Different Methods of Air Transport

This topic is one that causes a lot of confusion, and we can understand why. A lot of it is in the wording, which is used incorrectly and we all get in knots! Here is a run-down of the terminology and what it means in the pet travel industry.

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Accompanied Baggage - In-cabin

The exclusive domain of the small cat or dog, being in cabin is allowed on some airlines and with conditions. You pets must be of a size that they fit comfortably in a bag/carrier of dimensions specified by the airline. Each airline has it's own rules and not all airlines will allow this method. Not all countries will allow it, take for example the United Kingdom or Australia. These are cabin no-goes unless you are on a private jet.

Service dogs are allowed at the discretion of the airline and will need to be properly registered.

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Accompanied Baggage - In-hold

Not to be confused with cargo; while your pet will travel in the hold of the aircraft, the way that they are classified is different to cargo. In simple terms they are seen as similar to excess baggage in the sense that you will be re-united in the arrivals hall of your destination and customs clearance will be through the "something to declare line". Accompanied baggage can be a cost effective way of transporting your pets plus your time apart from them is greatly reduced compared to sending them as cargo. That being said not all airlines and routes offer this as an option so you must check before you get overexcited about summer holiday plans with your pets; it can be more complicated than you think! Again, no go to United Kingdom, Australia etc.

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Cargo

So why would you opt for cargo with the other options available? Well that's the thing, not all destinations will allow the entrance of animals as accompanied baggage. Take the United Kingdom as an example; all animals must arrive as manifest cargo so if you want your pets to fly directly to the UK then cargo is the only option available unless you fly on a private charter. Transportation as cargo is handled through cargo terminals at airports and the airline paperwork that accompanies your pets is different.

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Clear as mud? Please call us if any of this is not clear, we understand how complicated it can be to understand plus we are the experts on the routes that will allow the various methods. You might be pleasantly surprised that you have more options than you thought.