It`s not a rare case when people take their pets on intercontinental flights. Although this brings some comfort to the owner, the long flight comes as a great shock for the animal. That`s why more and more airlines are making their services for pets better. In fact, with most carriers, you are allowed to take your pet inside the cabin in a special container if it does not exceed the given weight. As expected, different airlines have different policies for that matter. That`s why we will try to shed some light on this problem, digging in the animal transport regulations of some of the largest airlines operating from the United States to Europe and vice verse.
Lufthansa
The German carrier has a very liberal policy about transporting pets on their planes. It`s allowed to take your fury friend inside the plane`s passenger saloon if the whole weight of the animal, locked in the special container (which you will be given when you check in on most airports) does not exceed 8 kg (17.6 lbs). Larger animals travel in the cargo bay, locked inside a large enough container for them to stand up, and have sufficient space to move. Water must also be prepared if the flight is intercontinental. If you have a guide dog or a service dog, it will travel with you in the cabin of the plane with no charge. Every other trip with your pet from the US to Europe will be charged per kg like regular excess baggage. You should remember to inform Lufthansa of your intentions for flying with your pet, at least 24 hours before departure.
United / Continental
Although a member of the Star Alliance like Lufthansa, United has a very different policy on traveling with animals. The company takes responsibility for its actions and often does not allow specific breeds of animals or pets that are not healthy or look aggressive, on board. Nevertheless, cats, dogs, and any other kind of nonvenomous and non aggressive small animals are allowed in the economy cabin. The containers which the animal is stored should be big enough to provide some space for your pet, but it should not exceed the space beneath the seat in front of you, where you should keep it. Larger animals are transported in the cargo hold. When temperatures are extremely cold, or extremely hot, the airline will not risk your pet`s life and simply not allow it on board. Prices for traveling with pets vary from 90 EUR inside the cabin, to 180 EUR for a spot in the cargo bay.
British Airways
Things get a little complicated if you want to take your pet on your trip to Europe with British Airlines. Although the company is proud with its experience with handling pets on board, there`s a strict limitation for bringing animals inside the passenger cabin. The only type of animal that can be brought on board in the saloon, is a guide dog. Every other kind of pet travels in the cargo hold, with a specific container and enough water and food for the trip. You should contact your vet before taking your pet on a BA flight. The veterinarian should take a blood sample of the animal and if everything is o.k., he will issue a pass for your pet. You must contact BA at least 14 days before departure of your flight to book your animals place in the cargo hold. The fees for traveling with a pet differ very much so you should ask your local BA agent.
US Airways
US Airways does not allow pets flying inside the passenger cabin on intercontinental flights. The only way to take your pet with you on your trip to and from the US is to store it in a specialized container and leave the animal in the cargo hold of the plane. Naturally, US Airways might not allow certain types of animals on board if they do not look healthy, or if they can`t bear with the extreme temperature variations that might take place inside the cargo bay of the plane. Passengers should make a reservation for their pets at least 4 weeks before departure. For fees and information, contact your local US Airways agent.
Delta
Although Delta does not allow to carry a pet inside the cabin, the company takes care to pressurize and control the temperature of the cargo bay where all animals on that flight will be stored. However, the carrier has an abundant list of things to do, before taking your animal to the airport. There must be a permit from your vet, stating the animal is fit enough to travel. You should also carry verification for all vaccinations your pet has undergone and you must contact your local Animal Reception Center. This is mandatory if you travel to the UK. The Animal Reception Center will contact British customs and get a clear entrance for your pet in Britain.
KLM / Air France
As of 1 April 2011, KLM does not allow pets to travel inside the passenger cabin on intercontinental flights anymore. The options for you and your animal friend are limited to two variants. The first is to have your pet checked in as baggage, unless the total weight of the animal and the container it`s stored in does not exceed 75 kg (165 lbs). KLM aircraft have special pressurized and ventilated sections in which your pet will be situated. You should contact your KLM agent at least 48 hours before departure to verify that there is any room for pets on your flight, because space in the ventilated sections is limited. The other way to transport your pet is with freight carriers. In that case, you should contact your local cargo agent who will make the booking for your animal. For a container and pet that a exceed the total weight of 32 kg (70.5 lbs) you will have to pay around 200 EUR. If you have a transfer at Amsterdam Airport that will take more than 2 hours of stay, you will have to pay an additional 150 EUR for animal care.
American Airlines
AA does not allow pets to travel inside the passenger cabin on board transatlantic flights. As with KLM / Air France, customers can check in their beloved animals like baggage and be assured that their containers will be carefully situated in a ventilated and pressurized space. It`s important to know that American Airlines does not allow pets to travel to the United Kingdom. For any other European Union Member Country, the animal must carry a microchip or a tattoo, that matches the information on the animal`s vaccination card. For fares and charges on your pet, you are advised to contact AA for more information.
It`s important to know that most airlines have a policy for some breeds of cats and dogs and don`t allow their transportation with aircraft due to their fragile nature. Those are usually the so called snub-nosed dogs and cats. Here`s a list of the breeds that are restricted from flying:
Dogs
Affenpinscher Bulldog (All breeds) Japanese Chin Presa Canario
American Staffordshire Terrier Cane Corso Lhasa Apso Pug (All breeds)
Boston Terrier Dogo Argentino Mastiff (All breeds) Shar Pei
Boxer (All breeds) Dogue De Bordeaux Pekingese Shih Tzu
Brussels English Toy Spaniel Pit Bull Tibetan Spaniel
Cats
Burmese Persian
Himalayan Exotic Short-hair
Any Mix between those breeds is not allowed on board as well.
