Hainan Airlines Holding Co., Ltd. (IATA code: HU) is headquartered in Haikou, Hainan Province, China and operates primarily out of three hub airports: Haikou Meilan International Airport (HAK), Beijing Capital International Airport (PEK), and Xi’an Xianyang International Airport (XIY).
The airline serves domestic China routes as well as international destinations across North America, Europe, and Asia.
The single most important fact for pet owners: Hainan Airlines does not allow pets in the cabin on any route. All animals travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold, including on short domestic flights. This applies universally across all routes the airline operates.
China requires pets arriving from most countries to undergo a minimum 30-day quarantine period after import permit approval. Plan your timeline accordingly before booking any international pet travel.
Last verified: March 2026. Fees, breed restrictions, and route availability change without notice. Always confirm current requirements directly with Hainan Airlines before booking.
Quick Reference
| Detail | Requirement |
|---|---|
| Cabin travel | Not permitted on any route |
| Cargo travel | Available as checked baggage on eligible routes |
| Maximum weight (pet + crate + food/water) | 32 kg (70.5 lbs) |
| Maximum crate dimensions | 121 x 81 x 88 cm (48 x 32 x 35 in) |
| Example small crate size | 53 x 38 x 40 cm (21 x 15 x 16 in) for pets under 8 kg (17.6 lbs) |
| International fee range | 3,600 RMB (~$500) to 7,800 RMB (~$1,092) depending on weight tier |
| Domestic fee | Weight-based: 1.5% of economy fare x kg x total weight; capped at 8,000 RMB (~$1,120) |
| Booking method | Phone or ticket office only; no online portal |
| Booking deadline | At least 24 hours before domestic flights; at least 48 hours before international flights |
| Breed restrictions | Yes; see full list below |
| Service animals | Trained service dogs may travel in cabin with 48-hour notice and DOT-compliant documentation (policy unverified in official PDFs; call to confirm) |
| ESAs | Treated as regular pets; cargo fees apply |
| Customer service hotline | 95339 (24-hour domestic line) |
Pro tip: Hainan Airlines does not publish a dedicated pet policy webpage. Official policy details are in two PDFs: “Passengers Consigning Small Animals” and “Checked Pets,” both available at hainanairlines.com. Download both before you call.
Cargo Hold Travel: Full Requirements
Because cabin travel is not available on any Hainan Airlines route, all pet owners must use the checked baggage cargo process. The following requirements apply to all routes unless a route-specific restriction applies.
Weight Limit
The combined weight of your pet, crate, food, and water must not exceed 32 kg (70.5 lbs). No separate weight limit applies to the crate alone.
Crate Dimensions and Construction
Hainan Airlines requires all crates to comply with IATA Live Animals Regulations. The crate must meet all of the following:
- Materials: Sturdy, non-collapsible construction with a fixed top
- Ventilation: Metal mesh on at least three sides
- Door: Solid metal locking door
- Floor: Leak-proof bottom with absorbent bedding
- Size formula: Length = A + 0.5B, Width = C x 2, Height = D (where A = nose to tail base, B = elbow to ground, C = maximum body width, D = ground to ear tip)
- Maximum overall dimensions: 121 x 81 x 88 cm (48 x 32 x 35 in)
A crate measuring 53 x 38 x 40 cm (21 x 15 x 16 in) is a practical starting point for pets under 8 kg (17.6 lbs), but you must still verify the IATA formula against your specific animal’s measurements.
Pro tip: Measure your pet using the IATA formula before purchasing a crate. The formula is based on your pet’s body dimensions, not a standard carrier size. A crate that fits your pet at home may still fail the formula check at the airport.
Tip: The IATA Live Animals Regulations set the international standard for pet crate construction and sizing. Review the full requirements at iata.org/en/you/decisions/policy/live-animals-regulations/ before purchasing a crate.
Age Requirement
Pets must be at least 6 months old to travel on Hainan Airlines.
Temperature Embargo
Hainan Airlines will not transport pets if the forecasted ground temperature at the departure airport, any transit point, or the destination airport is below -12°C (10.4°F) or above 30°C (86°F). Temperature data is sourced from the China Meteorological Administration (cma.gov.cn). This restriction is forecast-based and can be applied with little advance notice.
