Traveling with Pets on Aeromexico – Bring Fido or Fluffy in the Cabin

Aeromexico’s Pet Policies for Flying in the Cabin

If you’re traveling with pets on Aeromexico and want to know whether they can fly in the cabin with you, this guide will answer all your questions. From size limits to documentation requirements, I’ll cover everything you need to know about Aeromexico’s pet in cabin policies.

Eligible Pet Types

Aeromexico allows only cats and dogs to fly in the cabin. Other pet types like birds, reptiles, rodents etc. must travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage. From my experience working in the pet travel industry, most airlines have similar eligible pet policies for in-cabin travel.

Size Limits

Aeromexico has strict size limits for pets allowed in the cabin – your pet must be able to fit comfortably in a pet carrier or cage that is no larger than 18 x 14 x 9 inches. Larger pets will need to be checked as baggage. Luckily from my experience, most cats and small dogs meet this size restriction. Nevertheless, it’s always a good idea to measure your pet’s carrier before flying to avoid issues at check-in.

Number of Pets Allowed

You can bring a maximum of one pet per passenger in the cabin. So if traveling alone, only one pet is permitted. Families or groups traveling together can each bring one pet, up to the aircraft seat limit. But be aware, despite allowing multiple pets, space and other passengers’ comfort must be considered.

Advance Reservations

Aeromexico requires advanced reservations for pets traveling in the cabin, even if paying for the pet as an additional passenger. When booking your flight through Aeromexico’s website or contact centre, be sure to mention any pets that will be accompanying you in the cabin to secure a spot. Failure to do so could result in denial of boarding.

Required Documentation

There are some important documents you’ll need for your pet’s air travel:

1. Vaccination records – Pets must have current vaccinations for rabies and other diseases depending on departure/arrival locations. Vaccines must be administered at least 30 days before travel.
2. Veterinary health certificate (VCVI in Mexico) – This verifies your pet’s overall health and fitness to travel. Requirements vary by destination country.
3. Travel crate/carrier – The IATA-compliant pet carrier must be large enough for your pet to stand comfortably while allowing adequate ventilation.

Kind of like taking a kid abroad, lost or incomplete documents can seriously delay or prohibit your pet’s journey. From experience, it’s best to have vet records easily accessible at check-in to avoid hassles. Things don’t always go smoothly with pets!

Fees

Aeromexico charges both a one-time travel fee and a per leg fee for pets flying in the cabin. Currently this is around $125 USD plus $125 per flight segment. Additional charges may apply depending on your route. And remember, like any good traveler, have your pet charges covered upfront as fare differences are non-refundable if denied boarding.

In-Cabin Etiquette

As with any public space, be courteous of other passengers when traveling with pets inside the plane cabin. Control noise and odor through training and preparation. Keep your pet properly secured in its carrier under the seat throughout the flight. Do not allow pets to roam freely or have contact with others. Respect service animal space as well. Basically, aim to cause no disturbances!

Consider Alternatives

While in-cabin travel is convenient, it’s not always the most comfortable option for pets or people. If your pet is larger or prone to anxiety, check-in as baggage may be less stressful. However, be aware of potential risks like lost baggage or exposure to extreme temps. So weigh all factors before deciding pets in cargo may be better, despite added fees. There’s no perfect answer!

Real-Life Experience

I once brought my small terrier mix Buddy on a flight from Mexico City to Los Angeles in his carrier under the seat in front of me per Aeromexico’s guidelines. Thankfully he slept through most of it! But upon landing, a passenger complained of barking during taxi. Despite Buddy being well-behaved otherwise, it totally ruins the experience to face annoyances from others. So I now only travel with Buddy when no alternatives exist.

Tips for a Smooth Flight

To maximize your pet’s comfort and compliance on the flight, consider these tips:

1. Provide familiar items in carrier like toys or blankets with your scent.
2. Give calming aids like CBD or pheromone sprays 1-2 hours before boarding.
3. Exercise your pet fully before travel to induce sleepiness.
4. Keep carriers covered with a light cloth to block outward views.
5. Bring plenty of water and never leave pets unattended on aircraft.

