China Southern Airlines (IATA: CZ) operates one of Asia’s largest networks from its primary hub at Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport (CAN).
Its pet policy is more restrictive than many Western carriers: most pets travel as checked baggage in the hold, not in the cabin.
A 2025 update introduced limited in-cabin access for small dogs and cats on select domestic routes, but that program conflicts with the official policy page and details remain unverified. This guide covers what is confirmed, what is disputed, and what to verify directly before booking.
Policy last verified: March 2026. Fees reflect official page last updated April 6, 2023. Verify all fees and rules with China Southern before booking.
Official pet policy page: https://www.csair.com/newh5/en/tourguide/luggage_service/pets/
Customer service (pet bookings): +86 400-869-5539
Quick Reference Table
| Detail | Specification |
|---|---|
| Cabin weight limit | Unverified for new domestic program; contact China Southern at +86 400-869-5539 for current details |
| Hold weight limit (total) | 32 kg (70.4 lbs) pet + crate + food combined |
| Hold carrier max dimensions | 90 x 60 x 66 cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 26 in) |
| Hold carrier min dimensions | 5 x 15 x 20 cm (2 x 5.9 x 7.9 in) |
| Domestic hold fee (short haul, up to 8 kg) | ¥398 CNY (~$55 USD) for routes under 800 km |
| Domestic hold fee (mid haul, up to 8 kg) | ¥498 CNY (~$70 USD) for routes 800-1,600 km |
| International hold fee (up to 8 kg) | ¥1,380 CNY (~$190 USD) or $200 USD from US |
| International hold fee (up to 32 kg) | ¥3,500 CNY (~$490 USD) or $500 USD from US |
| Booking method | Phone (+86 400-869-5539), app, or agent |
| Booking deadline | 72 hours minimum (24 hours domestic, 48 hours international) |
| Breed restrictions (hold) | Yes, extensive. See Breed Restrictions section below |
| Cabin breed restrictions | Contact China Southern directly for current details |
| Max pets per flight (cabin program) | 4 (select domestic routes only, unverified) |
| Max pets per flight (hold) | 3 per flight |
| Service animals | Permitted in cabin; dogs only; 24-48 hours advance notice required |
| ESAs | Not recognized since February 1, 2021; travel as standard checked pets |
In-Cabin Pet Policy
China Southern Airlines’ official policy permits only service dogs in the cabin. Pets travel as checked baggage in the hold.
A 2025 update, reported by Chinese regional news sources and the airline’s own group communications, introduced a pilot program allowing small dogs and cats in the cabin on 46+ select domestic routes. Confirmed departure cities include Guangzhou (CAN) and Shenzhen, with destinations including Beijing Daxing (PKX) and Shanghai. Up to 4 pets per flight are permitted under this program, bookable via the China Southern app up to 6 hours before departure.
Warning: Cabin pet carrier dimensions, weight limits, and fees for this domestic program are not confirmed on the official China Southern policy page as of March 2026. The program conflicts with the airline’s general policy. Do not book cabin travel for your pet without calling +86 400-869-5539 to confirm your specific route qualifies and to receive current carrier requirements.
International routes: no in-cabin pets confirmed. Codeshare flights: no in-cabin pets confirmed. Hong Kong routes: cargo only in many cases. Confirm every route individually before booking.
Checked Baggage (Hold) Travel
Hold travel is the standard, confirmed option for pets on China Southern Airlines. Pets travel as checked baggage handled directly by the airline, not through an external cargo partner.
Combined weight limit: 32 kg (70.4 lbs), covering the pet, crate, and up to 2 kg (4.4 lbs) of food. This is a hard cap. No acclimation certificate is required per current policy.
Key Takeaway: The 32 kg (70.4 lbs) hold limit covers everything: pet, crate, and food combined. Weigh your loaded crate before arriving at the airport.
Fees are charged separately from your standard baggage allowance. See the Fees Breakdown section for full details.
Carrier and Crate Requirements
Hold Crates
Hold crates must be IATA Live Animals Regulations compliant. See https://www.iata.org/en/publications/store/live-animals-regulations/ for the full standard.
