The Ultimate Guide to Travelling with Pets Airline Fees & Policies
We know how hard it can be to leave your pet behind on your holidays. Luckily, nowadays most Airlines have options to carry your furry friend safely and in comfort, either in the cabin or in the cargo section. Below you can find the pet fees and policies for 12 major Airlines flying from Ireland:
Aer Lingus
On European flights, pets must be booked to travel with Aer Lingus Cargo and the owners should provide crates meeting IATA regulations. On transatlantic flights, they can be booked as excess baggage. Only passengers travelling with Assistance Dogs are allowed to carry them in the cabin. Puppies or kittens must be at least 15 weeks of age in order to travel. Some restrictions apply to pets larger than 40kg and certain breeds of dogs, Pit bulls and Rottweilers for example or those with industry reports of serious damage and brachycephalic pets due to their inability to breathe easily.
Ryanair
No pets are permitted aboard Ryanair flights. However, Guide/Assistance dogs will be accepted on all domestic and intra EU/EEA flights as long as they carry a Pet Passport or veterinary health certificate and documentation confirming their affiliation with a Guide/Assistance dog organisation. The company should be informed beforehand, preferably on the day of the booking.
British Airways, Emirates, Etihad, Qatar
Similarly to Aer Lingus, only Assistance Dogs are allowed in the cabin. However, pets may be transported as cargo or travel in the hold as long as they carry the necessary documentation. Some destinations have specific restrictions, so you should always get in contact with your airline before flying. Some companies may also offer additional services: Qatar provides pet care during transfers in Doha; and British Airways have partned with PetAir UK, a service run and owned by fully-qualified veterinary surgeons.
Lufthansa, KLM, Swiss, Iberia, AirFrance
Dogs and cats who weight no more than 8 kg including the transport container may travel in the passenger cabin as additional carry-on baggage. However, animals exceeding the 8 kg will have to be transported in the cargo hold. The Airlines strongly advise you not to tranquilise your pet, and recommend that you allow 5 days before the flight for your pet to get used to its kennel. The minimum age for travelling could vary between 8 and 16 weeks, and restrictions may apply to certain breeds.
The Humane Society of the United States Air travel recommends:
• Air travel can be risky for pets. Weigh all the risks and consider all the alternatives before deciding whether to transport them by airplane. • Whenever possible, choose to bring your pets with you on the cabin. Regulations can be overwhelming, but there are many companies out there that can help you navigate through the whole process. • Try to use direct flights to avoid mistakes. If possible, travel on the same flight as your pet. Ask the airline if you can watch your pet being loaded the cargo hold. • Notify the captain that your pet is travelling in the cargo hold, as they may take special precautions. • Both your pet and the carrier should be identified with your name, temporary and permanent address, and telephone number. Carry a photograph of your pet at all times, in case you need airline employers to conduct a search. • When you arrive to the destination, open the carrier and examine your pet to make sure that everything is all right. If something seems wrong, contact your vet immediately.
Do you want to go on holiday with your four-pawed friend? • Contact our Travel Agents for a tailor-made itinerary!
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