The Comair pet travel policy for 2024 includes options for flying with dogs or cats, and other animals in the cargo hold. However, be aware that Comair no longer accepts pets as ‘checked-baggage’, and all pet bookings are now handled by BidAir Cargo. Unfortunately, Comair doesn’t accept pets in the cabin, including small cats and dogs. Comair operates in South Africa under the British Airways (BA) brand, just like Sun-Air of Scandinavia in the European Union (EU). Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) aren’t recognised as Assistance & Service Dogs by airlines in the BA franchise, therefore Comair doesn’t recognise ESAs. All pets, other than certified Assistance & Service Dogs must travel in the hold as cargo. You can also check out Comair pet travel reviews before you book. And, remember to leave a Comair pet travel review if you’ve flown your cat or dog in the hold!
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Table of contents
| Dogs & Cats in the Cabin of the Plane | ❌ |
| Dogs & Cats flying as Checked In Baggage | ❌ |
| Pets flying in Cargo Hold | ✅ |
| Assistance Dogs in Cabin | ✅ |
| Psychiatric Service Dogs in Cabin | ✅ |
| Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in Cabin | ❌ |
Does Comair Allow Small Pets to Fly in the Cabin?
As with BA flights, only registered and professionally trained Assistance & Service Dogs are permitted to travel in the cabin of the plane with Comair South Africa. So, with Comair, your small cat or dog is unable to travel in the cabin with you.
However, pets can fly in the cabin with LIFT Airlines, who is also based in South Africa. In the EU, another branch of BA, Sun-Air of Scandinavia, allows pets to fly in the cabin. There are also many other pet friendly airlines that permit pets in cabin in continental Europe.
Can I fly my Cat or Dog in the Hold as Checked Baggage?
Comair no longer allows cats, dogs and other animals to travel as checked baggage. In fact, for 2024 no pets are checked-in by Comair at the airport check-in desk except Assistance & Service Dogs.
All pet bookings are handled by BidAir Cargo, on behalf of Comair.
Does Comair Fly Pets in the Cargo Hold?
Pets, including cats and dogs, can travel in the Comair cargo hold, with the booking and all arrangements made with BidAir Cargo.
BidAir Cargo is a regulated pet cargo courier, therefore they handle the transportation of your cat or dog between the aircraft and the airport terminal. To book your pet on a Comair flight, you can email info@petlounge.co.za at least 2 days before your departure date.
The following small pets are accepted for travel in the hold with Comair:
- dogs
- cats
- birds
- reptiles
- tropical
Larger animals, such as horses, can only travel by freight.
How much does it cost to fly a pet in the hold with Comair?
The amount that you will be charged by BidAir Cargo to fly your pet in the Comair hold, depends on the size and weight of the container and your pet, as well as the distance travelled. The rate per kilogram at the time of writing is R25, which includes the weight of the container with your pet and its food. Additional handling charges and local government and customs charges may apply. The charges will be quoted at the time of booking, at a maximum of 14 days prior to travel.
Comair policy for Assistance & Service Dogs and Emotional Support Animals (ESAs)
Trained and registered Assistance & Service Dogs are welcome to travel in the cabin with you on Comair flights. Psychiatric Service Dogs are included in the Comair policy for free travel in the cabin when the route involves the USA. However, ESAs are not recognised and are subject to the standard Comair pet policy.
Bookings for your pet to travel with you need to be made in advance. To book your pet call British Airways at least 72 hours prior to departure on 0860 4 359 22.
Remember to ensure you protect your pet against vector borne diseases when travelling to a foreign destination, and leave a review if you fly your pet in the hold with Comair!
