South Korea is witnessing a significant surge in pet travel, prompting airlines to introduce pet-friendly amenities as a competitive edge in the aviation market. Traveling with pets has traditionally been a stressful experience, often involving pets being stowed away in the cargo hold. However, Korean airlines have tapped into a new business model, offering pet-related services that cater to the growing demand among Koreans who want to bring their pets along on flights at reasonable prices.
The rise in pet travel has been notable, with Jeju Air and Korean Air reporting increases of 10.9% and 19.2%, respectively, compared to the same period last year. This trend reflects a broader pet travel boom across the country.
In response to this demand, Eastar Jet is set to expand its pet-friendly services to select international flights, including routes to Tokyo, Osaka, and Bangkok. The new services will accommodate dogs, cats, and birds over eight weeks old, with a limit of one pet per passenger. However, all pets must adhere to the relevant quarantine regulations.
On both domestic and international flights, pets are required to remain in carriers placed under the seat in front of their owners and cannot be taken out during the flight.
Earlier this year, Jeju Air launched a unique pet-only flight, offering passengers the opportunity to travel with their pets seated right next to them. The special flight operated between Seoul’s Gimpo International Airport and Jeju. The return fare was priced at 440,000 won ($330) for one dog with one owner and 660,000 won ($500) for two owners. Despite the slightly higher cost, tickets for this special flight sold out quickly.
This initiative by Jeju Air came in response to the burgeoning demand for pet travel in South Korea. In 2023, the airline recorded 17,698 pets on its flights, marking a 152% increase from pre-pandemic levels in 2019.
As the trend continues, South Korean airlines are likely to expand their pet-friendly services, catering to the growing number of travelers who consider their pets an integral part of their family.
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