Carrying Pets on Airlines

Created on Aug 29, 2019

pet policycarrying petspets on airlines

Thinking of flying with pets? If you're planning a trip with your best friend then you need to know how much it'll cost and that your animal will be transported safely and in comfort. Here's everything you need to know about travelling with your beloved pet, from taking your dog on a plane, to airline carrier fees. Check out the full details on flying with pets from the biggest airlines, including British Airways, Ryanair and easyJet, and know what your options are before you fly.

Aer Lingus

Pets must be booked to travel with Aer Lingus Cargo. Animals presented for transport at passenger check-in won’t be accepted under any circumstances.

Air France

Pets must be transported by freight if the animal and its container weigh more than 75kg, or if it is traveling to a country that authorises animal transport only by freight. A dog or cat weighing 8kg-75kg must be transported in the hold. There is a limit of three animals per passenger. With prior approval from Air France’s Customer Service department, you may transport in the cabin if your dogs or cat weighing less than 8kg (including the transport bag or container). Guide dogs are authorised regardless of their weight:

  • Flights within France: €20
  • Flights within Europe: €75
  • All other flights: €200

British Airways

British Airways does not allow pets to travel in the cabin, except recognised assistance dogs, which can travel with the owner free of charge in the cabin. All other pets must travel as cargo in the hold – this includes emotional assistance animals. Animals are handled by BA’s sister company, IAG World Cargo. Fees and required pet carrier size depends on the animal, so passengers are advised to get in contact with the airline prior to the flight.

easyJet

The carriage of live animals, including pets, insects, reptiles, or any other form of livestock is forbidden anywhere on any easyJet aircraft. Exceptions are made for guide dogs or assistance dogs.

Emirates

Animals are not permitted in the cabin of Emirates flights. Exceptions are made for falcons between Dubai and certain destinations in Pakistan. Guide dogs are permitted.

dog

Flybe

Assistance dogs are permitted on domestic routes, and international routes from the following airports: Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester, Newcastle and Southampton. All dogs and cats travel in the hold (except for assistance dogs). For more information, call 0844 800 2855.

Lufthansa

Pets will be transported either in the cabin or the hold, depending on the animal’s weight and size. Fees depend on the destination and size of the animal:

  • Small: €35 to €100
  • Medium: €70 to €200
  • Large: €150 to €400

Ryanair

No live animals are permitted to fly in the cargo hold of a Ryanair aircraft. Similarly, the airline does not generally permit live animals to fly in the cabin. Exceptions are made, however, for guide dogs or assistance animals. The dogs must have a pet passport or an official veterinary health certificate if their country of origin does not provide passports. Due to restrictions, guide/assistant dogs are not allowed on flights to or from Morocco, or flights to/from Israel.

sleeping cat

Thomson

You can ask for your pet to be carried on most Thomson Airways flights. Passengers should complete the booking form at AIA Pets, where fee information is available for your specific animal. If you’re travelling to Europe, your pet will just need a pet passport. Pets will be stored in the cargo, and all travel boxes must be fitted with a water container.

Thomas Cook

Dogs and cats less than 6kg can be carried in the cabin. This comes with a charge of €15* per animal. Cats and dogs less than eight weeks old are not permitted. Animals must be in a closed hygienic watertight bag or basket.

Written by Joseph Khan

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