The ONE Airline Rule You Can’t Afford to Ignore When Flying Pets in Australia!

The ONE Airline Rule You Can’t Afford to Ignore When Flying Pets in Australia!

If you’re moving interstate in Australia with your furry friend, flying is often the quickest way to get both of you to your new home. But pet travel isn’t as simple as just hopping on a plane together especially here in Australia, where airlines have specific and important rules in place to ensure your pet's safety.

As a pet relocation consultant, I’ve seen people make all kinds of mistakes when flying with their pets. But there's one mistake in particular that can ruin your travel plans—and that’s not following the strict crate requirements set by Australian airlines. Yes, the type of crate your pet travels in is the one airline rule you absolutely cannot afford to ignore!

Let me take you through why this rule is so important, what you need to do to get it right, and a few other tips to ensure smooth travel for your pet.

Why Crate Requirements Matter So Much

When you're flying domestically in Australia, pets can only travel in the cargo hold—this is non-negotiable for all major airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia, and Rex Airlines. While that might sound scary, the cargo hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled, so your pet is safe as long as they're in the right crate.

However, if your pet’s crate doesn't meet the airline’s strict size and safety standards, your pet won’t be allowed to fly, and you might end up stuck at the airport trying to scramble for a solution. I've seen it happen to clients who didn’t pay close attention to the crate requirements and ended up delaying their travel.

What Happens If You Don’t Use the Right Crate?

Here’s a story that sticks with me: I was working with a family moving from Sydney to Perth, and they were flying with their Pug, Max. The family purchased a crate, thinking it would be fine because it was the right height for Max to stand in. But what they didn’t realize was that the airline had very specific guidelines about crate width and ventilation specifically for snub nosed breeds.

When they arrived at the airport, the staff quickly flagged the crate as unsuitable, and Max wasn’t allowed on the flight. The family had to reschedule their flight and pay extra for a new, airline-approved crate—talk about a stressful and expensive experience! It’s a mistake you don’t want to make, especially when it’s so avoidable.

How to Choose the Right Crate for Domestic Flights

Crate Size: It’s All About Comfort

The most important part of choosing a crate is making sure your pet has enough room to move around comfortably. The rule is simple: your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down without touching the sides or top of the crate.

Here’s how you can measure your pet to get the right crate size:

  1. Measure your pet’s height from the top of their head (or ears, for taller breeds) to the ground.
  2. Measure their length from nose to base of tail.
  3. Measure the widest point of your pet
  4. Measure up to elbow of front leg. 
  5. Add at least half the elbow measurement to the length of the pet to get the correct length.
  6. Double your pets width to get the correct crate width size.
  7. Add at least 5 - 10cm to the height to get correct crate size. 
  8. SPECIAL NOTE. If you have a snub nosed pet then purchase the next size up for the crate to ensure adequate ventilation due to common breathing difficulties for these breeds.  

If you’re in doubt, always go a size larger. Too much room is better than not enough!

IATA Standards: What to Look For

When it comes to crates, the International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets the standards for pet travel. Australian airlines follow these standards strictly, so make sure your crate is IATA-compliant.

Your crate should:

  • Have sturdy construction, usually made of rigid plastic or wood. (metal in some cases)
  • Include ventilation on only the upper sides of the crate. 
  • Include locking bolts to secure the top/bottom of crate if not an entire piece.
  • Feature a secure, metal door that typically has a spring loaded lock. This may be wooden in the case of a wooden crate.

Airlines like Qantas, Virgin Australia and Rex require these features for your pet’s safety. 

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Choosing a Crate

There are a few common mistakes pet owners make when choosing crates for air travel. Avoid these to ensure a smooth journey for both you and your pet!

1. Getting a Crate That’s Too Small

This is by far the most common mistake. I’ve seen pets crammed into crates that barely give them room to move. Remember, airlines won’t let your pet fly if they’re uncomfortable in the crate. Always err on the side of caution and get a bigger crate if you’re unsure.

2. Not Checking Airline-Specific Rules

Each airline requires travel crates to meet IATA standards. While the overall guidelines are similar, some airlines may have additional requirements. Always check with your airline in advance to avoid any surprises at check-in.

3. Using Crates With Poor Ventilation

Your pet needs fresh air throughout the flight. Crates that don’t have enough ventilation or proper airflow can be dangerous for your pet. Make sure all sides of the crate have adequate ventilation holes.

Preparing Your Pet for Crate Travel

Even if you’ve got the perfect crate, you still need to prepare your pet for the experience. Flying can be stressful, so crate training is crucial. Start introducing the crate to your pet weeks before the flight. Let them get comfortable inside it, and make it a positive space by adding a favourite blanket or toy.

One of my clients crate-trained their nervous dog Eunice for weeks before their flight from Melbourne to Darwin. By the time travel day came, the dog was calm and ready, and the journey went off without a hitch!

Other Airline Rules to Remember

While the crate is the most important part of flying your pet, don’t forget these other key rules:

  • Booking in advance: Always book your pet’s spot in cargo in advance, as airlines have limited space for pets on each flight.
  • Checking your crate size: Make sure the crate you have purchased fits on the plane especially if you are planning to travel on small regional aircrafts. 
  • Pre-flight preparation: Make sure your pet has access to water at all times, and try to take them for a good walk or play session before heading to the airport.

Final Thoughts: The Crate Rule Is Key

Flying your pet domestically in Australia doesn’t have to be stressful if you plan ahead and follow the rules. The most critical part of the process is making sure your pet’s crate meets the airline’s requirements. Getting this right will ensure your pet has a safe and comfortable journey, and it’ll save you the headache of potential delays at the airport.

So, don’t wait until the last minute—measure your pet, check the airline’s guidelines, and invest in a high-quality, IATA-approved crate. Your pet will thank you for it!

 

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