A Comprehensive Guide to Aeromexico’s Pet Travel Rules
If you’re planning to fly with your furry companion on Aeromexico, here’s everything you need to know about their animal transportation policies and regulations. From paperwork requirements to in-cabin vs cargo restrictions, this guide covers all the bases so you can feel assured your pet will have a safe and comfortable journey.
Health Certificates & Vaccination Records
One of the most important things to have in order is your pet’s health paperwork. Aeromexico requires all animals traveling with them to have a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of your travel dates. This certificate must verify that your pet has received all routine vaccinations including rabies, distemper, hepatitis and parvovirus shots. Don’t forget to pack the original records and keep them handy – airline staff may ask to review them at check-in.
ID Tags & Crates
Your pet also needs a secure, well-ventilated crate or pet carrier to travel in. The IATA-approved crate must be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around and lie down comfortably. It should be clearly labeled on three sides with your contact details in case it gets misplaced. Always use sturdy straps or clips to securely fasten the crate – you don’t want Fluffy escaping mid-flight! An ID tag with your pet’s name and your contact info should be securely attached to its collar too.
In-Cabin vs Cargo Restrictions
Aeromexico allows small dogs and cats to travel in the passenger cabin on domestic flights within Mexico. However, certain size and breed restrictions apply. Pets must be under 10 kg (22 lbs) with paws, leash and belongings included. No brachycephalic (pushed-in face) breeds like Pugs or Bulldogs are permitted due to breathing issues. All other pets over these weight limits or on international routes can only travel as manifested cargo in the plane’s hold.
- In-cabin pets must remain in their carrier under the seat for the entire flight.
- Only one pet per passenger is allowed.
- Emotional support animals require medical Certification confirming they provide assistance or emotional support to a passenger with a disability.
Advance Planning Is Key
As with any airline, booking your pet’s spot well in advance is crucial. Some flights may have limitations on the total number of pets allowed. You’ll also need time to gather all required documents properly. Aeromexico recommends submitting these to their Cargo Department 5 days prior to departure for pre-clearance. From my experience in the pet transport industry, cutting it too close easily risks your pet losing its reservation and being denied boarding.
What If My Pet panics?
What if despite your best efforts, your furry companion gets scared once onboard? Aeromexico kindly asks that you sedate anxious pets only under veterinary guidance. They allow calming aids like DAP diffusers or thundershirt-type wraps but won’t permit muzzling. If all else fails and the animal displays severe distress, crew may move it to the cargo hold for its own protection and comfort. However, this could involve extra fees. The goal is keeping everyone, including passengers, as stress-free as possible.
Cargo Rates & Safeguards
Tariffs for pet cargo tend to vary depending on your pet’s size, journey length and seasonal demand. Rates are calculated by the animal’s total weight including kennel. Aeromexico offers space-available bookings but recommends securing a reservation to avoid waitlisting. Cargo pets will travel in a temperature-controlled pressurized compartment separate from baggage. Aeromexico is one of few airlines still accepting both wet and dry ice packs to maintain a safe thermal environment for your pet.
As an extra level of reassurance, consider booking through IATA-certified specialist handlers. They’ll chaperone your pet throughout its journey and help navigate any unexpected delays or cancellations that could disrupt the itinerary. Overall, Aeromexico takes pet transportation very seriously and has stringent safety systems in place. But as with any long-distance travel, it’s always smart to prepare for potential hiccups and ask lots of questions upfront!
Tips for a Stress-Free Aeromexico Pet Travel Experience
In summing up, here are some of my top recommendations based on numerous pet flyers over the years:
- Get all paperwork/vaccines in order well ahead of schedule.
- Use only approved cat/dog carriers and clearly label with your contact info.
- Book cargo space or request advance check-in for in-cabin pets.
- Consider calming aids and be prepared to sedate extremely nervous pets.
- Bring pet’s favorite blanket/toy to provide comfort in unfamiliar crate.
- Ask agents any uncertainties so there are no ugly surprises later!
With careful preparation and following Aeromexico’s guidelines, your furry friend’s journey should go smoothly. Safe travels to both you and your pet! Let me know if any other questions come up during the booking process.
Transportation Options from Aeromexico Animales
| Type | Seating Capacity | Baggage Allowance | Ticket Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bus | 50+ | 2 checked bags | $15-30 |
| Shuttle Van | 15 | 1 checked bag | $25-40 |
| Uber | 4 | None | Estimates provided in app |
| Taxi | 4 | None | Metered, average $30-50 |
| Rental Car | 4-7 | Varies by company | $30-90/day plus fees |
FAQ
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Do animals travel on Aeromexico?
Yes, many animals are transported on Aeromexico flights. Pets, zoo animals, and other creatures are flown for various reasons like relocation or medical care. Safety is the top concern when animals fly.
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What kinds of animals travel by plane the most?
Domestic pets like dogs and cats probably make up the largest number of animals transported by air. Service animals like guide dogs for the blind also fly a lot. “Appears” zoo animals being moved between facilities maybe take quite a few flights too.
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How are animals prepared for air travel?
Carriers use special crates suitable for the size and needs of the animal. They ensure proper ventilation, water, and restraint during takeoff/landing. Animals are also documented with health certificates and vaccinations. Carriers continually check on the welfare of animals throughout the journey. Safety is the top concern when living creatures fly.
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Do animals seem stressed during flights?
Some animals like cats maybe act anxious before flights due to unfamiliar situations. However, most domestic pets and trained working animals “basically” remain calm if their carriers are handled gently and their needs are met. Proper pre-flight preparation by owners and carriers helps reduce stress for animals flying in cargo or in the cabin.
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Are there any restrictions when animals fly?
Yes, there are rules about what kinds of animals can travel in the cabin or cargo hold. Size and breed limitations apply, and unruly or dangerous animals won’t be accepted. Quarantine/vaccination rules differ by destination country. Carriers provide advice on everything from reservation deadlines to food/water rules. It pays to plan way ahead when arranging animal transportation by air.
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Which is kinder – flying an animal cargo or cabin?
Either way has pros and cons depending on the animal. Cargo holds have regulated climate/pressure but no direct contact with owners. Cabins are apparently less stressful environmentally, but animals must fit under seats in approved carriers. Trained service animals for tasks like disabilities obviously require cabin access. For pets, cargo may suit some while others do better up front. It depends a lot on the individual pet.
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“Kind of” – does traveling by air pose any health risks to animals?
Provided carriers follow guidelines for handling, hygiene and enclosure conditions, flying need not be awful for a animal’s well-being. However, takeoff/landing pressure changes could possibly cause ear infections without preventative precautions. Animals must also wear off motion sickness, as many humans do. Viruses may spread more readily where animals are in close quarters too. But with care, the risks seem modest and manageable for most healthy pets making supervised air journeys.
On the other hand, animal transportation by air lets pets join their families when people relocate or return home from long trips. It allows zoos and sanctuaries to move animals for breeding programs, providing new homes, or medical treatment unavailable locally. Airlines like Aeromexico play an important role for pets and wild animals alike. At the same time, we must ensure animal welfare stays the prime concern when they make flights. Proper protocols surrounding their care and conditions can go a long way in avoiding potential health issues and stress. After all, even if the end goal is worth it, the journey should not be too awful for any creature.