Pet Travel Options: How Can Your Pet Travel in the UAE?

Every day, numerous pets travel worldwide, and depending on the airline and destination country regulations, there are different options for their transportation. These options include accompanied or excess baggage, in-cabin travel, and manifest cargo. Let’s explore each option in detail.

Pet Travel as Accompanied/Excess Baggage:

Accompanied baggage refers to checking in your pet for the flight at the same time you check yourself and your luggage. You bring your pet to the check-in counter, where they are weighed in their travel box.

You pay for your pet’s ticket based on their weight, and an airport porter will escort your pet to the cargo hold area of the plane. It’s important to note that whether traveling as baggage or cargo, pets still travel in the same climate-controlled cargo hold compartment.

If you’re interested in booking an accompanied baggage flight for your pet, refer to our document “Travelling with Pets as Accompanied/Excess Baggage from the UAE” for more information.

Read: Pet Travel Crate: Choosing the Right Pet Box for Safe and Secure Travel

Accompanied/Excess Baggage – In the Passenger Cabin:

Some airlines allow pets to join passengers in the passenger cabin during the flight. However, this practice is often not tolerated by other passengers and is prohibited by most airlines.

It is typically limited to very small dogs and cats. However, service dogs are usually allowed in the passenger cabin, and airlines like Emirates and Etihad permit falcons to travel with their owners in the cabin, exclusively in first-class. Please note the weight and carrier size restrictions for in-cabin travel.

Pet Travel as Manifest Cargo:

Pet Traveling as manifest cargo means your pet will be transported as an unaccompanied shipment, even if you’re on the same flight.

Your pet will be brought to the airport’s cargo section several hours before departure and handled like other cargo shipments, with all necessary documentation and security procedures.

The cost of the ticket is based on the size of your pet’s travel box rather than their weight. Rest assured, all animals, including pets, are required to be treated with care and prioritized in accordance with international aviation transport regulations. Images of pets being abandoned or mistreated in cargo are purely fictional.

Choosing Between Accompanied Baggage and Manifest Cargo:

Many pet owners prefer accompanied baggage due to its lower cost and the ability to have more direct control over their pets during the travel process. However, cargo travel offers some unexpected advantages. You may find yourself feeling calmer and your pet more relaxed with the less direct involvement that cargo travel provides.

Cargo terminals typically offer dedicated areas for animals, providing a quieter environment for your pet. While accompanied baggage is a perfectly valid way to relocate your pet and is less expensive, it’s important to note that the UAE government, along with many other governments and airlines, now require pets to travel as cargo due to enhanced security protocols and improved handling procedures.

Ultimately, the mode of transport for your pet depends on the laws of the countries and airlines involved. It’s essential to comply with these regulations for the well-being and safety of your furry friend.

Common Questions About Pet Flights in the UAE

Q: Are pets allowed to travel as accompanied baggage?

A: Yes, pets can travel as accompanied baggage on certain airlines. Owners can check in their pets at the same time they check themselves and their luggage.

Q: Can pets travel in the passenger cabin?

A: Some airlines permit pets to travel in the passenger cabin. However, this practice is usually limited to very small dogs and cats. Service dogs and falcons may also be allowed in the cabin on specific airlines.

Q: What is manifest cargo?

A: Manifest cargo refers to pets traveling as unaccompanied shipments, even if the owner is on the same flight. Pets are taken to the airport’s cargo section several hours before departure and undergo the necessary handling, documentation, and security procedures.

Q: Do pets travel in the same cargo hold compartment regardless of whether they are baggage or cargo?

A: Yes, whether pets travel as baggage or cargo, they are transported in the same climate-controlled cargo hold compartment of the plane.

Q: Are there advantages to traveling by cargo instead of accompanied baggage?

A: Yes, traveling by cargo can offer certain advantages. It may result in a calmer experience for both the owner and the pet, as there is less direct involvement in the shipment process. Cargo terminals often have dedicated areas for animals, providing a quieter environment before the flight.

Q: Why do some governments and airlines require pets to travel as cargo?

A: The requirement for pets to travel as cargo is often due to enhanced security protocols and improved handling procedures. It ensures the safety and well-being of the animals during transport.

Q: Can pet owners choose the mode of transport for their pets?

A: The mode of transport for pets is determined by the laws of the countries and the policies of the airlines involved. Pet owners must comply with these regulations.

Please note that the information provided here is based on general facts about pet travel options and may vary depending on specific airlines and destinations. It’s always advisable to check with the airline and relevant authorities for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding pet travel regulations

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