This desire grows stronger every year. However, many owners feel great anxiety when flying, especially during the hot summer months and with "short-headed" dogs with short noses, such as French Bulldogs.

😰 Are you feeling these concerns?

  • Is it true they refuse to transport pets in the summer?"
  • 'My baby is short-headed, can he fly?'
  • Is the cargo hold a safe environment for pets?"

I understand your feelings very well. Airline rules are complicated and there is a lot of jargon, and it is hard to know what is the right answer.

But don't worry.

Why choose 🌟 PetAirJPN?

  • Over thousands of international pet shipments
  • Professional pet transportation group
  • Supporting owners to turn their fears into certainties

This article provides a thorough comparison of the rules of the major Japanese airlines and what the owners really want to know.Seasonal Considerations, Rules for Transporting Shorthorns, and a Complete Preparation List for a Safe Journey."and explain it more clearly than anywhere else.

📝 What you will get from this article

  • Details of transportation restrictions during summer (May-October)
  • Special regulations for short-headed breeds (pugs, bulldogs, etc.)
  • Complete comparison of 6 major domestic airlines
  • Essential Preparation List for Safe Transportation

🎯 First, a conclusion: the rules are very different among airlines!

First, let me give you the most important point. The rules for air travel for pets vary widely depending on the airline you use. In particular, the following two points areThe most important point for lifeand requires the utmost care by the owner.

⚠️ Most important checkpoints

1️⃣ Summer transportation restrictions (especially May-October)
Many airlines have special restrictions during the summer months to avoid the risk of heat stroke due to high temperatures.

2️⃣ Special rules for short nosed breeds (short nosed dogs)
Pugs and French Bulldogs, due to their body structure, are at particularly high risk of breathing difficulties and heat stroke, and airlines are very cautious about them.

These rules exist to protect pets not as "objects" but as precious "lives. It may seem a little harsh, but it is all for the safety of our beloved pets. Let's take a look at specific measures to be taken after understanding this general principle.

🤔 Why? It makes sense if you know the Why the rules are so strict with seasons and breeds.

Why not just in the summer?" Why is my child singled out?" Understanding the reasons is the shortcut to proper preparation.

☀️ 1. summer flying: the biggest enemy is "high temperatures on the ground"

Airlines explain that the cargo hold is kept in the same environment as the cabin. But what should really be noted is,Before and after getting on and off the planeIt is.

🔥 Risks on the ground

  • Asphalt on tarmac gets hot in direct summer sunlight.
  • Influence of outside temperature during loading and unloading of aircraft
  • In fact, heat stroke fatalities while waiting on the ground have been reported.

It is only because ANA and Solaseed Air take this on-the-ground risk seriously that they have set a clear time limit of "May 1 to October 31" to restrict flights.

🐶 2. Shorthorns: "physical risks" due to being loved

Short-headed dogs such as bulldogs, French bulldogs, pugs, and shih tzus are very popular because of their adorable faces, but their short nasal structure puts them at two major risks.

💡 Physical Characteristics of Short Breeds

🌡️ Difficulty regulating body temperature through breathing
Dogs do not sweat like humans do, and they release heat mainly by "panting" (huffing and puffing, shallow and fast breathing). Short-headed dogs have short and narrow airways, which makes it easy for heat to accumulate in their bodies.

😰 Easily stressed or agitated and has difficulty breathing
Unfamiliar environments and loud noises cause great stress. When excited, breathing becomes rapid, but short-headed breeds have narrower airways to begin with, so the risk of breathing difficulties is higher than in other breeds.

Airlines have strict rules for short-horse breeds because they are familiar with these physical characteristics and are a "precautionary measure" to prevent any eventuality.

💬 If you would like to learn more about airplane boarding for short-breed dogs, the following article provides more information.

▶︎Complete Guide to Airplane Boarding for Short-Nosed Dogs｜Preparation and Precautions for Safe Air Travel with Short-Nosed Dogs

📊 [By Airline] Thorough Comparison of Pet Transportation Policies

Let's take a look at the specific rules for each airline. The main points are summarized in a comparison table.

📋 Comparison Quick Reference: seasonal and short-horse rules for major domestic airlines

airline company Summer restrictions (May-October) The main rule for shorthorns Fees (domestic flights/guideline) feature
ANA ant(Cessation of custody of specified short-horned cattle) A wide range of short-horse breeds cannot be kept during the summer (5/1-10/31). 6,500 yen Clearly specified duration and breed. Preventive measures are thoroughly enforced.
JAL None (general reminder) Bulldogs and French Bulldogs are not allowed year-round.Others on request. Others on request. 4,400 to 7,700 yen Year-round ban on ultra-high risk breeds. Individualized aspects.
skymark None (short-horned cattle are not allowed year-round.) Many short-horse breeds cannot be kept year-roundThe company states that it is a "company with a strong commitment to the environment. 5,000 yen Prioritizing risk avoidance, a wide range of breeds are not allowed to be kept.
star flyer (Cargo hold general note) In-flight companion service "FLY WITH PET!Can be handled in 6,500 yen (cargo compartment)
50,000 yen (with in-flight companion)		 Provides innovative premium services that address the concerns of owners.
Solaseed Air ant(Cage covers, etc. prohibited) Likely to comply with ANA regulations.Direct confirmation requiredThe following is a list of the most common problems with the 6,500 yen It is strongly linked to ANA and has similar rules.
Air Do None (individual judgment) Deposit not available "at certain times of the year".Prior confirmation is required.The following is a list of the most common problems with the 6,000 yen Flexible (prudent) decisions based on circumstances, not uniformity.

