Flying with pets: how to prepare

First things first

Before buying a ticket, you need to learn about the rules of transporting pets from the airline you are flying with. The fact is that every single carrier has its own requirements and restrictions, some even prohibit transportation of animals. You can get information:

• on the airline's website;
• at the agent's while purchasing tickets;
• from the call center of the airlines.

How far in advance?

In order for the animal to be admitted on the plane and allowed across the border, it is necessary to collect certain documents, prepare certificates and, if needed, to vaccinate your pet – all this takes time. For example, in case an animal does not have a rabies vaccine, it must be done at least a month before departure. So it is better to start preparing for the flight in advance.

Pet transportation options

There are two ways to transport an animal on a passenger plane:

• on board, next to the owner;
• separately, in a special compartment.

The way the pet will travel is determined solely by the airline. As a rule, small dogs and cats are allowed to be carried on board, whose weight, together with a carrying case, is no more than 8 kg, while large dogs definitely have to be placed in the luggage compartment cages.

Which documents are required?

As already mentioned, information on all documents must be obtained from the airline directly. Also, do not be hesitate to find out which documents for the importation of the animal are required by the country you are going to. There is a standard set of documents for an animal, which you can not fly without:

• veterinary passport with vaccinations;
• veterinary certificate (single);
• microchip or id-tattoo (for EU countries);
• the certificate of the Customs Union (for the CU countries).

What is the cost?

The exact answer will be given by the airline which you are flying with. For example, "Aeroflot" will ask to pay 75 euros for the transportation of a small dog or a cat, tariffs of "Swiss", a Swiss ailine, fluctuate, on average, from 50 to 80 euros, while "Czech Airlines" charge from 60 to 240 euro for the transportation of animals, depending on the weight. However, any dogs accompanying people with disabilities, are usually transported on board the plane without any additional fare.

Things you have to do:

• warn the airline that you are flying with an animal – when booking a ticket, as well as at least a few days before departure;
• prepare valid health certificates and vaccinations documents;
• check the carrying bag for the convenience for the animal, lock security etc;
• keep the carrying bag or case closed during the whole flight.

When the airline can deny pet transportation

• if there are no more quotas available for pet transportation for the flight;
• you arrived at the airport too late and do not have time to pass mandatory veterinary control at the airport;
• If the animal's health condition does not meet the transportation requirements;
• if certain documents or certificates are missing or their validity has expired;
• the weight of an animal together with the carrying case does not exceed 50 kg (or above the airline terms of carriage);
• the animal behaves aggressively, the dog does not have a muzzle on, the animal poses threat to other passengers.