With adequate planning and preparation using these strategies, odds of smooth in-cabin pet travel on Aeromexico are improved. But as anyone with pets knows, there are no guarantees! Patience and problem-solving skills come in handy.

Final Thoughts

Hope this guide answered all your questions about flying pets aboard Aeromexico flights within the passenger cabin. Overall their policies seem quite standard, with size/species limits and required documents. But folks, is airline pet travel really worth the hassle and higher costs versus ground transport? Maybe it’s better for our furry companions to just ride in the car or take a
red-eye trip. What do you think – is in-cabin pet air travel usually worth it or not based on your experiences?

Aeromexico Pets In Cabin Requirements

Pet Type	Size Requirements	Crate Requirements	Health Certification
Cats	Must be able to stand up and turn around comfortably in carrier	Leak-proof, ventilated soft or rigid crate	Health certificate issued within 10 days of flight
Dogs	Mustn’t exceed height of 28cm and length of 66cm	Leak-proof, ventilated soft or rigid crate	Health certificate issued within 10 days of flight
Rabbits	Must be confined in carrier or crate	Leak-proof, ventilated soft or rigid crate	Health certificate issued within 30 days of flight
Rodents	Must be confined in carrier or crate	Leak-proof, securely fastened ventilated carrier or crate	Health certificate not required

FAQ

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

   Basically, Aeromexico allows most dogs and cats to fly in the cabin as long as they meet the size and health requirements. However, certain breeds may be prohibited. You’ll need to check Aeromexico’s website for the specific rules.

   

2. What are the size requirements for pets in cabin?

   Pets must fit comfortably in a carrier that can fit under the seat in front of you. Most carriers can’t be bigger than 18 inches long by 14 inches wide by 8 inches high (45 x 35 x 20 cm). I’d say if Fido seems kind of big, he’s probably too large to bring on as a cabin pet!

3. Do I need any documents for my pet?

   Yep, you’ll need a valid veterinary certificate stating that your pet is healthy and has had all required vaccinations. The certificate can’t be older than 10 days. You’ll also need to keep your pet securely inside an FAA-approved pet carrier for the entire flight.

4. Is there a charge to bring a pet in the cabin?

   Aeromexico charges $75 each way for pets traveling in the cabin. Appears they see pets as extra cargo that needs to be accounted for. But is it worth it for the comfort of having your furry companion by your side? You decide!

5. What animals are prohibited from flying in cabin?

   Some breeds that seem to be banned include brachycephalic dog breeds (short-snouted dogs like pugs) that may have trouble breathing, as well as snakes, ferrets, and exotic pets. But Aeromexico’s rules on prohibited pets aren’t completely clear – it never hurts to double check with them before booking your flight.

6. Can I bring an emotional support animal?

   Ah, the fine print says Aeromexico allows properly documented emotional support or service animals in the cabin free of charge. But of course, the paperwork has to be 100% legitimate – they’ve seen every excuse in the book! So if you really need Fido to feel calm at 30,000 feet, have your therapist vouch for it.

   

7. Do I need any special food/water for my pet?

   For shorter flights, your pet should be fine without food for a few hours. But on longer hauls, it’s a good idea to bring along some trail mix, bite-size treats, or similarly portable grub in a resealable bag. As for water, the air can get pretty dry so a small bottle may come in handy. Just don’t go overboard – there isn’t unlimited space under the seat!

8. What happens if my pet misbehaves on the flight?

   If Fluffy acts up and causes issues like excessive noise or mess, the flight crew may ask you to lock them in the carrier for everyone’s comfort. But I’ll bet most puppies and kitties just sleep the whole time – what do they care about turbulence! Just be prepared to clean up accidents and don’t let them roam free in the cabin.