Pets

Conditions for accepting pets as baggage

Copa Airlines permits the transport of pets as checked or carry-on baggage (see restrictions below). Dogs, cats and rabbits are considered pets/domestic animals. Animals that do not meet these criteria cannot be accepted as either checked or carry-on baggage.

In response to the Avian Influenza (Bird Flu) epidemic, customs authorities in some countries have established strict control measures, including, in some cases, the sacrifice of birds. Therefore, we have ceased to allow the transport of birds and will not accept them as either cargo or carry-on baggage until further notice.

General terms and conditions:

Pets accepted as baggage are subject to the following terms and conditions:

 

  • All pets transported as checked baggage (in cargo hold) or carry-on baggage (in the main cabin) will be charged a fee, based on excess baggage rates.
  • Animals less than 8 weeks old will not be accepted for transport if they are to travel alone in a cage.
  • Minors traveling alone are not authorized to travel with pets.
  • On international flights, the customer must provide a health certificate for their pet, emitted by the appropriate authority, as well as all necessary documents for entry at their next destination(s). For domestic flights within Colombia, only a current vaccination certificate is needed.
    • The health certificate of pets on flights originating in Colombia that are traveling to the United States must indicate that they are free of screw worms.
  • Passengers must travel on the same flight as their pet and use a cage that is appropriate for its transport. Passengers are responsible for enclosing their pet in its cage, as well as for removing it.
  • Only one animal is permitted in each container.
  • Given the restrictions on transporting birds imposed by customs authorities in several countries, Copa Airlines will not accept birds for transport, either as checked or carry-on baggage, until further notice.
  • In case of emergency, oxygen will not be administered to pets.
Containers or cages:

The containers or cages in which pets travel as checked or carry-on baggage must meet the following requirements:

 

  • They must be made of wood, metal or plastic.
  • They must be big enough to allow the animal to stand, turn around or lie down in a natural manner.
  • They must be durable enough to prevent the animal from escaping during handling and transporting.
  • The doors must have safety latches that allow for the door to be opened without the use of special tools.
  • They must have holes that allow for ventilation.
  • They must have a system for storing waste produced during the flight. The use of shredded paper or a tray placed on the floor of the cage is recommended.
Pets inside the passenger cabin (as carry-on baggage):
  • Containers that are transported inside the main cabin as carry-on baggage must fit easily under the seat in front of the passenger. They cannot exceed the following dimensions:

    Width

    Length

    Height
    13 inches

    19 inches

    		 10 inches


  • Only one animal is permitted in each container. The animals must not be offensive or smell, must be well secured in their container and must not require attention during the flight.
  • The passenger may feed his/her pet, but only if it remains inside its container.
  • The container must be clean, well-ventilated, leak-proof and must not allow any part of the animal to escape or stick out.
  • The pet must remain inside the container at all times during the flight.
  • Seats in the first row, those facing a bulkhead or those in an emergency exit row cannot be assigned to passengers traveling with pets.
  • The total number of containers permitted inside the main cabin is limited to three per flight:

    Business Class

    Main Cabin
    1 Cage or container

    2 cages or containers


  • The cost is USD $75 per cage or container.
Pets traveling in the cargo hold (as checked baggage):
  • You must notify the Reservations and Service Center or one of our Sales Offices that you will be traveling with a pet in the cargo hold at least 48 hours before your flight date.
  • A maximum of three containers are permitted in the cargo hold on each flight.
  • Dogs and cats traveling alone in a cage must not weigh less than 20 lbs.
  • A maximum of two animals will be accepted per cage, assuming they can move comfortably within the cage and fit in one of the following categories:
    • Two puppies or kittens between 8 weeks and 6 months old, weighing no more than 20 lbs each.
    • Puppies or kittens less than 8 weeks old, accompanied by their mother.
  • Pets must be checked through to your destination at the airport check-in counter. When the trip involves connections with one or more transport companies, the customer must pick up the pet at customs and check it back in with the next transport company.  Otherwise, they will be transported as cargo.Customers must travel on the same flight as their pet and guarantee that the pet is traveling in a container that is appropriate for their pet.
  • Customers are responsible for enclosing their pet in its cage, as well as for removing it.
  • Pets that weigh between 20 and 32 lbs and are transported in the cargo hold will incur a charge of USD $125.
  • Pets that weigh between 33 and 45 lbs and are transported in the cargo hold will incur a charge of USD $200.
  • Pets that weigh more than 45 lbs must be transported as cargo.

Note: We regret to inform customers with connections on Continental Airlines wishing to check a pet that Continental does not accept pets as baggage. They only accept pets that are transported as cargo.


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