Dogs can experience ear pressure changes during takeoff and landing just like humans do. If your dog shows signs of distress such as excessive whining or head shaking, alert the cabin crew immediately.
Never leave your dog unattended in a carrier in a hot vehicle, at the airport, or anywhere else. Heatstroke in dogs happens quickly and can be fatal, especially in confined spaces during Australian summer months.
Does Rex Airlines Allow Pets on Board
Rex Airlines does allow pets to travel on regional flights across Australia, which is good news if you need to fly your dog from Brisbane to Melbourne or Sydney to Canberra. Your dog can travel in the cabin with you as long as it stays under 7 kilograms and remains in an approved pet carrier throughout the flight. The airline limits the number of pets per flight, so booking early matters when you have a furry travel companion. Larger dogs and exotic pets do not fly in the cabin with Rex, which means you'll need to look at other travel options if you have a German Shepherd or similar sized breed. Rex operates routes between regional cities and capital cities, making it a practical choice for short hops across Australia when your dog meets their size requirements.
Pet Fees and Booking Requirements
You'll pay a pet fee when you book your Rex flight, and this charge sits separately from your airfare. The fee typically runs around $100 to $150 per pet depending on the route and current pricing, so budget accordingly when planning your trip. You cannot book your pet online through the standard website, which caught me off guard on my first attempt. You must call Rex Airlines directly on 131 713 to arrange your pet's travel and confirm their space on your specific flight. The person taking your booking will ask for your dog's weight and breed to verify it meets their under 7kg requirement and fits into an approved cabin carrier.
Gear we would pack
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Dog First Aid Kit for Travel Emergencies
It's important to prepare for unforeseeable situations while travelling.
Dog Ear Muffs for Noise Protection
These ear muffs help keep your pet calm in noisy environments during travel.
Reduce Shedding with FURminator Conditioner
A well-groomed coat means less mess in your travel space.
Mini GPS Tracker for Cats - Real-Time Location
Tracking your cat eases the stress of travelling together.
What Size Carrier Your Dog Needs
Your dog's carrier must fit under the seat in front of you, similar to the restrictions on international flights from Australian airports. The approved dimensions typically measure around 45 centimetres long by 30 centimetres wide by 30 centimetres tall, though you should verify exact measurements when you call to book. Soft-sided carriers work better than hard plastic ones because they compress slightly and your dog stays more comfortable during the flight. I learned this the hard way when my Cavoodle spent two hours in a rigid crate and came out stressed and overheated. The carrier needs proper ventilation holes and a sturdy base because your pup will need to stay inside from the moment you board until you land.
Health Requirements and Documentation
Rex Airlines requires that your dog be healthy enough to fly, and if you're crossing state borders, specific health certificates come into play. If you're flying from Sydney to Adelaide or Melbourne to Hobart, your dog needs a Health Certificate issued by a registered veterinarian within 10 days of travel. The certificate costs between $50 and $100 depending on your vet, so factor this into your travel expenses. Your vet will check that your dog has current vaccinations, is free from disease, and is fit to fly before they'll issue the paperwork. Without this certificate for interstate travel, Rex will refuse to let your dog board, and your entire trip falls apart, so getting this done early prevents disaster.
Practical Tips for Your Dog During the Flight
Feed your dog a light meal three to four hours before your flight rather than right before boarding, as nervous dogs with full stomachs often feel nauseous. Take your pup for a good walk at the airport before you pass through security so they've burned energy and can rest during the flight. Bring a small, foldable water bowl and offer water to your dog once you're seated, as cabin air dries them out quickly. I keep a favourite toy or blanket in the carrier with my dog to provide comfort and a familiar smell during the flight. Rex flights are short for most regional routes, typically between 30 minutes and two hours, so you won't be dealing with a full day of air travel like you would flying to Perth from Sydney.
What Happens if Your Dog Exceeds 7 Kilograms
Dogs over 7 kilograms cannot travel in the cabin with Rex Airlines, which eliminates this option for many dog owners across Australia. If you have a Labrador, German Shepherd, or any large breed, you'll need to arrange ground transport or use a different airline that accepts larger pets. Some people spend hundreds on professional pet transport services to move their dogs between cities, making it expensive but sometimes necessary. Your alternatives include hiring a pet courier service to drive your dog between states, boarding your dog with a pet sitter while you travel, or rescheduling your trip entirely. It's frustrating, but Rex's cabin size and safety regulations mean there's no workaround for oversized dogs on their regional routes.
Interstate Travel Rules and State Regulations
Different Australian states have different rules about importing dogs, and you need to know these before your flight. Queensland has specific requirements if your dog is arriving from another state, including potential quarantine periods or additional vet inspections depending on disease status. Western Australia and South Australia also enforce strict biosecurity rules, so research your destination state's requirements before you book. Tasmania requires notification to the Department of State Growth before your dog arrives, which you can arrange online but takes a few days. Each state operates independently, so what's acceptable in Victoria might not be acceptable in Queensland, making it crucial you contact the destination state's agriculture department before travelling.
Preparing Your Dog for Their First Flight
Most dogs feel anxious in airports and on planes because the environment is completely foreign to them. Start by taking your dog on practice visits to the airport in the weeks before your flight, so they get used to the sounds, crowds, and general chaos. Practice putting your dog in their carrier at home for short periods, gradually increasing the time so they feel comfortable inside it. I took my dog to the airport lounge area on three separate occasions before our real flight, and it made a huge difference in how calm she was on boarding day. Your vet can prescribe calming medication if your dog shows severe anxiety, though most dogs settle down once the flight starts because the engine noise and movement actually lulls them to sleep.
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