Is Central Mountain Air Pet Friendly?
Yes, Central Mountain Air allows small pets in the cabin, but there are key rules and fees to know before packing Fido’s carry-on.
If you’re planning to fly with your furry friend on one of Canada’s regional routes, Central Mountain Air (CMA) might pop up on your radar. Whether you’re heading to a remote community or connecting from a major city, it’s fair to wonder — is this airline pet-friendly?
🐶 Are Pets Allowed on Central Mountain Air?
Yes — but only in the cabin and if your pet is small enough to fit in an approved carrier that slides under the seat before you. Here’s what that means:
- 🐾 Cats and small dogs are allowed
- 👜 Pets must be in soft-sided, airline-approved carriers
- 🪑 Carriers must fit under the seat (so, no Great Danes, sorry!)
Necessary: CMA doesn’t offer a checked pet option. So, if your pet is too big for the cabin, you’ll need to look into cargo alternatives — or another airline.
📏 Carrier Size & Other Rules
CMA hasn’t published exact dimensions for carriers, but they follow typical industry standards. Here’s a safe bet:
- Carrier size: approx 16″ L x 10″ W x 8.5″ H or similar
- Your pet must be able to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably inside
- One pet per passenger
- Your pet stays inside the carrier the entire flight
The carrier counts as one carry-on item. So, if you’re flying with a pet, plan to check your other bag or travel light.
💸 How Much Does It Cost to Bring a Pet?
Central Mountain Air charges a pet-in-cabin fee, and as of the latest info, it’s:
- $105 CAD (plus tax) per direction
This fee is non-refundable and must be paid when you book, so there are no last-minute pet additions at the airport.
📆 How to Book Your Pet on Central Mountain Air
It’s not as simple as clicking a checkbox online (yet). You’ll need to:
- Call CMA’s reservations line as early as possible — pet space is limited and must be reserved in advance.
- Mention your pet’s breed, weight, and carrier size.
- Pay the pet fee upfront to secure the spot.
Tip: Book at least a week in advance, especially if you’re traveling during busy seasons.
🚫 Breed or Animal Restrictions?
So far, Central Mountain Air is pretty straightforward:
- ✅ Accepts cats and dogs only (sorry, bunnies and parrots)
- ❌ No snub-nosed breeds listed as banned, but always double-check
- ❌ No emotional support animals or service animals explicitly detailed — call to confirm if you’re traveling with one
🧳 Quick Checklist: Flying With Your Pet on CMA
Before you head to the airport, here’s a quick to-do list:
- ✅ Soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat
- ✅ Print/email confirmation of pet booking
- ✅ Absorbent liner in the airline (accidents happen!)
- ✅ Small water bowl/snack for after the flight
- ✅ Take your pet for a bathroom break before boarding
🛫 What If CMA Isn’t a Good Fit?
If your pet is too large or you’re traveling on a route CMA doesn’t support with pet service, you might want to check the:
- Air Canada (pets in cabin & cargo)
- WestJet (pets in cabin, checked, and cargo)
- Pacific Coastal Airlines (similar cabin pet policy)
- Harbour Air (excellent for smaller regional routes and very pet-friendly)
Each airline has its policies, so it’s worth comparing options — especially for longer flights or larger dogs.
See also: Is Air Canada Pet Friendly?
🐾 Final Thoughts
If you’ve got a small dog or cat and you’re flying one of Central Mountain Air’s shorter regional routes, they’re pet-friendly enough. The airline keeps things simple, with straightforward rules and decent customer service when booking pets.
But like most smaller carriers, they have limits. If you’ve got a large dog or need special accommodations, you may need to look elsewhere.
Still, for quick regional hops across BC, Alberta, and beyond, CMA can be a solid, pet-inclusive choice. Plan, keep your carrier within size limits, and bring a little patience along with your pup.
✈️ FAQ: Central Mountain Air Pet Policy
Yes, if it’s a small dog that fits in an airline-approved carrier under the seat.
CAD 105 per direction (plus applicable taxes).
Yes — it must fit under the seat. Standard soft-sided carriers work best.
No — CMA only allows pets in the cabin.
No, you must call Central Mountain Air’s reservations team.
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