How to book a flight for your dog step-by-step

First and foremost while booking your dog’s spot on a plane is to choose a suitable airline that accepts animals. Then, simply book a flighrt either online or through customer support depending on the company. Prepare the necessary documents, the right size of the crate and check that everything is in order a few days before departure.

How to book a flight for your dog

Especially it it is your first time traveling with your dog or cat, the process of booking a flight can seem overwhelming. Partly also because each airline has its own rules and procedures. That is the reason we made this guide, which will help you to book a flight for you and your pet.

You can check our step by step guide of how to book a flight for a dog (or other animal in that matter) and also and also get all the necessary information and tips, which mainly stem from our own experiences.

How to book flight for pets step by step

(You can jump to links ↓)

1. Choose airline which allows dogs on flights + their pet policy
2. Prepare your pet travel documents & travel carrier
3. Decide for a cabin or cargo
4. Book your flight
5. Ensure valid booking

1. Choose the airline and check their pet policy

It is important to say that not every airline accepts dogs on their flights, so firstly choose one which does. In Europe, these include: Lufthansa, Air France, Austrian Airlines, Iberia, Vueling, Finnair, KLM and others.

Every airline also have their own section about pet policy, so please, check those as well as it can save you a lot of time, money and stress.

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2. Prepare pet travel documents and the right carrier

Once you’ve chosen the airline, make sure your pet travel documents are on spot. That means you have in most cases EU pet passport or health certificate, your pet has a valid rabies vaccination and microchip. 

Each airline accepts slightly different dimensions of the crate. However, the size vary not only depending on the choice of carrier, but also on the size of the aircraft or who is operating the particular flight. All the indormation about the carrier size can be found on airline’s website, but here are the best airlines approved bags for your dog.

🐾 — All about pet travel documents — ✈️

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3. Check if your dog qualifies for cabin or cargo travel

Not every dog can travel in cabin and in most cases the main factor is the weight of your pet. Smaller dogs up to 8 kilograms (including the carrier) can fly in the cabin with you, which makes the whole experience less stressful for both of you. 

If you dog has more than 8 kgs, it must travel as checked baggage or in cargo. 

Dog in cabin booking vs booking as checked pet / bag

No matter whether your dog qualifies for dog in cabin booking or must travel as a checked pet in the aircraft hold, the reservation process tends to consist of similar steps like checking availability, adding your dog to the booking and paying the pet fee.

In the next section, we will go through step by step how to proceed with the reservation itself.

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4. Book your and your pet’s flight

The process of booking a flight for your dog depends on the airline. Especially within Europe, you’ll typically encounter two different procedures:

→ Booking a dog during your ticket purchase

1. Start booking your flight. 
2. Add dog in cabin/in the hold as “extra service”.
3. Pay the final price, which includes also the dog fee.

After completing your purchase, customer support may contact you to confirm additional information such as weight limit, size of your carrier or breed.

→ Adding a dog after you’ve booked your ticket

1. Purchase your flight ticket. 
2. Contact the airline’s support immediately (preferably by phone).
3. Provide the flight date, your booking number, size and weight of dog + crate.
4. Once confirmed, you’ll receive payment instructions or pay the fee at the airport.

💡 You can find out all the information about booking process on your airline’s website.

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5. Make sure your booking is valid + visit your vet

After you book a flight for your pet, make sure you receive a confirmation about the booking via email. 

Also, 24 to 72 hours before the flight, don’t forget to visit your vet to check your pet’s health, ensure all mandatory vaccinations are up to date, and prepare your pet for the trip.

🐾 — Pet relief areas in Europe — ✈️

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Airlines examples and special rules

Different airlines have different rules when it comes to flying with dogs. Here are a few examples:

• Lufthansa allows small dogs (up to 8 kg including carrier) in the cabin. Larger dogs must travel as checked baggage or cargo. Pre-approval is required. Fins all information about pet travel with Lufthansa here.
• Ryanair does not accept pets on board, with the exception of assistance dogs on select routes.
• Air France permits dogs up to 8 kg in-cabin (carrier included), while heavier dogs must fly in the hold. Bookings for pets must be made via customer service.
• KLM accepts dogs in cabin, hold, or cargo depending on weight and destination, but has breed restrictions for short-nosed dogs.
• Wizz Air does not allow any pets in cabin or cargo, only service animals under strict conditions.

Please, always check the specific airline’s pet policy before booking your flight. Rules can always change, and some of them require vet certificates or pre-approval forms.

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Common mistakes to avoid 

The Pet Abroad team has put together a list of common mistakes you should definitely avoid when booking a flight with your dog! We have learned our lesson and we believe that this list will help you avoid these errors.

❌ Not checking airline’s pet policy.

❌ Booking your pet on flight too late.

❌ Forgetting to confirm your pet’s reservation.

❌ Using the wrong size of bag/carrier. 

❌ Missing pet passport or vaccination records.

❌ Not preparing your dog or cat for a flight.

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