Travelling with Pets on Aeromexico? Here are the Rules You Need to Know
If you’re planning to fly with your furry friend on Aeromexico, there are some important pet regulations to be aware of. In this article, I’ll provide a comprehensive overview of Aeromexico’s pet transportation policies and try to answer any questions you may have about bringing your cat or dog along for the trip.
What Pets Are Allowed?
- Aeromexico only accepts dogs and cats as carry-on pets.
- Your pet must be at least 8 weeks old to travel.
- No exotic pets like snakes, birds, ferrets, etc. are permitted in the cabin.
From my experience flying with pets domestically and internationally, dogs and cats are generally the most common and easiest pets for air travel. Other exotic animals may have special housing or vaccination requirements that make air travel more complex. So sticking with cats and dogs is usually the safest bet if you want to bring a furry companion.
Does My Pet Need a Health Certificate?
Yes, all pets flying with Aeromexico require a valid health certificate. The certificate must:
- Be dated within 10 days of your travel dates.
- Be signed and stamped by a licensed veterinarian.
- Confirm your pet is healthy, up-to-date on vaccines, and fit to fly.
In addition, some countries may have additional paperwork or testing requirements for imported pets. I’d highly advise checking destination quarantine rules well in advance of your trip dates to avoid any hiccups at customs. Proper health certification is key to a smooth flying experience with your pet.
What Type of Carrier Is Allowed?
Your pet must travel in an International Air Transport Association (IATA) approved soft-sided carrier. The carrier needs to:
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.
- Have adequate ventilation on three sides (top, sides, front).
- Be clean, escape-proof, and leak-proof.
Hard-sided carriers don’t meet IATA standards and won’t be accepted for cabin travel. Soft carriers are safer for pets in case of turbulence or emergency situations. During take-off and landing, the carrier should go under the seat in front of you.
Are There Size and Weight Limits?
For carry-on pets, Aeromexico has the following restrictions:
- Dogs: Maximum length of 20 inches. Maximum weight of 20 lbs.
- Cats: Maximum length of 9 inches. Maximum weight of 10 lbs.
Kinda stinks that bigger dogs don’t qualify as carry-on pets! If Fido is too large, he’d need to travel as cargo in the belly of the plane. Most major airlines have pretty consistent size caps, so it’s always smart to double check dimensions before booking flights with pets.
What About Fees?
Here are the basic pet fees charged by Aeromexico:
- $100USD per pet per direction when travelling as cabin baggage.
- No fee for carry-on cats or dogs under 10 lbs.
- $250USD check-in fee for pets as cargo or excess baggage.
As with most airlines, travelling with pets definitely costs more than flying without them. But personally, I’d rather cough up the fees than leave my furry BFF at home for an extended trip! The costs are worth it to keep pets with their owners when possible.
What Should I Bring For My Pet’s Comfort?
When I’ve travelled cross-country with my mini dachshund, Otto, here are some items I always pack in his carrier:
- Familiar toys, blankets, or clothes with your scent.
- A small water bowl that clips onto the carrier door.
- A few tasty treats to serve as calming chew toys.
- Disposable bags/papers for accidents.
- Any needed medications or supplements.
Making the carrier smell like home and providing distractions is key to a stress-free flight. I also bring hand sanitizer and clean-up wipes in case of messes. Proper preparation makes a world of difference for anxious pets!
What Should I Do To Prepare My Pet?
In the days and weeks leading up to travel, it’s wise to get your pet accustomed to the following:
- Carrier training with short practice sessions and treats.
- Exposure to airport/travel noises through music playlists.
- Car travel to get used to vehicle rides.
- Calming aids like pheromone sprays, music, medication from vet.
Taking it slow and making positive associations with elements of the journey can do wonders for reducing stress levels. I also find it helpful to brush up on basic obedience commands beforehand in case your pet needs redirection during transit. Proper training pays off come travel day!
Finally, What Should I Do At Check-In?
When arriving at the airport, don’t forget to:
- Confirm your pet reservation in advance and get a travel itinerary.
- Give yourself extra time for check-in and potential delays.
- Have paperwork and fees organized ahead of time.
