Hong Kong Airlines plans to expand its popular pet-in-cabin service due to high demand. Photo: Nora TamA newly launched Hong Kong Airlines service is getting an upgrade. The local aircraft carrier will allow passengers to bring their pets into the cabin to even more destinations.
Hong Kong Airlines president Jeff Sun Jianfeng confirmed plans to expand the carrier’s pet-in-cabin service and introduce family-friendly products for children and older people. The service first launched in February.
It is currently only available on flights to Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya in Japan. It costs HK$8,800 (US$1,120) per pet – on top of the owner’s airfare – and allows passengers to bring dogs and cats into the cabin as long as they keep the animals under the seat in front of them.
Each flight can provide two to six pet-in-cabin seats. Bookings must be made via Pet Holidays, the sole agent for the service.
The animals – only dogs and cats – cannot weigh more than 8kg (17.6lbs) and must be kept in a carrier that is no larger than 45cm (17.7 inches) by 21cm by 37cm.
The airline has designated a special check-in counter for passengers flying with their pets. Staff will escort them through the priority lane for security and immigration clearance all the way up to the boarding gate.