- In Poland, where almost half of households have a dog, traveling with a pet is becoming more and more popular.
- Kiwi.com experts explain what steps you need to take to be able to take your dog on board a plane.
Flight with a dog or cat. What do you need to know before taking an animal on board?
If you want to take your dog on board a plane, you need to know the rules and regulations. Each of them, like each country, has its own. allows you to add a pet to your booking, if only the selected airline allows it. After making a reservation, you will receive details about the costs and conditions of transport directly from the carrier. As for the costs, they depend on the destination and the carrier.
- Flights within Europe: from 50 to 150 euros (from approximately PLN 212 to PLN 636) one way for a dog traveling in the cabin; transportation in the luggage compartment costs from 100 to 300 euros (from approximately PLN 424 to PLN 1,273).
- Intercontinental flights: much more expensive – usually from 200 to 600 euros (from approximately PLN 848 to PLN 2,545), both in the cabin and in the hold.
How to prepare?
Check the regulations of your destination country:
Some countries do not allow puppies under 3 months of age, others require quarantine, specific vaccinations or documents. Contact the embassy of your destination country for up-to-date information on veterinary requirements, mandatory vaccinations and documents.
Airline requirements:
Small dogs (usually up to 8 kg with the carrier) can travel in the cabin of many carriers – under the seat or on the lap. Larger dogs usually fly in the cargo hold. This can be quite a stressful experience for the animal (noise, separation, temperature changes), so it is worth considering whether it is worth the effort, especially for short trips.
Policies of selected airlines:
- LOT: offers three options – “pet in cabin” (a small pet in a carrier under the seat), in the luggage compartment (when the pet + carrier are too large or too heavy for the cabin), and as cargo (for larger animals).
- Wizz Air: assistance dogs only on selected routes.
- KLM: cats and dogs up to 8 kg (with carrier) can fly in the cabin; larger ones – up to 75 kg – in the hatch.
- Lufthansa: dogs up to 8 kg in the cabin; larger ones – in the luggage compartment.
- British Airways: dogs up to 6 kg in the cabin; larger only in the hatch (except for assistance dogs).
- easyJet: assistance dogs only on selected routes.
- Ryanair: assistance dogs only, no fees.
- Emirates: Pets are allowed in the hold, but not in the cabin.
If you are flying with a connecting flight or with different airlines, make sure that each carrier accepts the transport of animals – both in the cabin and in the hold.
Before departure, make sure you have:
- Veterinary documents: international vaccination booklet, health certificate confirming the absence of infectious diseases and a microchip.
- Vaccinations: Your dog must be vaccinated against rabies and protected against parasites found in the destination country.
- Insurance: Pet travel insurance can cover unexpected veterinary costs abroad, giving you and your furry companion peace of mind.
With Kiwi.com’s intelligent search tools you can plan your route and find the flights that best suit you and your pooch. Whether it’s a city break, a mountain escape or a sunny adventure, traveling together has never been easier. After all, your four-legged friend deserves his place too.
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