The science here is simpler than it sounds: West Air China accepts dogs in the cabin, which puts your Cavalier or spaniel right beside you for the flight. Pixel rides happier that way too, and the paperwork follows one clean track. Read the checklist below before you book, because the small details decide whether your dog boards without a single hiccup at the counter.
West Air China'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 West Air China handles your pet
Each fact comes straight from the operator’s published policy. Hover the to read the exact wording; the opens the source page.
In the cabin Accepted
In the hold / cargo Accepted
Cabin policy
Pets accepted Accepted“Pets may travel in the cabin on select domestic, international, and regional flights with West Air through its “Worry-Free Pet Travel” program.”
Minimum age8 weeks“Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey.”
Advance booking notice24 hours“Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan…”
Advance booking required Yes“Pet Reservations Advance reservations are required for pets traveling in the cabin.”
Sedation allowed No“The following dog breeds and their mixes are not accepted for cabin transportation: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff), Dogo Argentino, Malinois, and other aggressive or fighting…”
Advance notice hours24 hours“Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373”
Pregnant animals accepted No“West Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated”
Hold & cargo policy
Hold: Minimum age8 weeks“Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey”
Hold: Advance booking required Yes“Pet Reservations Advance reservations are required for pets traveling in the cabin.”
Hold: Sedation allowed No“The following dog breeds and their mixes are not accepted for cabin transportation: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff), Dogo Argentino, Malinois, and other aggressive or fighting…”
Hold: Pregnant animals accepted No“West Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness West Air does not accept pets that are pregnant,…”
Hold: Crate must have/beventilated, absorbent liner“All carriers must be leak-proof, chew-resistant, ventilated, and lined with absorbent material. Soft-sided carriers must have double zippers secured with a disposable lock. Pets must be able to stand”
Cargo: Pets accepted Accepted“Pets in Cargo Pets that are not eligible for cabin transportation may be transported as cargo, subject to West Air’s cargo acceptance rules.”
Cargo: Minimum age8 weeks“Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey.”
Cargo: Advance booking notice24 hours“Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan…”
Cargo: Advance booking required Yes“Pet Reservations Advance reservations are required for pets traveling in the cabin.”
Cargo: Sedation allowed No“The following dog breeds and their mixes are not accepted for cabin transportation: Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff), Dogo Argentino, Malinois, and other aggressive or fighting…”
Other rules
Minimum age8 weeks“Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey.”
In the cabin Accepted
In the hold / cargo Accepted
Cabin policy
Pets accepted Accepted“ina West Air China West Air No Reviews Share Share Website Website West Air is a low-cost airline based in China and a subsidiary of Hainan Airlines. Pets may travel in the cabin on select domestic, international, and…”
Minimum age8 weeks“Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey.”
Advance booking notice24 hours“Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan…”
Sedation allowed No“West Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated”
Advance notice hours24 hours“Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373”
Pregnant animals accepted No“West Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated”
Hold & cargo policy
Hold: Minimum age8 weeks“Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey”
Hold: Advance booking notice24 hours“Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan…”
Hold: Advance booking required Yes“Pet Reservations Advance reservations are required for pets traveling in the cabin.”
Hold: Pregnant animals accepted No“West Air does not accept pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, have undergone surgery within 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness West Air does not accept pets that are pregnant,…”
Hold: Crate must have/beventilated“imensions when expanded, but must compress to the maximum size limits. All carriers must be leak-proof, chew-resistant, ventilated, and lined with absorbent material. nd a maximum of four pets are permitted per flight.…”
Cargo: Pets accepted Accepted“Pets in Cargo Pets that are not eligible for cabin transportation may be transported as cargo, subject to West Air’s cargo acceptance rules.”
Cargo: Minimum age8 weeks“Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey Pets must be at least 8 weeks old and remain inside an approved carrier for the entire journey”
Cargo: Advance booking notice24 hours“Passengers must book pet transportation at least 24 hours before departure by calling +86 898 95373, using West Air’s official WeChat account, the Hainan…”
Cargo: Advance booking required Yes“Pet Reservations Advance reservations are required for pets traveling in the cabin.”
Other rules
Pet transport must be booked at least 24 hours before departure. Reserve by calling +86 898 95373, through West Air's official WeChat account, or via the Hainan Airlines app or mini-program. Complete the reservation the day before at the latest. A same-day request will be refused. Confirm the booking reference before arriving at the airport counter.
Frequently asked
- 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.
West Air refuses pets that are pregnant, recently gave birth, underwent surgery within the past 48 hours, are sedated, emit strong odors, or show signs of illness. Schedule any procedure so recovery clears the 48-hour window before departure. Do not sedate the dog for travel. Present a healthy, alert animal at check-in to avoid an on-the-spot rejection.
Dogs travel two ways on West Air China, and the right one depends on your dog's size and your route. The science here is simpler than it sounds once you see it laid out. Build your personalized plan in Pawgo's plan-builder for your exact itinerary, and it maps every certificate, booking call, and deadline for the real trip you're taking.
Glossary
- ISO chip
- ISO 11784/11785 — the universal microchip standard.
- FAVN
- Fluorescent Antibody Virus Neutralization — a rabies serology test required by rabies-free destinations.
- Brachycephalic
- Snub-nosed breeds (French Bulldogs, Pugs, Persians, Himalayans) with restricted airline acceptance due to heat-stress risk.
- AVIH
- Animal Vehicle In Hold — IATA's term for cargo pet shipment, with fees that vary by carrier and route.