The above is an overview as of June 2025. Please be sure to check each airline's official website for the latest information.

🎯 Here's what to look for! Points to consider when choosing an airline

✅ "ANA" for a sense of security

ANA has a clear timeframe of "May 1 - October 31" and specifics on the 13 breeds that are covered. The rules are clear and easy to understand, and the risk management is thorough, making it easy for first-time visitors to make a decision.

💼 JAL" for individual consultation and performance.

JAL prohibits bulldogs and French bulldogs year-round, while other short-horned breeds are subject to consultation. Since there is no uniform summer ban period, this may be an option for travel in early fall, but detailed consultation in advance is essential.

🌟 For ultimate peace of mind, "Star Flyer" in-flight accompaniment

Star Flyer's "Star Flyer" is the savior for owners who are worried about the cargo hold.FLY WITH PET!"Services.

There is an additional charge (from 50,000 yen), but the peace of mind of being able to spend time with your pet in the guest room is priceless. This may be the only option for short-headed pets, especially in the summer, to spend time in an air-conditioned guest room.

💡 Advice from PetAirJPN

Low-cost carriers (LCCs) tend to be very cautious about transporting short-haul. In some cases, such as Skymark, many short breeds are not allowed to be checked in year-round. Check not only the price, but also whether it is available for your dog's breed as a top priority.

🌏 [For those considering moving their pets overseas

So far we have mainly talked about domestic flights, but when it comes to international flights, the complexity of the procedures is incomparable.

  • Advance notification at least 40 days prior to arrival
  • Health certificate issued by the government agency of the exporting country
  • Microchip, rabies antibody titer test

A huge amount of documentation and preparation is required for each country, including

✅ Only the owner can do this! A list of 7 "perfect preparations" to protect your dog or cat

Even if the airline has established rules, it is ultimately up to the pet owner to be prepared for the safety of his or her pet. The following list will help you be well-prepared.

📋 Required Preparation Checklist

1️⃣ [Most important] Prior consultation with a veterinarian
When making travel plans, consult your veterinarian first. Tell him or her that you are planning to travel by air, and ask him or her to check for any health problems or special precautions that you should take.

2️⃣ Cage (crate) preparation and acclimatization
Provide a sturdy, well-ventilated kennel that meets IATA (International Air Transport Association) standards. It must be large enough for your pet to stand and turn around inside.

3️⃣ [Required] Installation of a nozzle-type waterer
Dehydration during transport can be very dangerous. Be sure to install a nozzle-type waterer, which is recommended or required by most airlines, and have the passengers practice drinking beforehand.

4️⃣ Timing of meals and toileting
Avoid filling up just before your flight and eat a light meal a few hours before.

5️⃣Finalize documents
All necessary documents, such as consent forms, health certificates, vaccine certificates, etc., should be put together in a clear file or similar format.

6️⃣ Remove collars and harnesses
To prevent accidents from collars and leashes getting caught in the cage, please be sure to remove them before check-in.

7️⃣ Keep the owner calm.
The pet owner's anxiety will be communicated to the pet. Once all preparations are in place, all you have to do is gently tell your pet that everything will be fine.

📌 Summary: The most important thing is to gather information and consult experts.

Air travel with pets is not a scary experience with the right knowledge and careful preparation.

📝 Important points to keep in mind

  • Consideration for temperature changes between summer (May-October) and winter is essential.
  • Shorthorns are especially at risk and it is absolutely necessary to check the rules of each airline.
  • For ultimate peace of mind, Star Flyer's in-flight companion service is also an option.
  • Advance preparation by pet owners is the biggest key to pet safety.

And above all, airline regulations are subject to change. It is important to always check the official website for the latest information and contact the airline directly if you have any questions or concerns.

🌟 PetAirJPN's Vision

Together, in any country, for all time."

Our expertise and experience will surely help you and your beloved pet when you are moving abroad, where the procedures are far more complicated, not to mention domestic flights.

🚀 Free Consultation Now!

Our experts will advise you on the best procedural plan for you and your pet's situation.

📱 What you can do on the official line

  • Download samples of various application documents
  • Obtain a destination-specific checklist
  • Individual consultation with experts
  • Book a Free Online Consultation

📱 Consult with us on our official line

With proper preparation, we sincerely wish you a wonderful overseas experience with your beloved pet.

[Reference source list

airline company

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