Air Premia Pet Policy

The Air Premia Pet Policy governs how passengers may fly with dogs, cats, and certain household birds. Depending on how large your animal is and what conditions are suitable for its travel, your pet will either ride inside the cabin as PETC (Pet in Cabin) or get checked into the cargo hold as AVIH (Animal in Hold). Eight weeks. That’s the minimum age Air Premia requires before any pet is cleared for flight.

What Is the Air Premia Pet Policy?

The Air Premia Pet Policy outlines the airline’s regulations for transporting companion animals on eligible flights. The policy generally applies to:

Dogs
Cats
Household birds

Depending on the pet’s size and weight, animals may travel:

Inside the aircraft cabin (PETC)
As checked baggage in the cargo compartment (AVIH)

The airline’s rules are designed to maintain:

Passenger safety
Animal welfare
Cabin hygiene
International transport compliance

Certain pets, breeds, and travel routes may have restrictions depending on destination country regulations and aircraft limitations.

How Does Air Premia Pet Travel Work?

Passengers wishing to travel with pets must request approval before departure. The process usually includes:

Contacting the airline
Confirming pet eligibility
Reserving pet space
Preparing travel documents
Arriving early at the airport
Completing pet check-in

Air Premia requires pet reservations to be confirmed at least 48 hours before the scheduled flight. Because the number of pets allowed per flight is limited, early booking is strongly recommended. Without prior approval, pets may not be accepted for travel.

Air Premia PETC (Pet in Cabin) Policy

Small pets may travel inside the passenger cabin under the PETC program. This option is generally available for:

Small dogs
Cats
Household birds

The pet must remain inside an approved carrier throughout the flight.

Common Cabin Pet Rules

The pet carrier must fit under the seat
Pets must remain inside the carrier at all times
The animal must behave calmly
Pets cannot occupy passenger seats
The carrier must be leak-proof and ventilated

Cabin pet eligibility usually depends on the combined weight of:

The pet
The carrier

If the total weight exceeds airline limits, the pet may need to travel as checked baggage instead.

Air Premia AVIH (Checked Pet) Policy

Some animals are simply too big for the cabin. Larger pets that don’t qualify for PETC travel are transported as checked baggage under AVIH rules, placed in a temperature-controlled cargo compartment where safety standards are maintained throughout the flight. Under this option:

Pets travel in a temperature-controlled cargo compartment
Approved kennels are required
Airport check-in procedures may take longer

AVIH travel is commonly used for:

Medium-sized dogs
Large cats
Pets exceeding cabin weight restrictions

Cargo compartment transportation is designed to meet animal safety standards, but owners should still consult veterinarians before long international journeys.

Air Premia Pet Age Requirements

Air Premia generally requires pets to be:

At least 8 weeks old
Fully weaned
Healthy enough for air travel

Very young animals may experience stress, dehydration, or medical complications during flights. Some international destinations may also require:

Minimum vaccination ages
Waiting periods after vaccinations
Additional health certifications

Travelers should review destination-specific import rules carefully before booking flights.

How to Book a Pet on Air Premia

Pet reservations usually cannot be completed automatically during standard online ticket booking. Passengers normally must contact the airline directly.

Booking Process

Step 1: Contact Air Premia Customer Support

Provide:

Flight information
Pet type
Breed
Weight
Carrier dimensions

Step 2: Confirm Availability

The airline reviews:

Pet space availability
Cabin capacity
Route restrictions
Aircraft limitations

Step 3: Receive Approval

Once approved, the airline adds the pet reservation to the booking.

Step 4: Prepare Required Documents

Travelers may need:

Vaccination certificates
Health certificates
Import permits
Microchip documentation

Step 5: Arrive Early at the Airport

Additional pet check-in procedures may require extra processing time.

Air Premia Pet Carrier Requirements

Proper carriers are extremely important for safe pet transportation.

Cabin Carrier Requirements

Cabin carriers generally must:

Fit under the passenger seat
Be well ventilated
Prevent leakage
Allow the pet to move comfortably
Remain securely closed

Soft-sided carriers are commonly accepted for cabin use.

Checked Pet Kennel Requirements

For AVIH travel, kennels usually must:

Be hard-sided
Have ventilation openings
Include secure locks
Provide enough standing space
Contain absorbent materials

Food and water containers may also be required inside the kennel.

Air Premia Pet Fees

Pet transportation usually involves additional charges separate from passenger tickets. Fees may vary depending on:

Travel route
Pet size
Carrier weight
Cabin or cargo travel
International regulations

Common Pet Fee Categories

Cabin Pet Fee

Applied to pets traveling inside the cabin.

Checked Pet Fee

Charged for animals transported as AVIH.

Oversized Kennel Charges

Larger kennels may result in additional costs.

International Documentation Fees

Some countries require special processing or import charges. Pet fees are generally non-refundable once travel is confirmed.

Air Premia Pet Weight Rules

Pet eligibility often depends on the total combined weight. This includes:

Animal weight
Carrier or kennel weight

Smaller pets may qualify for cabin travel, while heavier animals usually must travel as checked baggage. Weight limits can vary by aircraft type and route. Passengers should verify current restrictions directly with the airline before departure.

