Can I travel with my dog or cat on Transavia, Ryanair or EasyJet?

Low-cost airlines generally refuse to allow pets on their flights. In this article we'll explain the general policies of the major airlines, and tell you why it's not possible to travel with your pet.

Low-cost airlines' general pet policies

Ryanair does not allow pets on its flights, with the exception of guide dogs and assistance dogs on certain routes. It must be certified by a full member organization of Assistance Dogs International (ADI), Assistance Dogs UK or International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF), the accrediting bodies for assistance dog organizations worldwide. It must be declared in advance, otherwise you may be refused boarding.

Moral support or therapy dogs are not recognized as assistance dogs by the airline and are therefore not accepted on board flights.

Easyjet does not allow the carriage of pets, and only service dogs are permitted on certain routes. They are allowed on flights within the European Union, but are subject to additional conditions for other destinations.

Transavia allows you to travel with your pet, except on certain routes, depending on airport management capacities. Indeed, low-cost terminals are often under-equipped to reduce management costs, and cannot afford to welcome pets properly.

Why can't I travel with my pet on some low-cost airlines?

Airlines point out that if there is a problem with an animal on a flight, it could be considerably delayed. They therefore prefer to ensure that these flights are not disrupted. On the other hand, there are other factors that may come into play.

• Profitability and space limitations Low-cost airlines are focused on operational efficiency and maximizing passenger capacity. Carrying animals involves additional costs, which low-cost airlines seek to minimize. Airlines that allow pets to be carried provide sufficient space under the seats to accommodate a cage (to IATA standards).
• Reduced ground time Between flights, low-cost airlines have reduced ground times, and the process of boarding with animals could increase downtime, which goes against their business model.
• Logistics complexity This involves additional logistical challenges that low-cost airlines prefer to simplify by limiting the number of variables.

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