Warning: A hot summer day in Beijing or Haikou can result in your pet shipment being cancelled at the airport. Check the weather forecast for every airport on your itinerary before travel day, and have a contingency plan in place.
Fees Breakdown
Fees are paid at check-in. Hainan Airlines uses two fee structures depending on route type.
Domestic China Routes: Weight-Based Fee
| Calculation | Cap | Currency |
|---|---|---|
| 1.5% of economy fare x kg x total weight (pet + crate) | Maximum 8,000 RMB (~$1,120) | RMB |
International Routes: Piece-Based Fee by Weight Tier
| Weight tier (pet + crate + food/water) | Fee (RMB) | Approximate USD |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) | 3,600 to 3,900 RMB | ~$504 to $546 |
| 8 kg to 23 kg (17.6 lbs to 50.6 lbs) | 4,900 to 5,200 RMB | ~$686 to $728 |
| 23 kg to 32 kg (50.6 lbs to 70.5 lbs) | 7,800 RMB | ~$1,092 |
USD equivalents calculated at 1 RMB = 0.14 USD. Exchange rates fluctuate; verify current rates before travel.
Warning: International pet transport on Hainan Airlines is expensive. A medium-sized dog in a crate weighing 15 kg (33 lbs) combined will cost between 4,900 and 5,200 RMB (~$686 to $728) one way. Budget accordingly and verify the exact fee for your route by calling 95339.
How to Book: Step-by-Step
Pet reservations cannot be made online. Hainan Airlines has no web portal for pet bookings. All reservations must be made by phone or in person at a ticket office.
- Confirm route eligibility. Call the 24-hour domestic hotline at 95339 (or contact your nearest Hainan Airlines overseas ticket office for international routes) and ask whether your specific flight accepts checked pets. Some routes do not allow pet transport at all (see Route-Specific Restrictions below).
- Reserve your pet’s space. Book at least 24 hours before departure for domestic China flights, or at least 48 hours before departure for international flights. Spaces are limited and not guaranteed until confirmed by an agent.
- Complete the Pet Transportation Agreement. The agent will provide this form (version dated January 1, 2026). Sign and return it as directed. You cannot check in without a completed agreement.
- Prepare your crate and documents. Assemble all required health certificates, quarantine certificates, and import/export permits before your travel date. See the Documents section below for the full list.
- Arrive at the airport early. Check in at the Hainan Airlines counter at least 2 hours before departure for domestic flights. For international flights, allow at least 3 hours before departure.
- Present pet, crate, and documents at the counter. The agent will weigh the combined crate, verify dimensions against IATA requirements, attach a pet tag, and collect the fee.
Pro tip: Call 95339 again 24 to 48 hours before your flight to reconfirm that your pet space is still active and that no temperature embargo has been issued for your route.
Key Takeaway: The only way to book a pet on Hainan Airlines is by phone or in person. Build extra time into your pre-travel schedule for hold times, especially during Chinese public holidays and peak summer travel periods.
Breed Restrictions
Hainan Airlines bans the following breeds from all transport, including cargo. This list applies to both domestic and international routes.
Restricted dog breeds:
- All bulldogs: English Bulldog, French Bulldog, American Bulldog
- All boxers
- All large and medium terriers: Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier
- All spaniels: King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel
- All mastiffs: Bullmastiff and related breeds
- Pug
- Boston Terrier
- Brussels Griffon
- Affenpinscher
- Lhasa Apso
- Pekingese
- Chow Chow
- Japanese Chin
- Chinese Shar-Pei
- Shih Tzu
- Pitbull Terrier
- Tosa Inu
- Fila Brasileiro (Brazilian Mastiff)
- Dogo Argentino
- Samoyed (restricted due to high-temperature and high-altitude risk)
- Malinois
Restricted cat breeds:
- Burmese
- Himalayan
- Persian
- Exotic Shorthair
No additional size-based restrictions apply beyond the weight and crate formula requirements. If your breed is not on this list, it is not automatically approved; call 95339 to confirm eligibility for your specific route.
