PT Republic Express Airlines

What to expect when you fly with animals

Bringing a pet on PT Republic Express Airlines (RH) takes a bit of planning, because policies can vary by aircraft, route, and local regulations. As a rule of thumb for Indonesian regional carriers, pets are usually accepted in the temperature‑controlled hold, while only trained assistance dogs may be permitted in the cabin. If RH offers limited in‑cabin space on your flight, it will be by advance approval only and subject to strict size and weight limits. Always request written pre‑approval from the airline at least 48–72 hours before departure and reconfirm during online check‑in. That way you’ll avoid surprises at the counter and give your pet the calmest possible journey.

Cabin vs. hold: general conditions

For the cabin, expect acceptance only for small cats or dogs that can remain fully inside a closed, ventilated carrier under the seat for the entire flight, or for certified service dogs trained to assist a person with a disability. Emotional support animals are typically not recognized as service animals on RH and similar carriers, so they follow the pet rules. Space is limited per flight, and some aircraft types used on short domestic sectors have no under‑seat clearance, which effectively means no cabin pets. If cabin travel is not available, RH will process your animal as AVIH (animal in hold) in a pressurized, heated compartment. The hold option requires an IATA‑compliant kennel and your presence at the airport earlier than usual so ground staff can inspect, label, and load your pet safely.

In the hold, acceptance can be restricted by outside temperature, aircraft performance, and operational limits on certain airports. Brachycephalic (snub‑nosed) breeds may be embargoed during hotter months due to elevated respiratory risk; expect seasonal suspensions on some routes. Young animals (generally under 8–12 weeks), those late in pregnancy, or animals recovering from surgery are not accepted. You should also plan for longer connection times; interline transfers to other airlines require both carriers to confirm the animal, and not all partners will accept pets. If a connection cannot be confirmed end‑to‑end, RH may require you to ship your pet as manifest cargo instead of checked baggage.

Carriers and weight limits that work

For any in‑cabin acceptance, aim for a soft‑sided carrier roughly within 45 × 30 × 23 cm (about 18 × 12 × 9 in) or a combined linear size up to 115 cm, and a total pet‑plus‑carrier weight near 7 kg. The carrier must be leak‑proof, well‑ventilated, and fit completely under the seat; your pet should be able to stand, turn around, and lie down naturally. Only one pet per carrier is typically allowed, and the carrier must remain closed for the entire flight. If your pet or carrier exceeds cabin limits, plan on the hold option with an IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) kennel. There, hard‑sided crates with metal fasteners, a secure spring‑loaded door, absorbent bedding, and ventilation on at least three sides (four for larger crates) are the standard.

For the hold, many airlines—including RH—apply practical weight thresholds: up to about 32 kg (pet + kennel) as checked baggage, and heavier animals routed as cargo. Measure and weigh the fully prepared crate at home to avoid last‑minute changes. Attach “Live Animals” labels and upright arrows, plus your contact details and feeding instructions. Fixed food and water dishes that can be refilled from outside the door are required; freezing water in the bowl before travel helps it melt gradually. Sedation is generally discouraged and often not accepted because it can increase in‑flight health risks.

• Quick checks: pet stands/turns/lies down comfortably; carrier fits under seat (cabin) or meets IATA LAR specs (hold); total weight within airline limits; door is secure; labels and contact info attached.

Documents and health requirements

Domestic Indonesian travel usually requires a recent veterinary health certificate (commonly issued within 3–10 days of departure) and proof of current rabies vaccination. Some provinces enforce rabies‑control measures that can restrict movement of dogs and cats at short notice, so check local livestock/animal health authorities for your origin and destination. For international routes, add import/export permits, microchip identification (ISO 11784/11785), and country‑specific veterinary documents; some destinations impose quarantine or pre‑arrival approvals. Service dogs need documentation for training and task certification, plus vaccination records; advance notification is essential. Keep originals in your carry‑on and copies attached to the kennel in a clear pouch.

• Documents checklist: vet health certificate; rabies vaccination proof; microchip details (if required); import/export permits and destination forms; service dog paperwork (if applicable).

