Planning to fly with your pet it is very important to understand the pet policy. The policies vary from airline to airline. Some airlines allow small pets to fly in the cabin, and others don’t. So before you make any decision to fly with your pet on any commercial airline, it is important to know the answers to all your questions first. In this blog we have compiled all the necessary facts you should be aware of about Copa Airlines pet policy.
Classes Of Service Offered for Pets By Commercial Airlines
In-Cabin: Pets must fly with adults while travelling in the cabin, and the carrier is stowed under the seat.
Checked Baggage: Pets that are not allowed to travel in the cabin due to their size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
Air Cargo: If a pet is very large, is traveling without its owner, or is going to a country where pets are not allowed in the cabin, the pet must be transported in the cargo area of the airplane.
Where is Copa Airlines Based?
Copa Airlines is based at Tocumen International Airport in Panama City. This is its main airport, so most Copa Airlines flights connect or have layovers there.
What Countries Does Copa Airlines Fly To?
Copa Airlines offers service for pets to the following countries:
- Argentina
- Aruba
- Bahamas
- Barbados
- Belize
- Bolivia
- Brazil
- Colombia
- Costa Rica
- Cuba
- Dominican Republic
- Ecuador
- El Salvador
- Guatemala
- Guyana
- Honduras
- Jamaica
- Mexico
- Nicaragua
- Panama
- Paraguay
- Peru
- Puerto Rico
- Sint Maarten
- Suriname
- Trinidad and Tobago
- United states
- Uruguay and
- Venezuela.
Copa Airlines Pet Policy: In Cabin
If your pet meets the Copa Airlines Pet Policy requirements, you should use an airline-approved pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog. The physically or medically disabled dogs are allowed to fly without a carrier. All passengers flying with a pet in the cabin must be at least 11 years old.
Pets Allowed To Be Flown By Copa Airlines In The Cabin
Small dogs and pets are allowed in the cabin. Pets must be healthy, clean, and mannerful. Pets could not fly in Business Class unless they are trained service dogs
Reservations
Make your pet reservations under the Copa airlines pet policy, at least before 48 hours of departure
- At the time of booking
- You can also take the help of Copa Airline’s Sales office
- By contacting Copa Airline’s Call Centre
Pets that arrive without a reservation at the airport are subject to flight availability in the cabin. Only three pets are allowed to fly in the Cabin per flight.
Age/Weight Requirements
Pets must be 16 weeks old to fly. The weight of the pet, including the carrier, should not exceed more than 20 lbs.
Pet Carrier Requirements
The pet carrier must be:
- The carrier should be comfortable for your pet to stand up and comfortably turn around in.
- It should fit under the seat of your cabin
- No parts of your pet should come out of the carrier
- Have a waterproof bottom and an absorbent pet pad
- Have adequate ventilation on at least 3 sides in the domestic US or 4 sides internationally.
The maximum carrier dimensions are 18L × 11W × 11H (45.7 × 28 × 28 cm). Only one pet per passenger is allowed. Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must be inside the carrier during the whole journey.
Forms Required
Health certificate and proof of valid rabies vaccination are required for all pets flying in the cabin with Copa Airlines under the Copa airlines pet policy . Meanwhile, terms and conditions form must be completed
When you fly domestically, no health certificate is required, but when you travel on international flights, a health certificate, proof of rabies vaccination for dogs, cats, and ferrets, and other forms are required for your destination country.
Route Restrictions
No pets are allowed on flights to or from Armenia. Colombia on Saturday or Sunday. No pets are allowed on flights to Aruba originating from Mexico, Cuba, Haiti, or the Dominican Republic or from Asian or South or Central American countries. Pets are not allowed if your trip includes any airline other than Copa Airlines. Your entire itinerary must be operated by Copa Airlines for pets to be accepted.
Check-in
When you arrive at the airport, under the Copa airlines pet policy, you need to visit the special service counter to check in with your pet. After inspection, you will be issued a pet tag for the carrier. Then, you will be directed to the security checkpoint, where you will need to remove your pet from its carrier. The carrier will pass through the X-ray machine, and you need to carry your pet through the scanner. After the screening process, you need to keep your pet in its carrier.
