Fly with your Pet

Take your best friend with you

If your pet and carrier weigh up to a maximum of 10 kg (22 lb) combined, you may take your pet with you inside the cabin as an onboard pet. If your pet and carrier weigh up to a maximum of 45 kg (100 lb) combined, you will need to take your pet as a checked-in pet.

Pet carrier measurements

Your pet must travel in a carrier approved for air transport, fully closed, measuring a maximum of 44 cm long, 30 cm wide, and 19 cm high (17.5 x 12 x 7.5 inches). Your pet must be able to move within the carrier.

Carrier type

If traveling with a dog, the carrier may be soft (made of fabric) or sturdy (made of plastic). If traveling with a cat, it must be sturdy (plastic). In both cases, it must comply with measurements and requirements.

Position on board

The carrier must be placed below the seat in front of you, fastened by a plastic clamp to be provided to you at the airport. Your pet cannot leave the carrier during the flight.

Carrier weight and dimensions

The combined weight of the carrier and your pet must not exceed 100 lbs (45 kg).

The total dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 62 in. Extra charges will apply if the carrier exceeds the maximum allowance.

Your pet must be able to freely spin around on its axis and stand up on its four paws inside the carrier.

Carrier characteristics

The carrier must have a sturdy structure, and be clean, waterproof, well ventilated, wheel-free, and free of objects that can hurt your pet, be scratch-proof, with an anti-escape closure, and it must have handles for carrying.

Identification and contact information

The carrier must be labeled with your contact information (name, phone number and address) and the pet’s identification information (name, age and sex).

Leakproof containers

Leakproof containers may be placed inside the carrier with pet food and water (provided by the passenger), as necessary for the trip. The carrier must contain absorbent material or kitty litter and odor neutralizers.

Important

If your pet is traveling checked-in (i.e. in the plane’s cargo area), it is important that you collect it as soon as possible upon arrival at the baggage claim conveyor belt.

Necessary documents to travel with your pet

Vaccination card

Vaccination card including up-to-date anti-rabies* (maximum one year from the date of application and at least 30 days before the flight date) and de-worming vaccination (no more than 6 months taking into account the return flight date).

*Also applies to 4-month-old pets.

Animal health certificate

An original and non-certified copy of animal health certificate indicating that your pet has been subject to prior inspection and is clinically healthy.

Must be issued on letterhead paper with the veterinarian’s professional license number, dated fewer than five days before the initial flight date.

If the certificate does not have the license number on letterhead paper, you must also present a copy of the veterinarian’s professional license.

If the return flight is more than 5 days after the issuance of the certificate, you will need to present another certificate that is valid for the return.

If you are traveling from Mexico to Central America, you must also show an International Animal Health Export Certificate, issued by SAGARPA/SENASICA.

Service restrictions

a) Only dogs and cats are allowed.

b) Pets younger than 4 months, or those that are breastfeeding, sick, dead, violent, or pregnant females are not accepted.

c) Make sure to book the Travel with Your Pet service in advance, since there is a limit of 7 checked-in pets and 2 traveling onboard per flight.

d) You may take one single animal per carrier.

e) Do not have your pet undergo surgical procedures within 5 days before the flight.

Restrictions for special breeds

Brachycephalic breeds

For your pet’s safety, you cannot travel with an Onboard Pet or Checked-In Pet if your dog or cat belongs to the brachycephalic breed. These animals have the appearance of an excessively short snout, are flat-faced, and have a proportionally very wide head.

These types of breeds tend to have hereditary breathing problems and are at a higher risk of suffering heat strokes and respiratory disorders when they are exposed to stress or extreme heat.

Dogs not permitted: Affenpinscher, American Staffordshire Terrier, Boston Terrier Boxer, Bulldog, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles, Chihuahua (Apple Head), Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Griffon Bruxellois, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff, Pekingese, Pitbull, Presa Canario, Pug (all breeds), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Tibetan Spaniel, and Staffordshire Bull Terrier.

Cats not permitted: Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, and Persian.

Dangerous breeds

Dogs of breeds considered dangerous or aggressive may only travel as Checked-In Pets: Akita Inu, Doberman, Fila Brasileiro, Anatolian Sheppard, Rottweiler, Japanese Tosa.

Keep your pet well fed and hydrated

Feed and give water to your pet about four hours before the flight.

Have your pet get used to its cage

Allow your pet to get used to the cage days before traveling.

Carry a toy or garment

Put an object that is familiar to your pet in the cage so that it can travel more relaxed.

Keep the cage clean

Place absorbent material or sanitary stones in the cage.

Don't sedate your pet

Doing so may increase the risk of suffering cardiac or respiratory problems during the flight on some animals, in accordance with the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the norms of the International Air Transport Association (IATA).

How long beforehand should I arrive at the airport?

For domestic flights (Mexico), you must arrive at the airport at least two hours before your flight’s departure, and for international flights, at least three hours before.

The customer service advisor will verify the following documents.

Vaccination card and health certificates.
Pet travel form filled out with your details as well as your pet’s details.
Pay for the transportation of your pet if you didn't do so during the reservation.

Want to know more?

For more information about official provisions regarding traveling with pets, consult the following links:

Requirements by country of origin to enter Mexico

Review the SENASICA (National Department for Agro-Alimentary Health, Safety and Quality) requirements for importing animals into Mexico, depending on your country of origin and country of departure.
Senasica

Know the SAGARPA-SENASICA requirements for entering Mexico with pets (only dogs and cats).
Requirements for entering the United States

Consult the regulations of the United States government for entering with animals.