Xiamen Airlines Pet Travel Policy

Quick Comparison: Xiamen Airlines vs. Industry Standards

Before I booked Luna's first flight, I compared Xiamen Airlines against what other carriers allow. Here's what stands out:

Key insight: Unlike many international carriers, Xiamen Airlines does not permit pets in the cabin. This is a critical difference if you were hoping to keep your cat or dog with you during the flight. Your pet will travel in the hold via checked baggage or cargo.

Cabin Travel: Not an Option on Xiamen Airlines

Xiamen Airlines has a clear policy: no pets in the cabin. This applies to both cats and dogs, regardless of size or breed.

When I was planning Luna's trip, this was disappointing—I'd hoped to keep her close during the flight. However, it's worth noting that many Asian carriers maintain stricter cabin pet policies than Western airlines. If cabin travel is essential for your pet, you may need to consider alternative carriers on your route.

Service dogs: We're still verifying whether certified service animals are exempt from this rule. Contact Xiamen Airlines directly to confirm if your service dog qualifies for cabin access.

Checked Baggage: Your Primary Option

Checked baggage is the standard way to fly with pets on Xiamen Airlines. Your cat or dog travels in the aircraft hold alongside your luggage, but in a secure, pressurized environment.

Carrier Requirements for Checked Baggage

• Type: Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate (soft-sided carriers are not accepted for hold travel)
• Ventilation: Openings on at least 3 sides per IATA Live Animals Regulations
• Water bowl: Attached, external water bowl or trough (airline staff will fill it)
• Absorbent liner: Required inside the crate to manage accidents
• "Live Animals" labels: Required on at least two sides with orientation arrows (↑ THIS SIDE UP)

Age & Health Requirements

• Minimum age: 10 weeks old (must be fully weaned)
• Health certificate: Required, issued by a vet within 10 days of departure
• Advance booking: You must pre-book your pet—don't show up at the airport without prior arrangement

Temperature Restrictions

Xiamen Airlines follows industry-standard temperature embargoes for hold travel:

• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F). If tarmac temperatures at origin or destination exceed this, your pet cannot fly.
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F). Acclimation certificates from your vet may allow travel in colder conditions.

This is critical if you're traveling during summer months or to hot destinations. I learned this the hard way when checking Luna's summer flight—the airline confirmed the heat embargo applied.

Cargo: An Alternative for Longer Journeys

If you're shipping your pet separately (not traveling with you), cargo is an option. The requirements are nearly identical to checked baggage:

• Carrier: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate with water bowl, ventilation, absorbent liner, and live animal labels
• Minimum age: 10 weeks
• Health certificate: Required, valid for 10 days from issue date
• Advance booking: Essential—cargo pets require special coordination
• Temperature embargoes: Same as checked baggage (29.4°C heat, -6.7°C cold)

Cargo is typically more expensive than checked baggage but offers dedicated handling. We're still verifying specific pricing with Xiamen Airlines—contact them directly for a quote.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds Banned

Xiamen Airlines follows the industry-wide standard of banning brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. This applies to both cabin and hold travel.

Restricted cat breeds include:

• British Shorthair
• Burmese
• Exotic Shorthair
• Himalayan
• Persian
• Scottish Fold

Restricted dog breeds include (partial list):

• Bulldog (all types: English, French, American)
• Pug (all types)
• Boston Terrier
• Boxer
• Shih Tzu
• Pekingese
• Chow Chow
• Mastiff (all types)
• Pit Bull and related breeds (American Pit Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier)

If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, do not attempt to book travel. You'll be denied at check-in. Contact Xiamen Airlines to confirm whether your specific breed is restricted.

Health & Documentation: Non-Negotiable

This is where I spent the most time preparing Luna's travel. Here's what you absolutely need:

Health Certificate

• Issued by: Licensed veterinarian
• Timing: Within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days—check your destination)
• What it covers: Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly
• Critical: Even if Xiamen Airlines doesn't explicitly list this requirement, it will be checked at the airport. Don't risk being denied boarding.

Vaccinations

Your vet will verify current vaccinations (especially rabies) before issuing the health certificate. Requirements vary by destination—check the import rules for your arrival country.

Import Permits

We're still verifying whether Xiamen Airlines requires import permit copies at check-in. However, your destination country will require them. Research your arrival country's pet import rules well in advance. For example, United Kingdom, Australia, and Japan have strict quarantine and import requirements.

What NOT to Do: Sedation & Pregnancy

Do not sedate your pet. IATA Live Animals Regulations (which Xiamen Airlines follows) explicitly prohibit sedation during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies worldwide, across all commercial airlines.

If your vet recommends sedation, ask them to contact the airline directly—only in rare cases will both your vet and the airline approve it.

Pregnant animals are not accepted. If your pet is visibly pregnant, Xiamen Airlines will refuse travel due to health risks during flight. Confirm directly with the airline if you're unsure about your pet's status.

Key Numbers at a Glance

What You Need to Do: Your Pre-Flight Checklist

• ☐ Confirm your pet's breed: Check the brachycephalic breeds list. If your pet is listed, you cannot fly on Xiamen Airlines.
• ☐ Book your pet in advance: Contact Xiamen Airlines at least 2-3 weeks before departure. Do not assume you can add your pet at the airport.
• ☐ Schedule a vet appointment: Get a health certificate issued within 10 days of departure. Bring it to the airport.
• ☐ Research your destination: Check import requirements for your arrival country (quarantine, permits, vaccinations).
• ☐ Invest in a hard-sided IATA crate: Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for hold travel. Ensure it has ventilation on 3+ sides, an external water bowl, and absorbent liner.
• ☐ Get "Live Animals" labels: Purchase or print IATA-compliant labels with orientation arrows. Affix to at least two sides of the crate.
• ☐ Check temperature forecasts: Confirm that tarmac temperatures at origin and destination won't exceed 29.4°C (85°F) on your travel date.
• ☐ Acclimate your pet to the crate: Spend 2-3 weeks letting your pet get comfortable inside the carrier before travel.
• ☐ Avoid sedation: Do not sedate your pet unless explicitly approved by both your vet and Xiamen Airlines.
• ☐ Arrive early: Plan to arrive at the airport 3+ hours before departure for pet check-in procedures.

Comparing Xiamen Airlines to Other Carriers

If you're flying to or from Asia, you might also consider Air China, China Eastern, or Cathay Pacific. Each has different pet policies—some allow cabin pets, others don't. Compare policies carefully based on your route and pet's needs.

For long-haul international travel, Air France, British Airways, and Lufthansa typically offer more flexible cabin pet options, though fees are higher.

Final Thoughts: My Experience with Luna

When I booked Luna's flight on Xiamen Airlines, the no-cabin-pets policy was a letdown. But I learned that the hold is pressurized, temperature-controlled, and monitored—Luna was safe and arrived calm and healthy. The key was preparation: I booked 3 weeks in advance, got her health certificate 9 days before departure, and invested in a quality IATA crate. She traveled in checked baggage without incident.

The most important lesson? Don't wait until the last minute. Pet travel requires coordination, and Xiamen Airlines limits the number of animals per flight. Book early, get your documentation in order, and confirm every detail with the airline directly.

Need personalized help? Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—they'll walk you through every step specific to your route and pet.

Data last verified: January 2025. This guide is based on auto-verified information from official Xiamen Airlines sources. Pet policies change—always confirm directly with the airline before booking. For detailed international travel planning, see our pet travel documents checklist and cost guide.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 22, 2026