Air Premia Restricted Pets and Breeds

Certain animals may not be accepted for travel due to safety or health concerns. Potential restrictions may apply to:

Aggressive breeds
Snub-nosed breeds
Exotic animals
Wild animals
Untrained pets
Sick or injured animals

Short-nosed breeds sometimes face restrictions because they may experience breathing difficulties during air travel. Examples can include certain:

Bulldogs
Pugs
Persian cats

The airline may deny transport if the animal appears medically unfit for flying.

Air Premia International Pet Travel Rules

International pet travel often involves strict government regulations. Depending on the destination, owners may need:

Rabies vaccination certificates
Veterinary health certificates
Import permits
Microchip identification
Quarantine approval

Some countries have mandatory quarantine periods for arriving pets. Travelers are responsible for ensuring compliance with destination entry rules. Failure to meet documentation requirements could result in:

Denied entry
Quarantine expenses
Return transportation costs

Air Premia Emotional Support Animal Policy

Many airlines have updated their policies regarding emotional support animals. Air Premia may treat emotional support animals as regular pets rather than service animals. Passengers traveling with emotional support animals may still need to:

Pay pet transportation fees
Use approved carriers
Follow standard pet rules

Travelers should verify current airline policies before booking.

Air Premia Service Animal Policy

Service animals are different. Professionally trained animals assisting passengers with documented disabilities may receive distinct accommodations that standard pets simply don’t qualify for, though advance notification and supporting documentation are still typically required before the flight. Service animals typically must:

Be professionally trained
Remain under control
Meet health requirements
Follow destination entry rules

Advance notification may still be required before travel. Additional documentation could also be requested depending on the route.

Air Premia Pet Check-In Process

Arrive early. The check-in process for traveling pets is substantially more involved than standard passenger check-in, requiring staff to physically inspect your carrier dimensions, review vaccination records, confirm the animal’s health, and verify that the kennel labeling and locking mechanisms all meet the airline’s safety requirements. The airline may inspect:

Carrier dimensions
Pet health condition
Travel documents
Vaccination records
Kennel safety

During check-in, staff may verify that:

The animal can stand comfortably
The kennel is secure
Labels are properly attached

Late-arriving passengers may risk denied pet transport if processing cannot be completed on time.

Air Premia 24-Hour Rule for Pet Reservations

The standard 24-hour airline cancellation policy may not fully apply to pet bookings. Because pet reservations involve limited onboard capacity, pet fees and approvals may follow separate conditions. If travel plans change, passengers should contact the airline immediately to discuss:

Pet cancellation options
Rebooking availability
Fee adjustments
Updated travel requirements

Refund eligibility may depend on the fare conditions and timing of cancellation.

Air Premia Pet Safety Rules

Animal safety remains a major priority during flights. Owners are generally responsible for ensuring pets are:

Healthy enough to fly
Properly hydrated
Comfortable inside carriers
Calm during transportation

The airline may refuse transport if an animal:

Appears aggressive
Shows signs of illness
Experiences severe distress
Cannot safely fit inside the carrier

Sedation is often discouraged unless specifically recommended by a veterinarian.

Tips for Flying With Pets on Air Premia

Traveling with pets becomes easier when owners prepare carefully.

Book Early

Pet space availability is limited on most flights.

Visit a Veterinarian

Ensure vaccinations and health records are current.

Use an Airline-Approved Carrier

Proper kennel sizing improves comfort and compliance.

Avoid Feeding Immediately Before Flights

Light meals before departure may help reduce travel discomfort.

Exercise Pets Before Travel

A calm pet may handle flights more comfortably.

Label the Carrier Clearly

Include:

Owner contact details
Feeding instructions
Pet identification

Carry Essential Supplies

Bring:

Water
Leash
Waste bags
Food
Cleaning materials

Benefits of Air Premia Pet Travel Options

Air Premia offers flexibility for travelers flying with companion animals.

Cabin Travel Availability

Small pets can remain close to owners during flights.

Cargo Travel for Larger Animals

Larger pets can still travel safely on eligible routes.

International Travel Support

The airline accommodates international pet transportation requirements on many routes.

Multiple Pet Travel Options

Both PETC and AVIH services help accommodate different pet sizes and travel needs.

Important Things to Know Before Flying With Pets

Before booking, travelers should carefully verify:

Destination pet import rules
Vaccination requirements
Breed restrictions
Carrier size regulations
Seasonal temperature restrictions
Transit country requirements

Some destinations enforce very strict animal entry regulations that may take weeks or months to complete properly. Travelers should begin preparations well in advance of departure.

Final Thoughts

Start early. The Air Premia Pet Policy makes room for dogs, cats, and household birds to travel either inside the cabin or in the cargo hold, depending on size and the specific demands of each route but this flexibility only works in your favor when you’ve taken the time to understand carrier requirements, secure the right documentation, confirm your reservation at least 48 hours out, and prepared your animal for the physical and emotional realities of air travel. None of this happens at the last minute. With careful planning, accurate paperwork, and a well-prepared pet, your journey on Air Premia can be genuinely smooth for both you and the animal traveling beside you.