Traveling with pets by plane is becoming increasingly accessible for travelers. Find out which airlines allow animals to be transported in the cabin, what documents are required, and how to prepare your pet for the flight
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Traveling with pets is gradually becoming common practice for travelers around the world. More and more airlines are allowing small dogs and other pets to be taken directly into the aircraft cabin, subject to strict rules. The Daily Mail reported on which carriers offer this option and what pet owners need to know before flying.
Which airlines allow animals in the cabin
According to the Daily Mail, a number of European and international airlines allow small dogs to be carried in the cabin. This list includes:
● KLM (Royal Dutch Airlines)
● Lufthansa
● Air France
● Vueling Airlines
● Aegean Airlines
● Iberia
● Air Canada
● Turkish Airlines
● Qatar Airways
In addition, most airlines allow service dogs to be transported on board, provided they are registered in accordance with airline requirements and international regulations. However, in each of these cases, owners are required to comply with all established rules in advance.
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Basic requirements for transporting animals in the cabin
Despite common practice, transportation conditions may vary depending on the route, type of aircraft, or specific airline policy. At the same time, there are basic requirements mentioned in the Daily Mail article.
In particular, dogs must travel in an approved soft container. Usually, the maximum allowed weight of the animal together with the carrier is about 8 kilograms. Throughout the flight, the container must be under the seat in front of the passenger.
Airlines emphasize that before purchasing a ticket, owners should be sure to check the current rules for transporting animals on the carrier’s official website, as requirements may vary even within the same company.
Veterinary documents and vaccination
For air travel, all cats, dogs, and ferrets, including service dogs, must be microchipped and vaccinated against rabies. After the first full course of vaccination, you must wait at least 21 days, starting from the day after the vaccination.
If the revaccination was carried out before the previous vaccine expired, no additional waiting period is required — you can travel immediately.
Special attention is paid to trips to European Union countries. In this case, the owner must obtain a veterinary certificate of animal health from a veterinarian. The document is valid for 10 days for entry into the EU, as well as up to 4 months for further travel within the European Union or re-entry into the United Kingdom.
Tip: when preparing for a flight, it is worth arranging not only documents for animals, but also medical insurance for traveling abroad in advance. This will help you avoid unnecessary risks while traveling — you can conveniently take out the appropriate insurance policies online through Visit Ukraine.
How to prepare your dog for a flight: nutrition tips
Experts emphasize that flying is a stressful situation for animals. Changes in pressure, temperature, and routine can affect digestion, so nutrition before a flight must be carefully considered.
Experts advise choosing foods with lean proteins, simple carbohydrates, omega-3 fatty acids, as well as prebiotics and probiotics. At the same time, before departure, you should not feed your dog large or fatty meals, dairy products, vegetables high in fiber, new treats, or human food scraps. Such foods can ferment in the intestines at altitude and cause discomfort to the animal.
We remind you! Traveling abroad with pets requires advance preparation, as vaccinations and documents require consistency and time. Read how to travel with pets, what you need to do, and what the requirements are for importing animals into the EU.
Photo: averyanova
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Frequantly
asked questions
Can I transport my cat in the cabin rather than in the baggage compartment?
Yes, most airlines allow cats to be transported in the cabin, provided that the animal is in a certified carrier and meets the weight restrictions.
What is the maximum weight of an animal that can be transported in the cabin?
The usual weight limit is up to 8 kg including the carrier, but the exact requirements depend on the airline.
Do I need a veterinary certificate to fly within the EU?
Yes, to enter EU countries, you need a veterinary health certificate issued no later than 10 days before travel.
