How early do I need to arrive at Qantas Freight at LAX?

Your agent will provide a specific check-in time — typically 2-4 hours before the scheduled QF096 departure. Confirm the specific requirement with your agent.

What if my flight is cancelled or delayed?

Contact your agent immediately. They will need to rebook the cargo booking and may need to adjust the Mickleham quarantine slot. Experienced agents have handled this scenario before.

Do I need to travel on the same flight as my pet?

No. Your pet travels as cargo and you travel as a passenger. Most owners book the same flight as a matter of preference, but it is not required.

What document does my pet travel with?

The original USDA-endorsed health certificate travels with your pet in the crate, managed by your agent. Keep copies of all documents yourself separately.

Flying your pet to Australia from LAX: what to expect on the day

Exterior of a cargo terminal at LAX with aircraft visible in background

You have spent 7 months preparing. The departure day at LAX is the moment everything comes together. Here is what actually happens.

Before the day

All documents should be finalised well in advance. This means:

Import permit in hand (and quarantine already booked)
USDA-endorsed health certificate issued via VEHCS within the past 5 days (health certificates expire 10 days after the examination date)
All parasite treatments completed and documented
Crate assembled, labelled, and confirmed IATA compliant

If you are using an agent, they will confirm the Qantas Freight booking reference and provide a specific check-in time. Confirm the timing with your agent in advance — do not assume.

The Qantas Freight terminal at LAX

Address: 6555 W. Imperial Highway, Los Angeles CA 90045
Phone (US toll-free): 1 800 227 0290
Hours: Monday-Friday 6am-5pm PT, weekends 7am-4pm PT
Closed: Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, New Year's Day

This is a separate facility from the passenger terminal. Do not go to the passenger check-in area.

What happens at check-in

Terminal staff will scan your pet's microchip and confirm it against the documentation, check the crate for IATA compliance (dimensions, water access, labelling), confirm the health certificate is current and endorsed, and accept payment for any outstanding freight charges.

When your pet leaves your sight

Once your pet is accepted by Qantas Freight, they move into the cargo handling area and you do not see them again until Mickleham. Qantas Freight loads pets close to departure to minimise time in the cargo facility. The DAFF quarantine website confirms you will receive an email within 24 hours of your pet's arrival in Melbourne. For the direct QF096 flight, the journey is approximately 15-17 hours.

Temperature restrictions

Qantas will not fly pets if the temperature is below 45 degrees Fahrenheit (7 degrees Celsius) or above 85 degrees Fahrenheit (29 degrees Celsius) at the time of travel. If you are flying in summer, monitor the LAX forecast and discuss contingency planning with your agent in advance — extreme heat can result in your pet's departure being refused at the terminal.

What to pack in the crate

Water bowl with external funnel access (required)
Soft bedding or worn clothing with familiar scent — allowed and encouraged
No food inside the crate (Qantas policy — food packet attached outside by agent)
No hard toys, chews, or bones (IATA rule — choking hazard)

Do not put anything sentimental in the crate. All bedding is destroyed by DAFF on arrival at Mickleham as a biosecurity requirement.