October 2026

Transport in the cargo hold, when the animal does not fit in the cabin

The animal hold is not the same as the regular baggage hold. The compartment must be pressurized and climate-controlled. The service is called AVIH and is not available on all aircraft.

The rules depend on the airline, the aircraft, and the destination country. We confirm the pet's seat before issuing the ticket.

When to Choose the Hold

If the animal and its carrier exceed the cabin size limit, the only option on a passenger flight is the cargo hold, where the airline offers this service. Large dogs may be transported in the cargo hold, subject to different procedures and timeframes.

  • TAROM: a maximum of 75 kg for the animal plus its carrier, but not on the Airbus A320.
  • Chicks under 12 weeks old are generally rejected.
  • The animals do not need to be sedated.
  • Check-in takes place earlier than for checked baggage, and the carrier is weighed and inspected.

Brachycephalic breeds

Pugs, French and English bulldogs, boxers, Shih Tzus, Pekingese, Persian cats, and Himalayan cats have short airways. Changes in pressure and temperature pose a real risk. TAROM does not allow them in the cargo hold. Lufthansa, Austrian, and KLM have similar restrictions on many routes.

Temperature and Stopovers

Some airlines suspend AVIH operations when the ground temperature at the origin, destination, or stopover falls outside their specified range. In the summer, a long layover at a hot airport can cause the route to be suspended even if a direct flight would have been possible.

The animal does not leave the cage during transit. If the layover involves a change of aircraft, the cage is transferred by ground handling staff. That is why we confirm AVIH for each flight, not just the first one.

Short Questions

  • Is the garage heated?

    On flights that accept AVIH, the compartment is pressurized and climate-controlled. Not all aircraft have this compartment. TAROM’s A320s, for example, do not carry animals in the cargo hold.

  • Can I visit the animal during a layover?

    Generally speaking, no. The transfer is handled by the ground handling team. We choose routes with short layovers and airlines that confirm AVIH on both segments.

Continue reading the guide

Please tell us the animal's route and details

We verify the company, the documents, and the available spot. The ticket is issued after confirmation.

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