We’ve got a dog at home, and my parents get all jittery about leaving him alone for even a few hours. They’re always worried about what mischief he’ll get up to. So, imagine the stress of travelling without your beloved pet to some far-off destination!
In recent years, eco-friendly travel has become a significant focus for airlines. Now, they also address the growing demand for pet travel. Luckily, many airlines have made ‘travel with pets’ possible for pet owners, but their policies must be strictly followed.
Dear pet owners looking for guidance to travel with your pets, you have come to the right place. This article will take you through the airline list, explain the importance of understanding the airlines’ pet policies, help you choose the right airline to travel with your pets, and provide some tips for smooth pet travel.
Below are answers to the top five questions that might be drilling your head.
Question 1: What are the airlines that allow pets to fly?
Here is a list of top airlines that allow pets to fly:
- Aegean Airlines
- Air France
- Lufthansa
- TAP Air Portugal
- Turkish Airlines
- Vueling
- Air Europa
- American Airlines
- Delta
- United Airlines
Question 2: Where do pets fly on an aircraft? – In the cabin or cargo hold?
There are two options in this case: your pet travels in the cabin with you as hand luggage, or your pet travels in the aircraft’s cargo as excess luggage.
If you travel on the same flight as your pet and your pet is manageable and heavy, most airlines will let you take your pet as luggage.
As much as you’d love to keep your pets with you on your watch, experts advise that it is safer and more spacious for pets to travel in the cargo strapped-down travel kennel. The cargo environment is strictly controlled, pressurised, and air-conditioned is quiet, and the lights are dimmed throughout the flight.
Some airlines do not accept pets in the cabin as luggage or in the cargo as excess luggage, and some examples of destination countries are Australia, Bahrain, Hong Kong, and the United Arab Emirates. Many other conditions depend on the airline and the destination.
Question 3: What are the airline pet policies?
Understanding and adhering to the pet policies is crucial for you and your pets to travel smoothly. Different airlines have different policies; you can find them online on their websites. Below are the Pet-Friendly Airlines
Some airlines ask for pet passports, depending on the destination where the pet travels. Therefore, always check your requirements with the airline that you choose.
In addition, please note that,
- You must contact the airline or travel agent to make a reservation for your pet.
- It may take a while to check-in your pet at the airport. Please ensure you arrive on time and discuss this with the airline.
- Each airline has its own specific rules for transporting pets as luggage. Please check the rules with your airline.
Question 4: What are the necessary health requirements and documentation when travelling with pets?
There are different rules on pet travel via airlines to other parts of the world.
Example: The rules below apply to the UK (England, Wales, and Scotland).
You can bring your pet cat, dog, or ferret into the UK if it has been microchipped, has a pet passport or health certificate, and has received a rabies vaccination. Your pet will require a blood test if you travel from a specifically listed country.
If you fail to follow these rules, your pet may be quarantined for up to 4 months. You may also be refused entry if you travelled by sea and will be responsible for any fees or charges caused.
Therefore, always stay updated on the Health Requirements and Documentation of the airlines.
Question 5: Are there any restrictions and breed-specific exclusions when travelling with pets?
There are different guidelines for each animal, be it a dog, a cat, or a ferret, and again, it depends on the airlines and destinations.
The following types of dogs are banned in the UK:
If you want to bring a pet that is not a dog, cat, or ferret from the UK, it is advised to contact the relevant airlines for support.
Essential and valuable Tips when Travelling with Pets:
- Schedule a vet visit.
- Choose a suitable carrier and familiarise your pet with the carrier.
- Ensure pets are trained for travel scenarios and practise short travels to help pets adjust.
- Pack necessary pet items, especially the items that are familiar to your pets.
- Plan everything to ensure you are at the right time and place to drop your pet off or collect them from the airport, along with the relevant documents.
Choosing the Right Airline for Your Pet
Choosing the right airline for your pets to travel is essential as much as you choose your airline to travel because, unlike humans, they need to be cared for properly for smooth travel.
Checking airline policies, following them up, and staying updated can be a hassle sometimes because there is a tendency for the policies to change from time to time. For example, the policies after the COVID-19 pandemic might have been different from those before the COVID-19 pandemic. Therefore, it is essential to stay updated. Always check the specific airline’s official websites or reliable travel agents.
Do your research, talk to your friends or colleagues who have undergone a similar process.
When you travel separately and need your pet transported to another place, or if you wish to reduce the hassle of managing your pets’ procedures while flying, there are solid options like Fetchapet, a pet transport company.
Leaving your pets at home, even with a trusted caregiver, can be tough for pet owners. Fortunately, there are companies like Fetchapet, with expertise spanning worldwide destinations and boasting years of experience in UK pet exports. However, amidst the hustle and bustle of travel planning, it’s essential to pause and reflect: Is the journey truly necessary for the pets? Consider your pet’s well-being because while you can express what you go through clearly, they cannot.
