Varies (domestic checked baggage: max 48kg combined pet + crate)
Airline dog policy
Qantas
Qantas, Australia's flag carrier, does not permit any pets in the cabin or as checked baggage on international flights. All international pet transport to and from Australia must be handled as manifest cargo through Qantas Freight or an approved freight agent. For domestic Australian flights, pets can travel as checked baggage on select routes. This distinction is important: Australia's biosecurity laws require ALL pets to arrive as manifest cargo through Melbourne International Airport and undergo mandatory quarantine at the Mickleham PEQ Facility — regardless of the airline used.
Book early and confirm aircraft acceptance.
Under-seat dimensions can vary by aircraft.
Fees can change by region and currency.
Booking tip
For international pet transport, you will almost certainly need a licensed pet transport agent. Qantas Freight works with several approved agents who specialise in Australian pet imports and exports. Dogtainers and Jetpets are among the best-known Australian pet transport companies. Budget AUD $3,000–$8,000+ for an international pet import to Australia including agent fees, quarantine, and permits.
Why it can work
Qantas Freight has decades of experience with live animal transport and understands Australia's uniquely strict biosecurity requirements better than any other carrier. Their domestic network covers all major Australian cities, and domestic checked baggage pet travel is relatively straightforward on eligible routes. For export from Australia, Qantas Freight can coordinate the DAFF export documentation and arrange transport to most international destinations.
Restrictions
No cabin pets. No international checked baggage pets. International pet transport is exclusively via Qantas Freight (manifest cargo). Brachycephalic breeds are subject to seasonal restrictions. Pets cannot travel on flights where cargo hold temperature cannot be guaranteed. Australia bans the import of dogs from many countries (including Thailand, China, Indonesia) and Bengal dogs are effectively banned since March 2025. Domestic checked baggage pets are limited to select routes and aircraft.
Dog-owner notes
All pets entering Australia must arrive at Melbourne International Airport and undergo quarantine at Mickleham. There are no exceptions. A DAFF import permit is required, and the process takes a minimum of 6 months from start to finish for most origin countries. For Qantas Freight enquiries, visit qantasfreight.com or call 13 12 13 within Australia. The Australian government maintains import category lists that determine the specific requirements for your origin country.
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.