Warning: This breed list is based on official Hainan Airlines PDFs dated to the March 2026 research period. Breed restrictions can change. Verify the current list directly with Hainan Airlines before booking, especially for mixed-breed animals that share physical traits with restricted breeds.
Required Documents and Health Certificates
Documents must be presented in physical form at check-in. The airline does not accept electronic copies.
| Flight type | Required documents |
|---|---|
| Domestic China | Animal Quarantine Certificate (stamped, valid to destination); current vaccination records including rabies and distemper |
| International | Entry-Exit Health Certificate (China); destination country import permit; origin country export permit; rabies vaccination certificate; rabies titer test results if required by destination country; microchip documentation if required by destination country |
| All routes | Completed and signed Pet Transportation Agreement |
Tip: Health certificate validity windows vary by destination country. Many countries require certificates issued within 10 days of travel. Start the documentation process at least 3 to 4 weeks before departure to allow time for veterinary appointments, government endorsements, and import permit processing. Verify exact timing requirements with the destination country’s embassy or agricultural authority.
China requires pets arriving from most countries to undergo a minimum 30-day quarantine period after import permit approval. If you are traveling to China from abroad, factor this quarantine into your planning before booking.
For US-bound flights, Hainan Airlines must comply with updated DOT service animal rules as of 2021. Review current DOT requirements at transportation.gov/animal-consumers before travel.
Service Animals
Hainan Airlines’ official PDFs do not detail a service animal procedure. Based on secondary sources, trained service dogs (dogs only) may be permitted to travel in the cabin at no charge, subject to the following conditions:
- Provide at least 48 hours notice by calling 95339
- Present DOT-compliant documentation, which may include a task training certification
- Dog must wear a harness and leash at all times
- Dog must fit in the floor space at your feet and cannot be placed in an exit row
This policy is unverified in official Hainan Airlines documents. Confidence in these details is low. Contact Hainan Airlines directly at 95339 to confirm exact documentation requirements before travel.
For US-bound flights, the DOT Air Carrier Access Act requires that no fee be charged for a trained service animal, that the animal be accommodated in the floor space at the passenger’s feet, and that the animal not be assigned to an exit row. Review the full DOT rules at transportation.gov/animal-consumers.
Emotional Support Animals
Since the 2021 DOT rule change, airlines are permitted to classify emotional support animals as regular pets rather than service animals. Hainan Airlines follows this approach. Emotional support animals are not recognized as service animals and must travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Standard cargo fees apply. No fee waiver or special accommodation is offered for ESAs on any route, domestic or international.
Route-Specific Restrictions
Hainan Airlines does not accept pets on all routes. The following destinations are confirmed as unavailable for pet transport:
International routes with no pet service:
- Irkutsk
- Chita
- Okinawa
- Male (Maldives)
- Bali
- New Zealand
- Australia
- United Kingdom
- Paris
- Haikou-Chongqing-Rome routing
Domestic routes with no pet service:
- Departures from Weifang
- Inbound and outbound flights to/from Hubei and Hunan provinces (restriction may be related to prior epidemic-period rules; verify current status with Hainan Airlines)
Transit restrictions: Pets cannot be through-checked on connecting itineraries. You must collect your pet and re-check it at every transit point. Minimum connection times are 120 minutes for domestic connections and 240 minutes for international connections.
No codeshare pet bookings are available. Hainan Airlines handles pet transport only on self-operated flights.
Warning: If your itinerary includes any of the restricted destinations listed above, Hainan Airlines cannot transport your pet. Verify your complete routing, including any transit stops, by calling 95339 before purchasing tickets.
Your Questions, Answered
Does Hainan Airlines allow pets in the cabin?
No. Hainan Airlines does not allow any pets in the cabin on any route, including domestic China flights. All animals travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Some third-party websites claim a limited cabin allowance exists on certain routes, but this conflicts with Hainan’s official policy PDFs. Treat cabin travel as unavailable and plan accordingly.
How much does Hainan Airlines charge for pets?
