SA
South African Airways pet policy: flying with a dog or cat
South African Airways accepts dogs and cats in the hold and as cargo. Here are its conditions, read on its official page, and the catches to know before you book.
What the airline accepts
- Cabin
- No
- Hold (checked)
- Yesup to 23 kgPublished fees: 300 ZAR VAT included (domestic South Africa)
- Cargo
- Yes
What to check before you book
- On a codeshare, the rules of the airline OPERATING the flight apply, not the one on your ticket.
These conditions also depend on the route and date: some destinations close the cabin, and the arrival country has its own rules. The check is free.
Check my route →Source
Conditions read on the airline's official page, verified on September 23, 2026. flysaa.com
Documented routes with this airline
Routes in our catalogue where it appears among the possible airlines (27).
Common questions
- Can I fly with my dog in the cabin on South African Airways?
- No, South African Airways does not accept pets in the cabin (assistance dogs aside).
- Does South African Airways accept pets in the hold?
- Yes, South African Airways accepts pets in the hold, up to 23 kg with the crate, in an IATA-compliant crate.
- Does South African Airways accept short-nosed breeds?
- We found no restriction specific to short-nosed breeds on South African Airways's official page. Still check when you book.