For plenty of South Africans, a holiday doesn’t quite feel complete if the family dog or cat is left behind. While a weekend road trip is usually easy enough to plan around your pet, hopping on a plane is a different story altogether.
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Luckily, flying with pets in South Africa is possible. The catch is that every airline has its own rules, and not all furry passengers are treated equally. While one airline lets small dogs curl up beneath the seat in front of you, others require pets to travel safely in the aircraft’s pressurised cargo hold.
If you’re planning a move, a long holiday or simply can’t imagine travelling without your four-legged sidekick, here’s what you need to know before booking your ticket.
Can pets fly in the cabin?
Unlike many overseas airlines, most South African carriers don’t allow pets to travel inside the passenger cabin. There are, however, a couple of exceptions for small dogs and cats, provided they meet strict weight and carrier requirements.
Here’s how the country’s major airlines compare.
LIFT
If your dog is on the smaller side, LIFT is one of the best options. The airline offers designated pet-friendly flights where small dogs can travel in the cabin alongside their owners instead of in the cargo hold.
There are a few conditions, though. The dog and its carrier may weigh no more than 7kg combined, and the carrier must fit comfortably beneath the seat in front of you. Dogs need to remain inside the carrier for the duration of the flight, and bookings should be made well in advance as only a limited number of pets are allowed on each pet-friendly flight.
At the moment, the service is limited to dogs. Cats aren’t permitted in the cabin.
CemAir
CemAir also allows small domestic cats and dogs to travel in the cabin on selected flights, provided they are booked in advance and transported in an approved carrier.
Larger pets travel in the aircraft hold, and availability for cabin pets is limited, so it’s worth checking with the airline before finalising your booking.
Airlink
If you’re flying with Airlink, your pet won’t be sitting at your feet. Instead, domestic cats and dogs travel in the aircraft’s climate-controlled, pressurised cargo hold in an approved travel crate.
While this might sound daunting to first-time pet owners, it’s worth remembering that thousands of animals fly safely this way every year. Airlink requires bookings to be made in advance, and your pet’s vaccination records should be readily available.
FlySafair
FlySafair transports pets through its partnership with BidAir Cargo PetLounge. Rather than checking your pet in at the passenger terminal, you’ll drop them off at PetLounge before departure, where trained staff prepare animals for their flight.
Cats and dogs travel in approved crates in the aircraft hold, and owners are advised to arrive earlier than usual to complete the necessary paperwork.
South African Airways (SAA)
South African Airways also transports pets, although not in the passenger cabin. Animals travel as manifested cargo, with specific documentation depending on whether you’re travelling domestically or internationally.
If you’re flying overseas, it’s also worth checking the import regulations of your destination country well in advance, as some require veterinary certificates, microchips or quarantine periods.
How to make flying easier for your pet
Flying can be unfamiliar and overwhelming for animals, but a little preparation goes a long way.
Let the carrier become familiar
One of the biggest mistakes owners make is taking out the travel crate only on the day of departure. Instead, leave it open around the house a few weeks beforehand, placing treats, blankets or favourite toys inside so your pet starts to associate it with comfort rather than stress.
Book a vet visit before you fly
A quick health check can identify any issues that may make flying unsafe. It’s also the perfect opportunity to ensure vaccinations are up to date and to discuss any concerns about anxious pets.
Choose the correct crate
If your pet is travelling in the cargo hold, the travel crate must comply with International Air Transport Association (IATA) standards. Your pet should be able to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably without touching the top of the crate.
Don’t overfeed before the flight
A light meal several hours before departure is usually recommended. Travelling on a full stomach can increase the risk of nausea, although fresh water should always be available before check-in.
Label the crate properly
Securely attach your contact details, destination address and emergency phone number to the crate. A recent photograph of your pet can also be useful should airline staff ever need to identify them.
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