Fees depend on route type and combined weight of pet, crate, food, and water. On domestic China routes, the fee is calculated as 1.5% of the economy fare multiplied by the weight in kg, capped at 8,000 RMB (~$1,120). On international routes, fees are charged by weight tier: up to 8 kg (17.6 lbs) costs 3,600 to 3,900 RMB (~$504 to $546); 8 to 23 kg (17.6 to 50.6 lbs) costs 4,900 to 5,200 RMB (~$686 to $728); 23 to 32 kg (50.6 to 70.5 lbs) costs 7,800 RMB (~$1,092). Call 95339 for a quote specific to your route and pet weight.
What dog breeds are restricted on Hainan Airlines?
Hainan Airlines bans a long list of breeds from all transport. Restricted dogs include: English Bulldog, French Bulldog, American Bulldog, all boxers, Bull Terrier, Staffordshire Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, King Charles Spaniel, Cocker Spaniel, English Toy Spaniel, Bullmastiff, Pug, Boston Terrier, Brussels Griffon, Affenpinscher, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Chow Chow, Japanese Chin, Chinese Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Pitbull Terrier, Tosa Inu, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino, Samoyed, and Malinois. Restricted cats include Burmese, Himalayan, Persian, and Exotic Shorthair. Verify the current list with Hainan Airlines before booking.
Can I fly my cat on Hainan Airlines?
Yes, cats are permitted on eligible routes as checked baggage in the cargo hold, subject to the same crate requirements, weight limits, fees, and documentation as dogs. Cats of restricted breeds (Burmese, Himalayan, Persian, Exotic Shorthair) are not permitted. Confirm your specific route accepts pets by calling 95339.
What documents does my pet need to fly internationally with Hainan Airlines?
Required documents for international travel include: an Entry-Exit Health Certificate (China), destination country import permit, origin country export permit, rabies vaccination certificate, rabies titer test results if required by the destination country, microchip documentation if required by the destination country, and a completed Pet Transportation Agreement. Documents must be presented in physical form at check-in. Requirements vary significantly by destination country. Verify exact requirements with Hainan Airlines at 95339 and with the destination country’s embassy or agricultural authority well in advance of travel.
Bottom Line
- No cabin travel exists on any Hainan Airlines route for any pet.
- Book by phone at 95339 at least 24 hours before domestic flights or 48 hours before international flights.
- Use an IATA-compliant crate sized using the official formula; maximum combined weight is 32 kg (70.5 lbs).
- Check temperature forecasts for every airport on your itinerary before travel day.
- Verify your route is not on the restricted destination list before purchasing tickets.
- Start documentation early: international paperwork, import permits, and quarantine requirements can take weeks to arrange.
If you’re comparing options with other carriers, consider reviewing China Southern Airlines Pet Policy or air france pet policy for alternative routes. For comprehensive guidance on first time flying with a dog, our detailed guide covers everything from documentation to keeping dogs calm on flights.
When selecting travel gear, ensure you have best dog crates for travel that meet IATA requirements. For French Bulldog owners facing breed restrictions, our guide on can french bulldogs fly on planes provides alternative solutions. Additionally, understanding new cdc regulations for dogs is essential for international travel planning.
For those considering other Asian carriers, explore korean air pet policy or Japan Airlines pet policy for potentially more flexible options. Remember to pack dog travel essentials and consider how to calm an anxious dog during travel for a smoother journey.
Official Hainan Airlines pet policy documents are available at:
– hainanairlines.com/go/DOCS/pets%20en.pdf (“Passengers Consigning Small Animals”)
– hainanairlines.com/go/DOCS/Checked%20Pets.pdf (“Checked Pets”)
– hainanairlines.com/go/image/TWAM/PET%20TRANSPORTATION_EN20260113.pdf (Pet Transportation Agreement, version January 1, 2026)
DOT service animal rules: transportation.gov/animal-consumers
IATA Live Animals Regulations: iata.org/en/you/decisions/policy/live-animals-regulations/
This article is for informational purposes only. Hainan Airlines pet policies change frequently. Always verify current requirements directly with Hainan Airlines before booking. Last verified: March 2026.