Fees, restrictions, and route nuances

Expect a pet fee for cabin or hold transport, often calculated either as a flat pet/AVIH charge or as excess‑baggage based on actual or volumetric weight. Fees vary by route and aircraft, and are paid at the airport during check‑in unless RH invoices in advance with your approval email. Temperature, time‑of‑day, and tarmac‑time rules can trigger day‑of‑travel denials to protect animal welfare; early morning or late evening departures are usually recommended in hot seasons. Not all species are accepted: rodents, reptiles, and primates usually require specialized cargo handling, and birds may face additional permits due to avian‑flu controls. If you’re combining RH with another carrier on one ticket, ensure both airlines confirm the animal; otherwise, book separate tickets with enough time to re‑check the pet.

Preparation that keeps pets comfortable

Start crate training 1–2 weeks ahead so the kennel feels like a safe den, not a trap. Take practice rides, reward calm behavior, and line the floor with familiar bedding or an old T‑shirt carrying your scent. Feed a normal meal no later than about four hours before departure and avoid new foods; offer water up to check‑in and include a small bag of food taped to the crate for delays. On the day, arrive at the airport early, allow a last potty break, and keep your pet cool and calm in the terminal. Bring spare absorbent pads, a leash secured on top of the kennel (not inside), printed approvals, and recent photos of your pet and crate in case staff need to verify details.

Policies change, and some RH services or aircraft may not accommodate animals at all. For the smoothest experience, obtain written acceptance, confirm dimensions and fees with the airline’s customer support, and recheck regulatory requirements for your exact route 72–24 hours before departure.

Traveling with little ones on PT Republic Express Airlines (RH) can be smooth when you know how the airline treats infants and children. Think of this as a practical, traveler-to-traveler guide to ages, seats, baggage, strollers, onboard services, and a few sanity-saving tips. RH policies can vary by route, aircraft, and fare brand, and they do change from time to time. Always confirm with RH just before you fly, especially if you’re counting on a bassinet, pre-boarding, or a special meal. With a bit of prep, you’ll board feeling ready and confident.

Age categories and what they mean

Most airlines, including PT Republic Express Airlines (RH), treat an infant as a child under 2 years old on the day of travel. Children are typically 2–11 years, while passengers 12+ are booked as adults for fare purposes. These categories affect whether a separate seat is required, what you’ll pay, and what ID you’ll need. If your child turns 2 during your trip, a proper seat is usually required for any flight after the birthday. Bring proof of age (passport for international, or a birth certificate/ID domestically) to avoid check-in hiccups.

Seats and tickets for infants

If your baby is under 2, you may choose an infant on lap option, where your child shares your seat. Airlines allow only one lap infant per accompanying adult; a second infant with the same adult must occupy a purchased seat. Lap-infant pricing is usually a reduced infant fee or taxes rather than a full fare, but the exact charge varies by route and fare. You cannot sit in an exit row with an infant, and crew may reseat families to ensure adequate oxygen masks. For extra space and restraint options, you can buy a separate seat for your infant at the child fare.

When a baby or child has their own seat, an aircraft‑approved child restraint is the safest way to fly. Look for labels showing approval for aircraft use (for example, national aviation authority markings) and check your device’s weight and size limits. These seats are typically installed in a window seat, never in an exit row, and must not block other passengers’ access. Rear‑facing use is often permitted if it fits safely; let the crew know during boarding. Lightweight aviation-approved harnesses (like CARES‑type devices) may be accepted for children in the applicable size range—confirm acceptance with RH before travel.

Baggage allowances for kids and baby gear

A ticketed child with their own seat usually receives the same cabin and checked baggage allowance as the chosen fare. Lap infants may have a more limited allowance—many airlines permit a small diaper bag in the cabin, while checked baggage for lap infants varies by fare and route. Strollers and car seats are commonly transported free of charge in addition to your standard allowance, either as checked baggage or gate‑checked; verify what RH allows on your flight. If you’re carrying baby food, formula, or milk, security rules differ by airport—pack them for easy inspection and declare liquids at screening. Tag gear with your name and contact, and consider a protective bag for checking strollers.

Where this program stands today

PT Republic Express Airlines (IATA: RH) is a dedicated cargo carrier, not a passenger airline. That matters for loyalty hunters: there is no publicly advertised frequent‑flyer program, no mileage credit on tickets, and no consumer membership to join. If you’ve stumbled here while planning a trip, it’s helpful to know that RH flights are configured for freight and don’t sell seats. In this guide, you’ll see what that means for tiers, earning, and redemptions—and where you can still find value. For shippers, we’ll also touch on how commercial agreements can function like a loyalty framework even without points.

