Make pet air travel easy! Hong Kong Airlines Pet Bags and Cages Selection Guide

introduction

Welcome to the new website carefully created for you by Pets Thing! We know that traveling with your beloved furry friends is the dream of many pet owners. To make your journey smoother and more secure, this page will recommend a series of pet bags and cages suitable for carrying your pet on board according to Hong Kong Airlines' pet cabin transportation regulations, allowing you and your pet to easily travel to popular destinations such as Tokyo, Osaka, and Nagoya.

Choosing the right pet bag or cage is the first step to ensure your pet's travel is comfortable and complies with airline regulations.
Let’s embark on this flight preparation journey tailored for you and your pet!

Flying with your pet: Hong Kong Airlines' pet cabin transportation regulations (based on Yahoo News report)

Before choosing the right travel equipment for your pet, it is important to understand Hong Kong Airlines' regulations on pet cabin transportation. The following information is based on Yahoo News reports.

Please note that the airline's official policies may be updated at any time. We recommend that you always check the Hong Kong Airlines official website for the latest information.

Pets allowed:

Hong Kong Airlines' "Travel with Pets" service allows small dogs and cats to enter the cabin. This thoughtful service allows you to enjoy the flight time with your pet.

Pet bag size restrictions:

According to the regulations,

The maximum dimensions of a pet bag must not exceed 45cm (length) x 21cm (height) x 37cm (width).
This restriction ensures that the pet bag can be stowed securely under the seat in front of you.

Pet bag material and design:

Airline requirements

Pet bags must be made of soft-sided material and should not have any metal accessories or decorations other than zippers.
In addition, the design of the pet bag must be able to prevent the pet from escaping and leaking to ensure flight safety and reduce the impact on other passengers. To facilitate watering during the flight, the pet bag should be sealed with straps and the maximum gap between the zippers should be 2 cm.

Pet bag ventilation requirements:

To ensure your pet's comfort in the bag,

The sum of the ventilation openings on the four vertical sides of the pet bag should account for at least 16% of the total area.
Good ventilation is essential to your pet's health.

Pet comfort in the bag:

There should be enough space inside the bag for the pet to sit upright, stand, turn around and lie down in a natural position.
This means it’s important to choose the right size pet bag so your pet can feel comfortable even during travel.

Weight Limit:

The total weight of the pet (including the pet carrier) must not exceed 8 kg.
Please make sure to measure your pet before departure and include the weight of the pet bag in your calculations.

Number of pets each passenger can bring:

Each passenger is allowed to bring only one small dog or cat into the cabin.

Passenger Restrictions:

Passengers under the age of 18, passengers who need to store medical equipment under their seat, and passengers traveling in Business Class on A330 aircraft will not be allowed to bring pets into the cabin.

Other important notes:

  • Pets must wear a pet diaper during the flight.
  • Passengers travelling with pets must check in at the airport at least 2 hours before their flight and present a consent form and all necessary documents for verification.
  • Online check-in and airport self-service check-in services are not available for passengers traveling with pets.
  • This "Travel with Pets" service is only available on Hong Kong Airlines flights from Hong Kong (HKG) to Tokyo Narita (NRT), Osaka Kansai (KIX) and Nagoya Chubu International (NGO).
  • No connecting or onward flights are permitted upon arrival at your destination.

It is worth noting that Hong Kong Airlines has clear regulations on pet transportation, and this "Travel with Pets" service is a unique option on Hong Kong Airlines flights. Therefore, ensuring your pet bag and cage comply with all regulations is crucial to a smooth journey for you and your pet.

The perfect travel companion for your pet: Pets Thing recommends pet bags and cages

Now that you have learned about Hong Kong Airlines' cabin pet transportation regulations, let's take a look at the pet bags and cages selected on Pets Thing to choose the most suitable travel companion for your pet.

