One of the most fundamental distinctions in live animal air transport is whether the animal travels as manifest cargo or as excess baggage checked by an accompanying passenger.
Manifest cargo
The commercial freight system. The animal travels as a separate shipment managed through the airline's cargo division with an Air Waybill. This is the system used by pet relocation companies.
- Booked through the airline's cargo desk
- Requires an Air Waybill (AWB)
- Subject to AVI cargo acceptance requirements
- Can be booked independently of any passenger travel
- Managed by cargo handling teams at each airport
Excess baggage
The passenger check-in system. The animal travels as additional baggage checked by a travelling passenger. Different rules, fees and documentation to manifest cargo.
- Booked through the passenger desk
- Requires the owner or accompanying person to travel on the same flight
- Subject to passenger baggage policies
- Different documentation requirements
Why this matters for pet relocation companies
Pet relocation companies typically use manifest cargo — it provides the Air Waybill needed for import clearance. AVIBooking coordinates manifest cargo bookings only.