Traveling with an animal can be a challengebecause not all airlines allow pets to be carried in the aircraft cabin. And those that allow have restrictions on weight, age and other parameters of the animal. Some owners are very cruel to leave a pet not allowed on board at the airport.
However, a number of airlines offer additional conveniences when it comes to flying with animals, from the ability to even bring a bird or ferret with you to the provision of disposable containers.
Comparethemarket.com has selected the top 10 airlines with the most pet-friendly rules.
10. Air France, France
You may bring a dog or cat up to 17 lbs (8 kg) in the cabin with the prior approval of Customer Service. Prices range from $ 35 to $ 234 depending on the length of the flight.
However, there is a limitation: pets cannot be with hosts traveling in business class on transcontinental flights.
9. British Airways, Britain
On British Airways scheduled flights, only guide dogs are allowed on board. This service is free of charge. Affiliates OpenSkies and SUN-AIR allow a 13.2 lb (6 kg) dog or cat on board for $ 196 per animal.
8. Lufthansa, Germany
Dogs, cats and rabbits weighing up to 17 pounds (8 kg including shipping container) are allowed in the cabin. Prices for such live carry-on baggage range from $ 58 to $ 193 depending on the flight distance. Larger animals can be carried as excess baggage. They will be housed in the aircraft's cargo hold, which has an air conditioning system.
Guide dogs or guide dogs can be carried in the cabin free of charge on all Lufthansa flights.
7. TUI, Netherlands
Cats and dogs weighing less than 13.2 lbs (6 kg) can fly in the cabin with their owner. Prices range from $ 57 to $ 83 depending on the flight.
6.Thomas Cook, Scandinavian countries
Service dogs are on board the aircraft free of charge. Otherwise, passengers must contact the airline directly to arrange a ride with their pet.
5. Turkish Airlines, Turkey
Dogs, cats and birds weighing up to 8 kg (including the cage) are allowed to travel in the cabin. They must be paid for as excess baggage.
However, if one of the passengers provided a certificate that he is allergic to these animals, it will not work to take them with him to the aircraft cabin. It will be possible to transport your pet in a special cage in the aircraft's cargo hold.
4. Aegean Airlines, Greece
Dogs, cats and ferrets up to 17 lbs (8 kg) are allowed to travel in the cabin. If you do not have a cage, Aegean can provide a disposable pet container at the domestic airport. Live cargo fees range from $ 23 to $ 199 depending on the duration of the flight.
3. Aeroflot, Russia
Russian Aeroflot entered rating of the best airlines in Russia and the top three most loyal air carriers in the world to passengers with pets.It allows you to take tamed pets to the salon, and these are not only cats, dogs and birds, but also ferrets, fennecs, mini-rabbits, etc. weighing up to 17 pounds (8 kg).
Rates are the same as for excess baggage.
It will be more difficult for the owner of a brachycephalic breed (with a shortened muzzle) and the owner of an aggressive, guard or fighting dog. Such animals are not allowed into the cabin, their place is in a specially equipped luggage compartment.
2. Vueling, Spain
The list of the best airlines for traveling with pets includes two Spanish airlines at once. One of them is Vueling.
Dogs, cats, birds (excluding birds of prey), fish and turtles weighing up to 8 kg can travel in the cabin. It costs between $ 35 and $ 52 depending on the length of the flight.
1. AirEuropa, Spain
One of the best airlines if you are traveling with a pet. Dogs, cats, birds (except birds of prey), fish, aquarium turtles and even some rodents (hamsters, guinea pigs or small rabbits) are allowed on board. The pet must weigh no more than 8 kg with a container, carrier or cage.
Fares range from $ 27 to $ 165 depending on the length of the flight.
In order for a pet to be allowed on a plane flying within Russia, a veterinary passport and a veterinary certificate in Form No. 1 will be required. The latter is valid for three days from the date of issue and can be issued at any state veterinary service.
To travel by plane to one of the far abroad countries with an animal you will need:
- to chip a pet,
- get him vaccinated against rabies,
- obtain a number of certificates (veterinary certificate in form No. 1, veterinary passport and international veterinary certificate).
Each country has its own rules regarding entry with animals, and it is important to study them before planning a flight.