Soft-sided pet bag, the first choice for comfortable cabin:

Soft-sided pet bags are ideal for bringing pets into the cabin because they are usually more suitable for placement under seats due to their elasticity.

Product recommendation 1: DODOPET all-round breathable pet backpack (suitable for cats and small dogs)

Product Description: DODOPET all-round breathable pet backpack is a great choice for you to carry small dogs or cats on Hong Kong Airlines. Its dimensions are approximately 32 x 23.5 x 39 cm, and its length and width comply with Hong Kong Airlines' restrictions of 45 cm (length) x 37 cm (width).

Multi-purpose portable pet carrier/cat bag size guide

Compliance highlights: This backpack is made of soft material to meet the airline's soft edge requirements, while the breathable mesh design around the edges provides excellent ventilation, meeting the airline's requirement for at least 16% vertical surface area ventilation. Although it is impossible to fully confirm from the information provided whether it contains other metal accessories besides zippers, its emphasis on breathability and portability suggests that its metal parts should be reduced as much as possible. It is recommended that you carefully check the product details on the Pets Thing website to confirm whether the zipper is the only metal component.

Product Benefits: This backpack is lightweight and easy to carry, with comfortable shoulder straps for easy movement in the airport. The spacious interior also allows your pet to feel comfortable during the trip. An expandable version of the tent would be very useful once you reach your destination, but it must remain stowed during the flight.

Important reminder:

The height of this backpack is 39 cm, slightly higher than the 21 cm stipulated by Hong Kong Airlines.
While its length and width are within regulations, the height could be a potential issue. It is recommended that you confirm with the airline whether this backpack complies with its specific cabin regulations before purchasing, and check whether the soft material of the backpack has a certain degree of compression so that it can be placed smoothly under the seat.

Product recommendation 2: Lightweight and breathable soft-edged pet carrier bag

Product Description: Our lightweight, breathable soft-sided pet carrier is designed for travel. Its estimated dimensions are approximately 40cm (length) x 20cm (height) x 35cm (width), which is very likely to comply with Hong Kong Airlines' cabin pet transportation regulations.

Multi-purpose portable pet carrier/cat bag size guide

Compliance Focus: Made from durable yet lightweight soft material, this carrier meets airline requirements for soft-sided pet bags. Mesh windows on the sides and top of the bag ensure ample airflow to meet airline ventilation requirements. Please check the product page to see if it contains any metal parts other than the zipper.

Product Benefits: This bag comes with comfortable handles and shoulder straps, allowing you to carry it easily. The breathable mesh design ensures your pet stays comfortable throughout the journey.

Pet carriers that may fit in the cabin (please check dimensions carefully):

The following cages may comply with regulations, but it is strongly recommended that you carefully check the product information based on Hong Kong Airlines' specific size requirements.

Product recommendation 3: Petmate Sky Kennel Air Transport Cage (28 inches | M)

Product Description: Petmate Sky Kennel airline transport cage is mainly designed for cargo hold transportation and complies with IATA standards. The external dimensions of this 28-inch (M) model are 71 x 52 x 54 cm.

This far exceeds the Hong Kong Airlines cabin size limit of 45 x 21 x 37 cm. Therefore, this cage is not suitable for carriage in the cabin of Hong Kong Airlines.
Select the right aircraft cage

Compliance focus: This transport cage complies with IATA standards, has a sturdy and safe structure, is well ventilated, and is suitable for cargo hold transportation. However, its hard-edged material and large size prevent it from meeting Hong Kong Airlines' soft-edged and size requirements for cabin pet bags.

Product advantages: This transport cage is very durable and safe. If your pet does not meet the conditions for cabin transportation, or you have the need to transport it in the cargo hold of other airlines in the future, this will be an ideal choice.