Membership tiers and how to qualify

Because RH does not run a consumer loyalty scheme, there are no membership tiers to qualify for, and no published thresholds like Silver or Gold. In practice, frequent shippers with contracted volumes may access benefits via negotiated terms rather than status levels. Think of it as a relationship-based model: qualify by the business you place, not by miles flown. If your company moves regular freight within Indonesia, a sales agreement can bring predictable pricing and service commitments. It’s not a tiered program, but it serves a similar purpose for operational reliability.

Earning miles or points

You won’t earn miles, points, or elite credit from RH flights, and there’s no option to credit shipments to partner programs. The airline is not a member of oneworld, SkyTeam, or Star Alliance, and it does not participate in passenger codeshares that award miles. If you’re looking to collect points for travel in the region, consider joining a passenger carrier’s program—GarudaMiles or AirAsia Rewards are common choices in Indonesia and Southeast Asia. Pairing those with a bank currency (such as transferable credit card points) is an easy way to keep earning even when you’re not flying. The key takeaway: RH activity simply won’t post to your mileage account, so plan your earning elsewhere.

Redeeming rewards and partner options

There are no award charts, upgrade certificates, or non‑flight redemptions tied to PT Republic Express Airlines, so you can’t spend miles on RH‑operated services. Since the airline isn’t aligned with a global alliance, there are no partner awards or lounges to access via a shared network. If your goal is award travel, you’ll want to accrue in a passenger program and redeem on those carriers’ own flights or their alliance partners. For shippers, the closest analogue to a “redemption” is value realized in contract terms—discounted rates, priority uplift during peak periods, or tailored pickup windows. These are negotiated benefits rather than points you spend, but they can be more tangible for logistics needs. Always confirm any such benefits in writing, as they’re commercial arrangements rather than published loyalty perks.

A compact, cargo-first fleet at a glance

PT Republic Express Airlines — better known by its IATA code RH — runs a lean, purpose-built cargo fleet tailored to Indonesia’s island-to-island logistics. Publicly available registry and spotter data through 2024 indicate a small, sub‑10 aircraft operation centered on Boeing 737 Classic freighters. Fleet size can fluctuate as frames rotate through maintenance or short‑term leases, which is typical for dedicated cargo operators in the region. What stays constant is the focus on reliable narrowbodies that can lift meaningful payloads into busy hubs and secondary airports alike.

The backbone and how it’s configured

If you track RH’s movements, you’ll most often see the 737‑300F and, historically, the 737‑200C in the mix. The 737‑300F is the day‑to‑day workhorse, prized for better fuel burn and quieter CFM56 engines, while the older 737‑200C has proven useful on shorter sectors and more constrained airfields. In freighter terms, configuration is everything: the 737‑300F typically offers 9 main‑deck pallet positions (standard 88×125‑inch), with a usable payload in the neighborhood of 18–20 tonnes; the 737‑200C generally accommodates about 6–7 positions with roughly 13–15 tonnes, trading volume for runway flexibility. That combination lets RH balance dense e‑commerce loads, time‑critical documents, and general freight without oversizing the aircraft for the route.

Newest and oldest aircraft in service

Converted freighters often lead double lives, and RH’s jets are no exception. The newer frames in the fleet tend to be 737‑300s built in the early‑to‑mid 1990s and converted to freighters later in their careers, which extends their usefulness by a decade or more. The oldest aircraft associated with the airline have historically been 737‑200C airframes dating back to the 1980s, some of which were added specifically for rugged, short‑haul cargo work. Even with age on the logbook, these aircraft remain viable thanks to rigorous heavy checks, component swaps, and avionics refreshes that keep reliability where a night‑freight schedule demands it.

What’s next for the fleet

Looking ahead, RH appears focused on maintaining a dependable narrowbody freighter core while staying opportunistic with acquisitions. As of late 2024, there are no widely reported firm orders, and the airline’s near‑term strategy seems to favor well‑understood 737 Classic freighters supported by regional MRO capabilities. Market watchers expect Indonesian cargo operators — RH included — to evaluate next‑generation options like the 737‑800BCF as feedstock prices soften, while gradually retiring any remaining 737‑200C frames to gain efficiency and meet tighter noise rules. In practical terms, that means incremental upgrades rather than a sudden fleet overhaul, aligning capacity with steady e‑commerce and express‑parcel growth.