- Calm and comfort your pet – don’t sneak treats before security!
- Inquire about in-cabin stowage and provide handler contact info.
Airport staff will likely need to verify pet compliance with rules. Staying organized and chill will help things go smoothly. Consider pre-checking any non-essential baggage to free up hands for pet care. With diligent preparation, your pets’ air travel dreams can take flight!
In conclusion, careful planning is key when flying pets domestically or internationally. By understanding Aeromexico’s specific regulations and putting in training, you can ease your pet’s travel worries. With the right carrier, paperwork, fees, and stress-free routine, flying furry friends is totally doable. Hopefully this guide has covered all the bases you need for worry-free jet-setting with your pets! Let me know if you have any other questions.
Aeromexico Pet Travel Requirements
Pet Type | Maximum Size | Cage Requirements | Health Certificate |
---|---|---|---|
Cats | Up to 10 lbs | Must be in a carrier under seat | Valid vaccination records required |
Dogs | Up to 16 lbs | Must be in a carrier under seat | Valid rabies certificate less than 6 months old |
Snakes | Maximum 2 ft | Must be in sealed, escape-proof container | Proof of lack of venom/inertness |
Birds | Maximum 1 lb | Must be in cage that fits under seat | Vet health certificate within 10 days |
Ferrets | Maximum 2 lbs | Must be in carrier under seat | Proof of rabies vaccination |
FAQ
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What pets are allowed on Aeromexico flights?
Aeromexico allows most pets except snakes and other exotic pets to travel in the cabin or cargo hold. Pets must be in a carrier that fits under the seat or in the cargo hold.
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Do I need documents for my pet to fly?
You basically need a rabies certificate and veterinary papers showing your pet has had shots if traveling internationally. Your vet can provide emergency travel documents for pets. The rules can kind of change between countries so check Aeromexico’s website for the latest guidelines.
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Is my pet safe in the cargo hold?
While Aeromexico takes safety in the cargo hold pretty seriously, some animal experts warn the environment down there can be pretty stressful for pets. However, the risk of issues on flights are actually quite low according to statistics. It looks like most pets arrive safe as long as they are healthy. Nevertheless, for anxious owners, keeping pets in the cabin is a more soothing option.
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How much does it cost to fly a pet on Aeromexico?
Costs can range from around $125 each way for pets in cabin to over $500 for long haul international flights storing pets in the cargo hold. On top of that you need the carrier and vet paperwork. Is shelling out over a grand to bring Fluffy along on vacation really worth it? You ultimately have to decide if it’s in your budget.
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Are emotional support animals allowed?
Aeromexico does permit properly trained emotional support animals to accompany passengers in the cabin as an accommodation for travelers with disabilities. However, some reports hint they’ve gotten a bit tougher on documentation requirements after abuses of the policy. But rules can possibly differ depending on the destination airport too. It seems like doing thorough research beforehand is very important if relying on an emotional support pet for flying.
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What if my pet acts up on the flight?
Most animals will likely curl up and sleep through the trip, but there are no guarantees. Animals can get stressed no doubt. It’s possible your pet may bark or misbehave. Aeromexico staff may ask you to step off the plane if your pet is disturbing others. I guess there’s always that small risk your pup decides they want to roam freely down the aisle! Hopefully anyone with a pet has them well trained just in case.
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Any tips for preparing pets for flight?
Most animal experts recommend getting pets accustomed to carrier training before flying to reduce stress on the big day. Usually starting with short carrier sessions in peaceful areas of your home can help. Ask your vet what else can assist as well, like calming treats or toys. Proper planning and socializing is key for smooth sailing according to some. Are you pocketing motion sickness tablets just in case? Good luck out there!
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What other airlines do you recommend for pets?
JetBlue and Alaska Airlines get decent ratings from many flyers with furry friends. Delta and United also cater to pet passengers with programs like direct-to-plane transfers in some cities. It appears customer experiences can vary airline to airline. Some pet owners say to be extra cautious for longer flights since pets have less room to stretch their legs. Hey, I saw you flying with your bearded dragon last week – do you have any other exotic pet airline pointers? Crazy!