Flying with Your Pet on Zhejiang Loong Airlines

OK hear me out — flying with your furry best friend doesn't have to be a nightmare. I've taken Nala, my 22kg Australian Shepherd, on more flights than I can count, and the key is knowing exactly what your airline allows before you book. Zhejiang Loong Airlines (GJ) has specific pet policies, and I'm breaking down everything you need to know to get your cat, dog, or other companion safely to your next adventure.

Can Your Pet Fly in the Cabin?

Here's the thing: Zhejiang Loong Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin. I know, I know — it's not ideal. When Nala can't sit at my feet during the flight, I have to get creative with her comfort. But the good news? You have other options.

If your pet is small enough (under 8kg combined with carrier), you might find airlines that allow cabin travel — but that's not GJ's policy. Trust me on this one: knowing this upfront saves you from showing up at the airport with false hope.

Checked Baggage: Your Best Option

Zhejiang Loong Airlines allows pets to travel in checked baggage — this is your primary option for flying with your furry friend. This means your pet travels in the cargo hold with temperature and pressure controls, similar to how your luggage is handled.

Checked Baggage Carrier Requirements

Your pet's carrier is critical. Here's what you absolutely need:

  • Hard-sided crate only — soft carriers won't work for checked baggage. Think airline-approved plastic or metal crates.
  • Adequate ventilation — openings on at least three sides per IATA standards. Your pet needs to breathe.
  • Attached water bowl — this must be accessible from outside the crate so ground crew can refill it during the flight.
  • Absorbent liner — place absorbent pads or mats inside to manage accidents. Trust me, this is essential for peace of mind.
  • "Live Animals" labels — IATA requires these labels with orientation arrows on all sides of the crate. Don't skip this.

Age Requirements for Checked Baggage

Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old and fully weaned before traveling in checked baggage. Puppies and kittens younger than this aren't ready for the stress of air travel.

Temperature Restrictions

This is huge — and something I always check before booking. Zhejiang Loong Airlines will refuse to transport pets if:

  • Temperature drops below -6.7°C (20°F) at origin or destination
  • Temperature exceeds 29.4°C (85°F) at origin or destination

If you're traveling in extreme heat or cold, you may need an acclimation certificate from your vet to prove your pet can handle the conditions. I learned this the hard way when trying to fly Nala to Arizona in July — the heat embargo almost blocked us.

Cargo Travel: For Longer Journeys

Zhejiang Loong Airlines also accepts pets via cargo, which is similar to checked baggage but typically used for longer international routes or when you're shipping a pet separately from your own travel.

Cargo Carrier Specifications

Cargo carriers have stricter requirements than checked baggage:

  • Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate — this is non-negotiable. Your crate must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR).
  • Water bowl attachment — same as checked baggage — accessible from outside.
  • Ventilation on at least three sides — IATA LAR requirement.
  • Absorbent liner — essential for longer flights.
  • "Live Animals" labels with arrows — clearly mark orientation.

Age & Temperature Rules for Cargo

Cargo pets must be at least 10 weeks old. Temperature embargoes are the same as checked baggage: no travel below -6.7°C or above 29.4°C without acclimation certification.

Critical Health & Documentation Requirements

This is where most people slip up, and I've seen it happen at the airport. Don't be that person.

Health Certificate (Non-Negotiable)

You must have a vet-issued health certificate — even if GJ's website doesn't explicitly mention it, you will be denied boarding without one. Here's what you need to know:

  • Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days — check your specific route)
  • Get it as close to your departure date as possible
  • Your vet must sign and stamp it
  • It must confirm your pet is healthy and fit for air travel

I always schedule my vet appointment 5-7 days before flying. This gives me a buffer in case there are any health concerns and ensures the certificate is fresh.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic Breeds

If you have a snub-nosed breed, pay attention. Most airlines, including Zhejiang Loong, restrict brachycephalic (flat-faced) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. Restricted breeds include:

  • Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
  • Pugs (all types)
  • Boxers
  • Boston Terriers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Mastiffs (all types)
  • Pit Bulls and related breeds
  • Japanese Chins
  • And many others

Contact Zhejiang Loong Airlines directly to confirm if your specific breed is allowed. Don't assume — I've seen people turned away at the gate because they didn't verify.

Pregnant Animals

If your pet is visibly pregnant, most airlines won't accept her for travel due to health risks. Confirm directly with GJ if this applies to your situation.

Pre-Booking: You Must Book in Advance

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. Here's what to do:

  • Contact Zhejiang Loong Airlines as soon as you book your flight — don't wait until the day before
  • Inform them you're traveling with a pet
  • Confirm all carrier requirements and fees
  • Ask about their specific booking process for pets
  • Get confirmation in writing

I always call the airline directly rather than relying on online booking systems. It takes 10 minutes and saves hours of stress.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

  • 8-10 weeks before departure: Ensure your pet is old enough to fly (10 weeks minimum for checked baggage/cargo)
  • 6 weeks before: Research and purchase an IATA-compliant hard-sided carrier with water bowl attachment
  • 4 weeks before: Contact Zhejiang Loong Airlines to pre-book your pet
  • 2 weeks before: Schedule vet appointment for health certificate
  • 1 week before: Confirm all details with the airline in writing
  • 5-7 days before: Get health certificate from your vet (valid for 10 days)
  • 3 days before: Acclimate your pet to the carrier with short practice sessions
  • Day before: Pack absorbent liners, water bowl, and any comfort items
  • Day of flight: Arrive early, have all documents ready, keep your pet calm

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Minimum age for checked baggage/cargo: 10 weeks
  • Minimum age for cabin: Not applicable (no cabin pets allowed)
  • Cabin carrier max dimensions: 45.7cm (L) × 27.9cm (W) × 27.9cm (H) — but GJ doesn't allow cabin pets
  • Cabin weight limit: 8kg (pet + carrier combined) — not applicable to GJ
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days from issue date
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F)
  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cabin pet fee: Not applicable (no cabin pets)
  • Advance booking required: Yes — book as soon as possible

Practical Tips from My Experience

I've flown Nala dozens of times, and here's what actually works:

  • Carrier comfort: Line the crate with familiar bedding or a blanket that smells like home. Nala travels better when her crate feels safe.
  • Exercise before flight: A tired dog is a calm dog. Take your pet for a long walk or play session before heading to the airport.
  • Don't sedate your pet. IATA regulations prohibit sedation during air travel — a sedated animal can't maintain balance or respond to emergencies. Your vet won't recommend it anyway.
  • Microchip your pet: Before any flight, ensure your pet is microchipped and registered. If something goes wrong, this is your safety net.
  • Take photos: Photograph your pet before the flight. If there's ever an issue, you have proof of their condition.
  • Arrive early: Give yourself extra time at the airport. Pet check-in often takes longer than regular baggage.

Still Have Questions?

We're still verifying some specific details about Zhejiang Loong Airlines' pet policies — things like exact cargo fees, specific booking methods, and whether they accept pets on all routes. Contact Zhejiang Loong Airlines directly to confirm:

  • Exact pet fees for your specific route
  • Whether your pet's breed is allowed
  • Their preferred booking method for pets
  • Any route-specific restrictions
  • Temperature conditions on your travel dates

For more detailed guidance on preparing for pet air travel, check out our pet travel documents checklist and flying with a dog guide. If you have a brachycephalic breed, read our brachycephalic breed flying guide for extra considerations.

Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — it takes the guesswork out of pet travel planning.

Data auto-verified from official airline sources. Last updated: January 2025. Always confirm current policies directly with Zhejiang Loong Airlines before booking.

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