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No longer the reserve of the rich and famous, air travel is now available to the furry masses...
And some airlines even allow dogs to travel in the cabin — embracing a pet-friendly approach like never before. But the jet set pet lifestyle is not to be undertaken lightly, and there’s lots to consider before you book your seat.
All pets need to have up to date vaccinations and pet passports before flying. If a dog is behaving aggressively or does not look well enough to travel, the airline may not allow him on board the plane.
Large dogs are a no-no when it comes to travelling in the cabins of commercial airlines, except in the case of assistance dogs. The general rule is that the dog and the carrier he’s travelling in cannot weigh more than 20 pounds, and needs to fit under the seat in front, although this may vary from airline to airline.
Bigger dogs can fly with some airlines but they must be placed in the hold of the plane where the baggage is held. This compartment is pressurised and the temperature is usually kept between 50 and 70 degrees.
Whether a pet travels with his owner in the cabin or as checked luggage in the cargo area, he will need to be in a kennel or container for the entire trip. Some pet retailers offer both soft-sided (for in-cabin travel) and hard-sided kennels approved for air travel, while some airlines also sell pet carriers.
In selecting a kennel, owners must determine the proper size. It is important that a pet can stand, sit, turn around, and lie down comfortably throughout the whole flight.
No dog is allowed to be sedated immediately before or during the flight because of cabin pressure and the effects on the dog’s breathing. Some brachycephalic breeds such as Pugs, Boxers, and — in some instances — Bulldogs are not allowed to fly at all because of this.
Costs
When it comes to paying for your pet to fly in the cabin, prices vary massively, but tend to be cheaper than flying in the hold. Some airlines treat your pet as hand luggage, others charge for the privilege. For example, American Airlines charges approximately £70 per pet one way; double for a round trip. There is no charge for service or assistance dogs.
Travelling tips for jet-setters
- Never sedate your pet on a flight. High altitudes and sedatives are a dangerous combination.
- Always have your pet’s lead and collar to hand prior to departure, but do not take your dog out of the kennel inside the airport.
- Identification tags for your pet and the travel kennel, including your name, home address, and phone number, are essential.
- Never use a muzzle on your pet during travel; it could be dangerous.
- Familiarise your pet with the kennel prior to the trip so that it is comfortable for him.
- Always make arrangements with the airline in advance when you are making your own reservations. The airline always reserves the right to refuse travel if there are too many pets on board, so make sure you advise them early.
Pet-friendly airlines in the UK
Despite the Pet Travel Scheme, the UK is still lagging behind other countries in its attitude to pet air travel. Airports simply don’t allow pets to enter the country as passengers.
Air France is one of the most pet-friendly airlines. You can take your pet on most Air France flights, subject to agreement at the time of booking, but you can’t bring him back into the UK via the same route. Instead, you need to disembark in Paris and then complete the last leg overland.
More airlines allow dogs to travel as cargo in the hold. Virgin Atlantic has been running a pet travel scheme since 2003 and to date has flown 15,400 pets — 10,100 of them dogs.
A number of famous faces have been spotted travelling with their pets around the world, including actors Kevin Spacey and John Barrowman. Furry celebrities also choose to fly Virgin. Uggie, the star of Oscar-winning film ‘The Artist’ flew to Los Angeles to attend the Oscars, and Mugly (‘the ugliest dog in the world’) also flew with Virgin when he travelled to the USA to claim his ugliest dog accolade.
If you want your dog to accompany you in the cabin, there is one sure way to make this happen — and that’s by truly embracing the jet set lifestyle and chartering your own plane!