Asiana Airlines Pet Policy: Complete Travel Guide

Traveling with pets requires careful preparation, but choosing the right carrier can make the process smooth and stress-free. Asiana Airlines stands out as a highly accommodating option for pet owners, especially compared to other carriers operating in the region.

What is the Asiana Airlines pet policy overview?

The Asiana Airlines pet policy permits passengers to bring dogs, cats, and pet birds on board as carry-on cabin pets, checked baggage, or manifest air cargo. You must make reservations at least 24 hours prior for domestic flights and 48 hours prior for international routes.

Asiana Airlines strictly regulates the types of animals allowed on their aircraft. Only domesticated dogs, cats, and household birds are eligible for transport.

To guarantee your pet’s spot on the aircraft, you must complete the reservation process in advance:

• Domestic flights: Request approval at least 24 hours before your scheduled departure time.
• International flights: Request approval at least 48 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Always verify the Asiana airlines pet policy international requirements for your specific destination, as countries like the United Kingdom and Australia have strict regulations that prohibit pets from arriving in the cabin or as checked baggage.

Can I bring my pet as a carry-on?

Yes, you can bring a small dog, cat, or pet bird as a carry-on in the cabin with Asiana Airlines. The combined weight of your pet and their carrier must not exceed 7 kg (15.4 lbs), and the carrier must fit safely underneath the seat in front of you.

When flying with your pet in the cabin, Asiana Airlines enforces strict weight and size limits to ensure the safety and comfort of all passengers.

Cabin Pet Eligibility Criteria:

• Age: Pets must be at least 8 weeks old for domestic flights and 16 weeks old for international routes.
• Passenger limits: One pet per adult passenger is permitted. Children cannot travel with pets in the cabin.
• Asiana airlines pet in cabin business class: Due to the seat structure, pet carriers cannot be stored under Business Class seats during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Flight attendants will relocate the carrier to a secure area during these times.

Cabin Carrier Dimensions Table

Example scenario: If you have a 5 kg Chihuahua, you must find a lightweight soft carrier that weighs 2 kg or less to meet the strict 7 kg maximum weight limit for cabin travel.

Can I take my 30 pound dog on a plane?

Yes, you can take a 30-pound dog on an Asiana Airlines plane, but they must travel as checked baggage in the temperature-controlled cargo hold. Pets weighing over 7 kg (15.4 lbs) and up to 45 kg (99 lbs) cannot fly in the passenger cabin.

When your pet exceeds the cabin weight limit, the checked baggage option provides a safe alternative.

Checked Baggage Eligibility Criteria:

• Weight limits: The absolute maximum weight for the pet and carrier combined is 45 kg (99 lbs). If your pet and carrier weigh 46 kg, they must fly as air cargo.
• Carrier dimensions: The sum of the three dimensions (length + width + height) must not exceed 285 cm, and the total height must not exceed 84 cm.
• Temperature limits: Asiana Airlines will refuse checked pets if the runway temperature exceeds 85°F (29.4°C) or drops below 45°F (7.2°C).

Restricted Breeds Table

When is air cargo required for pets?

Air cargo transport is mandatory for pets when the combined weight of the animal and crate exceeds 45 kg (99 lbs), when traveling to specific countries that mandate cargo entry, or when the pet is traveling unaccompanied by a passenger.

If you are relocating a very large breed like a Great Dane, their combined crate and body weight will likely exceed the 45 kg checked baggage limit, requiring you to book them through an IPATA-certified cargo agent.

What are the health and documentation requirements?

All pets traveling on Asiana Airlines require a valid health certificate issued within 10 days of travel and proof of an up-to-date rabies vaccination. International travelers must also provide specific import permits required by their destination country.

For dogs entering the United States, recent CDC regulations require travelers to submit a CDC Dog Import Form prior to travel. Your pet must also have an ISO-compatible microchip.

How much is the Asiana airlines pet fee?

The Asiana airlines pet fee ranges from KRW 30,000 for domestic flights to USD $590 for heavy pets on long-haul international flights. The exact cost depends on your flight route and the total combined weight of your pet and their carrier.

Pet Fee Calculation Table (International Flights)

Fee calculation example: If you fly from Los Angeles to Seoul with a 6 kg cat in the cabin, you will pay a flat fee of USD $290 each way.

What are the rules for an Asiana airlines service dog?

An Asiana airlines service dog can travel in the cabin free of charge, provided they are trained to perform tasks for a passenger with a disability. You must notify the airline 48 hours in advance and provide valid documentation, including U.S. DOT forms for flights touching the United States.

Service dogs must sit in the floor space in front of the passenger’s seat and must not block the aisles. Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are no longer accepted as service animals on most routes, though exceptions may apply for flights to and from the US with a valid medical practitioner’s letter issued within the last year.