Leaving pets behind while traveling can be very stressful for those of us with furry friends in the family. Not just in terms of time spent away but also monetarily, either paying someone to care for them daily or sending them to a kennel for steep prices. Fortunately, there are many ways to take our pets with us to any destination, even internationally. As we approach February 20th, “Love your pet day,” let’s examine the current regulations for bringing pets along for the journey.
North America
While many factors go into choosing an airline, many of the most pet-friendly airlines are in North America. For example, JetBlue will allow any dog, cat, or service animal in the main cabin if you have an approved carrier that fits under the seat. As with most other airlines, passengers with pets cannot sit in the exit row or a bulkhead seat, though JetBlue’s other seats with premium legroom, other than Mint, are fair game.
Frontier Airlines also allows animals in the main cabin, but they go the extra mile by accepting dogs, cats, rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters, birds, and service animals. Though for international flights, they limit this to cats and dogs, and similar to JetBlue, they do not allow large animals to ride in the cargo area. Big players such as Air Canada, Delta Air Lines, and American Airlines also allow smaller animals in the cabin, but they do let large dogs ride in cargo. Taking advantage of the cargo option with these carriers will run you anywhere from $50 to $200, depending on how long your flight is.
Europe
Many European airlines permit small pets onboard for reasonable prices and allow animals to be safely tucked in cargo if they’re too big or the owner prefers. Your cat, dog, rabbit, or hare can fly with SWISS International Air Lines or Lufthansa. Although both carriers allow for up to two pets per traveler in permitted containers, SWISS boasts that animals can fly on any route they serve. At the same time, Lufthansa says some destinations are prohibited or must use Lufthansa Cargo air freight services.
Air France, TAP Portugal, SAS, and KLM, among other European carriers, allow cats, dogs, and service animals. Most EU airlines enforce an 8 kg (17 lbs) limit before requiring passengers to pay for cargo hold transport, though if you plan to fly transatlantic with La Compagnie, they allow animals as heavy as 15 kg (33 lbs) onboard. One rule for those traveling to the UK specifically, animals are not allowed to fly in the cabin, regardless of airline. As a result, British Airways cooperates with third-party companies PetAir UK and IAG Cargo to ensure your pet arrives safely.
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Asia
Turkish Airlines offers an impressive international route network and makes flying with your dog, cat, bird, or service animal a breeze. If you have a proper container, up to two pets can board with you, or if they’re heavy, the airline will make space in the cargo area. If flying through Dubai on Emirates, you’ll be able to take your dog or cat with you, but they require you to complete an online form at least a week before departure. For those with big animals that must ride in cargo, the carrier enforces a six-hour minimum connection time so an on-site animal care specialist can look after your pet, providing services like cleaning, exercise, and serving meals.
On the other side of the continent, Japan Airlines only allows pets to ride in cargo. However, they provide a comprehensive list of suggestions on their website to help owners make the best personal decision. It’s explained that, although the cargo area is temperature and humidity controlled, the extreme weather of Japanese summer and winter seasons can and will affect that space.
The cargo bay is also a limited lighting environment with many strange noises from the aircraft or those nearby, which may be frightening to animals. So, if your animal has any issues with temperature regulation, psychological problems, or any moderate to severe illness, it might be worth reconsidering taking them on a plane.
Tips for flying with an animal
Whether you’re traveling with a pet because of relocation, to bring them on vacation, or for any other reason, it’s a good idea to go to the vet first. If traveling internationally, you’ll be required to provide proof of vaccinations, a health certificate, or in the EU, a “pet passport.” Some airlines also limit the number of animals allowed in the cabin regardless of the number of passengers, so calling the airline ahead to secure a spot for your pet may be critical.
And, since most carriers request that animals come secured in a container, even in the cabin, some owners suggest getting pets acclimated to the bag or plastic kennel of choice, so they are used to it by the day of the flight.
Have you ever flown with a pet before? Do you have any tips for other animal lovers? Let us know in the comments below!
Sources: Tourradar, Japan Airlines, Emirates, Travelnuity
