A screenshot of Vietnam Airlines' webpage for its pet transportation service.
Each airline has its own requirements and service fees for PETC (pet in cabin) service.
In some cases, they may also have to purchase an extra seat if the pet carrier exceeds the standard size limit.
The issue has drawn renewed attention after the International Air Transport Association (IATA) released new guidance aimed at standardizing pet air travel, covering everything from booking and check-in to security screening, transit, and arrival.
Vietnamese airlines have different policies and fee structures for in-cabin pet travel.
Vietnam Airlines
Vietnam Airlines allows dogs and cats aged at least 10 weeks, provided they are healthy and not pregnant, to travel in the passenger cabin.
The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 6 kilograms, while the carrier must measure no more than 35 x 30 x 20 centimeters.
Passengers must book the service at least 24 hours before departure.
Each passenger may bring one carrier, while each flight accepts a maximum of three pet carriers.
Pets must remain inside their carriers and be placed under the seat in front of the passenger throughout the flight.
The fee is VND5 million ($191) per carrier on domestic flights, excluding value-added tax.
On international routes, the fee ranges from $300 to 650, depending on the destination.
Vietnam Airlines does not allow pet birds in the passenger cabin.
The service is also unavailable on certain routes, aircraft types, and fare classes.
Bamboo Airways
A screenshot of Bamboo Airways' webpage for its pet transportation service.
Bamboo Airways allows dogs and cats to travel in the passenger cabin on non-stop flights operated by the airline. The service is not available for connecting itineraries.
The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 10 kilograms.
If the carrier measures no more than 35 x 30 x 20 centimeters, it may be placed under the seat in front of the passenger.
Larger carriers are permitted only if passengers purchase the adjacent seat, with the maximum carrier size set at 50 x 40 x 95 centimeters.
The service costs VND3.3 million ($126) if booked at least 24 hours before departure.
The fee rises to VND4.29 million ($164) for bookings made within 24 hours of departure.
Economy-class passengers may travel with up to two pets, subject to aircraft capacity, while business-class passengers may bring one pet.
Certain breeds of dogs and cats that are particularly sensitive to respiratory issues, temperature, or air pressure are not accepted.
Vietjet
A screenshot of Vietjet' webpage for its pet transportation service.
Vietjet also allows passengers to travel with dogs and cats in the passenger cabin, subject to several conditions.
Pets must be at least 10 weeks old, healthy, not pregnant, fully vaccinated, free of disease and unpleasant odors, and must not disturb other passengers.
Each passenger may bring one pet in one carrier, while each flight accepts a maximum of three carriers.
The combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 7 kilograms, and the carrier may not exceed 35 x 30 x 20 centimeters.
Throughout the flight, the carrier must remain under the seat in front of the passenger.
The service costs VND4 million ($153) per carrier on domestic flights, excluding VAT, and is available for all fare classes except Business.
Paying fee does not guarantee approval
A representative of a Vietnamese airline said whether a pet is accepted still depends on factors including the aircraft type, available cargo capacity, and quarantine regulations at both the departure and destination airports.
If the aircraft is changed or part of the itinerary is operated by another airline, a previously arranged pet reservation may no longer be provided.
Passengers are therefore advised not to purchase their tickets before confirming the availability of the PETC service, applicable fees, carrier size requirements, and required documents with the airline.
Purchasing a ticket is only the first step. The final decision on whether a pet may enter the passenger cabin is made at the check-in counter.
Max: 1500 characters
There are no comments yet. Be the first to comment.