China Southern Airlines
China Southern Airlines has expanded its in-cabin pet travel programme, adding 10 domestic airports effective July 1, 2026 and extending the service to 45 airports nationwide, as the carrier responds to the growing demand from passengers travelling with pets.
The latest expansion increases the service network to cover around 870 non-stop domestic routes. The newly added airports include Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, Chengdu Shuangliu International Airport, Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, Yantai Penglai International Airport, Rizhao Shanzihe Airport, Luoyang Beijiao Airport, Hohhot Baita International Airport, Xilinhot Airport, Nanjing Lukou International Airport, and Hefei Xinqiao International Airport.
Additionally, the service is now available on all non-stop domestic routes departing from Shanghai Pudong International Airport, following an earlier pilot phase limited to flights heading to Beijing Daxing and Harbin.
China Southern Airlines
The airline noted that it now transports approximately 2,000 pets in the cabin each month, with demand expected to grow further as the service network continues to expand.
The service is exclusively available for domesticated small cats and dogs. Brachycephalic dog breeds, puppies and kittens younger than eight weeks old, pregnant animals and certain restricted dog breeds are not accepted for travel. Each passenger may bring one pet on board, and most flights can accommodate up to four pets in the cabin, excluding those operated with the COMAC C909 aircraft. Passengers are required to travel with approved pet carriers, valid quarantine and vaccination certificates, and complete check-in procedures at least two hours before departure.
Reporter: Zeng Xiangxing
