Traveling on a Plane with Your Pet: Rules to Follow
Pets are frequent companions of travelers. To transport your pet on a plane, you don’t need a separate ticket but a special service to be ordered. If your airlines allow traveling with pets, then you’ve got two options: to transport your companion in the cargo hold (it’s especially relevant for large breeds) and in the cabin (aka carry-on luggage). Mostly, airlines define this as the pet “shipping” service, which may not sound acceptable for some keepers. Still, it’s reality, as is.
Rules to Transport a Pet by Plane
There are particular pre-flight and flight rules to keep up with if you want to transport your pet successfully. The entire process depends on:
- Your pet’s weight
- Your airline company’s rules and requirements
- Regulations and restrictions of the destination state
To get permission to transport your pet by plane, you need to provide it with a special container or cage. Again, the “shipping” service is paid. In most cases, you’ll pay according to the additional weight taxes directly in the airport.
There exist particular pre-flight formalities and requirements to meet. Those are connected with border, customs, sanitary, veterinary, and quarantine controls described by the appropriate legislative and governmental acts. The passenger must meet them all at the transfer airport to proceed with their travel. Additionally, international flights may be a bit more complicated because of more requirements, regulations, and documents needed. It is better to visit your airline’s official website or contact their customer support service by phone to know it all for sure.
Is a Flight Necessary?
Regarding all the described challenges and potential complications, the first thing for you to consider before buying a ticket is obvious. Do you actually need to fly somewhere with your pet?
In case you are not moving to another location permanently, or your trip is supposed to take less than a week of your time, consider leaving your pet at home. Think about asking friends to take care of your companion, or hire a professional pet-keeping assistant to feed your animal and spend time with it at home while you’re away.
Obviously, you love your pet. But nothing bad will happen if you split up for some days and there is someone to take care of your furry friend. Consider checking this taste of the wild cat food review to buy it when you come back and pamper your kitty with a tasty, high-quality meal. For large dogs’ owners, here are diamond naturals dog food reviews.
Details on Flying with Pets
In case it’s impossible to leave your pet at home, and you need to fly together, know that the overwhelming majority of airline companies are loyal to pet transportation. However, the requirements may vary from one company to another. Additionally, you should take into account the COVID-19 pandemic and check the info on companion shipping twice before buying a ticket and arriving at the airport. Some companies might suspend the services you need because of the epidemiological situation around the world.
Additionally, there may be quantity limitations for pets per board. So, it is critical to contact your company and clarify the situation at every particular moment. Also, make sure you know the list of documents required to transport your cat, dog, or bird.
Keep in mind that special containers are required to fly with your dog or cat. The inner space of the container should allow the pet to stand comfortably inside. For birds, you need to apply specially designed cages.
Make sure that the container provides the required airflow for your animal. Cover the water-resistant bottom of the cage or container with the absorbing material, and apply a reliable lock.
There is no way to transport other species (reptiles, fish, insects, etc.) as a carry-on or luggage. However, you can send them to the destination point on a cargo plane.
As mentioned above, the price for pet shipping depends on its weight. As a rule, animals are transported in a plane’s luggage area. Animals not heavier than 5-8 kg (11-18 lbs.), including the container, can be taken with you to the cabin if you can fit the container under the seat in front of you.
Prepare Beforehand
In case you’re traveling abroad, take care of the necessary papers in advance. Your pet should pass all the necessary vet control observations, tests, analyses, and required vaccinations.
Additionally, many state regulations set special rules and limitations for animal imports. For example, you can’t import fighting breed dogs to particular European countries. Some island states like the UK or Malta forbid private imports of animals entirely or place them to quarantine zones on arrival. Make sure you know the laws of your destination state before departure to avoid unwanted complications.