Maximum dimensions: 90 x 60 x 66 cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 26 in)
Minimum dimensions: 5 x 15 x 20 cm (2 x 5.9 x 7.9 in)
Required construction:
- Sturdy metal, plastic, or wood (no soft-sided carriers for hold)
- Ventilation on 3 or more sides
- Lockable metal door
- Absorbent bedding on the base
- Enough interior space for the pet to stand upright, turn around, and lie down naturally
Measure your pet’s shoulder height and add 10 cm (4 in) to determine minimum crate height. Measure length from nose to tail base and add 10 cm (4 in) for minimum crate length. Label all sides with “Live Animal” stickers and your name, phone number, and destination.
Cabin Carriers (Domestic Program)
Carrier dimensions and material requirements for the 2025 domestic cabin program are unverified against the official policy page. Contact China Southern at +86 400-869-5539 for current specifications before purchasing a carrier.
Tip: Buy your IATA-approved hard crate at least 4 weeks before travel. Let your pet sleep in it daily so it is calm during the flight. A stressed pet in a crate that barely passes inspection is a recipe for denial at the counter.
Fees Breakdown
Fees are separate from your standard baggage allowance and are paid at the airport counter or per booking confirmation. Fees are tiered by route distance for domestic travel and by combined weight for international travel. Verify all fees with China Southern before booking, as the official page was last updated April 6, 2023.
| Travel Type | Route Category | Combined Weight | Fee (CNY) | USD Equivalent | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Cabin | Domestic select routes | Unverified | Unverified | Unverified | 2025 pilot program; contact +86 400-869-5539 |
| Hold | Domestic, under 800 km | Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | ¥398 | ~$55 | E.g., short routes from CAN or PKX |
| Hold | Domestic, 800-1,600 km | Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | ¥498 | ~$70 | Higher weight tiers reach ¥698 for 15-32 kg |
| Hold | Domestic, 800-1,600 km | 8-32 kg (17.6-70.4 lbs) | ¥698 | ~$97 | Distance-based tier |
| Hold | International | Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | ¥1,380 | ~$190 (or $200 USD from US) | RMB default; USD pricing applies from US points of sale |
| Hold | International | Up to 32 kg (70.4 lbs) | ¥3,500 | ~$490 (or $500 USD from US) | Maximum weight tier |
Verify all fees directly with China Southern at +86 400-869-5539 before booking.
Breed Restrictions
China Southern Airlines bans the following breeds from hold travel due to respiratory risk. These restrictions apply to the cargo hold. Cabin restrictions for the 2025 domestic program are unverified; contact the airline directly.
Restricted Dog Breeds (Hold Banned)
Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all varieties), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all varieties), Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Gull Terrier, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all varieties), Pekinese, Presa Canario, Pug (all varieties), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, Yankee Terrier.
Restricted Cat Breeds (Hold Banned)
British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian.
Warning: No cabin alternative is confirmed for banned breeds. These restrictions are applied strictly with no exceptions noted in current policy. If your pet is on this list, contact China Southern at +86 400-869-5539 before purchasing any ticket.
Booking Process
You cannot add a pet through standard online check-in or the standard web booking flow. Use the steps below.
- Contact China Southern at least 72 hours before departure (minimum 24 hours for domestic routes, minimum 48 hours for international routes). Call +86 400-869-5539, use the China Southern app, or contact your booking agent. Request pet approval and confirm your specific route accepts pets.
- Provide your pet’s details: species, breed, weight, and crate dimensions. Confirm the number of pets already booked on your flight. Hold space is limited to 3 pets per flight (4 for the cabin domestic program).
- Prepare all required documents: health certificate, vaccination records, microchip documentation, and any destination-specific import permits. See the Required Documents section below.
- Obtain written confirmation: request an email or booking reference that includes your pet approval. Keep this with your travel documents.
- Arrive at the airport 90-120 minutes before departure. Proceed to the special baggage or pet check-in desk. Present all documents, crate, and pet for inspection and weighing.
- Online check-in is not available when traveling with a pet. Complete all check-in at the airport counter.
