Preface

Good news for pet owners in Hong Kong is finally here! Hong Kong Airlines proudly launches a groundbreaking new service called "Fly with Your Pet". This service is the first and currently the only pet cabin travel service provided by a commercial airline in Hong Kong. You can now bring your beloved dog or cat with you on flights to popular Japanese cities: Tokyo Narita (NRT), Osaka Kansai (KIX) and Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO).

For many pet owners, the thing they cannot leave behind the most when traveling is their furry friends at home. In the past, pets either had to be left alone at home or had to endure a long journey in the cargo hold, which often caused anxiety for both owners and pets. The service launched by Hong Kong Airlines directly addresses this pain point, allowing pet owners to plan their journeys with greater peace of mind and create beautiful memories with their furry family members. This report will provide you with a detailed analysis of Hong Kong Airlines' "Fly with Pets" service, covering everything you need to know to plan this pet-friendly trip to Japan.

Hong Kong Airlines proudly launches a groundbreaking new service called "Fly with Your Pet". This service is the first and currently the only pet cabin travel service provided by a commercial airline in Hong Kong.

The dream of flying with your pet comes true: Hong Kong Airlines' "Fly with Pets" service explained

Hong Kong Airlines is currently the first and only airline in Hong Kong to provide this unique "Pet Cabin Travel" service. The service is designed to provide a more comfortable and relaxing travel experience for pets and their owners. Small dogs and cats are now allowed in the aircraft cabin, provided they are in a pet carrier that meets airline regulations and is placed under the seat in front of the passenger.

Hong Kong Airlines emphasized "precious memories" and "pet-friendly travel" in its official statement, showing that they are actively responding to the trend of more and more pet owners wanting to include their pets in their travel plans. Airlines are gradually realizing that pet travel is an important market segment. By emphasising the sentimental value of travelling with pets, Hong Kong Airlines is positioning itself as a leader in this area in Hong Kong.

Hong Kong Airlines is currently the first and only airline in Hong Kong to provide this unique "Pet Cabin Travel" service.

The service is currently only available on flights from Hong Kong (HKG) to Tokyo Narita (NRT), Osaka Kansai (KIX) and Nagoya Chubu Centrair International Airport (NGO). No connecting flights or stopovers are permitted. The direct-flight-only rule simplifies the process and may reduce stress for pets by avoiding layovers and multiple moves. Connecting flights can be more complicated, and pets face changes of environment and multiple moves during transfers, which can be stressful for them. Focusing on direct flights can minimize these factors.

A complete breakdown of the application process: Easily bring your pet to Japan

Bookings for the "Fly with Pets" service must be made exclusively through Pet Holidays, which is the only agent authorized by Hong Kong Airlines to manage this program. You cannot book this service through the Hong Kong Airlines website, travel agents or other channels (including sponsored or award tickets).

Here is the step-by-step application process:

1. Contact Pet Holidays directly for details on our Pets Flying service. You can contact them at +852 2287 8363 or via WhatsApp +852 5266 6395.
2. Book the "Fly with Pets" service through Pet Holidays together with your Hong Kong Airlines flight ticket from Hong Kong to selected destinations in Japan.
3. Prepare all required documents as directed by Pet Vacations.
4. Get ready to go and enjoy the flight with your pet!

Bookings for the Pets Fly service must be made exclusively through Pet Holidays.

Hong Kong Airlines’ exclusive partnership with Pet Holidays shows they are streamlining the process through a dedicated agency that understands the complexities of pet travel regulations. Pet travel involves specific documentation and procedures. By partnering with professional pet travel agencies, Hong Kong Airlines can ensure that passengers receive professional guidance and support throughout the booking process.

Cost at a Glance: Planning Your Pet Travel Budget

The "Fly with Pets" service fee is calculated based on a one-way flight sector for each pet departing from Hong Kong to Tokyo, Osaka or Nagoya. The exact amount of fees is not clearly stated in the information provided, which means you need to check directly with Pet Holidays.

