No need for another cabin! My feline overlord is flying to Japan via the next door – the most down-to-earth pet travel guide in Hong Kong!

Previously, when I wanted to take my pets to Japan, they usually had to be checked in like luggage. I'd be up there drinking orange juice while they were trembling with fear down below. Now, Hong Kong Airlines has launched the "Pet-in-Cabin" service, featuring Pet-in-Cabin (PETC) , meaning you can fly to Tokyo and Osaka with your furry friend! But this isn't as simple as just buying a ticket and going; there are many quarantine regulations and hidden pitfalls involved. We've broken it down for you in this easy-to-understand guide to solve these problems and save you from unnecessary trouble.

1. What is Hong Kong Airlines' "Pet-Friendly Flight"?

This program is Hong Kong's first scheduled flight service to allow pets in the cabin, currently focusing on routes to Japan. However, please note that seats are not available on every flight.

project content
Designated waypoint Tokyo Narita (NRT), Osaka Kansai (KIX), Nagoya (NGO)
Model quota Approximately 6 A330 (large machine); only 2 A320/A321 (small machine) units.
Booking method You can't buy directly from the official website! You must place an order through a designated agent who is responsible for verifying the documents.
Due to the extremely limited number of seats available for each flight, it is recommended to book your seat 6 months in advance during peak seasons (such as cherry blossom season), otherwise you may find yourself unable to get a seat even if you have the money.

2. Physics Challenge: 8kg and 21cm Limit

This is the area where most pet owners "fall into trouble." If your pet is too big, even if you've bought a plane ticket, the ground staff has the right to refuse you boarding.

parameter Limitation Standards Ground-level analysis
gross weight Pet + Pet Carrier = 8kg or less Generally, a net weight exceeding 6.5kg is dangerous; suitable for Chihuahuas, Moanas, and regular domestic cats.
Height restrictions Maximum 21cm This is a major drawback! Most pet bags on the market are over 25cm, so when buying a bag, you must look for one with a "low center of gravity".
Bag body requirements Soft, leak-proof, and breathable No hard cages allowed, only soft bags that can be stuffed under the seat.
IATA regulations stipulate that your pet must be "standing naturally and turning around" inside the bag. If ground staff finds your pet's head touching the top of the bag, they can refuse to let you board the plane!

Looking for a compliant pet carrier? Check out the Pets Thing pet supplies section for recommendations.

3. Entry into Japan: Why prepare 8 months in advance?

Japan is a rabies-free zone, so the requirements for pets from "high-risk" areas like Hong Kong (according to Japanese administrative classification) are extremely high. You can't fly tomorrow after getting your vaccination today; there's a 180-day waiting period in between.

Entry Trilogy:

  • Step 1: Implant a microchip and administer two rabies vaccinations. Remember, the microchip must meet ISO standards.
  • Step 2: Blood sample for antibody testing. The blood sample must be sent to a Japanese-accredited laboratory.
  • Step 3: 180-day countdown. Starting from the day of the blood draw, the master can only enter Japan after 180 days; otherwise, he will have to sit in the quarantine facility at the Japanese airport.

4. The truth about the return trip: Why must it be "freight transport"?

Many pet owners mistakenly believe that "going on the same flight" means "returning on the same flight," but this is incorrect! According to Hong Kong law, except for guide dogs, all cats and dogs returning to Hong Kong must be transported by manifest cargo .

This is a pain point that many people overlook:

  • Different counters: On your return trip, you need to go to the cargo terminal at the Japanese airport to hand over your pet, not the passenger terminal.
  • Different cages: The soft bag used on the outbound journey cannot be used on the return journey; a rigid plastic cage that meets IATA standards must be used.
  • Decapitated: The time your master takes the cargo plane may differ from the time you take the passenger plane. You need to go to the Hong Kong cargo terminal (such as HACTL) to pick him up.

5. Money list: How much will it cost to take my master to Japan?

Don't just focus on the HK$8,800 outbound fare and do everything else; your budget should be calculated like this:

project Estimated cost (HKD)
Outbound flight station service fee Starting from $8,800
Return freight (including agent fees) $15,000 - $28,000 (depending on weight)
Veterinarian, blood test, microchip $4,500 - $6,000
Import and export document license $1,000 - $2,000
Equipment (soft bag for outbound journey + hard cage for return journey) $2,500 Total Budget: HK$32,000 - $48,000

6. 8-month full process timeline

Want to successfully take your master to see Mount Fuji? Please follow the schedule below:

  • T-Minus 8 months: Go to the vet for the first injection + implantation of the microchip.
  • T-Minus 7 months: Second shot + blood test. The 180-day waiting period officially begins.
  • T-Minus 3 months: Find an agent to book Hong Kong airfare and return cargo space.
  • T-Minus 40 days: Online declaration of Japan AQS (entry and exit).
  • T-Minus, 10th: Underwent final health checks and obtained documents endorsed by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department.
  • On the day of departure: Arrive at the airport 3 hours early.

7. Expert Tip: Avoid the "Refusal to Pick Up" Trap

Expert advice: 1. Short-nosed dogs and cats cannot fly: Pugs, French Bulldogs, Persian cats, etc., are not accepted by Hong Kong Airlines due to respiratory risks at high altitudes! 2. Heat Embargo: If the temperature in Japan or Hong Kong exceeds 29 degrees Celsius on the return day, cargo planes may refuse to carry passengers. Try to choose to go between October and April.

Finally, remember to start crate training a few months in advance. Once your pet is used to being in its crate, it won't be as scared during the few hours of cargo transport on the return trip. For more information on pet travel gear, please visit the Pets Thing Hong Kong website .

Wishing all my servants a pleasant journey with their master, check-in successful!