Finally, a cat and a dog will be able to fly in a plane next to the owner, in a separate chair.

Flight with pets is a complex process that requires careful preparation of the owner for the journey. Not all airlines transport animals, this and other nuances must be agreed with a particular airline you choose. A cat on an airplane can fly alongside its owner, as can dogs and other animals. It is necessary to know at least the general rules of transportation of animals.



Pets on a plane are not luggage. If it is possible to carry a pet in the next seat during the flight, you need to do everything to ensure that it is. Because it is more likely to make the flight comfortable for the animal and its owner. Cases of animals being lost or harmed during a flight are unfortunately not uncommon. It’s one thing to transport suitcases with things in the luggage compartment, and quite another to send a living creature there.

Preparing an animal for a flight is much more difficult than gathering yourself. We have to consider every little thing. Airlines that transport animals allow cats and dogs in a passenger seat with a carry. The dimensions of the carriers and the maximum permissible weight of the animal that will fly in the passenger compartment is determined by the airline.



Dog owners on the plane were less fortunate. Usually, animals weighing more than 10 kg are transported in the luggage compartment. The animal can fly next to the owner in a soft or hard carry, but the business class with the animal will not be allowed for one simple reason - there is not enough space under the seats to put a carrier with the animal there. Tariffs for transportation are different, if the animal flies in the luggage compartment, it is better to insure the pet. Service dogs and guide dogs can fly in the passenger compartment, even if the dog exceeds the permissible weight, provided there are supporting documents. Usually, airlines do not charge for transportation of such dogs.



The pet must have an international passport, no matter if you are carrying a cat or a parrot. The animal should be treated for worms, fleas and be vaccinated against rabies. Microchip implantation is an optional but desirable procedure for animal safety. The procedure can be done no later than 21 days before departure. In most European countries, the chip is mandatory for all pets. Veterinary certificate form 1 must be obtained from the veterinarian 5 days before the flight. More information about the list of documents can be found here.



Documents, carrying, morally ready owner and animal. What else? You need to know in advance about the rules of importing an animal in the country where you are going. In the United States, some dog breeds that are considered dangerous may be banned. You can transport one animal per person to China.

Flight for a pet without preparation is a great stress. Therefore, intending to fly to another country, you need to take care of the psychological well-being of your pet in advance. It is recommended to purchase a carrier of suitable size six months before the flight. The pet should get used to this carrying and calmly behave in it, since cats and dogs can fly exclusively in the carrier.



Sometimes cats and dogs are given sedatives before the flight. Here we have to weigh the pros and cons. On the one hand, the animal will calm down the flight, on the other - it is not known how sleeping pills or sedatives will affect the pet. In addition, airports often postpone flights, and if you are not lucky, the sedative will stop working even before the flight begins. The alternative is mild sedatives on herbs, which begin to be given a few weeks before the flight.



Your pet should always have water. Opinions differ about food. Some owners give a delicacy, others do not feed the animal at all before the flight, so that there is no disorder. So that the water in the drinker for the pet does not splash, in the nearest cafe before landing, they ask for ice and put it in a drinker.

At the airport 4 hours before departure, you must arrive with a pet at the airport. At the entrance, the container with the animal is scanned, and the animal with the host passes through the frame. Then you need to undergo veterinary control, on average it takes about 40 minutes, but maybe more. After that, check-in for the flight takes place. When the documents for the animal are checked, you need to go to the ticket office to pay for the transportation of the pet. The animal that will fly in the luggage compartment should be left at the reception counter of oversized luggage. On international flights, the animal is declared and undergo customs control. When you arrive, take the beast out of your luggage.



Nuances to prepare for the flight with animals a lot. But the owners agree that it is easier for a pet to survive a few hours in the luggage compartment than to stay home alone for several weeks. How do you feel about flying with pets in the passenger compartment? Do you think carrying your best friend in your luggage is ethical?