First things first: RH is cargo‑only

PT Republic Express Airlines (IATA: RH) is an Indonesian cargo‑only carrier, so there is no passenger cabin and no inflight meal service. If you see RH on a ticket, it typically indicates a logistics segment or a marketed code in a multi‑airline itinerary; the actual passenger flying—if any—will be operated by another airline. Always check the small print for the operated by line, because onboard service follows the operating carrier’s rules, not the marketing code. For pure RH flights there are no snacks, drinks, or service routines to plan around. Understanding this upfront helps you focus on the parts of your journey where food service is actually offered.

What this means for onboard food

Because RH does not carry passengers, there are no snacks, buy‑on‑board menus, or full meals to describe for its own flights. If your itinerary includes a passenger segment on a different airline, that airline’s policy will determine what you receive based on route length and cabin. As a general guide, short domestic hops often provide a light snack or paid options in economy, while medium‑haul flights may include a hot meal in business and a snack or light meal in economy. Long‑haul economy usually features one or two full meal services with beverages, and premium cabins add courses, upgraded wines, and espresso‑style drinks. Treat RH segments as meal‑neutral blocks in your day and plan airport dining around them.

Special diets and pre‑order requests

RH itself offers no special meals, since it has no passenger service. If another airline operates your passenger leg, request special meals—such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten‑free, lactose‑free, kosher, or halal—through that carrier at least 24–48 hours before departure. Availability varies by route and cabin, and some low‑cost carriers restrict pre‑orders to paid bundles. After any schedule change, reconfirm that your special meal request is still attached to the correct flight. Travelers with severe allergies should bring safe snacks, carry medication, and inform the operating airline; onboard protocols differ, and nut‑free environments are rarely guaranteed.

Alcohol and beverages

There is no beverage service on RH flights, so alcohol policies do not apply on cargo sectors. On passenger flights operated by other airlines, expect standard rules: alcoholic drinks may be complimentary or for purchase depending on cabin and route, and personal alcohol is typically not allowed to be consumed onboard. Laws vary by country—minimum drinking age and dry‑route restrictions can affect service—so defer to the operating carrier’s crew instructions. Hydration matters, especially on long days through multiple airports; pack an empty water bottle to refill after security where allowed. For early‑morning or late‑night connections, coffee and tea access will depend on airport concessions being open.

What to expect on RH flights

PT Republic Express Airlines (IATA: RH) operates primarily as a cargo airline, which means it does not run regular passenger services. If you see RH while searching for tickets, it often reflects a marketing or interline arrangement rather than a flight with an RH‑branded passenger cabin. As a result, there is no standard passenger in‑flight entertainment on aircraft actually operated by RH. You won’t find seatback screens, a streaming portal, or a curated library onboard those aircraft. The guidance below helps you understand what to expect and how to prepare if your itinerary uses the RH code or is operated by a partner.

Entertainment types and access methods

On an RH‑operated sector, movies, TV shows, music, and games are simply not provided because these freighter aircraft are configured for cargo and crew. There are no seatback screens or personal‑device portals, and there is no PA announcement pointing you to a catalog. Any onboard connectivity is dedicated to flight operations, not passenger use. With no entertainment platform in place, there is no “variety and quality” to compare, and no special features to discover. If you’re traveling in a rare charter context, assume amenities are minimal unless the aircraft is wet‑leased from a passenger airline.

If your ticket displays an RH flight number but the segment is operated by another carrier, your entertainment will mirror that airline’s system rather than RH. On long‑haul aircraft, that often means integrated seatback screens with a broad library; on many short‑haul routes, you may be asked to stream to your own device via the airline’s portal. Libraries typically include current films, classic picks, episodic TV, kids’ content, and music playlists, with quality ranging from basic to premium depending on the airline. Games and moving maps may be included, and some carriers offer live TV or podcasts. To access streaming, you usually join onboard Wi‑Fi and open a browser or the airline’s app; seatback systems require nothing more than plugging in your headphones. Checking the aircraft type and the partner’s website in advance will set your expectations accurately.

Class‑based differences apply only when you’re on the partner’s passenger aircraft. Premium cabins often feature larger screens, better noise‑reducing headsets, faster charging, and sometimes a few extra titles, while Economy may rely on smaller displays or streaming to your phone. Some airlines also lend tablets on select routes in premium economy, though this varies widely. If you prefer a specific experience—say, a big screen over streaming—choose flights and seats accordingly when the operating carrier allows seat selection. The key is to match your expectations to the operating airline, not the RH code.