It is essential that your pet's return travel to Hong Kong must be arranged separately through Pet Holidays or another freight forwarder, which will incur additional costs. While the "Pet Cabin Travel" service is a major improvement, due to Hong Kong regulations, the return trip must be handled as cargo, which is an important detail that potential travelers need to be aware of. This adds complexity and cost to the overall journey.

Your pet's return travel to Hong Kong must be arranged separately through Pet Holidays or other freight forwarders, which will incur additional costs.

The "Fly with Your Pet" service fee does not include airfare for the pet owner or any accompanying passengers, nor does it cover the cost of entry and exit documents required for the pet.

The full amount of the "Fly with Pets" service must be settled 7 days before the departure date. Once payment is confirmed, the reservation cannot be modified or cancelled.

Important restrictions and requirements: Make sure your pet is eligible to fly

Acceptable Pet Types: Under the "Fly with Pets" service regulations, only small domestic dogs and cats are allowed in the cabin.

Weight limit: The total weight of the pet and its carrier must not exceed 8 kg.

Pet Cage Requirements:

• They must be made of soft material and should not have any metal accessories or decorations other than zippers.
• Maximum dimensions: 45 cm long x 21 cm high x 37 cm wide.
• It must have anti-escape and anti-leakage functions.
• There must be adequate ventilation, with at least 16% of the total vertical area of ​​the cage being provided for ventilation.
• It must be large enough for your pet to sit up, stand, turn around and lie down naturally.
• Must fit under the seat in front of you.
• It is recommended to use waterproof material on the bottom and lay absorbent mats.
• Must have secure fastenings (heavy duty zippers are recommended) and no other metal parts. Zippers must be secured with drawstrings or straps, with no more than 2 cm of gap between zippers to allow for watering.

The total weight of the pet and its carrier must not exceed 8 kg. Maximum dimensions of the cage: 45 cm long x 21 cm high x 37 cm wide.

Passenger Restrictions:

• Passengers must be 18 years of age or older at the time of travel.
• Passengers who need to stow medical equipment under their seats are not eligible for this service.
• Passengers travelling in Business Class on an Airbus A330 are not eligible for this service.

Pet restrictions:

• Only one small dog or cat is allowed per passenger.
• Due to legal regulations and potential health risks, any aggressive breeds, brachycephalic breeds (e.g. flat noses, short noses or flat faces) or cats are not accepted. Brachycephalic breeds are not accepted, which shows that the airline takes the well-being of these animals during flights very seriously, as they are more likely to have breathing difficulties at high altitudes. Brachycephalic breeds often have delicate respiratory systems, and changes in air pressure and oxygen levels during flight can exacerbate these problems. This restriction is made with the safety and health of these specific breeds as a priority.
• No pregnant dogs or cats accepted.
• Unweaned dogs or cats under 8 weeks of age will not be accepted.
• No sick, injured or debilitated dogs or cats will be accepted.
• Pets must wear a pet diaper during the flight.

Any aggressive breeds, brachycephalic dogs or cats are not accepted.

Aircraft restrictions: The number of pets allowed in the cabin is limited on each flight and varies by aircraft type.

• A320 and A321: A maximum of 2 pets are allowed in Economy Class per aircraft.
• A320 (32H): A maximum of 2 pets are allowed in Economy and Business Class per aircraft.
• A330: A maximum of 6 pets are allowed in Economy Class per aircraft. Pets are not allowed in Business Class on the A330.

Priority: Guide dogs and assistance dogs are given priority and travel free of charge (maximum two per flight).

Pre-flight preparations: Checklist of documents required for your pet

Passengers are responsible for preparing all relevant documents, quarantine certificates and signed consent forms and submitting them to Hong Kong Airlines Customer Service Centre at least 7 days before the departure date.

Required documents include (but are not limited to):

• Animal health certificate.
• Dog tags (dogs only).
• Pet microchip information.
• Proof of rabies vaccination and rabies antibody titer test results.
• Entry permit or animal import inspection approval required by the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) of Japan.
• Other documents required by the destination country.