Book 7 or more days in advance even when the minimum is 24 hours. Agents must confirm aircraft suitability for your specific crate size, and spots fill quickly on popular domestic routes during holidays and peak travel periods.
Service Dogs
China Southern Airlines permits trained service dogs in the cabin on most routes. This applies to guide dogs, hearing dogs, and psychiatric support dogs assisting passengers with disabilities, per Chinese aviation regulations.
Species permitted: dogs only.
Requirements:
- Owner certificate confirming disability
- Professional training certification
- Standard health and quarantine documentation (same as pet requirements)
- Muzzle and leash required throughout the flight
- Dog must remain at the passenger’s feet or knees; no seat occupancy
- Advance notice: 24-48 hours minimum before departure
- Service dogs travel free and do not count against baggage allowance
For US-originating routes, DOT Air Carrier Access Act (ACAA) compliance applies. See https://www.transportation.gov/serviceanimal for US DOT service animal documentation requirements. Confirm US-specific form requirements with China Southern at +86 400-869-5539, as these are unverified against the official policy page.
Key Takeaway: Service dogs travel free in the cabin with 24-48 hours advance notice, a training certificate, and an owner disability certificate. Dogs only; no other species accepted.
Emotional Support Animals
China Southern Airlines does not recognize emotional support animals as service animals. This policy took effect February 1, 2021.
ESAs travel as standard checked pets under full hold rules, fees, and breed restrictions. No documentation exemptions apply. This aligns with the US DOT’s 2021 rule change, which no longer requires airlines to accommodate ESAs as service animals.
Required Documents
Domestic Travel
- County-level quarantine certificate
International Travel
- Official rabies vaccination record (vaccination must be at least 30 days old for some destinations; verify destination-specific rules)
- Health certificate from an accredited veterinarian, issued within the timeframe required by the destination country
- ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15-digit numeric format)
- Destination import permit where required (present at check-in)
- Signed airline liability waiver (required for dogs and cats; obtain from China Southern at check-in or booking)
Entering Mainland China
China requires a 30-day quarantine for most inbound pets. Exceptions apply for pets arriving from 19 designated low-risk countries, including Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, Japan, and US territories Hawaii and Guam, provided the pet meets titer test requirements. Rabies antibody titer must be above 0.5 IU/ml. The 180-day eligibility clock for China entry begins at the date of blood draw, not the vaccination date.
Draw blood for the rabies titer test immediately after your pet’s booster vaccination. The 180-day window for China entry starts at the blood draw date. Missing this timing can add months to your travel timeline.
Route-Specific Restrictions
- Cabin pets: Confirmed only on select domestic routes (Guangzhou/Shenzhen departures to 18+ cities including Beijing Daxing and Shanghai). No international cabin pets confirmed.
- Hong Kong routes: Cargo only in many cases. Confirm with China Southern before booking.
- Codeshare flights: No pet transport confirmed on codeshare-operated segments. Book only on China Southern-operated flights.
- Connecting flights: China Southern does not currently confirm pet transport on connecting itineraries. Direct flights only recommended.
- Temperature embargoes: No specific embargo months or temperature thresholds are published in China Southern’s official policy as of March 2026. General aviation industry embargoes typically apply when ground temperatures fall below 7°C (44.6°F) or exceed 29°C (84.2°F). Verify seasonal conditions with China Southern at +86 400-869-5539 before booking summer or winter travel.
- UK, Australia, and New Zealand: These destinations have strict import biosecurity rules independent of airline policy. Confirm all destination country requirements with the relevant government authority before booking.
Warning: China Southern does not publish specific temperature embargo dates. If you are booking summer or winter travel, call +86 400-869-5539 at least 2 weeks before departure to confirm your route is not under an embargo.
Airport Check-In Process
- Arrive 90-120 minutes before departure.
- Proceed to the special baggage or oversized items check-in desk, not the standard counter.
- Present: booking confirmation with pet approval, health certificate, vaccination records, microchip documentation, import permit if required, and signed liability waiver.
- Allow agents to weigh the loaded crate and inspect construction and ventilation.
- Expect the full process to take 20-30 minutes longer than standard check-in due to documentation review and crate inspection.
