Flying Business Class with a Puppy... Was It Worth It?

Hand-carry story · Mini Bichon

Flying Business Class with a Puppy... Was It Worth It?

Bada, a Mini Bichon puppy from our Korean kennel, flew in the cabin from Korea to Yerevan, Armenia, with a transit night in Tashkent.

Incheon (ICN) via Tashkent Yerevan (EVN)

This is the true story of Bada, a female Mini Bichon puppy (Mini Bichon Frise) raised at Kim's Pups, a Korean breeder that sends puppies to families worldwide. Bada did not fly as cargo. She flew as a hand-carry puppy: one of our staff members kept her in the cabin for the whole trip, from Incheon Airport in Korea, through a transit night in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, to Yerevan, Armenia. The flights were in business class. So, was it worth it? Here is our honest answer.

Watch Bada's journey from Korea to Armenia

Who is Bada?

Bada is a female Mini Bichon puppy. She was born and raised at our kennel in Korea (2nd branch). As a baby, she went "sightseeing" from a shoulder. She grew up fast into a little fluffball. Then she took her first walks and got used to the world outside before her big flight.

What did Bada's journey look like, step by step?

1. Baby daysSightseeing from a shoulderTiny Bada watched the world from a shoulder at our kennel in Korea.
2. Growing upA little fluffball, fastShe grew quickly into a fluffy, curious Mini Bichon.
3. Sept 8First walk everHer very first walk outside.
4. Sept 24Night stroll by the Han RiverA calm evening walk by the Han River in Seoul.
5. Oct 1Health check at the quarantine officeBada visited the Korean animal quarantine office (APQA) for her pre-departure check.
6. Oct 3Departure day at Incheon AirportCheck-in, a calm leg-stretch before the flight, snacks, then boarding. The cabin crew loved her. She flew above the clouds to her first stop: Tashkent, Uzbekistan.
7. Oct 3 nightTransit night in TashkentShe stayed the night at a hotel. Hotel zoomies, tongue out. Then a short walk in Tashkent.
8. Oct 4On to ArmeniaBack to the airport and on to Yerevan. She landed at Zvartnots (EVN) and left her first paw prints in Armenia.
9. Oct 4Meeting her new familyOur staff member handed Bada to her family in person. The trip ended with a family photo.

Was flying business class with a puppy worth it?

Yes, for this trip. The route was long and included an overnight transit. On a trip like that, comfort for the puppy and the handler matters. Business class does not make a puppy "allowed" where it is not. What it does is make the same rules easier to live with.

What were the real benefits?

• More space for the carrier. There was more room under and around the seat, so the carrier sat comfortably near the handler.
• A calmer cabin. Fewer people and less noise helped Bada settle down.
• Priority check-in and boarding. Less time standing in lines at the airport with a puppy.
• Easier on a long route. With a transit night in Tashkent, a more relaxed flight left both puppy and handler with more energy for the next leg.

What does business class NOT change?

The airline's pet-in-cabin rules still apply in every cabin class. This usually includes carrier size and combined weight limits. Rules differ by airline and route. Always confirm them directly with the airline before you book.

We do not list prices or airline policies here because they change. Please contact us for a current plan for your country.

What is a hand-carry puppy delivery?

Hand carry means a person travels with the puppy in the airplane cabin. The puppy is not sent alone in the cargo hold. For Bada, a Kim's Pups staff member stayed with her on every flight, through the transit in Tashkent, and until she was in her new family's arms in Yerevan. Many families choose hand carry for small breeds and teacup puppies, such as the Mini Bichon, Maltipoo, Pomeranian, Maltese and Poodle.

Can I bring a puppy from Korea to Armenia?

Yes. Bada's trip is one example. She flew from Incheon to Yerevan via Tashkent, with a health check at the Korean animal quarantine office (APQA) before departure. Each country has its own entry steps, and airlines have their own pet rules. We prepare each trip case by case and check the current requirements before every flight.

Does Kim's Pups ship puppies worldwide?

Yes. Kim's Pups is a Korean breeder and kennel that sends puppies to families abroad. We raise Mini Bichon, Coton de Tulear, Maltipoo, Poodle, Pomeranian and Maltese puppies, including teacup puppies. Depending on the destination, a puppy can fly as a hand-carry puppy in the cabin, like Bada. Read how we safely fly teacup puppies worldwide.

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