We all know the story - a whirlwind of emotions drowning you as you pack your suitcase, and your dog looks up to you with a wagging tail and eyes pleading for you not to leave. You can't bear to part from your four-legged friend. But hold on, what if you didn't have to? The thought sparks a question - can your dog join you on your plane ride, and how much would it cost?
Fortunately, the answer is yes! Infact, it may come as a surprise that every year, over 4 million pets and other live animals traverse the skies alongside humans, and nearly 99.99% of them have flown safely - states the International Pet and Animal Transportation Association (IPATA).
Airlines typically allow pets to fly, but some restrictions and costs are involved. Depending on the airline, you may need to pay an additional fee, and you may need to check the individual airline's policies for size and weight restrictions. Join us as we delve into understanding the dog airfare cost in the EU and several other countries.
Cost to Fly with Your Dog in the EU
Domestic flights with your dog can cost anywhere from $150 to $1,000, depending on a number of factors. You should set aside a little more money when flying internationally. However, the exact price can vary based on the size of your pet, your destination, and the airline you choose.
The number of factors influencing the total cost makes it difficult to provide an accurate estimate without making several assumptions. So, how do you gauge the potential expenses of flying a dog? Here's a rundown of some critical elements to consider when trying to figure out the costs:
Airlines
The policies of each airline regarding pets on flights vary. Some airlines strictly forbid pets from travelling onboard, while others are a little pet friendly airlines and allow pets in the cargo hold only, resulting in higher fares.
Pets travelling in the cabin are typically subject to weight restrictions. Generally, dogs weighing more than 15 pounds are not permitted to travel in cabins. It is mandatory for your dog to remain within an appropriate travel carrier during the entire trip.
While the dog airfare cost when bringing a dog into the cabin varies across airlines, it is generally less expensive. In the case of Delta Airlines, a one-way domestic flight with a dog costs $125. United Airlines and American Airlines charge similar fees. Meanwhile, El Al charges $100 for dogs weighing less than 19.8 pounds. Remember that these costs can change, so getting a detailed quote from your chosen airline is best while planning your journey.
Domestic vs. International Flight
The cost of flying with your dog internationally is higher than that of flying domestically. Furthermore, international journeys may require more detailed documentation, depending on the destination region. Remember to keep your pet's animal health certificates and vaccinations up-to-date.
Cabin vs. Cargo
The size of your dog is another considerable factor in determining whether your pet will be travelling with you in the cabin or the cargo area. Meanwhile, when your dog is transported in the cargo area, the price can increase significantly, possibly reaching $1,000. If your pet is considered checked baggage, the cost will generally be less, ranging from $200 to $400. You may need to set aside $50 to $250 for an in-cabin journey.
What’s the cost of bringing a dog on a private plane?
The cost of bringing your dog on a private flight is not extra. However, the hourly rates for pet-accommodating charter planes start from around $1,500 for piston and turboprop aircraft. In the case of light and midsize jets, the hourly rate can reach around $5,000. Rates can rise beyond $10,000 per hour for bigger cabins and long-range jets suitable for international travel with pets.
Rules for Flying with Your Dog in the Cabin in Europe
If you're planning to fly with your dog for the first time, here are a few key things you should know:
Dogs can't travel in the cabin when flying to the UK and Iceland, no matter the airline. This rule doesn't apply if you're going to Ireland, but many airlines still don't allow it.
Always double-check pet size and weight limits, as these can change between airlines. Usually, the weight limit is around 8kg, but it can be anywhere from 6 kg to 10kg.
Pets might not be allowed in business class because of how the seats are designed. If you want to fly business class, look at the pet rules of different airlines.
Depending on the airline, you might not need to book ahead or tell the airline that you're bringing a pet. But because there's often a limit on how many dogs can be on one flight, booking ahead is a good idea.
It's often cheaper to book your dog's ticket online (or by phone) instead of buying it at the airport.
Always look at the airline's pet rules before you book your flight, and check them again before you fly.
Airlines that Don't Accept Pets in Cabin
Please note that the following airlines do not allow pets in cabin on transatlantic flights between the U.S. and Europe: Air India, Aer Lingus, Air New Zealand, American Airlines, British Airways, Emirates, Eurowings, Icelandair, La Compagnie, LEVEL, Norwegian, Primera Air, Singapore Airlines, Virgin Atlantic, and WOW.
As noted above, some of these airlines operate at least one route connecting the United States to Europe under the fifth freedom. It's important to note that due to import regulations, no airlines allow pets in the cabin for flights headed to the United Kingdom and Ireland.
Conclusion
Remember, the cost of flying with your pet varies majorly depending on a multitude of factors, including the airline's pet policy, whether you're flying domestically or internationally, and the size and weight of your pet. For this reason, always check with your chosen airline about their pet travel policies and dog airfare cost before you book. During the flight, ensure your pet is comfortable and safe, and their carrier is comfortable and secure. Vaccinations should also be current.
Lastly, bear in mind the restrictions of certain airlines and destinations. We hope the information provided in this guide will assist you in planning a successful, stress-free adventure with your pet. You can also contact us at Exec Pets for in-depth information about how we support you in pet transportation. After all, having your faithful companion by your side enhances the joy of exploring new destinations.
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