What Does AVIH Mean?

Understanding AVIH: What You Need to Know

Traveling with pets can be stressful, especially when you need to transport them by air. One term that comes up constantly in this context is AVIH — an acronym for Animal Vivant in Hold. The French term translates to Live Animal in Hold, and it refers to pets transported in the cargo hold of an airplane rather than in the passenger cabin. This article breaks down what AVIH means, when it applies, what the safety data shows, and how to prepare your pet for traveling in the hold.

AVIH, PETC, and SVAN: The Pet-Travel Codes Decoded

Airlines and reservation systems use short special service request (SSR) codes to flag anything unusual about a booking. Three of them involve animals:

When an agent says your dog is “booked as AVIH,” the airline has reserved space for your pet's crate in the hold of your specific flight. Airlines limit how many animals can travel in the hold on each flight, which is why the code matters — it is a confirmed reservation, not just a note.

When Is AVIH Required?

AVIH is generally required when:

1. The Animal’s Size or Weight Exceeds Limits for Cabin Travel: Most airlines have strict size and weight limits for pets traveling in the cabin, usually around 8 kg (17 lbs) including the carrier. If your pet exceeds these limits, AVIH is necessary. If your pet is small enough, see our list of airlines that allow carry-on pets — cabin travel (PETC) is almost always the simpler option.

2. Traveling on Long-Haul Flights or to Certain Destinations: For some long-haul flights or flights to countries with strict quarantine rules, AVIH is the only permitted option for animal transport.

3. Airlines’ Policies: Each airline has its own policy regarding which animals can be transported in the cabin versus the hold — and several U.S. low-cost carriers accept pets in the cabin only, never in the hold. Check our airline pet policy pages before booking your pet’s travel.

Airlines generally handle AVIH animals under one of two arrangements: as excess/checked baggage on the same flight as their owner, or as manifest cargo through the airline’s cargo division — common for unaccompanied pets and required by some carriers for certain routes.

Is AVIH Safe? What the Data Shows

This is the question most owners really want answered. The honest response: the vast majority of animals that fly in the hold arrive without incident, but AVIH does carry more risk than cabin travel, and some pets should not fly in the hold at all.

U.S. airlines are required by the Department of Transportation to report incidents involving the loss, injury, or death of animals during air transport. PetFlight has been collecting and publishing those reports for years:

• Airline pet travel incident reports — every reported incident, searchable by airline
• Brachycephalic (short-nosed) dog deaths — flat-faced breeds such as Bulldogs, Pugs, and French Bulldogs are consistently overrepresented in air-travel deaths and are banned from the hold by many carriers

A few practical guidelines that come out of that data:

1. Never book a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed as AVIH if you can possibly avoid it. Their compromised airways make heat and stress far more dangerous.
2. Avoid extreme weather. Many airlines embargo AVIH travel during summer heat and winter cold — take the embargo as a signal, not an obstacle.
3. Book direct flights. Connections multiply tarmac time, handling, and the chance of a missed transfer.
4. Review your airline’s incident history on our pet incidents pages before you book.

Preparing Your Pet for AVIH Transport

Transporting your pet as AVIH requires careful planning to ensure their safety and comfort. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to prepare your pet for traveling in the hold:

1. Select the Right Carrier:
   The first step is choosing an airline-approved pet carrier or crate. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) sets guidelines for animal containers, so it’s best to select a crate that complies with their standards. The carrier should be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. Ensure it’s well-ventilated and secure, with a locking mechanism that won’t open accidentally.

2. Acclimate Your Pet to the Carrier:
   Introduce your pet to the carrier several weeks before travel. Place their favorite toys or bedding inside to create a familiar and safe space. Gradually increase the time they spend in the crate so that they become comfortable with it.

3. Health Check and Documentation:
   Before the flight, take your pet to the veterinarian for a health check-up. Most airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of travel, confirming that your pet is fit to fly. Some destinations may also require additional vaccinations or treatments. Ensure all necessary documentation, such as vaccination records and permits, are in order.

4. Feeding and Hydration:
   Feed your pet a light meal 3-4 hours before the flight and provide them with water. Avoid feeding them too close to departure to prevent motion sickness. Attach a water dish to the inside of the carrier that can be refilled from the outside without opening the door.

5. Label the Carrier:
   Clearly label the carrier with your pet’s name, your contact information, and any special instructions for the handlers. Attach a photo of your pet to the top of the crate for easy identification.

What Happens During the Flight?

Once your pet is checked in, they will be transported to the aircraft’s cargo hold. The AVIH area is separate from other baggage and is designed to minimize noise and disturbance. The hold is pressurized and temperature-controlled, typically set to around 65-75°F (18-24°C), depending on the airline. Your pet’s crate will be securely fastened, and they will be monitored by ground staff before departure and upon arrival. Animals are typically loaded shortly before departure and retrieved promptly on arrival to limit time on the tarmac.

It’s normal for pets to experience some stress during the flight, but the conditions in the hold are designed to keep them as comfortable as possible. Some airlines even offer specialized pet transport services, where staff trained in animal care are responsible for overseeing the transport process from check-in to pick-up.

Arrival and Pick-Up

Once you arrive at your destination, pets traveling as AVIH are usually one of the last items to be unloaded. Depending on the airport, they may be delivered to a special handling area rather than the regular baggage claim. Be prepared to show identification and any required documentation to pick up your pet. If your pet needs a break after the journey, many airports have dedicated pet relief areas.

AVIH Costs

Expect the AVIH fee to be noticeably higher than the in-cabin (PETC) fee, since the airline is handling a crate in the hold. Fees vary by airline, route, and crate size, and international travel adds import permits and destination-country paperwork on top of the airline’s own requirements. Current fees are listed on each carrier’s page in our airline pet policy directory.

Tips for a Smooth AVIH Experience

• Book in Advance: AVIH services often have limited availability, so it’s best to book your pet’s travel as early as possible.
• Research the Airline’s Pet Policy: Every airline has specific rules for AVIH transport. Check our airline pet policy pages and confirm with the airline before you fly.
• Consider the Season: Avoid traveling with your pet as AVIH during extreme weather conditions, as this could impact their safety in transit.
• Fly Direct When You Can: Fewer segments mean less handling and less time on the tarmac.
• Confirm Arrival Arrangements: Ensure there are no delays in picking up your pet once you land. They may need to relieve themselves and rehydrate after the journey.

The Bottom Line

AVIH simply means your pet is booked to travel in the aircraft hold. For large dogs and pets that can’t fit under a seat, it is often the only way to fly — and with a direct flight, mild weather, a well-fitted crate, and a healthy, non-brachycephalic animal, it usually goes smoothly. If your pet is small enough for the cabin, PETC is almost always the safer, cheaper, and less stressful choice.

Before you book, look up your airline’s current policy in our airline directory and review the incident history for the carriers you’re considering.