Your cat or dog can now fly with you on Philippine Airlines domestic flights

TAKE-OFF. Philippine Airlines' first A350-1000 plane takes flight.

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Fur parents, rejoice! Both small cats and dogs are now cleared for takeoff on all local PAL flights

MANILA, Philippines – Philippine Airlines (PAL) passengers can now bring their cats along for domestic trips, with the flag carrier expanding its FurPAL in-cabin pet program to include both small cats and dogs.

For P2,500 one way, passengers may bring one small dog or cat inside the cabin on PAL domestic flights, subject to aircraft availability and the airline’s pet limits. 

There are a few things to remember before you book your cat’s next flight.

Pets must be at least 12 weeks old and fully weaned, while the combined weight of the animal and its carrier cannot exceed 10 kilograms. They must be inside a soft-sided carrier, measuring no more than 45 x 25 x 28 centimeters, that can fit beneath the seat and be roomy enough for the pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Pet parents also have some paperwork to prepare. At check-in, PAL requires:

• A signed declaration and waiver
• A veterinary health certificate issued within five days of departure
• A valid anti-rabies vaccination certificate
• A Bureau of Animal Industry local shipping permit

Once aboard, cats and dogs must stay inside their carriers under the seat for the entire flight. So, sorry, hooman, no lap time or mid-flight photoshoots allowed. Buying your pet its own seat is also not an option. 

Pets may drink water but can’t be fed airline food, so owners are advised to feed them before departure. Dogs must also have diapers on, while cats must have absorbent pads in their carriers.

FurPAL is limited to approved aircraft, including PAL’s Q400, A320, A321ceo, certain A330s, Boeing 777s and A350s. Space is also scarce. Most approved aircraft can carry only up to three pets per flight, so you need to be book and pay at least 48 hours before departure.

Travelers can check PAL’s full FurPAL terms and FAQs for the complete rules before booking. – Rappler.com