Can a dog travel by plane?
Many pet owners ask themselves before departure: “can I take my dog on a plane?” The answer is: it depends on the airline. Interestingly, flying with a dog is an increasingly common way of travelling, but it comes with the need to meet a range of requirements and regulations. Airlines’ general rules on transporting animals vary quite a bit and depend on the particular carrier.
First and foremost, animals must be carried in special containers that are suitable for their weight and size. So – up to how many kilograms can a dog weigh to travel by plane? The weight of an animal carried in the passenger cabin, including the carrier, may not exceed 8 kg. During the flight, and especially during take-off, landing and turbulence, the container must be placed under the seat in front of the passenger.
During the journey, the animal must remain in the carrier at all times. Airlines have different rules regarding the seating of passengers travelling with animals – for example, they may not be assigned seats in the front rows. Moreover, there are no global regulations on transporting dogs or cats by plane, which means that you must always check the legal standards in force in the destination country and in any transit countries. It is also worth making sure that your chosen carrier is a member of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), which guarantees safety standards.
Other regulations are also important for cat and dog owners. These animals must be properly identified – by means of a microchip implanted by a veterinarian. If your pet has a tattoo done before 3 July 2011 – it is still an acceptable method of identification. A current rabies vaccination is also mandatory. If this is the animal’s first vaccination, it is only valid 21 days after the date it was administered. In addition, a cat or dog on board an aircraft must have a passport containing basic information about the animal and its owner, the dates of the required vaccinations and information about its state of health.
Basic preparations – which airlines allow you to transport animals?
Preparing for a journey with a cat or dog requires care and attention to ensure your animal a safe and comfortable trip. An important step is checking which airlines allow animals to be transported by plane. WizzAir, RyanAir and easyJet do not offer the option of transporting pets, with the exception of guide dogs. Lufthansa and AirFrance, on the other hand, do allow them to be carried, but certain restrictions apply regarding the weight and breed of the animals.
Next, you also need to take care of a suitable carrier. Airlines have specific requirements regarding containers. It must be large enough for your pet to stand, turn around and lie down freely inside. It must also have openings that ensure good air circulation. The container may not be made entirely of metal, and any wire elements must be strong and well secured. It is also important for the carrier to have a sturdy closure that the animal will not be able to open.
Travelling by plane with an animal – what is worth knowing before departure?
To reduce the animal’s stress during the journey, it is worth getting it used to the container in advance. Training and adaptation to the new environment can significantly improve its comfort. It is recommended to place the cat or dog in the carrier for short periods over the weeks leading up to the trip, gradually increasing the time it spends inside.
Transporting animals by plane can be a stressful experience for them, which is why it is important to properly ensure their safety during the flight. In the cabin, the animal must remain in the carrier for the entire duration of the journey, in accordance with airline regulations. The container should be properly closed to prevent the pet from escaping, which could cause serious problems on board.
It is a good idea to take the dog for a long walk beforehand, so that, tired, it can sleep peacefully through most of the flight. Animals should not be fed for four hours before departure, to avoid stomach problems during the journey. It is also recommended to offer small amounts of water before take-off and during the flight, to prevent your pets from becoming dehydrated.
Parking at Chopin Airport is the ideal solution for those travelling with a dog or cat
Travelling by plane with a pet requires proper preparation and attention to the comfort of both the animal and the owner. The foundation of planning such a journey is choosing the right airport car park. If you are departing from Chopin Airport in Warsaw, it is worth considering the offer of Parking Lotnisko – this car park is located a short distance from the terminal. It provides a convenient and safe place to leave your car for the duration of your trip. Parking Lotnisko also offers a transfer to the airport, which makes the whole process even easier. Such an option is especially important when you are travelling with larger luggage and a carrier for your animal.
