Flying with your pet in China used to cause separation anxiety, paperwork nightmares, and the unsettling sight of your four-legged best friend being loaded into cargo.

But those days are fading fast.

Welcome to the era of pet travel, where airlines are striving to make your pet feel like a VIP at 30,000 feet.

China Eastern Airlines has just unveiled its brand-new "Pets in Cabin" service on its Shanghai-Qingdao route, giving pet parents the chance to keep their furry companions by their side during the flight.

The service marks a major leap forward in pet-friendly flying in China, and it's making headlines for all the right reasons.

A cabin seat for whiskers and wags

With more people embracing their pets as full-on family members, the demand for pet-inclusive travel has soared.

Recognizing this, China Eastern is going beyond basic pet transport – it's creating a full experience. Imagine dedicated check-in counters, custom luggage tags for pets, and cozy cabin placement under the seat in front of you.

To maintain a peaceful cabin vibe, the service is capped at two pets per flight, with each safely stowed in an airline-approved carrier, wearing a muzzle and diaper, and supervised by an adult. You'll need to present proof of vaccinations and a health certificate, but your pet deserves to travel safely.

Booking your pet's boarding pass

Booking the service is as easy as tapping through the China Eastern Airlines app. Just apply 24 hours before takeoff and arrive early at the airport to enjoy a smooth, guided check-in service.

No window seat for your pup just yet – but they do get to dodge the cargo hold and relax in climate-controlled comfort, tucked safely beneath your seat.

Joining a sky-high trend

This isn't a publicity gimmick – it's part of a larger revolution. Across China, airlines like Hainan Airlines and China Southern (check the video below ) have launched similar pet-friendly initiatives, even offering pet-only flights and real-time cargo tracking. Airports like Guangzhou Baiyun International Airport are opening pet terminals with amenities.

A pet-friendly future in the skies

China Eastern's bold foray into pet-friendly travel demonstrates the increasing popularity of this trend. Whether you're taking a short hop to Qingdao or embarking on a long-haul adventure, pet owners can finally relax knowing their companions are along for the journey – in comfort, style and safety.

So, next time when you book a flight, don't just pack your bags – grab the leash, prepare the carrier, and get ready for a travel experience that's truly pawsome.