Flying with pets

Planning private flights with pets

Include your pet in the first enquiry, alongside the route and passenger count. Give the animal’s species, size and weight, and explain whether you will bring a carrier. Flying with pets needs arrangements for the actual aircraft offered. Do not assume that a previous flight or a familiar aircraft model means the same conditions will apply to the next journey.

Agreeing cabin arrangements

Describe the carrier and share its dimensions if you plan to use one. Ask where the animal will be accommodated and which arrangements need the operator’s approval. If you are travelling with more than one pet, list each separately. Make any specific requirements clear before accepting the aircraft proposal, so that the cabin and the rest of the party are considered together.

Check the full route before booking

Pet entry and transit rules depend on the itinerary and the animal. Private aviation does not remove those requirements. Before confirming travel, check the applicable documents and entry arrangements for the destination, any intermediate country and the return journey. Requirements for dogs, cats and ferrets should not be assumed to cover other animals. Where an approved entry point is required, include that in the airport discussion.

Preparing the day of travel

Keep the agreed itinerary and the pet’s documents available for the journey. Explain what you need to carry in the cabin and what will go in the baggage compartment. Include the ground transfers in your planning rather than considering only the flight. If the route or travel dates change, recheck the arrangements for your pet as well. Share the updated plan with everyone coordinating the trip.