Hong Kong Airlines Cabin Pet Bag Compliance Checklist:

Hong Kong Airlines Cabin Pet Bag Compliance Checklist
Function Hong Kong Airlines Requirements Pets Thing Product 1 (DODOPET backpack) Pets Thing Product 2 (Estimated Bag) Pets Thing Product 3 (Petmate Cage)
Maximum length 45cm 32cm About 40 cm 71 cm
Maximum height 21 cm 39 cm About 20 cm 54 cm
Maximum Width 37 cm 23.5 cm About 35 cm 52cm
Maximum weight (including pets) 8 kg Approx. 2.95 kg About 3.5 kg About 4.8 kg
Material Soft Edge Soft Edge Soft Edge Hard Edge
ventilation Vertical surface area at least 16% Yes (all-round breathable mesh) Yes (mesh window) Yes (360 degree ventilation holes)
Anti-escape yes yes yes yes
Leakage prevention yes Yes (pending website confirmation) Yes (pending website confirmation) Yes (pending website confirmation)

Please note: This table is for reference only. The actual compliance is subject to the latest regulations of Hong Kong Airlines and the actual size of the product.

If your existing pet carrier is not suitable: Hong Kong Airlines' alternative suggestions

If the products currently provided by Pets Thing do not fully comply with Hong Kong Airlines' cabin regulations, you may consider looking for the following types of pet bags:

  • Soft-sided pet bags that strictly conform to size:
    Please make sure to choose a soft-sided pet bag that is no longer than 45 cm, no higher than 21 cm, and no wider than 37 cm.
  • Lightweight pet carrier: Choose a lightweight and well-ventilated pet carrier, and double-check that its height complies with the 21 cm limit.
  • Small soft-sided pet bag that meets IATA standards (if available): Although the news report did not specifically mention whether the cabin needs to meet IATA standards, if there are soft-sided pet bags on the market that meet IATA standards and whose size and material meet Hong Kong Airlines cabin regulations, they may also be considered.

Please avoid using hard-sided pet carriers or any pet bags that are larger than the airline's specified dimensions. Also, please make sure the pet bag you choose has adequate ventilation and that the total weight (including your pet) does not exceed 8 kg.

Make your pet's journey smoother: important tips

  • Get your pet familiar with the carrier ahead of time: Getting your pet used to being in a carrier a few weeks before your trip can reduce their stress during the flight.
  • Make sure the pet bag is well ventilated: Double-check that the ventilation of the pet bag meets airline requirements.
  • Check airline regulations directly:
    As airline policies may change at any time, please be sure to check Hong Kong Airlines' official website directly or contact its customer service department to obtain the most accurate and up-to-date regulations.
  • Prepare all necessary documents: Make sure you have all the documents required by the airline and destination country, such as health certificates, vaccination records, etc.
  • Use pet diapers: Please remember to put pet diapers on your pet during the flight.
  • Arrive at the airport early:
    Please be sure to arrive at the airport to check in at least 2 hours before your flight departs.
  • Consider your pet’s temperament: Before deciding to travel with your pet, assess whether your pet is comfortable traveling in potentially crowded and noisy environments.
  • Bring your pet's essentials: It is recommended that you bring your pet's leash, drinking water, and any comfort snacks that may be needed.

Fly with confidence and be well prepared: Important notice

The information provided on this page is for general reference only and is based on Yahoo News reports. Hong Kong Airlines' pet transportation policy may be updated at any time.

Pets Thing recommends that you always check the official website of Hong Kong Airlines (if there is a link) or contact its customer service department directly to obtain the latest and most accurate information before arranging travel for your pet.
Pets Thing is not responsible for any discrepancies that may exist between the information on this page and the official policies of the airlines.

Wish you and your fur baby a happy journey!

Thank you for visiting the pet airline travel supplies page of Pets Thing. We sincerely hope that this guide will help you choose the most suitable travel bag or cage for your pet, so that you and your pet can enjoy a safe, comfortable and enjoyable flight. Start browsing our recommended pet bags and cages now and start a wonderful aerial adventure for your pet!

Works Cited