Aircalin Pet Policy

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When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Does Aircalin allow pets? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Aircalin? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Aircalin? All your answers related to Aircalin pet policy are answered below.

Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.

Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines

In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat.
Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.

Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? No (Service dogs only)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? No
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes

Where is Aircalin based?

Aircalin is based out of La Tontouta International Airport in New Caledonia. Most layovers within Aircalin’s network will occur in this airport.

What countries does Aircalin fly to?

Aircalin offers service to pets to the following countries: Australia, Fiji, French Polynesia, New Caledonia, New Zealand, Singapore, Vanuatu and Wallis and Fortuna.

Aircalin Pet Policy – In Cabin

Aircalin does not offer in-cabin service for any live animal except for trained service dogs.

Service dog pet policy

All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. They must be trained by a person or an organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability.

Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.

Aircalin Pet Policy – Checked Baggage

Air Calin does not offer checked baggage service to any type of live animals.

Aircalin Pet Policy – Air Cargo

All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.

Pets allowed to fly on Aircalin as air cargo

Dog, cats and other animals. Pit Bull breeds will not be transported.

Reservations

Bookings for pets flying to France must be made 3 weeks in advance of travel so it is best to contact Aircalin’s cargo department early (email at fret@aircalin.nc or by phone at +687 351530). Agents are required on flights to Australia and New Zealand.

Pet crate requirements

All crates must conform to requirements imposed by the International Air Transport Association. For further requirements, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.

Forms Required

A health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, proof of rabies vaccination (dogs, cats and ferrets) and all forms required for your destination country are required. A certificate of origin with attestations of the country or region where your pet originates has remained free of contagious illness.

Check in

Your pet will be checked in at the Aircalin cargo facility which is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal.

Cost

Cost will be provided by the agent who handles your pet’s transport.

Pet Crate Requirements

All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.

The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. AIRLINE NAME requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.

All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for pet before flying.

Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo

When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.

Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).

Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.

Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.

Breeds Banned by Aircalin

Owners of snub-nosed animals should contact Aircalin. Snub-nosed animals should always be flown in crates one size larger than normally required. Temperatures are a concern for these types of animals.

Private Jet Charter

Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.

Other Information

The information published here is a guideline for Aircalin airline pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.