• Flying with pets can be stressful, but understanding an airline's pet policy ahead of time can help make the process smoother. Thai Airways has guidelines in place for transporting pets as carry-on, checked baggage, and cargo. Being informed on their pet rules and fees can help you and your furry friend have a safe, comfortable flight.

Thai Airways Pet in Cabin Policy

• Thai Airways has strict regulations regarding pets traveling in the aircraft cabin. The only pets allowed in-cabin on Thai Airways flights are certified service animals assisting disabled passengers. No other pet species are permitted in the cabin.

Only Service Dogs Are Allowed in-cabin

• Thai Airways defines service animals as guide dogs and other dogs that are individually trained to provide assistance to a person with a disability. The service animal must be essential for the passenger's needs during the flight. Emotional support animals that solely provide comfort or emotional support do not qualify as service animals under Thai Airways' policy.

• To travel in-cabin with a service dog, passengers must provide documentation that the animal is an officially certified assistance dog. Acceptable forms of documentation include identification cards, tags, written medical prescriptions, or certificates. Proper documentation must be shown to airport staff during check-in and prior to boarding.

• The service dog must be properly harnessed or leashed and small enough to sit at the passenger's feet without obstructing the aisle. Due to space limitations, only one service dog is allowed per person. Passengers with service animals cannot occupy exit rows, bulkhead seating, or seats in Thai Airways' Royal First Class.

• Advance notice is required for passengers traveling with service dogs on Thai Airways. Passengers should inform the airline at least 48 hours before departure and check-in at least one hour prior to the standard check-in deadline. This allows the airline to make proper arrangements to accommodate the service dog.

Thai Airways Pet Policy for Pets as Checked Baggage (AVIH)

• While pets are not allowed in the cabin, Thai Airways does permit some pet species to fly as accompanied checked baggage, also known as AVIH (Animal in Hold). There are specific container requirements, paperwork, breed restrictions, and fees associated with flying a pet in the hold.

Many Pets Are Allowed as Checked Baggage

• Thai Airways allows dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters, and birds to travel as accompanied checked baggage in the aircraft hold. Reptiles, rodents other than hamsters, and ornamental tropical fish are not permitted.

• Only domesticated pets can fly as AVIH. Wild animals, livestock, and animals intended for research, laboratories, or breeding are prohibited. Pets must be at least 8 weeks old to fly. Female pets cannot travel within one week of giving birth.

Breeds Restrictions

• Certain dog breeds are restricted from flying with Thai Airways, even as checked baggage. This includes:

• Pit Bull Terriers

• American Pit Bull Terriers

• Staffordshire Terriers

• American Staffordshire Terriers

• Rottweilers

• Dogo Argentino

• Fila Brasiliero

• Tosa (Tosa Inu)

• Presa Canario

• Due to safety concerns, these breeds are embargoed from all Thai Airways flights. Exceptions may be made if the dog is an accredited service animal.

• To travel as AVIH on Thai Airways, pets must meet all importation requirements for the destination country. Pet owners are responsible for ensuring their animals have the proper veterinary examinations, vaccinations, health certificates, permits, and any other documentation required.

Thai Airways Pet Travel Cost—Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage

• Fees apply for transporting pets in the hold on Thai Airways:

• Dogs/cats in soft-sided carriers: $175 USD each way

• Dogs/cats in hard-sided kennels: $280 USD each way

• Rabbits/hamsters/birds in cages: $70 USD each way

• These charges are in addition to the regular checked baggage fees required for the passenger. Excess weight fees may also be imposed if the animal's weight plus carrier exceeds the standard free baggage allowance.

• Pet fees and policies for international flights on Thai Airways can vary. Additional charges may apply for certain routes and destinations. Contact Thai Airways to confirm current pet transport rates for your specific itinerary.

Thai Airways Pet Cargo Policy

• For pets that do not meet the requirements to travel as accompanied baggage in the hold, Thai Airways offers a pet cargo service through Thai Airways Cargo. Shipping pets as air cargo has its own set of regulations and rates distinct from the AVIH policies.

Thai Airways Pet Travel Cost—Pets Travelling as Cargo Baggage

• The cost to ship pets by air cargo on Thai Airways depends on the animal's size, weight, carrier specifications, and destination country. Some factors affecting pet cargo rates include:

• Type of animal (dog, cat, bird, etc.)

• Weight of pet plus carrier/kennel

• Size of carrier needed to accommodate the animal

• Whether climate-controlled transport is required

• International import permits and fees

• Restrictions and regulations for entering the destination country

• In general, expect to pay at least a few hundred dollars to ship a small dog or cat within the U.S. Prices go up significantly for large dogs and long international flights. Reptiles, birds, and other exotic animals usually cost more to ship as air cargo.

• Contact Thai Airways Cargo to get a quote for your specific pet cargo booking. Advance reservations are required as space is limited. Most destinations require documentation to be filed at least 10 days prior to departure.

Thai Airways Pet Policy for Service Animals (Guide/Assistance Dogs)

• Thai Airways makes reasonable accommodations for passengers with disabilities to travel with their accredited service dogs in the cabin.

