32 kg max for checked pet + container on eligible routes
Airline dog policy
Hainan Airlines
Hainan Airlines publishes checked-pet guidance for domestic, international and regional routes. Dogs and cats can be accepted as checked pets on eligible Hainan-operated direct flight segments, but the airline does not provide through-checked pet transport across connections. Hainan also advertises a separate domestic cabin-pet product in China, but international dog owners should not assume cabin travel is available.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Booking tip
For international dog travel, ask Hainan Airlines for checked-pet approval at least 48 hours before departure, and earlier if possible. Confirm whether the route is Hainan-operated, whether your aircraft type accepts pets, whether the destination allows the arrival method, and whether a connection would require collecting and rechecking the dog yourself.
Why it can work
Hainan can be useful on direct China routes where it is the actual operator, especially where a nonstop segment avoids an interline handover. The policy is relatively explicit about documents, booking deadlines and connection limitations, which gives owners a concrete checklist to verify.
Restrictions
Treat ordinary international pet dogs as checked-pet or cargo-style travel, not as cabin travel. Hainan says it does not offer one-stop through transport for pets on connecting itineraries. A320neo and A321neo aircraft are listed as unable to carry checked small animals because of aircraft limitations. Some airports cannot handle checked pets, and China entry rules may limit each arriving passenger to one pet.
Dog-owner notes
Hainan requires health, quarantine and vaccination documents, plus a signed Pet Transportation Agreement. For international or regional flights, passengers should reserve checked-pet service at least 48 hours before departure and bring the pet, crate and documents to the counter at least two hours before the flight.
Final check before paying
Confirm the exact aircraft, route, dog breed, carrier size, temperature rules and destination import law directly with the airline. A country can allow dogs while a specific airline or aircraft refuses them.