Flying with pets

Regardless of whether you are moving, leaving for temporary work, or going on vacation, if you wish to take your pet with you, you must familiarize yourself with the rules for transporting pets by air. For an animal, this type of transport can be very stressful. Before making a decision about the journey, it is essential to visit a veterinarian and check if this type of transport is recommended for your pet.

There are pets for whom air travel is strictly discouraged due to health risks. Exotic animals such as birds, rodents, and reptiles require specific transport conditions, so some airlines do not accept them on flights.

The International Air Transport Association (IATA) has developed the Live Animals Regulations (LAR), a global standard for animal transport that defines the dimensions and materials of transport crates, ventilation, lighting, temperature, waiting times, and other norms that ensure safe, pleasant, and secure transport.

Before booking a flight, it is necessary to inform yourself about the specific rules of the airline, as each has its own restrictions regarding the species, breed, weight, and number of animals. Rules can change, so it is essential to check information via the call center or the carrier's website before every trip. It is also very important to check the regulations of the country you are traveling to, so as to avoid inconveniences upon arrival.

Your pet must have a microchip and a pet passport obtained from a licensed veterinarian. The passport contains all necessary data and confirmation of vaccination. Rabies vaccination must be performed at least 21 days before travel.

Try to prepare your pet as best as possible before the trip. Do not feed them for a few hours before the flight, place them in the carrier with a favorite toy or blanket, and try to get them used to the carrier before the journey so that the space is already familiar to them. If you assess that your pet will find the journey difficult, the last resort is to give them a mild sedative recommended by a veterinarian.

The most common travel is for dogs and cats; for other pets, it is often not possible to book a flight or the travel is far more demanding. The weight limit for transporting pets in the passenger cabin depends on the airline; it usually ranges between 5 and 8 kg, including the weight of the transport bag or crate. Low-cost airlines such as Ryanair and Wizz Air do not allow pets in the cabin, except for guide dogs. Registered service animals or emotional support animals may stay in the cabin without a carrier. They have undergone rigorous training as part of their certification, must remain with the owner, and are not allowed to move freely in the cabin.

Below are the current rules of leading airlines for pets that can stay with their owners during the flight. Regulations can change at any time, so it is mandatory to check them before booking:

Air Serbia: Pets (dogs and cats) up to 8 kg including the carrier are allowed in the cabin. The animal must be older than 12 weeks. Maximum carrier dimensions: 40 (length) x 30 (width) x 24 (height) cm, with a maximum sum of dimensions of 94 cm.
Air France: Dogs and cats older than 15 weeks are allowed in the cabin. Weight including the carrier can be up to 8 kg. Maximum carrier dimensions: 46 (length) x 28 (width) x 24 (height) cm.
Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss Air: Dogs and cats up to 8 kg including the carrier are allowed. They must be older than 12 weeks for travel within Germany or older than 15 weeks for travel outside of Germany. Maximum carrier dimensions: 55 (length) x 40 (width) x 23 (height) cm.
Iberia: Dogs, cats, ornamental fish, turtles, and birds (except poultry and birds of prey) are accepted in the cabin on most flights up to 8 kg including the carrier. Maximum carrier dimensions: 45 (length) x 35 (width) x 25 (height) cm.
Austrian Airlines: Dogs and cats older than 12 weeks are allowed, up to a weight of 8 kg including the carrier. Maximum carrier dimensions: 55 (length) x 40 (width) x 23 (height) cm.
LOT Polish Airlines: Dogs, cats, and ferrets up to 8 kg including the carrier are allowed. Dimensions of the transport box: for B787 and B737 aircraft: 55/40/20 cm; or for DH4, E70, E75, E95 aircraft: 45/30/20 cm.
Aegean Air: Dogs and cats at least 12 weeks old are allowed up to 8 kg including the carrier. Maximum carrier dimensions: 55 (length) x 40 (width) x 23 (height) cm. For DH8-100 and ATR aircraft, the following dimensions apply: 40 (length) x 25 (width) x 25 (height) cm.
Vueling: Dogs, cats, birds (except birds of prey), and turtles are allowed up to a maximum weight of 8 kg including the carrier. Maximum carrier dimensions: 45 (length) x 39 (width) x 21 (height) cm.
Turkish Airlines: Small pets older than 12 weeks are allowed in the cabin up to 8 kg including the carrier. Maximum carrier dimensions: 23 (height) x 30 (width) x 40 (length) cm.
Croatia Airlines: Only dogs and cats up to 8 kg including the carrier are allowed. Maximum carrier dimensions: 115 cm (sum of length, width, and height).

Certain airlines such as Neos Air, KM Malta Airlines, Albawings, Alitalia, and Volotea Airlines allow pets up to a maximum of 10 kg including the carrier. Carrier dimensions vary.

For owners who want maximum comfort for their pets without restrictions, private charter flights are offered by airlines such as Villiers, Bark Air, and K9 Jets.