Aeromexico’s Pet Travel Policy: A Comprehensive Guide
Whether you’re looking to join your furry friend on vacation or need to transport your pet, understanding an airline’s pet policies is crucial. In this article, we’ll provide a detailed overview of Aeromexico’s rules and restrictions for traveling with pets in the cabin.
Eligible Pet Types
Aeromexico allows both cats and dogs to fly in the cabin, provided they meet certain size and health requirements. Other pet types like birds, reptiles, rodents and pigs are not permitted in the cabin and must be checked as cargo instead. From my experience traveling internationally with pets, sticking to the standard cat and dog options makes the process much smoother.
Size Restrictions
Pets must be able to sit comfortably in a pet carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of you. For Aeromexico, the maximum size allowed is
- Dogs: Maximum length of 20 inches including the snout when sitting in the pet carrier.
- Cats: Maximum length of 9 inches including the tail when sitting in the pet carrier.
I’ve found these size caps can be tight, so be sure to measure your pet against the allowances. A pet carrier that’s too big risks being denied at check-in.
Health Certificates & Documents
All pets flying in the cabin need a valid veterinary health certificate. The certificate must be issued within 10 days of your travel dates and show the pet is fit to travel. Rabies vaccination records should also be included if traveling internationally. At the same time, ensure any vaccination records meet the entry requirements of your destination country too.
I once made the mistake of arriving at the airport without the certificate, forcing an expensive last-minute vet visit. It pays to be prepared with all paperwork in order well before your trip.
Cabin Bag Fees
Unlike most carriers, Aeromexico does not charge any additional fees just for bringing a pet into the cabin. However, be aware that your pet and its carrier will count as one of your carry-on bags. For international flights, Aeromexico allows only one carry-on bag per passenger at a maximum of 10kg.
While free of direct pet charges, cramming Fido and all your personal items into one bag can be tight. I’ve found it’s worth paying for a second carry-on to have ample room for everyone or checking a bag instead. Just watch out for potential excess baggage charges.
In-Cabin Behavior Requirements
To maintain a pleasant flying experience for all, Aeromexico enforces some basic rules on pet behavior:
- Pets must remain in their carrier under the seat or on your lap for the entire flight.
- No pets in bulkhead rows or emergency exit rows due to limited legroom.
- Carriers cannot impede the aisle or other passengers’ movement.
- Pets cannot be disruptive by barking, crying or posing a health risk.
As you can imagine from flying with pets myself, these standards help minimize disturbances. Yet nerves on long-haul flights can cause any animal to act out. I always carry spare toys, treats and bags just in case.
Booking Procedures
When booking your Aeromexico ticket, be sure to declare any travel pets. Once reserved, you will receive a Pet Travel Declaration Form to fill out with specifics like the pet’s details, health certificates and owner’s contact info. Have this completed and take a printed copy to the airport.
I made an embarrassing mistake of forgetting my form at check-in once and had to redo it from scratch on a small kiosk. The agents were not pleased with my disorganization. Planning ahead smooths the whole pet transport process tremendously.
Check-In Procedures
Arrive at least 2-3 hours before your scheduled departure at the airport check-in counter marked “Pets.” Be prepared to show your health certificate, ID, itinerary and completed Pet Declaration Form for each pet. Aeromexico staff will verify paperwork and review pet carriers for eligibility before issuing your boarding passes.
Navigating international airports with an animal is never simple. I always block out extra time in case of lines or issues. Having documents neatly organized and carrier ready to be inspected makes the process go much quicker when under pressure.
Restrictions by Route
A few Aeromexico routes have different or additional stipulations on traveling with pets:
- Flights to/from the United States allow a maximum of 6 pets per flight in the cabin.
- Service animals like guide dogs may accompany passengers irrespective of other pet rules.
- Travel to Mexico, Central/South America has no special restrictions beyond the above.
- However, looking at your destination’s import rules is still vital before departing with pets.
International regulations can vary drastically by country. When flying to places like Asia or the Middle East, for example, cargo transport may be the sole option. Thorough research avoids any problems down the line.
In conclusion, while not the simplest process, traveling with pets on Aeromexico is very doable if you allocate time to understand their rules, prepare paperwork and ensure your furry companion meets eligibility. Good planning and flexibility are key for getting Fido to nana’s house without a hitch. Still have other pet travel questions? Feel free to ask in the comments section below.
