Flying with your pet to a new destination worldwide is a unique experience as long as you know the rules you’ll have to follow.
Each airline has its own policies about your little furry companion, regarding in-cabin travel, checked baggage, and shipping via cargo.
Also, these policies tend to vary depending on the specific airline, the size and type of pet, and the destination you are flying to.
To simplify things and make your next travel experience with your pet a little less confusing and overwhelming, we have prepared this guide for you where we’ll delve into what the pet policies for some well-known airlines are.
Without further ado, let’s get started!
1. Aegean
Aegean Airlines permits pets on board, as long as you abide by the following guidelines:
Pets in cabin
The only allowed pets are cats and dogs and they have to be carried in a special box/container that fits under the seat in front of you.
Each passenger can travel with only one pet in the cabin and the combined weight of the pet and its container must not exceed 8 kg (17 lbs).
Pets in Aircraft Hold
Pets weighing more than 8 kg (including their container) must travel in the aircraft hold.
Also, passengers should have a correctly sized container for transporting larger animals in the aircraft hold.
Service animals
Aegean Airlines allows service animals to travel in the cabin with their owners only if they are rescue dogs or trained service dogs.
Booking and charges
Pets must be booked in advance through Aegean’s official channels and the fees might vary depending on whether your cat or dog travels in the cabin or the hold and the flight route.
2. American Airlines
American Airlines allows passengers to travel with their dog or cat, as long as they follow some specific guidelines.
Let’s shed some light on this matter.
Carry-On Pets
American Airlines allows only cats and dogs on board which must stay in their carrier under the seat in front of the passenger for the entire flight.
Pets can travel on most flights up to 12 hours within the contiguous United States, and to/from Canada, Alaska, Mexico, Puerto Rico, St. Croix, and St. Thomas, for a $150 fee per one-way trip.
Checked Pets
Only active-duty U.S. military and U.S. State Department Foreign Service personnel traveling on official orders can check pets.
To be exact they can check up to two pets at least 48 hours prior to travel.
Service Animals
Fully trained service dogs can fly in the cabin at no charge if they meet the requirements.
Cargo Travel
If your pet is too large to fly in the cabin, they must travel via American Airlines Cargo.
3. Delta Airlines
Delta Airlines allows small dogs, cats, and household birds to travel in the cabin for a one-way fee, as long as they are in a soft-sided, ventilated pet kennel that fits under the seat in front of you.
Moreover, pets must be at least 10 weeks old for domestic travel, 16 weeks old if traveling to the U.S. from another country, and 15 weeks old when traveling to the European Union.
Delta charges between $95 – $200 for pets traveling as carry-on companions, and the passenger can bring only one personal item along with the pet.
4. EasyJet
EasyJet does not permit pets on its flights, except for recognized registered guides and assistance dogs.
5. Ryanair
Ryanair also does not permit animals on any of its flight routes, except guide/assistance dogs on certain routes.
6. Etihad Airways
Cats and dogs are permitted on Etihad-operated flights to and from Abu Dhabi. However, other pets must be transported as manifested cargo.
Moreover, in Economy class, pets can travel in a carrier under your seat or on an adjacent seat if you purchase an extra one.
In Business, pets must sit in their carrier on an adjacent seat, as there is no space under the seat.
Regarding the cost, it costs $1,500 or 215,000 Etihad Guest Miles each way to travel with your pet in Economy.
However, if you prefer to book an adjacent seat, you’ll be charged for the cost of an extra seat plus $1,500 each way.
7. Emirates
In-Cabin
Pets are not permitted in the cabin of Emirates flights, with the exception of falcons between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan, and Guide Dogs for the visually impaired.
Cargo
For all itineraries ending in Dubai, animals must be transported as cargo.
However, some breeds of cats and dogs and their crosses are not allowed for carriage on Emirates SkyCargo.
Let’s wrap things up.
Now Over to You
We hope that we’ve got you covered with everything you need to know before your next flight with your pet.
However, besides staying updated on some well-known airline pet policies, it’s equally important to find a safe place to store your luggage in case of a layover or a flight delay.
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