Traveling with animals on a plane: useful tips

Archived material. Last modified on the old site: 2023-08-04. Prices, dates and conditions are preserved from the original and may be outdated.

Traveling with animals by plane is not so difficult, but it requires special preparation and compliance with specific rules and regulations. Below you will find some important aspects to consider before traveling with your pet:

Carrier and airline policy:

First of all, check with your chosen airline and find out what their pet policy is. Each airline may have its own rules, requirements and restrictions.

Type of animal and size of carrier:

Find out if your pet can be transported on a plane. Some airlines only allow dogs and cats, while others may allow other animals. There is still a ban on the transportation of certain breeds of dogs, such as fighting dogs, so take care of this in advance by finding detailed information on the carrier's website.

Also, make sure the carrier meets the airline's size and material requirements. Usually these dimensions should not exceed 55x40x20 cm.

Record and information of the veterinarian:

Many airlines require documents that confirm that your pet is healthy and can be on the plane:

To ensure the travel of your pet, you should have the following international documents:

International veterinary passport, which contains all data about the animal, its chip, information about vaccination (at least 30 days and not more than 1 year before departure) and treatment against parasites. Chip. The chip number must match the entry in the passport. If your animal also has a tattoo, it must also be indicated in the veterinary passport. Certificate of the blood test for the titration of antibodies to the rabies virus. This analysis is performed once and is valid for life.

Seat reservation:

Don't forget to book a place for you and your pet in advance. Some airlines have a limited number of seats for pets, so it is important to book in advance.

Safety and convenience:

Prepare your pet for the trip, provide it with a comfortable and safe carrier, and provide access to water and food.

Preliminary inspection by an airline employee:

In some cases, airlines may require a preliminary inspection of the animal by their employee before boarding.

Cost and Payment:

Consider the cost of transporting the animal, as it may be an additional expense. The ticket can be purchased online or during flight check-in. It is important to book a ticket in advance, even if it will be done with the help of the airline's contact center. It is recommended to make a reservation no later than 48 hours before departure, as some carriers have a limit on the number of animals in the cabin, usually no more than 3 or 4.

Always check the airline's official website for up-to-date information and contact them with questions before making a reservation.