Flying with pets in China just got easier. As demand for pet-friendly travel soars, airlines are introducing new services that allow more pets in cabins alongside their owners.
China Southern Airlines recently upgraded its “Pets in Cabin” service on select routes, including flights between Guangzhou and Shanghai. Passengers can now reserve dedicated pet seats for an additional fee, with a maximum of two small dogs or cats allowed per flight. In just the first week of this year’s Spring Festival travel rush, the airline transported over 400 pets from Guangzhou, with 35% of in-cabin travelers opting for pet seats.
Other airlines have also embraced the trend. Hainan Airlines pioneered pet-in-cabin services in 2018 and resumed its program in 2022 after a pandemic-related pause. By late 2024, it had transported more than 10,000 pets in-cabin across 27 major cities, including Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen. Meanwhile, Lucky Air, a Hainan Airlines subsidiary, introduced its own pet-friendly services in May 2024. Lucky Air enforced strict protocols, such as mandatory pet clothing, muzzles, and diapers, to ensure hygiene and safety.
Beyond in-cabin options, airlines are also improving live pet cargo experiences. Sichuan Airlines launched its “Pet Airfare” service in 2018, offering climate-controlled holding areas, GPS tracking, and door-to-door transportation. Meanwhile, Shenzhen Bao’an International Airport made headlines in 2024 by opening China’s first dedicated pet lounge, featuring air quality monitors, species-specific zones, and play areas.
These developments come in response to a booming pet industry. A recent industry white paper reported that China’s urban pet market reached 300.2 billion yuan in 2024, marking a 7.5% year-on-year increase. With a nationwide pet population exceeding 120 million, pet owners are prioritizing professional services, cleanliness, and digital convenience—trends that airlines and airports are eager to embrace.
As pet-friendly air travel expands, more passengers can enjoy seamless journeys with their furry companions, making flights in China more welcoming than ever.
