All pets travelling by air must travel in a cage that is IATA compliant. Air New Zealand has a few additional requirements for pet transport when travelling on Domestic flights.
Cage requirements
The correct size for a travel container is essential, it should provide ample space and ventilation; if your cage does not meet the requirements Air New Zealand will not allow it on any flights.
The cage must allow the animal enough movement space, this means the animal should be able to stand, sit erect, lie in a natural position and be able to turn around normally. Your pet will spend some time in the cage so make sure it is comfortable. The cage must be strong and secure enough to protect and contain your pet during transport. The cage should have sufficient ventilation – at least 16%. The door must be secured in such a manner that your pet will not be able to open it and that it will not open by accident during loading or transport. Your pet’s nose or paws should not be able to fit through any ventilation openings or the door. The cage should be constructed of rigid plastic, wood or a material of comparable strength; fiberboard and wire mesh containers are not suitable for air travel.
Requirements for plastic containers
Cage latching mechanisms: The fasteners between the top and bottom halves of a rigid plastic container should either be bolted tight or work with a two-step mechanism to ensure the cage is secure. Should the cage have latches between the top and bottom halves it will not be accepted unless there are bolts or screws in each corner and along each side; cages longer than 60cm requires at least 2 bolts in each side? Restraint straps or strapping on a cage is not accepted as an acceptable way of securing the cage.
Door locking mechanisms: The locking pins and door hinge of plastic transport cages must engage the cage at least 1.6 cm beyond the horizontal extrusions below and above the door where the locking pins are fitted. Within 3 cm of the door a screw, bolt, or cable tie must be applied to ensure the robustness of the door. Cage doors are to be strengthened by applying cable tie to all 4 corners; to prevent the door being prized open by the animal. Door locks with a twist pin are not permitted for travel on Air New Zealand.
Cable ties:Applying cable ties to ventilation holes are not allowed under the IATA regulations; there must be no surface or edge on which the pet can chew. Cable ties may not be cut short as this will result in sharp edges that can injure your pet.
Cages with a pop –up hatch on the top of the cage will not be accepted for air travel by Air New Zealand.
Additional requirements
Animals younger than 8 weeks of age will not be accepted for air travel. A maximum of 2 adults of the same species and comparable size with a weight of 14 kg or less each that is are used to staying together may travel together in a single container. Animals weighing more than 14 kg must travel separately. Up to 3 kittens or puppies less than 6 months of age, less than 14kg each and coming from the same litter are allowed to travel in the same cage. No animals are allowed to travel within the passenger cabin, with the exception of guide dogs.
Domestic Pet Transport
It is important to adhere to the cage regulations set by the airlines. They are there to protect your pet and ensure that your pet arrives safely at the destination you are traveling to. If you require any assistance in choosing a cage or if you are interested in purchasing or renting a cage you are welcome to contact us.
