If your dog or cat exceeds 20lbs in the carrier, it’s still possible to bring it on your flight. The cargo hold is pressurized, so flying pets in checked baggage on Aeromexico is generally safe and comfortable. One thing to be aware of is that flights on Aeromexico generally do not have climate-controlled cargo holds, so be sure to plan for the weather at the time of your flight. Certain breed restrictions apply.
Travel Container Specifications
To fly in the cargo hold, your pet must weigh less than 99 lbs/45 kgs including the weight of the carrier. It is impossible to supply food and drink to your animal while in flight, so be sure to provide for their needs before checking them as baggage. In order to be accepted at baggage check-in, all carriers:
- Must be hard-sided, well ventilated, and leak-proof, with a sheet of absorbent material at the bottom of the container
- Containers must be secured with a padlock
- Must not be larger than the maximum size of 292 cm (115 in) in linear dimensions
- Must have any wheels removed
- Must be big enough for your animal(s) to comfortably stand, turn, sit, and lie down in
Stronger and more energetic dogs require reinforced kennels or crates. These breeds require a reinforced container, to the specifications of no. 82 (CR82) from IATA (Live Animal Regulations from the International Air Transport Association), so as to minimize the risk of injury and escape.
Two dogs may fly in a single container, as long as they are used to cohabitation and neither one is heavier than 14 kg/31 lbs. Be sure to remove your dog’s leash before closing the crate. Short/snub-nosed animals are not permitted to ride in the cargo hold. See Air Canada policies for breed specific details.
Fees
Within Mexico, you can expect to check a pet into the cargo hold for $1,300 MXN (tax included) or for roughly $64 USD. When traveling internationally, a fee of $4,364 MXN (tax included) will be charged, which corresponds to about $210 (tax included). Prices and taxes may vary and are subject to change based on destination.
Special Recommendations
We all want the best for your pet, no matter where it’s flying. To help with this process and alleviate any anxiety, Aeromexico has devised recommendations for how to best prepare for your flight before your trip, on the day of your flight, and once you reach your destination. Read on to find tips for every leg of your journey.
- Be aware of current and forecasted temperatures at the airport of origin, connecting airports, and the destination airport, as temperatures above 30 C and below 7 C may affect their health to an extent where they will not be accepted at their destination. Hairless pet breeds are more sensitive to low temperatures.
Before Your Trip
- Check in with your vet to be sure your pet is properly immunized for its home country, and its destination. Ask your vet if your animal will require additional vaccinations for any country it may be passing through.
- Ask your vet if your animal is likely to react poorly to air travel, especially if your animals are overweight or have pre-existing illnesses.
- Be sure to pay special attention to animals that are very young or very old
Be aware of current and forecasted temperatures at the airport of origin, connecting airports, and the destination airport, as temperatures above 30 C and below 7 C may affect their health to an extent where they will not be accepted at their destination.
Hairless pet breeds are more sensitive to low temperatures.
Acclimate your Animal to the Crate Before the Flight
Animals tend to react more positively to air travel when they are familiar with their travel container and used to being confined for longer periods. It may be beneficial to practice at home in the weeks leading up to your flight.
Put the bottom half of the carrier in an accessible place, and put familiar items that your pet likes inside it. Let them smell the container and get used to it. Offer bones and treats while they are in the container so that they make positive associations.
Put your pet in the carrier, and take them for a car ride to the park, or some other place they can play (dog parks, a friend or family member’s house, out to eat with you). It will be helpful if your pet associates the container with a fun experience. Don’t use the carrier to take them to the veterinarian or groomer before the trip.
Begin with short trips and then longer ones. Make sure to praise your pet for their good behavior once you get home. Do not vaccinate, give a flea bath to, or have surgery done on your pet 5 days or less prior to their flight.
Find more information about Aeromexico Pet Policies.