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 HK Express allow pets on your specific route? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on HK Express? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for HK Express? All your answers related to HK Express 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 (guide/assistance dogs only)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? No
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? No
Where is HK Express based?
HK Express, also known as Hong Kong Express [IATA:UO], is based out of Hong Kong International Airport and is owned by Cathay Pacific Airways.
What countries does HK Express fly to?
HK Express offers service to pets to the following countries: China, Hong Kong, Japan, Philippines, South Korea, Taiwan and Vietnam.
HK Express Pet Policy – In Cabin
HK Express does not offer in-cabin services to any live animal with the exception of guide and assistance dogs.
Guide/Assistance dog pet policy
All guide or assistance dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. Guide dogs must be trained to provide mobility assistance to a blind or partially sighted person. Guide dogs must be trained by an individual or organization that is accepted by and affiliated to the International Guide Dog Federation. Assistance dogs have been specifically trained to assist a disabled person and that has been qualified by an organization registered as a member of the Assistance Dog International and Assistance Dogs Europe.
Assistance dogs must conform to the definition of disability dogs by the Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department:
A Disability Assistance Dog (DAD) is defined as a dog that has been trained to help people with physical disabilities to gain more personal independence. DADs are non-aggressive, highly obedient and hard-working.
A Special Permit is required. Notice must be provided to the airline at least 72 hours prior to departure.
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 will not be seated in exit rows. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.
HK Express Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
HK Express does not offer checked baggage services to any live animal with the exception of guide and assistance dogs.
HK Express Pet Policy – Air Cargo
HK Express is not offering air cargo services to live animals at this time.
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 HK Express airline pet policy. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Have a comment or question about flying with HK Express? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, Forum, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following HK Express pet policy.
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