When boarding a commercial flight, the last thing you expect to encounter is a four-legged fellow passenger. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many airlines prohibited pet travel unless animals were stowed in steerage. But that hasn’t stopped many travelers from flying with their furry friends. In fact, it’s pushed more people onto chartered flights. This is especially true in Hong Kong, given the dire situation pets face as part of the country’s COVID-19 quarantine laws.
What’s going on in Hong Kong?
Every country has its own approach to COVID-19 health and safety, and some policies are more stringent than others. Hong Kong has taken an especially proactive stance to combat the pandemic — with some of the world’s strictest policies.
Their inflexible approach to public health has serious implications for pets. Pets are not permitted to accompany their owners to quarantine locations, and city officials have taken swift action in response to cases of COVID-19 in animals. In early 2022, the city euthanized thousands of small animals after several tested positive at a pet store. Residents now fear for the safety of their beloved pets.
A private jet for your pet
As pet owners move to evacuate their pets from Hong Kong — or even travel for leisure with a pet in tow — commercial flights are not a viable option. Most commercial flights have banned pets or imposed strict rules that make it difficult to transport cats and dogs. These obstacles have pushed many toward private flights, and charter companies are embracing the opportunity.
According to one aviation firm, its chartered flights involving pet passengers are up more than 700% since the onset of the pandemic. Another firm, in dealing with Hong Kong departures, claims it is booking pet-inclusive charters up to 12 months out. Recognizing demand, many charter companies are advertising specifically to pet owners and building in value-added services to make the price of a private charter worth the cost.
The perks of chartering pet travel
As charter companies cater to a growing customer base of pet owners, they’re going out of their way to make the experience as seamless and convenient as possible. This includes helping owners confirm their pets have microchips, the correct travel paperwork, and all required vaccinations.
While charter companies assist with preflight accommodations, they’re also picking up new routes to cater to travelers and their pets. Many have expanded service to include dedicated “pet flights,” particularly from Hong Kong. According to Robb Report, one charter even arranged a direct flight from Miami to New York for a single dog aboard its own 16-person Gulfstream IVSP. Pet charters have become a booming business for private aviation.