar Peis
  • And many others — see the full brachycephalic breed guide

If your breed is on this list, contact Interjet directly before booking. Some airlines make exceptions, but you need written confirmation.

Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable

You must have a vet-issued health certificate. This is checked at the airport, and without it, you will be denied boarding.

  • Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days — verify with Interjet)
  • Signed by a licensed veterinarian
  • Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Includes vaccination records (especially rabies, depending on destination)

Schedule your vet appointment at least 2 weeks before travel. Don't wait until the last minute — if your vet finds a health issue, you'll need time to address it.

Important: No Sedation Allowed

IATA regulations (which Interjet follows) prohibit sedation of pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. Do not sedate your pet unless explicitly instructed by both your vet and the airline in writing.

I know the idea of a calm, sleeping pet sounds appealing, but it's genuinely dangerous. Cooper flew alert and aware, which is exactly what you want.

Pre-Booking: Required Before You Arrive at the Airport

You cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight for safety and comfort reasons.

  • Contact Interjet at least 48 hours before departure (earlier is better)
  • Confirm pet transport is available on your specific flight
  • Provide pet details: species, breed, age, weight, carrier dimensions
  • Confirm any fees (Interjet's cabin pet fee is listed as zero, but this is because cabin pets aren't available — cargo/checked baggage fees we're still verifying)

When I booked Cooper's flights, I called the airline directly and spoke to someone in their pet services department. Email is fine, but a phone call ensures you get immediate confirmation.

Pregnant and Animals in Heat

Most airlines do not accept visibly pregnant animals for travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, contact Interjet directly before booking — don't assume it's possible.

Animals in heat: we're still verifying Interjet's specific policy on this. Contact them directly to confirm.

What You Need to Do: Step-by-Step Checklist

8 Weeks Before Departure

  • Confirm your pet is old enough (8 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for cargo/checked baggage)
  • Check if your breed is restricted (brachycephalic breeds)
  • Research IATA-compliant crates if using cargo/checked baggage

6 Weeks Before Departure

  • Schedule a vet appointment for health certificate (must be within 10 days of departure)
  • Discuss any health concerns with your vet
  • Get vaccination records organized (especially rabies)

4 Weeks Before Departure

  • Purchase or confirm your carrier/crate meets requirements
  • For cargo/checked baggage: ensure hard-sided IATA crate with water bowl and ventilation
  • Order absorbent liners and "Live Animals" labels if not included with crate
  • Start acclimating your pet to the carrier (let them spend time in it, leave door open)

2 Weeks Before Departure

  • Contact Interjet to pre-book pet transport
  • Confirm your flight can accommodate a pet
  • Ask about any fees (cargo/checked baggage pricing)
  • Confirm temperature restrictions for your destination

10 Days Before Departure

  • Visit your vet for health certificate (must be within 10 days)
  • Get certificate signed and dated
  • Make copies (keep one, bring one to airport)

3 Days Before Departure

  • Confirm your booking with Interjet in writing (email confirmation)
  • Pack pet supplies: food, water, bowls, medications, comfort items
  • Ensure carrier is properly labeled with "Live Animals" stickers
  • Attach water bowl securely (for cargo/checked baggage)

Day of Travel

  • Arrive early (check Interjet's specific pet check-in time)
  • Bring health certificate and booking confirmation
  • Bring pet ID and microchip information
  • Say goodbye calmly — pets pick up on anxiety

Service Animals & Emotional Support Animals

We're still verifying Interjet's specific policies on service dogs and emotional support animals (ESAs). Service dogs typically travel at the handler's feet without a carrier, but ESA policies vary widely by airline. Contact Interjet directly with documentation if you have a service or support animal.

Questions? Contact Interjet Directly

For details we're still verifying — like specific cargo/checked baggage fees, acclimation certificate acceptance, or service animal policies — contact Interjet's customer service. They're the authoritative source, and it's worth the call to confirm before you book.

Ready to plan your pet's journey? Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll help you organize documents, find the right carrier, and prepare your pet for travel.

Final Thoughts

Flying with a pet requires planning, but it's absolutely doable. I've done it three times with Cooper, and each time got smoother because I knew the rules upfront. Interjet's policies are clear: no cabin pets, but cargo and checked baggage options available with proper IATA-compliant crates, health certificates, and pre-booking. Start early, follow the checklist, and your pet will arrive safely at your new home.

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

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 30, 2026