Thai Airways is the flag carrier of Thailand and one of the leading airlines in Southeast Asia. Renowned for its attentive service and excellent on‑board entertainment, it also offers the transport of dogs and cats. Those who want to travel with their pet can do so calmly, provided they comply with a few well-defined rules. To avoid surprises, it is important to check in advance the conditions in force for each destination and the model of aircraft used.
Pets allowed
Thai Airways permits the transport of certain domestic animals, including dogs, cats, rabbits, hamsters and ferrets. Of course, traveling with ill or pregnant animals is not permitted. Conversely, the airline does not accept birds, rodents other than hamsters, reptiles, skunks, minks and soft-shelled turtles.
In-cabin transport
Currently, Thai Airways does not allow the transport of domestic animals in cabin, with the exception of guide dogs for passengers with visual or hearing impairments. These guide dogs must be properly trained and certified, and the passenger must inform the airline at least 48 hours before departure. The guide dog must be kept on a leash or wearing a harness and must be able to stay at the passenger’s feet without obstructing the passage.
Transport in the hold (registered baggage)
Animals that cannot travel in cabin may be transported in the aircraft’s hold as registered baggage. The hold is pressurized and climate-controlled to ensure the animals’ comfort during the flight. The maximum allowed weight, including the carrier, is 32 kg. The maximum dimensions of the carrier are 137 cm in length, 68 cm in height and 83 cm in width.
Transport as cargo
For animals that exceed the weight or size limits for checked baggage, or for those traveling unaccompanied, Thai Airways offers the cargo transport service. In this case, it is necessary to book the service with Thai Airways Cargo and ensure that the carrier complies with IATA regulations. The cost of cargo transport varies based on weight, the animal’s dimensions and the destination.
Breed restrictions
Thai Airways does not accept the transport of certain brachycephalic dog breeds due to the respiratory risks associated with these breeds during flight. Among the banned breeds are: Bulldog (all varieties), Boxer, Pug, Shih Tzu, Pekingese, Chow Chow, Lhasa Apso, Shar Pei, Mastiff (all varieties), Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pit Bull, American Bulldog, French Bulldog, Boston Terrier, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Japanese Chin and Tibetan Spaniel.
Route restrictions
Thai Airways does not allow the transport of animals on direct flights to or from certain destinations, including Auckland, Denpasar, Dubai, Hong Kong, London, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth and Sydney. Additionally, animals are not accepted on flights operated with Airbus A320 aircraft.
Carrier requirements
The carrier must comply with the IATA regulations and allow the animal to stand, turn around and lie down comfortably. It must be made of sturdy materials such as rigid plastic or metal, have a secure closure and a waterproof base. Wheels must be removed or blocked, and the carrier must be labeled with “LIVE ANIMAL” and include instructions for feeding and hydration.
Required documentation
It is the passenger’s responsibility to ensure all the necessary documentation for transporting the animal is in order, which may include:
- a health certificate issued by an authorized veterinarian,
- an anti-rabies vaccination certificate,
- import or export permits, if required by the destination country.
It is advisable to verify with the competent authorities of the destination country for any specific requirements.
Fees for animal transport
The fees for transporting animals with Thai Airways vary based on the animal’s total weight and the carrier: up to 10 kg costs 177 euros; up to 20 kg costs 265 euros; up to 30 kg costs 353 euros; up to 40 kg the price rises to 442 euros. Animals over this weight are not accepted.
Reservations and check-in
You must inform Thai Airways of the presence of an animal at the time of booking the flight. At check-in, the passenger must present all required documentation and pay any additional charges for the animal’s transport. It is recommended to arrive at the airport well in advance to complete all necessary formalities.