- Online check-in is not available. All check-in must be completed at the airport counter.
Your Questions, Answered
Can I bring my pet in the cabin on China Southern Airlines?
In-cabin pets are not permitted under the standard official policy, except for trained service dogs. A 2025 pilot program reportedly allows small dogs and cats in the cabin on select domestic routes departing from Guangzhou and Shenzhen to cities including Beijing Daxing and Shanghai, with up to 4 pets per flight bookable via the China Southern app. Carrier dimensions, weight limits, and fees for this program are unverified against the official policy page. Call +86 400-869-5539 to confirm whether your specific route qualifies before booking.
How much does China Southern charge for in-cabin pets?
Fees for the 2025 domestic cabin program are unverified. For hold travel, domestic fees start at ¥398 CNY (~$55 USD) for routes under 800 km with combined weight up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs), and ¥498 CNY (~$70 USD) for routes 800-1,600 km. International hold fees start at ¥1,380 CNY (~$190 USD) for up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) and reach ¥3,500 CNY (~$490 USD) for up to 32 kg (70.4 lbs). Verify all fees with China Southern before booking.
What dog breeds are banned on China Southern Airlines?
The following breeds are banned from hold travel: Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boston Terrier, Boxer (all varieties), Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all varieties), Bull Terrier, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Gull Terrier, Japanese Chin, Japanese Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all varieties), Pekinese, Presa Canario, Pug (all varieties), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, and Yankee Terrier. Cabin restrictions for the domestic program are unverified. Contact China Southern directly for current details.
Does China Southern Airlines accept service dogs?
Yes. Trained service dogs (guide, hearing, and psychiatric support dogs) are permitted in the cabin on most routes. Dogs only; no other species. Advance notice of 24-48 hours is required along with an owner disability certificate and professional training certification. Service dogs travel free and do not count against baggage allowance. For US-originating routes, confirm DOT documentation requirements at https://www.transportation.gov/serviceanimal and with China Southern at +86 400-869-5539.
Can I fly my pet as cargo on China Southern Airlines?
Yes. Hold travel is the standard confirmed option for pets on China Southern. The combined weight limit is 32 kg (70.4 lbs) including pet, crate, and food. Maximum crate dimensions are 90 x 60 x 66 cm (35.4 x 23.6 x 26 in). Breed restrictions apply. Temperature embargoes are not published but may apply; verify with China Southern before booking summer or winter travel.
What documents do I need to fly my pet to China?
For international travel you need: an official rabies vaccination record (at least 30 days old for some destinations), a health certificate issued within the destination country’s required timeframe, an ISO 11784/11785 microchip (15-digit numeric), and any required import permits. For entry into mainland China, most pets face a 30-day quarantine unless arriving from a designated low-risk country (including Australia, New Zealand, the UK, Japan, and US territories Hawaii and Guam) with a rabies antibody titer above 0.5 IU/ml. The 180-day eligibility window begins at the blood draw date, not the vaccination date.
When should I book pet travel on China Southern?
The minimum booking window is 24 hours before departure for domestic routes and 48 hours for international routes, but China Southern recommends applying at least 72 hours in advance. Booking 7 or more days ahead is strongly recommended, especially during Chinese public holidays and peak travel seasons when hold space (limited to 3 pets per flight) fills quickly. Call +86 400-869-5539 to book.
Sources consulted:
- China Southern Airlines official pet policy: https://www.csair.com/newh5/en/tourguide/luggage_service/pets/
- China Southern Airlines special baggage application procedures: https://www.csair.com/newh5/en/tourguide/luggage_service/special_baggage/pets/
- China Southern Airlines restricted items page: https://www.csair.com/en/tourguide/special/danger/
- US DOT service animal information: https://www.transportation.gov/serviceanimal
- IATA Live Animals Regulations: https://www.iata.org/en/publications/store/live-animals-regulations/
This article is for informational purposes only. China Southern Airlines pet policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with China Southern Airlines at +86 400-869-5539 or at https://www.csair.com/newh5/en/tourguide/luggage_service/pets/ before booking.