Pet Fee
Domestic Flights: $25 USD | $29-33 CAD
International Flights: $125 USD | 147-166 CAD
Service Dog Pet Policy
People travelling with a disabled pet need to inform the airline at least 48 hours in advance. Service dogs must be rabies vaccinated, meet all destination and transit country requirements, and be able to sit at the passenger’s feet without disrupting the cabin. Aggressive behavior is not allowed. All service dogs may fly in the main cabin or Business Class on all the routes without any additional charges.
Emotional Support Dog Pet Policy
Emotional support dogs must be a minimum age of six months and a maximum of 20 lbs. (10kg)
If they are larger, if they exceed the weight, then passengers can purchase an additional seat. ESAs are only allowed to or from Colombia and Mexico.
Both Service and emotional support dogs must be clean, mannerful, and not be aggressive.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours before the flight.
Copa Airlines Pet Policy – Checked Baggage
Copa Airlines does not fly any live animals as checked baggage.
Animal Breed Banned Under Copa Airlines Pet Policy
The following breeds are not allowed to fly Copa Cargo: Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Fila, Cane Corso, English Bulldog, Canary Catch Dog, Canary, Cane Corso, Dutch Bulldog, English Bulldog, French Bulldog, Pekingese, Tosa, and any other dogs that display aggressive behavior.
Dog Breeds That Have Special Travel Rules
They should travel in larger crates than usual, should not fly in hot weather, and are not allowed to be transported to Brazil
The Breeds are:
Boston Terrier, Bichon Frise, Boxer, Bull Terrier, Bull Mastiff, Brussels Griffon, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, French Bulldog, Japanese Chin, Japanese Pug, Lhasa Apso, Maltese, Mastiff, Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel, and Yorkshire Terrier.
Note: If you are traveling with one of these breeds, be sure and tell the agent while you call for pet reservations. Your pet’s crate must have ventilation on all four sides.
Others Restrictions
Pets can fly the entire week, except if your final destination is Armenia (AXM), Fort Lauderdale (FLL), or Tampa (TPA). Pets are only accepted on flights to these destinations from Monday to Friday because the quarantine offices in these cities do not work on weekends. Copa Airlines Does not allow rabbits. The passenger is responsible for all the necessary documents to guarantee the departure and entry of his/her pet, both to the city of origin and destination of his/her trip. The passenger is also responsible for the documents required for transit through a specific country, if necessary.
Conclusion
Flying with your pet on Copa Airlines is a seamless experience when you plan ahead and stay mindful of their specific policies. To ensure a stress-free journey, focus on verifying in-cabin eligibility and meeting the required age, weight, and carrier size standards well before your departure. It is equally important to secure the necessary health documentation and review any route or breed-specific restrictions that might impact your trip. By confirming these details directly with the airline and preparing your companion for the flight, you can enjoy a safe and compliant travel experience together.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q.1 Can My 50 Pound Dog Fly In The Cabin With Me?
Ans: No, most airlines only allow pets that fit under the seat. A 50-pound dog must travel as air cargo or in a dedicated pet transport service; it depends on the airline routes.
Q.2 How Do I Add A Pet To My Flight?
Ans: You must contact the airline directly during booking time, or you can request it during the reservation.
Q.3 What’s The Most Pet-Friendly Airline?
Ans: Policies can vary by route and aircraft. Airlines are known for clear pet programs; they offer in-cabin options for small pets, reasonable fees, and transparent documentation requirements. Always compare current policies before making any booking.
Q.4 How To Fly With A Carry-On Pet?
Ans: Use an airline-approved soft carrier that fits under the seat and meets your pet’s age and weight limits; keep the documents inside the carrier at all times, and carry a health certificate.
Q.5 Can I Buy My Dog A Seat On An Airplane?
Ans: No, There is no such policy available. Pets must travel in an airline-approved carrier under the seat. The only exception is trained service dogs; they can sit on passengers’ feet without occupying a seat.
