Air New Zealand allows eligible cats and dogs to travel in the aircraft hold on many domestic flights within New Zealand, subject to booking, carrier, and safety requirements. Pets generally cannot travel in the passenger cabin, and international pet transport is handled as cargo rather than as a standard checked pet, so check the airline’s current rules and your destination’s import requirements before making plans.
How pet travel works
For eligible domestic journeys, a pet travels in a secure, ventilated animal carrier in the aircraft hold. The animal is carried separately from passengers and is not treated as cabin baggage. Availability can depend on the flight, aircraft, route, and operational conditions; having a passenger ticket does not automatically reserve space for a pet.
Air New Zealand’s pet service is intended for cats and dogs. Other animals, including birds and small pets, may need a different transport arrangement. Assistance dogs have separate travel provisions, so do not assume the checked-pet process applies to them.
International travel is a different process. Pets travelling to or from New Zealand generally need to move as air cargo and meet government rules for export, import, and transit countries. The airline’s passenger pet arrangements should not be treated as an international booking option.
Booking and preparing a domestic trip
Arrange pet carriage directly with Air New Zealand before travel and as early as possible. Ask the airline to confirm that the pet is accepted on the exact flight, the applicable fee, and the carrier requirements. Rules can change, and aircraft or weather conditions may affect acceptance.
- Choose the passenger flight, then contact the airline to request pet space. Wait for confirmation before relying on the booking.
- Measure and prepare an airline-compliant, rigid-sided pet carrier with secure fastenings, adequate ventilation, and a leak-resistant base. Confirm the accepted dimensions and construction rules with the airline.
- Help your pet become comfortable entering the carrier well before departure. Use familiar bedding if permitted, but keep the carrier free of loose items that could obstruct ventilation or cause injury.
- At the airport, follow the airline’s check-in instructions and allow the stated time for handing over the animal. Staff will direct you to the correct drop-off process.
- At arrival, collect the pet as directed and check its condition. If it appears distressed or unwell, contact a veterinarian.
Do not give a pet sedatives unless a veterinarian has advised it and the airline’s rules allow it. Sedation can affect an animal’s ability to cope with temperature or pressure changes. Ask a veterinarian about fitness to travel, especially for elderly animals, very young animals, or pets with breathing or other health concerns.
Carriers, eligibility and safety
A suitable carrier is central to safe transport. It must be large enough for the animal to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally, while still meeting the airline’s size limits. It should be robust, closed securely, and provide enough airflow. A soft travel bag designed for a cabin seat is not a substitute for a carrier approved for hold transport.
Before the trip, check the airline’s current limits for pet and carrier weight, carrier dimensions, the number of animals permitted, and any restrictions on breeds or aircraft. Do not assume that a carrier accepted on one route will fit another aircraft. Brachycephalic (short-nosed) breeds may face additional restrictions because they can be more vulnerable to breathing difficulties. Ask the airline and a veterinarian about the specific animal rather than relying on a general breed list.
Plan around the pet’s needs: provide water as instructed, use absorbent material in the carrier, and attach identification securely. Avoid feeding a large meal immediately before departure unless a veterinarian recommends otherwise. Never leave an animal in a parked vehicle while arranging airport check-in or collection.
Fees, limits and common problems
Pet carriage typically has a separate charge, and the amount may depend on the route or current airline policy. Confirm the price when you request the booking; do not rely on an old fee shown in an online discussion. The airline may also limit how many pets can travel on a flight, so early contact matters even when the passenger fare is available.
- No pet space available: Ask about another flight and do not arrive expecting an unconfirmed pet to be accepted.
- Carrier rejected: Check measurements, construction, ventilation, and closure well before departure; replacing a carrier at the airport may not be possible.
- Weather or operational disruption: A pet may not be accepted if conditions or aircraft arrangements make transport unsafe. Ask the airline about rebooking options.
- Connection or codeshare itinerary: Confirm which carrier operates each flight and who is responsible for the animal. A partner airline may have different rules.
- International journey: Contact an authorised pet transporter and the relevant government agencies about permits, health documents, quarantine, and deadlines.
One common misconception is that a pet can be added to an existing booking at the airport. Space and handling arrangements usually need advance confirmation, so last-minute requests can fail even if the animal and carrier appear suitable.
Pet travel planning template
| Planning item | Details to fill in |
|---|---|
| Passenger name | |
| Travel date and flight | |
| Route | |
| Pet name, species, and breed | |
| Pet age and approximate weight | |
| Carrier dimensions and type | |
| Airline pet-space confirmation | |
| Fee confirmed | |
| Veterinary check or travel advice | |
| Destination documents or permits | |
| Check-in and collection instructions | |
| Emergency contact |
Sample (fictional): Passenger: Alex Example; route: Wellington to Christchurch; pet: fictional cat named Miso; carrier: dimensions to be confirmed with airline; pet space: requested, awaiting confirmation; fee: to be confirmed; veterinary advice: appointment planned.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my dog fly in the cabin on Air New Zealand?
Ordinary pet cats and dogs generally travel in the hold on eligible domestic services, not in the passenger cabin. Assistance dogs follow separate arrangements; contact the airline to confirm the applicable requirements.
Can I take my cat on an Air New Zealand domestic flight?
Eligible cats can travel as checked pets on some domestic flights, subject to space, carrier, and other restrictions. Contact the airline before booking or finalising travel to obtain confirmation for your route.
Can pets fly internationally with Air New Zealand?
International pet movements generally require cargo arrangements rather than the domestic checked-pet service. Import rules can involve permits, veterinary documents, and quarantine, so plan well ahead with the airline and relevant authorities.
How much does it cost to fly a pet?
The fee depends on current airline policy and the journey. Ask Air New Zealand for the price when requesting pet space, and confirm whether every flight in a connecting itinerary can carry the animal.
What if my pet’s flight is cancelled or delayed?
Contact the airline promptly for instructions and options. Pet carriage may be affected by aircraft changes, weather, or operational limits, so keep your pet’s travel details and an alternative plan available.
Before you travel
Air New Zealand pet travel is most straightforward for a confirmed domestic journey with an eligible cat or dog and an approved carrier. The essential steps are to check current conditions, request space before departure, prepare the pet and carrier, and allow extra time for airport handling. For international transport, treat the process as a separate cargo and border-compliance project, not an extension of a domestic pet booking.