It is the passenger's responsibility to prepare all relevant documents... and provide them to the Hong Kong Airlines Customer Service Centre at least 7 days before the departure date.

Reference is made to the requirements of the Japanese Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries, which highlights the importance of understanding and complying with destination country-specific regulations, which may be stricter than those of the airline. Airlines have their own policies, but international pet travel is also subject to the regulations of the importing country. Travelers must ensure that all requirements of the Japanese authorities are met to avoid problems upon arrival.

Check-in: A smooth journey with your pet

Passengers must arrive at the airport check-in counter at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time of the flight and place their pet in a carrier. You will be required to present the consent form and all necessary documents for verification to complete the check-in process. Online check-in and airport self-service check-in are not available for passengers travelling with pets. Passengers with dogs or cats will not be able to use airport lounges while waiting to board their flight.

Passengers must arrive at the airport check-in counter at least 2 hours before the scheduled departure time of their flight.

Check-in procedures and lounge access restrictions indicate that traveling with pets requires a more cumbersome airport process, and passengers should be prepared in advance. The airline needs to verify the pet and its carrier in person, as well as the required documentation, so an in-person check-in is mandatory. The presence of pets may also affect other passengers in the lounge, hence this restriction.

Arrangements for returning to Hong Kong: The return journey of your pets

Due to Hong Kong regulations, pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights returning to Hong Kong. Your pet will need to be transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft on the return journey. You must arrange your pet’s return travel in advance with Pet Holidays or another suitable freight forwarder. The cargo hold for transporting pets has temperature and humidity control. You may want to consult the International Pet and Animal Transport Association (IPATA) or the Animal Transport Association (ATA) for more information on pet shipping.

Due to Hong Kong regulations, pets are not allowed in the cabin on flights returning to Hong Kong. Your pet will need to be transported in the cargo hold of the aircraft on the return journey.

The contrast between the outbound pet cabin service and the mandatory cargo return trip highlights the differences in regulations between Japan and Hong Kong regarding pets in the cabin. While Hong Kong Airlines has innovated on its outbound flights, they must adhere to Hong Kong’s existing inbound flight regulations. This means pet owners need to prepare for a different experience on the return trip.

Why choose "Fly with Pets"? Share a wonderful journey with your furry friends

• The Fly With Your Pet service offers a unique opportunity to travel with your pet in the cabin, which can reduce anxiety for both you and your furry companion.
• You can save yourself the hassle and expense of finding the right pet hotel or relying on a pet sitter.
• Create unforgettable memories while traveling with your beloved pet.
• Hong Kong Airlines is taking an important step towards promoting pet-friendly travel.

A good helper for pet travel: pet travel bag

To travel with your pet on Hong Kong Airlines' "Fly with Pets" service, you will need a pet carrier that complies with the airline's regulations. Our pet travel bags are designed with your pet's comfort and safety in mind and comply with Hong Kong Airlines' specific requirements for pet travel in the cabin.

Table: Features of pet travel bags and compliance with Hong Kong Airlines requirements

By clearly demonstrating in table form how our products meet airline requirements, this report directly addresses the real concerns of pet owners and provides a strong reason for them to choose our pet carriers. Pet owners actively seek out carriers that meet airline regulations. Providing a clear comparison in a table makes it easy for them to understand the value and suitability of our products.

Conclusion: Explore Japan with your pet!

Hong Kong Airlines’ “Fly with Pets” service opens up exciting new possibilities for pet owners in Hong Kong who dream of travelling to Japan with their furry friends. While there are specific procedures and requirements to follow, being able to have your pet travel with you in the cabin makes the journey more pleasant and relaxing. Make sure you plan ahead, book through Pet Holidays, prepare all the necessary documentation, and choose a comfortable and compliant carrier, such as our Pet Travel Bag, to make your pet-friendly travel dreams come true. Start planning your unforgettable adventure to Japan with your beloved pet today!