• Approved pet travel crates

• For service animals flying in-cabin, Thai Airways permits the use of approved pet carriers for transport to/from the aircraft and for ground movement during connections and stops. Acceptable service dog crates:

• Must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably

• Must be constructed of leak-proof, ventilated fabric (soft-sided)

• Must fit under the seat in front of the passenger

• Hard-sided kennels are not permitted in the cabin but can be used to transport service animals as checked baggage.

International Health Certificates & Import Laws

• For checked pets on international flights, all destination country requirements must be met. This usually entails health certificates signed by a certified veterinarian to verify vaccinations and overall health. Many countries also have their own pet importation steps that must be followed.

• Proper Crates Are Required

• Airline-approved crates designed for air travel are mandatory. Crates must be leak-proof with adequate ventilation and room for the pet to move and stand up. Secured nuts/bolts or snap-in latches are required.

• Pet Fee for Checked Baggage

• In addition to regular baggage fees paid by the accompanying passenger, there are charges for transporting a pet in the hold:

• Soft carrier: $175 USD each way

• Hard-sided kennel: $280 USD each way

• Birds/rabbits/hamsters: $70 USD each way

• Excess weight fees may apply for heavy animals. Specific routes can also incur additional pet charges.

Pets Travel as Cargo with Thai Airways Cargo

• For pets that do not meet regulations for the cabin or checked baggage, air cargo is another option. Here are key factors regarding Thai Airways Cargo pet transport:

• Types of Pets Allowed as Air Cargo

• If they meet importation requirements, Thai Airways Cargo ships:

• Dogs

• Cats

• Pet birds

• Reptiles

• Tropical fish

• Rodents other than hamsters

• Exotic pets like ferrets, chinchillas, and hedgehogs

• Almost any pet can be transported as cargo if paperwork/guidelines are followed.

• Mandatory Advance Reservations

• Pet air cargo bookings must be made well in advance on Thai Airways Cargo. Space is limited so reservations are mandatory. For most global destinations, documentation must be filed at least 10 days before departure.

• Significant Cost for Air Cargo Transport

• Shipping pets via air cargo is expensive. For a medium dog to the U.S., fees can range from $500-$1000+ depending on cage sizes, climate needs, etc. Long international flights for large pets or exotic animals often cost thousands of dollars.

• Climate-Controlled Options Available

• Temperate-controlled containers can be booked for an additional fee, ensuring pets avoid extreme temperatures in baggage holds during connections.

• Import Permit Requirements Vary by Destination

• Traveling internationally, each country has its own pet import steps like veterinary checks, permits, quarantines, etc. These must be strictly followed when booking Thai Airways Cargo pet transport.

• Private Ground Transport Often Needed

• Once arriving at the destination airport, most animals shipped as cargo will need private pickup and transport from the air cargo facility to their final destination. This is an additional cost to account for.

• Only Officially Accredited Service Dogs Allowed In-Cabin

• Thai Airways defines service dogs as guide dogs or other dogs individually trained to assist a handicapped individual. Documentation proving credentials must be provided.

• Advance Approval Required for Service Dogs

• Passengers must notify Thai Airways at least 48 hours before departure if traveling with a service dog. This gives the airline time to accommodate the animal's presence.

• Use of Approved Crates

• In-cabin during the flight, service dogs must either be leashed/harnessed or placed in an approved soft-sided crate fitting beneath passenger seats. Hard kennels are only permitted for transporting service animals as checked baggage in the hold.

• No Extra Cost for Service Dogs

• Unlike other pets, properly credentialed service dogs assisting disabled passengers on Thai Airways flights incur no extra fees or costs.

Frequently Asked Questions on Thai Airways Pet Policy

• Travelers often have additional questions about Thai Airways' policies for flying with pets. Some common inquiries include:

• Does Thai Airways allow emotional support animals?

•     No. Only trained service dogs assisting disabled passengers are permitted in-cabin. Emotional support animals do not qualify under Thai Airways pet policy.

• Can I bring two small pets in one carrier in the cabin?

•     No. Only one officially trained service dog is allowed per passenger traveling in the cabin. All other pets must go as checked baggage or air cargo.

• What are the crate requirements to fly my dog in cargo?

•     Crates must allow your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably inside. Floors must be solid and leak-proof. Door must securely fasten with nuts and bolts or snap-in latches. Proper ventilation and handles are also required.

• Is there an age limit for pets to fly as checked baggage?

•     Yes, pets must be at least 8 weeks old and fully weaned to travel as AVIH on Thai Airways.

• Can I transport my pet bird in the cabin with me?

•     No. Birds are not permitted in the aircraft cabin under Thai Airways' pet policy. Some birds are allowed as checked pets or cargo.

• What paperwork does my pet need to fly internationally?

•     It depends on your destination. Many countries require an import permit, veterinary health certificate, rabies vaccination proof, and more. Verify pet importation rules with your destination country.

• By understanding the pet transport options, fees, and regulations imposed by Thai Airways, pet owners can be prepared for traveling with their furry companions. Restrictions are in place to ensure the safety and health of all pets, as well as passengers with allergies. With proper planning and adherence to the rules, both you and your pets can have a smooth air travel experience.

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