How to Travel with Pets on Aeromexico Flights – Pet Shipping Requirements and Tips

Your Guide to Traveling with Pets on Aeroméxico Flights

If you’re planning an international trip to Mexico with your furry companion in tow, it’s important to understand Aeroméxico’s pet transportation policies and requirements. In this article, I’ll cover everything you need to know to fly with your dog or cat on Aeroméxico, from regulations and paperwork to in-cabin vs cargo options. By the end, all your pet travel questions should be answered.

Requirements for Pet Travel

Let’s start with the basic paperwork needed to bring a pet on an Aeroméxico flight. All dogs and cats must:

1. Be at least 10 weeks old
2. Have an individual health certificate from a licensed vet issued within 10 days of travel
3. Have a vaccine record showing current rabies vaccination
4. Be microchipped or tattooed for identification
5. Have an international veterinary travel certificate or carnet with health details

It’s also a good idea to check destination country requirements, as they may have additional regulations. For Mexico, pets must enter through specific ports of entry only.

Pet Transportation Methods

Aeroméxico allows pets to travel either in-cabin with you or in the climate-controlled cargo hold. The better option depends on factors like your pet’s temperament, health, and flight length.

In-Cabin Travel

Dogs and cats under 22 lbs can fly in-cabin provided they remain in an IATA-approved hard-sided carrier that fits under the seat. From my experience, smaller lap dogs seem the most comfortable type of pet for cabin travel. Make sure to check if advance notice or fees apply.

Cargo Hold Travel

For larger pets or those not suitable for the cabin, the hold is a good alternative. However, there are limitations – pets must weigh under 100 lbs and be at least 10 weeks old. I’ve faced situations where anxious animal parents were worried about their pet in cargo, but the hold conditions are temperature controlled if your pet is accustomed to crates.

A note on timing – check-in for animals in cargo is usually earlier than for passengers to allow for intake processing. Late arrivals can risk your pet missing the flight.

Booking and Fees

When booking on aeromexico.com or through a travel agent, be sure to specify that you’re traveling with an animal. Advanced notice avoids issues at check-in. Most major agents can also help arrange any import/export documents.

Fees depend on pet size and transportation method. For cabins, fees start at around $75 USD each way. Cargo fees tend to be higher, ranging from $150-300 each way depending on pet weight.

It’s also wise to consider pet-boarding options at your destination in case unexpected delays or connections cause longer than planned separations. You don’t want to leave your pet unattended for too many hours if it’s not used to being crated that long.

Preparing Your Pet for Travel

To ease any travel stress, acclimate your pet to its carrier well before the trip. Feed/water it in there, give treats, and work up to multi-hour confinement periods. A familiar toy or blanket can also provide comfort. On the day, keep your pet comfortable, secure it in the carrier, and check airline rules for items allowed on board like food/water bowls.

From my experience as a pet owner, it’s natural to worry! But with ample planning and by following guidelines, your furry friend should have a safe, stress-free flight on Aeroméxico. Always have backup plans in case of delays, and try to keep your own anxieties in check so they don’t transfer to your pet. Safe travels to you and your four-legged companion!

Aeroméxico Pet Travel Requirements

Pet Type	Crate Requirements	Health Certificate	Proof of Vaccination
Dogs	Escaped-proof hard-sided kennel	Issued 10 days before travel	Rabies, DHLPP within last 12 months
Cats	Escaped-proof hard-sided kennel	Issued 10 days before travel	Rabies within last 12 months
Ferrets, Rabbits, etc.	Appropriately sized escaped-proof cage	Issued 10 days before travel	Rabies within last 12 months
Livestock	Accompanied in cargo hold	Government form within 14 days	Current on all vaccines

FAQ

1. Can I bring my dog on an Aeromexico flight?

   Aeromexico allows fully grown dogs and cats in the cabin or cargo hold basically. But you’ll need to check if there are any restrictions for your destination country. You’ll also need to show vaccination records and have the pet secured in a carrier under the seat.

2. What documents do I need for my pet?

   For an Aeromexico pet flight, you’ll need a certificate from a vet stating that your animal has had all its shots within the past year. The vet must also say that the pet seems healthy enough to travel. You’ll also need to show ID for yourself and your animal. Some places might need additional tests, too, so check the rules for everywhere you’re going.

3. Is my pet allowed in the cabin?

   Aeromexico has size and weight restrictions for pets in the cabin. Dogs and cats must be able to sit at your feet underneath the seat in front of you without sticking out. And they cannot be over 22 pounds. Kind of a bummer if you have a big ol’ pup! Animals in carriers also go in this weight limit. Maybe consider sticking Fido in cargo if he’s too tubby for the cabin.

4. What if my pet gets anxious flying?

   While flying can seem alarming to pets, there are things you can do to help keep them calm on the Aeromexico flight. Ask your vet about anti-anxiety meds beforehand. Bring along some familiar toys or treats. Play calming music or white noise on your phone. At the same time, don’t pamper too much during takeoff and landing when they need to just chill. With patience, most pets adjust to plane travel better than you might expect!

   

5. Is it safe to transport animals cargo?

   Aeromexico’s cargo area for pets is climate-controlled and specially designed for animal transport. However, some folks wonder if it’s as safe as the cabin. On the one hand, animals can’t roam free down below and the temps stay even, making stress and injury less likely. On the other hand, there’s less direct supervision. As long as pets fly in proper carriers meeting size rules, and animals only tolerate cabins, risks appear low. You must weigh safety versus your pet’s comfort for the right choice.

6. What if my pet gets lost during a connection?

   Despite best efforts, on rare occasions pets have been misplaced between flights. Aeromexico assures they make finding lost animals top priority. Staff will attempt to quickly locate your pet and keep you informed of the search. If not found right away, the airline may provide funds or transport replacements to your destination. They’ve apparently got a pretty good record, but it’s still a worrying possibility no pet owner wants to experience. Having your pet microchipped helps greatly in these types of situations.

7. How much does it cost to bring a pet on Aeromexico?

   Fees for transporting pets on Aeromexico flights vary depending on the animal’s size and where you’re headed. There’s usually a charge per kilograms of the pet plus an administrative cost. For example, taking a smaller dog within Mexico could be around $100 each way. International flights pump the cost up more, possibly surpassing $300 roundtrip. But is it worth it compared to kenneling your furry friend for your whole vacation? You’ll need to do the math based on your pet and travel plans.