ICYMI: Your Cat Can Now Join You In-Cabin on PAL Domestic Flights

(SPOT.ph) Earlier this year, Philippine Airlines delighted furparents with a major update to their FurPAL program, allowing small pet dogs aboard all domestic flights. This month, the flag carrier added another welcome change to the pet-friendly policy: cats can now travel with you in-cabin on all domestic PAL flights!

Whether your feline furbaby is just as adventurous as you, or you simply have to take them with you on a planned trip, PAL’s latest announcement is the purr-fect news for you.

Here’s what you need to know about PAL’s recent FurPAL update.

As per the expanded FurPAL guidelines effective September 1, you can now bring your pet cats in-cabin on all PAL domestic flights. Previously, the policy only allowed small dogs onboard. But with this paw-some news, your feline furbaby can comfortably fly with you when you embark on your next local adventure!

So, if you’ve been waiting for the chance to bring your beloved cat, PAL now has you covered too. As long as you’re traveling within the Philippines, your feline companion can stay with you inside the cabin for as low as P2,500 one-way.

However, keep mind that the FurPAL service comes with some guidelines and limitations for a safe and seamless flight with your pet. Pet owners also know that not all cats are comfortable traveling, so make sure that you’re bringing along a feline who doesn’t get stressed easily in new or crowded environments.

As with small dogs, cats weighing up to 10 kilograms — including the carrier — will be allowed onboard. They must also fit inside an airline-approved pet carrier, which, according to PAL, should be soft-sided, fully enclosed, leak-proof, and have at least two ventilation panels. Pet carrier dimensions should be no more than 45 cm (L) x 25 cm (W) x 28 cm (H) and can fit under the seats.

Required Documents:

• FurPAL Declaration, Release and Waiver Form

• Veterinary Health Certificate

• Shipping Permit issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture

• Anti-Rabies Vaccination Certificate

Note: You should also secure another set of the FurPAL Declaration, Release and Waiver Form, Veterinary Health Certificate, and Shipping Permit issued by the Bureau of Animal Industry, Department of Agriculture, from the location of your return flight

Pet care items:

• Pet carrier

• Pet potty pads and diapers

• Plastic bags for waste disposal

• Empty water bottle for your pet

Understandably, some passengers may not be comfortable flying with cats. So, each passenger may only bring one pet inside the cabin and will be given FurPAL-designated seats. Also, certain types of planes can only accommodate 2 or 3 pets onboard. These guidelines will help ensure that your jet-setting feline won’t be throwing a hissy fit, and your seatmate won’t be complaining—or sneezing—during the entire flight!

Learning about FurPAL for the first time? You can book it as an add-on to your flight through any of PAL’s direct booking channels: online booking, PAL ticket offices, and contact centers. Please note that passengers with FurPAL bookings are required to check in manually at the airport so PAL personnel can verify their pet’s eligibility to fly.

The announcement is definitely great news for dog and cat owners, but we’re sure some travelers are already hoping they can bring other small pets (rabbit owners, we see you!) as well. Well, PAL already allows cats on board, so maybe we’ll find out soon if they will be adding more to the list!

For more information about FurPAL, check out the Philippine Airlines’ website.

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