China Southern Airlines pet policy 2026: fees, cabin rules and booking
Last updated: May 2026 · 8 min read
Before you apply: check these first
- 1Is your pet a dog or cat? (Only dogs and cats accepted for import into China)
- 2Is your route domestic Chinese (cabin possible under 5 kg) or international (hold only)?
- 3Have you applied at least 48 hours before departure and received airline approval?
- 4Do you have a quarantine certificate and rabies vaccination certificate from an official authority in your country?
Key facts at a glance
Cabin pets: domestic routes only
China Southern expanded cabin pet travel to approximately 18 major Chinese cities as of 2025/2026, including Guangzhou, Shanghai, Beijing, and Shenzhen. The option applies to domestic flights only.
The weight limit for cabin travel is 5 kg combined (pet plus carrier). This means small cats and toy dog breeds only. Booking must be done through the China Southern app or WeChat mini-program at least 6 hours before departure. Only 4 pets are accepted per flight in the cabin, allocated on a first-come basis. The fee is approximately 1,380 RMB (around $190) per segment, varying by route.
On international routes, no regular pets are permitted in the cabin. The only cabin exception across all routes is certified guide dogs for passengers with disabilities.
International flights: checked baggage in the hold
For international routes, pets travel as checked baggage (AVIH) in the pressurized, temperature-controlled cargo hold. This requires advance application and written approval from China Southern.
Apply at least 48 hours before departure for international flights. Space for live animals is limited per flight. Late applications are refused.
Species accepted on international routes: dogs and cats only. One pet per passenger. Per China customs regulations effective May 1, 2019, only dogs and cats are permitted for importation into China.
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Carrier requirements
Weight limit: combined weight of pet and carrier must not exceed 32 kg (70 lbs).
Carrier dimensions: maximum 40 x 60 x 100 cm. Minimum 5 x 15 x 20 cm. The carrier must be rigid: metal, tough plastic, or wood. Ventilation required on at least three sides. A leak-proof, absorbent base is required. The carrier must be closable but not locked.
Live Animal labels must appear on the top and at least one side, in letters at least 2.5 cm tall. Directional arrows showing correct upright position are required.
China Southern sometimes requires a protective net or binding straps wrapped around the crate in a grid pattern. This is not standard on most other carriers. The net is sometimes available at the airport for a fee. Bringing your own is safer.
Fees for international pet shipping
Animals do not count toward a passenger's free baggage allowance. The published fee range is 450 to 2,000 CNY (approximately $60 to $275) depending on combined weight and route. Heavier pets and longer international routes push toward the upper end. Confirm the exact fee for your specific route when applying. China Southern's rate structure varies by route type.
Importing a pet into China
China Southern handles the transport. China customs controls the import. These are two separate processes.
Per Customs Announcement No. 5 [2019]: only dogs and cats are allowed, one per passenger. A valid quarantine certificate and rabies vaccination certificate from an official authority in the exporting country must be presented. The pet must have an ISO-compliant microchip.
If a pet is returned or destroyed by customs due to incorrect documentation, the airline bears no responsibility. Also note: some airports including Hong Kong require live animals to arrive as cargo only. Confirm for your specific airport before booking.
Booking sequence
At least 48 hours before departure. Online booking for pets is not available on international routes.
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Do not purchase crate or prepare documentation until approval is confirmed.
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Rigid carrier with three-side ventilation, absorbent base, Live Animal labels, directional arrows, and grid net if required. Plus: health certificate, rabies vaccination certificate, quarantine certificate from official authority.
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Live animals are not processed at standard check-in. Arrive early. Sign the carrier liability agreement at check-in.
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Guangzhou hub layovers
China Southern's main hub is Guangzhou (CAN). If your itinerary connects through Guangzhou, confirm whether your pet will be through-checked or needs to be re-checked at the layover. This varies by itinerary and must be confirmed with the airline before travel.
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Frequently asked questions
No. Cabin travel for regular pets on international flights is not available. Cabin pets are only permitted on domestic Chinese routes for animals under 5 kg combined weight.
The published range is 450 to 2,000 CNY (approximately $60 to $275) depending on the combined weight of pet and carrier and the route. Confirm the exact fee when applying at least 48 hours before departure.
Yes. At least 48 hours for international flights. Space for live animals is limited per flight and written approval is required. Walk-up bookings for pets are not accepted.
A valid quarantine certificate and rabies vaccination certificate from an official authority in your country of origin, plus an ISO-compliant microchip. China permits only dogs and cats, one per passenger. Confirm current requirements through the General Administration of Customs at customs.gov.cn.
China Southern is a workable option for international pet transport, particularly for owners flying into or out of China's major cities. The process requires advance planning, a rigid carrier prepared to specific standards, and documentation that satisfies both airline and customs requirements separately.
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