Pets on a Plane: Taking Your Furry Friends Overseas
Taking your pet on holiday or for an extended stay overseas is a lot easier than it once was. That said, if you're thinking of taking your cat, dog or other cuddly pal with you, you'll need to know about additional charges and general pet-carrying protocol as they relate to your airline.
Here we run through the pet transportation rules of some of the main airlines operating in the UK and across Europe.
Aer Lingus
Don't arrive at the passenger check-in desk with Fido or Fluffy – the folks at Aer Lingus won't be amused. You must book pet travel with Aer Lingus Cargo.
Air France
If your pet weighs more than 75kg, they must be transported by freight. Some countries require that all animals are carried by freight. Dogs and cats weighing between 8kg and 75kg must be placed in the plane's hold. Want to transport more than three pets at a time? Air France draws the line at that. But at least you can take your pet into the cabin if it weighs under 8kg (inclusive of carrier weight).
Fees:
- Internal French flights: 20 euros
- Flights within Europe 75 euros
- All other flights: 200 euros
British Airways
Only assistance dogs can travel in the cabin (free of charge). Other pets, including emotional assistance animals, must be transported in the hold. Fees vary, and are handled through IAG World Cargo, BA's sister firm.
easyJet
Unless your animal is a guide dog or an assistance pet, you won't be able to travel with any animals whatsoever on easyJet.
Emirates
Guide dogs (and falcons on certain routes) are permissible on Emirates. No other animals are allowed.
Flybe
Assistance pets are allowed on internal UK flights and on international departures – but only if they fly out from Birmingham, Exeter, Manchester, Newcastle or Southampton. Assistance dogs can travel in the cabin; all other pets must be placed in the plane's hold.
Lufthansa
Your pet's size and weight will determine whether your pet can travel in the cabin with you, or in the hold.
Monarch
Only six pets are permitted on each flight. Monarch carries animals based on DEFRA's Pet Passport Scheme. Pets can depart from any airport served by Monarch, but must return to Manchester or London Gatwick. Pets cannot travel on weekends. A modest fee will be levied for each pet.
Ryanair
In general Ryanair does not let pets travel in either the hold or the cabin, although guide dogs and assistance dogs are allowed. A pet passport is required – or, if the country does not issue this document, an official health certificate from a vet.
Thomson
Most Thomson Airways flights will permit pets and should be booked through AIA Pets. Only a pet passport is required for European travel. Pets travel in the hold and carriers must be fitted with water bowls.
Thomas Cook
Cats and dogs weighing less than 6kg can travel with you in the cabin, subject to a 15 euro fee. Pets aged under eight weeks cannot travel.
Turkish Airlines
Fees start at 35 dollars, depending on if the pet is carried in the cabin or the hold. Fees are per kilo, and vary based on particular 'zones' travelled through.
Virgin Atlantic
The dimensions and weight of your cat or dog (no other pet types are permitted) will impact the fees levied by Virgin. You can even collect airmiles with the company's Flying Paws scheme!
Is it safe?
Pets aren't kept with the rest of luggage when they are transported in the hold; they have their own pressurized and temperature controlled compartment. They are also one of the final things to be loaded on to the plane and the first to be taken off. So while it is generally safe to take your pet with you in the hold, it is wise to think of a few points before you travel.
- Reduce any anxiety by introducing your pet to the carrier you'll be using before you travel
- The age of your pet should be considered, as well as its health and temperament
- It is vital that your pet is well hydrated before you travel, especially if there is no water available on the flight
- Try to replicate your pet's bed in the carrier to increase its comfort