What are the best airlines to fly with my pet?

Travelling with your pet requires real organization. All airlines have their own way of operating: some do not accept pets for carriage, while others offer specific programs to meet the needs of travelers and their friends, furry, feathered or even with a shell!

It's essential to choose an airline with pet-friendly policies that are optimal for your pet's safety, security and comfort. We'll guide you in your choice of airline.

Before presenting them to you, here are a few reminders:

Your pet must be good health and vaccines must be up to date. It must be identifiedIts microchip acts as an identity document, and the information it contains must be up to date. He must travel with his passportwhich must also be up to date.

Depending on whether you are travelling in the hold or the cabin, your transport case must comply with IATA standards:
Cabin : They must be transported in an approved, non-rigid cage or bag, conforming to the following dimensions: 45 x 39 x 21 cm for 8 kg (including the animal).
Cargo hold : According to IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations, the dimensions of the cage must allow the animal to stand upright, without its head or ears touching the top of the cage. The animal must be able to turn around and lie down in a natural position.

• The cage must be rigid, with two bowls attached to the top.
• Labels informing of the top and bottom of the cage and "live animal" stickers must be affixed.
• The cage must not have wheels
• It must have a solid roof
• The screws and nuts that hold the upper and lower parts of the cage must be properly installed and tightened - it must consist of two sections, made of solid, rigid plastic.
• It must be clean, but above all watertight and covered with materials capable of absorbing liquids.
• It must be well ventilated, with openings on all four sides.
• It must be securely locked, with a bolt that cannot be opened from the inside.

In all cases, before travelling, we recommend that you consult the specific conditions for transporting animals to your destination and consult your veterinarian in case of doubt.

For more information on IATA standards :  IATA standard transport cage

Vueling: the only airline qo authorize 2 animals in the cabin

This low-cost airline allows you to take 2 pets with you in the cabin. Authorized pets include cats, dogs, birds (except birds of prey) and turtles. They must be transported in an approved, non-rigid cage or bag, conforming to the following dimensions: 45 x 39 x 21 cm for 8 kg (including the animal).

If they are cats or dogs, two of them can be in the same carrier bag, provided they are of the same species or litter, and do not exceed the authorized measurements and weight.

This company offers this service at a very attractive rate: from €50 for a domestic flight and from €60 for an international flight.

Air France: If your pet travels in the hold, the captain is informed

AirFrance authorizes the carriage of pets in the cabin, but only cats and dogs, subject to certain conditions:

• Your dog or cat must travel in a special closed bag measuring no more than 46 x 28 x 24 cm. Air France recommends that you use a bag that is flexible enough to slide easily under the seat in front.
• The bag in which your pet travels is considered as additional baggage for which a charge is made. Rigid crates are not allowed in the cabin.

Cats and dogs weighing over 8 kg and up to 75 kg must travel in the hold. Carriage in the hold is limited to a maximum of 3 animals per passenger.

To ensure that your pet can travel in the hold, here are the transport rules:

• Print and sign the mandatory liability waiver and its appendix " Conditions for accepting a dog or cat in the hold "and meet the conditions listed therein.
• The shipping crate must meet IATA standards.

NB Only certain cats and dogs with snub noses are accepted on cargo flights, but not on other flights.

When your pet is transported in the hold, the captain is informed of the presence of your pet in the hold and takes all necessary measures to ensure that it travels comfortably (lighting, heating, etc.).

Lufthansa: for the best possible travel conditions for all types of animals

Lufthansa understands that your pet deserves all the comfort it needs for the best possible journey. Lufthansa offers a wide range of services to enable you to travel with your pet, or have your pet travel with you, in optimum conditions.

Pet Premium : the exclusive service for pets - dogs and cats - :

• Hosting in much larger kennels at Frankfurt's Animal Lounge
• Photo on arrival photos taken on arrival at Frankfurt's Animal Lounge and sent to their owners
• Information sheet provided before the start of the trip owners receive all the information they need to plan their trip beforehand
• Special transport requirements Whether it's allergies, medication or special diets, trained pet sitters take care of it all.
• Personal contact Owners can contact their personal representative at any time using an exclusive e-mail address.

Lufthansa Cargo Animal Lounge The program for transporting pets other than dogs and cats, from exotic animals to ornamental fish, insects and livestock, with a specialization in horses (both professional and private).

Whatever the formula, during transport, all animals are cared for according to their needs, examined and fed if necessary, a team of trained staff and animal janitors guarantees the best possible care, compliance with the strict requirements of IATA regulations, transport of ornamental fish includes a veterinary check using ultraviolet lighting, oxygen supply possible in the event of irregularities...

If you are traveling to or from Irlande🇮🇪, additional documents are required:

• EU or Schengen countries treatment against tapeworms.
• Other countries We may also request additional information, including details of your pet.

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