A guide to flying with your four-legged friend
Various rules, restrictions, and guidelines can make air travel with a pet seem intimidating. Though bringing your beloved buddy on board does require more than simply meeting size or weight specifications, with a little bit of preparation in advance of your departure date, he will be poised to rack up the air miles and earn his rightful status as your new favorite travel companion.
KNOW YOUR AIRLINE
Before you cancel the pet-sitter, it is critical to know all the rules – and they are not one-size-fits-all across carriers. Book with the airline directly to ensure you understand everything that is required and check to see if your flight is a code share to avoid unexpected snags that could come with any variation in rules between the airline you booked with and the actual carrier.
Every airline will have its own specifications regarding everything from pet size, age, and breed to what documents are required and how far in advance you must request that your pet joins you on a flight. Generally, the earlier your request, the better, as many airlines restrict the total number of pets in the cabin to as few as two. Note that not just pet details, but carrier type and size requirements also vary.
Traveling with your pet can even determine your cabin seating. If you are normally a first-class flier, be sure to check whether your airline restricts pets to the economy cabin. And if you have a particularly persnickety pup, be aware that airlines can refuse to allow your pet to board if they have reason to believe your dog is disruptive.
Every airline will have its own specifications regarding everything from pet size, age, and breed to what documents are required
WHERE TO, MY FRIEND?
In addition to airline rules, it is important to thoroughly research destination-specific regulations for pets. This includes breed-specific restrictions in addition to health requirements. Before you embark on any trip, make sure all your pet’s vaccinations are up to date. If traveling to the E.U. from the United States, you should obtain a health certificate from a USDA-accredited veterinarian, and it may even need to be notarized. Time is of the essence – health certificates are required to be issued no more than 10 days prior to travel.
Within the E.U., pet passports are commonly issued for four-legged travelers. Unlike health certificates, they do not expire if they are kept up to date with vaccine requirements. They are accepted when flying between countries in the E.U., but they cannot be obtained or issued in the United States or U.K. Notably, pets are not permitted in the cabin of any U.K.-bound flight.
You will also need to update your pet’s microchip if you are headed to the E.U. The standard chips used in the United States are not accepted – a 15-digit, ISO-compatible microchip is required.
Airlines that currently accept pets in the cabin flying from the United States to Europe include:
- U.S. airlines Delta and United
- Air Canada
- European airlines Air France, Finnair, Iberia, Lufthansa, SWISS Air, and Turkish Airlines
Many airlines will specify that your pet needs to be below a specified weight to travel in the cabin, often 18 pounds. Delta also specifies that your pet must be at least 16 weeks old when traveling to the E.U. If you’re traveling with United Airlines, you will need to call 1-800-864-8331 to add a pet to your reservation.
PLAN LIKE A PRO
Whether you are embarking on a short jaunt or a journey across an ocean, a little preparation goes a long way toward creating a seamless travel experience for you and your pet. Choosing red-eye flights to align travel time with a dog’s natural sleep cycle and researching your airport’s pet relief areas in advance are easy ways to make everyone more comfortable. Stock their carrier with necessities, including quiet toys. Pack extra treats and be ready to offer extra reassurance and comfort if they are anxious.
A HOME AWAY FROM HOME
Once you reach your destination, all your planning pays off when you check in to hotels that offer a warm welcome to both you and your pet. In Augsburg, Germany, just outside of Munich, Hotel Maximilian’s offers its four-legged guests VIP welcome treats, a cozy dog bed and blanket, pet bowl, and even a dog bar at the lobby.
If visiting an island paradise with your pet, check out Italy’s breathtaking Villa Marina Capri Hotel and Spa, where you can take in the spectacular Mediterranean views side by side. And your pet will receive a regal welcome at Ireland’s Dromoland Castle, where comfort amenities include a dog bed, towels for clean paws, and a water bowl.
With just a bit of advance planning and a little homework, you and your pet can travel together with confidence.
Bark Air: Finally, Dogs Can Fly
BARK Air, a pet-centric jet charter operator, debuted in May 2024 in partnership with New-York-based charter Talon Air, offering flights for up to ten pets and their human companions on luxe Gulfstream G5 jets. Currently, flights serve the New York metro area via White Plains, Los Angeles via Van Nuys, London via Biggin Hill, and Paris via Le Bourget. BARK Air ensures safety measures throughout the journey, while Talon manages takeoffs and landings. A dedicated concierge team caters to both humans and their furry companions, customizing each flight to meet the dogs’ preferences. Passengers enjoy personalized attention, with dogs socializing in lounges before boarding, and in flight, amenities include custom doggy flatbeds, “turbulence treats,” dog-calming scented cabins, a shoe menu, and the “world’s first on-board dog park.” There is also a belly-rub button at every seat. Pet owners will have their own menu, and pup passengers are guaranteed five-star gourmet dining. While routes are limited for now, BARK Air intends to expand based on customer feedback, welcoming input through an online portal.
Pet Packing List
Don’t forget any of your pet’s essentials when packing your carry-on and luggage
- Prescribed medications
- Collar, leash, and harness
- Carrier, crate, backpack, or travel bag
- Apple AirTag for dogs
- Snacks and treats
- Calming diffuser or spray
- Bed and blankets
- Waste-collection bags
- Food and water, including dishes and portable water to-go bottle
- Pet first-aid kit
- A few of their favorite doggie toys, to create a fun, familiar environment for travel