Your pets will naturally get upset and miss you when you leave for long periods of time. Leaving your beloved pets behind when you go on holiday is tough, not just for you, but for them too. Pets often experience anxiety and deeply miss their owners during periods apart. For many, finding a pet sitter isn’t always a practical solution, especially if you’re relocating. In such cases, bringing your beloved companion along is essential. That’s why finding a travel solution that keeps them close and comfortable is more important than ever.
If you’re worried about the challenges of flying with pets, like limited flight options or complex policies, there’s good news. More airlines than ever are embracing pet-friendly travel. In this blog, we’ll explore the best pet-friendly airlines and some of their rules around bringing your furry companion along for the flight.
Travel for your pets is almost just as easy for your pets as it is for you! Unlike us, all pets travelling by air are health checked within the final few days prior to travel. Health problems through airline travel are extremely rare and most pets settle into their surroundings quite quickly.
Choosing the right airline requires a lot of research, but don’t worry we are here to help you out to build the foundations for you picking the right one for you and your pet.
Pet-friendly airlines UK
There are so many pet-friendly airlines to be able to ship your pets across the world, you can find the full list on the government website, but here are some of the main airlines:
- Aeromexico
- Air Canada
- Air New Zealand
- American Airlines
- British Airways
- Emirates
- Iberia
- Kenya Airways
- KLM
- Qatar Airways
- Singapore Airlines
- Thai Airways
- TUI Group
What airlines allow dogs in cabin?
Finding the right airline for you to have your furry companion in the cabin with you on your flight can be a difficult to task, here’s a few of the main airlines that allow pets in cabin:
Aegean Airlines
As Greece’s national carrier, Aegean Airlines is an excellent choice for travellers flying with pets in Europe. The airline allows one small cat or dog per passenger in the cabin, provided the combined weight of the pet and its carrier does not exceed 8kg. This policy ensures a convenient option for pet owners.
KLM
The Netherlands-based KLM is a reliable European airline for travelling with dogs or cats. Following standard airline policies, KLM permits pets in the cabin, with a maximum combined weight of 8kg for the animal and its carrier. This makes KLM a pet-friendly choice for European travel.
Lufthansa
Germany’s leading airline, Lufthansa, offers a pet-friendly flying experience by allowing small dogs and cats in both the cabin and lounges. Reservations for travelling with pets must be made at least 72 hours in advance. Consistent with industry standards, the combined weight of the pet and its carrier is limited to 8kg for cabin travel.
Air Europa
Unlike other airlines, Air Europa operates both within Europe and internationally, offering a distinct advantage for travellers. What sets this airline apart is its more flexible pet policy: the combined weight limit for the pet and its carrier is 10 kg, higher than the standard 8kg. Additionally, up to three small dogs can share the same carrier, provided they remain within the permitted weight and dimension limits. This makes Air Europa an appealing choice for pet owners with multiple small pets.
Important tip
You need to avoid feeding your pets 6 hours of check-in, which may seem harsh, but it minimises the risk of bloat toileting and vomiting in the crate, and remember your pet doesn’t have access to outside the crate, and they’ll be uncomfortable the whole flight if they mess in the bed.
Remember, we are here to help!
No one knows your pet quite like you do. If you know your pet will be better suited to cabin travel then let’s do it!
With over 30 years of experience in the animal airfreight industry, we understand the challenges of traveling with pets. Whether you’re navigating airline restrictions or worrying about your pet’s comfort, we’re here to help. Our experts provide personalised guidance to ensure your furry friend travels safely and comfortably, whether in the cabin or as cargo. Don’t let uncertainty or inconvenience stand in your way. Contact us today for the best solutions to make your pet’s journey stress-free and successful.
