Flying In-Cabin with Cebu Pacific

Flying a pet in the cabin with Cebu Pacific is very doable — as long as you book the pet slot early and arrive prepared. Here is the full walkthrough from a recent Manila departure.

1. Book the pet slot first

Cabin pet slots are limited per flight. Book your own ticket, then contact the airline immediately to add the pet. Do not assume a slot exists on the flight you want.

2. Weight and carrier limits

Pet and carrier together must stay within the airline's cabin allowance, and the carrier must fit under the seat in front. We weigh everything the day before so there are no surprises at the counter.

3. Documents to bring

• Veterinary health certificate issued within the airline's validity window
• Updated rabies and core vaccination records
• Shipping permit for domestic travel where required
• A printed copy of the pet booking confirmation

4. At the counter

Arrive at least three hours before departure. The carrier is weighed and inspected, the paperwork is checked, and the pet fee is paid. This is where most delays happen — an expired certificate or an oversized carrier.

5. Security and the gate

You will carry your pet through the scanner while the empty carrier goes on the belt. Keep a slip lead attached. At the gate, keep the carrier zipped and on the floor; a quiet corner away from the boarding queue helps a lot.

6. In the air

The carrier stays under the seat for the entire flight. Skip the food, offer a little water on longer sectors, and resist the urge to unzip. Most pets simply sleep.