Asiana Airlines Pet Policy: How to transport a pet 2026

Published in 2025 / Updated in 2026

Asiana Airlines allows you to bring your pet along for the ride, but space is more exclusive than a K-Pop fan meeting. With only 3 to 4 pets allowed per flight, you’ll want to book your pet’s “ticket” the moment you book yours.

In the Cabin (PETC): The Small & Sophisticated

If your pet is a lightweight traveler, they can join you under the seat. In 2026, Asiana remains one of the few airlines that allows pets in Business Class, though they must be stowed in a designated area during takeoff and landing.

Who’s Invited? Dogs, cats, and household birds.
The Weight Limit: Your pet + their carrier must weigh 7 kg (15 lbs) or less.
The Cost: Domestic (Korea): ~KRW 30,000.
- International: $150 – $300 USD (depending on route).
Family Travel: One passenger = one carrier. However, you can put two puppies or two kittens (under 6 months) or a pair of birds in a single cage.

Approved Carrier Sizes (In-Cabin)

Hard Case: 45 x 32 x 21 cm (Height is the deal-breaker here!).
Soft Case: 45 x 32 x 26 cm (Must be compressible to 21 cm to fit under the seat).

In the Hold (AVIH): For the Big Barkers

For pets that exceed the 7 kg limit, the climate-controlled cargo hold offers a safe, pressurized journey.

Weight Limit: Up to 45 kg (99 lbs) including the crate. (Note: Some aircraft or destinations may cap this at 32 kg, so double-check your specific flight!).
Dimensions: The sum of the crate’s three sides must be under 285 cm, with a max height of 84 cm.
The Cost: $400 – $700 USD for international segments.

🛑 The “No-Fly” List: Brachycephalic & Banned Breeds

Asiana takes respiratory health seriously. Since July 2019, short-nosed (brachycephalic) animals are strictly prohibited from the hold. They can only fly in the cabin if they meet the 7 kg weight limit.

Restricted Breeds include:

Dogs: Pugs, Bulldogs, Boxers, Shih Tzus, Chihuahuas, Chow Chows, Shar-Peis, and Terriers (Boston, Bull).
Cats: Persian, British Shorthair, Scottish Fold, Himalayan, and Exotic.
Aggressive Breeds: Tosa Inus, Pit Bull Terriers, and Rottweilers are strictly banned from all transport.

The Paperwork Checklist

Don’t get grounded at the gate! You’ll need to arrive at the counter early to sign a “Transport Oath” and present:

Health Certificate: Issued by a vet within 10 days of travel.
Quarantine Certificate: Issued by the airport’s animal quarantine office on the day of departure.
Vaccination Proof: Rabies certificate is mandatory for all international travel.
Japan Special: If flying to Japan, remember that the quarantine process can take up to 180 days—plan ahead!

💡 Expert Tips for 2026:

Reserve via Call Center: You cannot add a pet to your booking online. You must call the Asiana Reservation Center (+82-2-2669-8000) to secure one of the few spots.

The “Window” Seat: If you’re traveling with a pet in the cabin, you’ll be assigned a specific pet-designated seat. You cannot sit in an exit row or a bulkhead seat.

No Snacks: Asiana rules state pets can only have water during the flight. Save the treats for the “Welcome Home” party!

Official information from the airline

4 responses to “Asiana Airlines Pet Policy: How to transport a pet 2026”

Ted

05/17/2026

This article said Asiana Airlines is the few airlines that let pets in Business class. I assumed because of type of seats in Business class the pet carrier can’t be put under the seat. How is a pet handled in Business class with Asiana Airlines during the flight? Can we buy the next seat to put the pet carrier on it or can we hold the pet during the flight in Business class?

Reply
1. Lana
  
  05/18/2026
  
  You’re exactly right – because of how the business class seats are designed, you can’t fit the pet carrier underneath the seat in front of you. So what happens is, a flight attendant will take the carrier from you and place it in a designated spot on the floor somewhere else in the cabin.
  
  You also can’t keep the pet on your lap or on an empty seat, and Asiana doesn’t sell an extra seat just for a pet carrier. This rule applies to all business class seats except on the A321. On the A321, you can actually put the carrier under the seat in front of you, just like in economy.
  
  You won’t be allowed to sit in exit rows or bulkhead seats. Instead, the airline will assign you a specific pet-friendly seat within the business class cabin. For example, on the A350-900, those seats are 5K, 27K, 34K, and 42K. No matter what aircraft you’re on, you’ll get one of those designated seats, and exit rows and bulkheads are off limits
  
  Reply
Tiprada S.

04/27/2026

I would like to know the pet fees and all of the cost .If I need to fly in cabin with my cat the route from BKK to JFK.
Thanks

Reply
1. Lana
  
  04/27/2026
  
  For a cat traveling in the cabin from Bangkok to New York, Korean Air is currently your most reliable mainline option, with a fee of around $200–$300 each way. On top of this, you should budget an additional $300–$500 for veterinary and documentation costs.
  United and American Airlines are not available for this route, and most Asian carriers do not allow in-cabin pets at all.
  Always confirm the latest policies and fees directly with the airline before booking, as rules can change
  
  Reply