Ways to Travel by Air: Pet Relocation Made Simple Making your pet’s relocation safe, comfortable, and stress-free is our top priority at Pet Movers HK. When it comes to pet travel by air, there are several tried-and-tested methods—each with its own benefits, requirements, and international regulations. Here’s how we help pets and their loving owners reach destinations around the world:
1) Pet in Hold: Excess Baggage & Manifest Cargo Most international pet relocations involve pets traveling in the hold of the aircraft, either as excess baggage or as manifest cargo. Excess Baggage: If your pet fits airline size and weight limits, they may accompany you on the same flight as excess baggage. This affordable method lets you travel together, but not all airlines or countries permit this option. Manifest Cargo: Larger pets, or those relocating to countries with stricter import rules (such as the UK or Australia), must travel as manifest cargo. This option ensures that pets fly in a dedicated, pressure-controlled, and air-conditioned compartment entirely separate from other goods. Safety & Comfort: Airlines never stack pets with other items. Every animal travels in a secure space, with IATA-approved crates and constant monitoring.
For pets flying long distances or entering countries with stringent import protocols, manifest cargo is often the preferred shipping method. Conditions: Pets remain in a climate-controlled, pressurized hold, separate from all other cargo. Handling: Airline staff are trained to treat animal transit with care, ensuring cages are never stacked or exposed to unsafe environments. Security: Every manifest cargo booking follows strict airline and government regulations including health checks, microchip scans, vaccine proof, and customs paperwork. "Pet Travel as Manifest Cargo: The Gold Standard for International Safety"
2) Pet in Cabin: Fly Together for Added Comfort Certain airlines and countries welcome pets right inside the aircraft cabin, so your furry companion can stay by your side throughout the journey. Eligibility: Dogs, cats, or small animals meeting airline cabin dimensions may fly with their owners in-cabin—subject to airline and arrival country policies. Accepted By: Countries including Canada, Japan, and South Korea allow in-cabin pet travel. Restrictions: Many major destinations like the United Kingdom, Hong Kong, and Australia do not yet accept pets in the cabin, requiring alternative arrangements. Benefits: In-cabin travel offers direct supervision, comfort, and reassurance— perfect for smaller, calmer pets.
Our warm, experienced team guides you through every step, from selecting the right travel method to preparing compliant documentation, booking flights, and supporting you and your pet throughout the adventure. Whether your pet travels as excess baggage, in-cabin, or manifest cargo, we make relocation smooth, safe, and welcoming—bringing peace of mind to families across Hong Kong and worldwide. How Pet Movers HK Helps? Choose Pet Movers HK for secure, reliable, and compassionate pet relocation by air —because every animal deserves the best journey home.