Eight Chinese airlines last Tuesday relaxed rules to allow passengers to use their mobile phones in flight. Hainan Airlines in southern China is taking this a step further, letting their passengers bring dogs and cats on board. CGTN's WANG YUAN has the story.

The Spring Festival travel craze is coming. Millions across China are packing and rushing for their tickets to their hometowns. One unpleasant part of this exodus is pet owners having to leave their furry friends behind. This year, many can be spared from the annual ordeal. Premium services, attentive staff, and a seat just by the side of its owner. Launched by Hainan Airlines, the trial service allows passengers to fly with their pets. For the meager price of 800 yuan or 125 US dollars, pet owners can take flights next to their cats or dogs. There are certain conditions. Pets must be in small carriers the size of about two shoe boxes. Pet and pen combined must not weigh more than five kilos. In-cabin pet reservation 24 hours in advance is required, as the airline allows only two pets for each flight. Also, pets have to be older than six months, and owners have to show animal vaccination certificates.

ZHAN SHAOHUI, SUPERVISOR ON DUTY QINGDAO LIUTING INT'L AIRPORT "Pets must wear snout muzzles with absorbent pads in the carrier during the flight as well."

For the new service, the reaction has been mixed.

TRAVELLER "Our puppy is like family. We really hope to take care of it by our side. It is really good."

TRAVELLER "Are there any emergency measures in case the pets bring any inconvenience to the passengers? If there are no perfect supporting facilities, I will remain skeptical."

While most pet owners welcome the new service, owners of bigger breeds are less than optimistic. "Can three of us buy a seat for a 15kg dog?" "Oh, my puppy is 2kg overweight." Well, our furry guests may have to lose some weight to get on the plane. WANG YUAN CGTN.