Aeromexico Pet in Cabin Policy
Pet Type | Weight Limit | Cabin Size Required | Crate Required? | Fees |
---|---|---|---|---|
Cats | 7 lbs | Under-seat carrier | Yes | $75 USD each way |
Dogs | 15 lbs | Under-seat carrier | Yes | $150 USD each way |
Snakes | 2 lbs | Secured in transparent container | No | $75 USD each way |
Rodents | 2 lbs | Secured in transparent container | No | $75 USD each way |
Birds | 0.5 lbs | Secured in transparent carrier | No | $75 USD each way |
Reptiles | 2 lbs | Secured in transparent container | No | $75 USD each way |
FAQ
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Can I bring my pet in the cabin on Aeromexico flights?
Basically, Aeromexico allows most cats and dogs to fly in the cabin as long as they meet certain requirements. Your pet basically needs to be able to fit in an approved pet carrier that can go under the seat in front of you. The carrier can’t be any bigger than 18 inches high by 14 inches wide by 8 inches deep. Aeromexico seems to have a limit of one pet carrier per passenger.
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What paperwork do I need for my pet to fly in the cabin?
You’ll need to show proof that your pet has an up-to-date veterinary wellness exam and the necessary vaccinations. Aeromexico requires a health certificate issued by a vet within 10 days of your outbound flight. Your pet’s documents also need to prove things like rabies and parvo vaccinations. Basically, make sure you have all the proper paperwork or your pet might not be able to board the plane with you in the cabin.
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Are there any restricted pet breeds allowed in the cabin?
So Aeromexico basically follows IATA’s policies, which are that pit bulls or mix breeds with any pit bull ancestry can only be transported as cargo, not in the cabin. Some other restricted breeds include things like the bullmastiff, doberman pinscher, rottweiler, wolf hybrids, and others. However, it seems most domestic purebred or mixed dogs and cats are fine as long as they meet the size and vaccination rules. But it’s best to check Aeromexico’s prohibited breeds list just to be sure.
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Is there a weight limit for pets flying in cabin?
Yes, there kind of is a weight limit for pets in the cabin. Aeromexico states that pets must weigh no more than about 20 pounds each to be allowed in the cabin with their owner. Heavier dogs and cats over 20 pounds sadly can’t fly with you inside the main cabin and basically have to be transported as cargo instead. So that’s the weight cutoff you need to watch out for if planning to bring Fluffy or Rex along.
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Do I have to pay a fee for my pet to travel in the cabin?
Yup, bringing a pet into the main cabin with you is not a free service. Aeromexico charges an extra pet transportation fee per flight segment when traveling with animals in the cabin. From what I could see online, the cost seems to be around $100 each way. So having your dog or cat join you basically means shelling out an additional few hundred bucks total. I guess that’s the price you gotta pony up if you want furry companionship at 35,000 feet!
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Can I request an emergency exit row seat with a pet in cabin?
I would say probably not a great idea to ask for that exit row. From what I’ve heard, some airlines won’t allow pets in those rows as it could interfere with opening an exit door in an emergency. Safest bet is to stick to regular aisle or window seats when flying Aeromexico with your pet. No sense risking any issues, right? Better to just follow the basic pet transportation rules and hope for calm air for Fido.
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What happens if my pet misbehaves or causes problems during the flight?
If that furry tornado in your lap decides to cause mayhem like barking crazily or trying to escape their carrier, Aeromexico basically reserves the right to refuse transporting them in the cabin for the rest of the journey. Either the pet owner would have to find space for them in cargo, or possibly face getting booted from the flight entirely! So the moral is, trained your pet well, keep them properly contained and quiet during takeoff/landing, and you hopefully won’t have any issues. But animals will be animals, so who knows? I guess that’s part of the fun/risk when flying with pets!
Overall, Aeromexico seems pretty pet-friendly for flying in the cabin as long as dogs and cats meet certain size/vaccine rules. The fees aren’t too bad either compared to other airlines. But remember pets are unpredictable, so be prepared for surprises! Maybe print out the airline’s pet travel policies just in case, or call Aeromexico customer support in advance if you have any doubts. Safe flying to all the pet parents and their fur babies out there! Let me know if you need any other travel tips.