A Comprehensive Guide to Flying with Your Pet on Air Europa
If you’re hoping to bring Fluffy or Fido along on your next trip to Europe on Air Europa, you’ve come to the right place. In this article, I will answer all of your questions about pet policies, requirements, fees, and tips to help make the journey as smooth as possible for you and your furry friend. By the end, you’ll feel prepared and informed about what to expect.
What Pets Are Allowed?
Air Europa allows both cats and dogs to fly in the cabin as long as they meet certain size and health requirements. Other common pets like birds, rabbits, reptiles or rodents must travel in the cargo hold as Air Europa does not permit them in the passenger cabin for safety and logistical reasons.
What Are the Size Requirements?
For pets traveling in-cabin, the size limits are as follows:
- Dogs must be able to sit or lay down in a carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Most airlines specify a maximum size of around 18 inches tall, 16 inches wide and 8 inches deep.
- Cats must be able to be comfortably contained in a flexible soft-sided carrier.
Make sure to measure your pet’s carrier beforehand to ensure it falls within the size policy. Oversized carriers cannot be accommodated in the cabin.
What Health Records Are Needed?
All pets flying with Air Europa, whether in the cabin or cargo hold, must have a valid health certificate. This certificate must be issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of your travel dates and include:
- Pet’s microchip or tattoo identification number
- A signed statement that your pet has received all required vaccines
- A rabies vaccination certificate that shows a booster within the past 12 months for dogs or 24 months for cats
You will need to submit the original signed health certificate at check-in, so be sure not to misplace this important document!
What Are the Advance Booking Requirements?
To bring a pet with you on Air Europa, you’ll need to reserve a “Pet in Cabin” spot at least 48 hours prior to your scheduled departure. This is due to the advance coordination required between Air Europa and animal relief areas at airports. It also allows time for any necessary schedule changes if your pet cannot be accommodated on a specific flight due to space limitations.
Because pet space is limited, reservations are handled on a first-come, first-served basis. So the earlier you book, the better chance your pet will have a confirmed spot. You’ll receive an email confirmation once the pet reservation is made.
A “Pet in Cargo” booking requires at least 7 days advanced notice if traveling internationally due to import/export regulations varying by country.
How Much Will It Cost?
While pets are wonderful travel companions, their transport does require additional fees:
- A non-refundable seat reservation fee of $125 per pet per one-way flight for animals traveling in-cabin.
- A per-piece baggage fee starting around $200 applies for each pet checked in the cargo hold.
In some cases, an excess baggage rate may apply if your pet and carrier exceed the standard baggage allowance. You’ll also need to pay any applicable taxes which can add $25-50 more depending on your itinerary.
What Should I Bring?
To keep your pet safe, secure and as stress-free as possible during air travel, pack these essential items:
- Properly-sized carrier or crate that is IATA-compliant and has good ventilation
- Leak-proof litter box, paper towels, bags, and litter for cats
- Water and snacks if flying longer than 4 hours
- Copy of health/vaccine records and rabies certificate
- Familiar toys, blankets or bedding for comfort
- Collar, leash and ID tags
- Any necessary medications
I also suggest bringing cleaning supplies in case of an accident and spare plastic bags in your carry-on to dispose of waste mid-flight. Proper preparation goes a long way towards a smooth trip.
Any Other Tips?
Here are a few more pointers based on my own flying experiences with pets:
- Arrive at least 2 hours early for check-in to allow extra processing time.
- Consider sedation or calming aids for very anxious pets.
- Bring recent photos in case your pet gets lost during transit.
- Don’t give food within a few hours of departure but do offer water.
- Let cabin crew know if you need assistance or have any concerns in-flight.
- Check on animal import paperwork for destination country in advance.
I hope this comprehensive guide has addressed all of your questions! Safe travels to you and your furry companion. With proper planning and preparation using the tips above, your Air Europa pet-friendly flight should go smoothly.
Please let me know if any part of the process remains unclear. I’d be happy to provide more details or clarification based on my own experiences flying with dogs domestically and internationally over the past decade.
Air Europa Pet in Cabin Policy
Pet Type | Advance Notice Required | Maximum Size | Maximum Weight | Cabin |
---|---|---|---|---|
Dogs and Cats | At least 24 hours before departure | Up to 22 x 15 x 8 cm | Up to 8 kg | Cabin (in carrier under seat) |
Small Dogs and Cats | At least 24 hours before departure | Up to 15 x 20 x 8 cm | Up to 4 kg | Cabin (in carrier under seat) |
Other Pets | Prior authorization required | Size restrictions apply | Weight restrictions apply | Cabin (in carrier under seat) |
Young Pets | Must be at least 3 months old | Size restrictions apply | Weight restrictions apply | Cabin (in carrier under seat) |
FAQ
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Can I bring my pet on Air Europa?
Air Europa basically allows most cats and dogs to fly as cabin pets on their planes. However, there are some size and weight restrictions that vary depending on the destination.
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What are the requirements for pets in the cabin?
To bring your pet in the cabin, it must be in an IATA-compliant pet carrier that fits completely under the seat in front of you. The size limit is usually around 16x10x8 inches. Your pet also can’t weigh over 20 pounds. They’ll need valid vaccinations and potentially a health certificate too depending on where you’re going.
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Is there an extra fee for cabin pets?
Yup, there is always a fee when bringing a pet in the cabin on Air Europa flights. It’s around $125 each way but can differ based on routes. The fees help cover any potential cleaning or issues that may arise from having animals on board. At the same time, I guess it’s better than putting them in cargo if they qualify as a cabin pet!
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What animals aren’t allowed in the cabin?
Dangerous breeds like pit bulls or dogs that look similar are a no-go on Air Europa planes. Some other excluded pets include exotic pets, snakes, ferrets, rodents, and the like. Meanwhile, animals must be at least 12 weeks old according to their rules. Perhaps pets like puppies or kittens younger than that could cause disturbances.
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How do I prepare my pet for travel?
To get your pet ready for a cabin trip, you’ll want to start getting them accustomed to their carrier well before the flight. Do trial runs at home and when out and about to help reduce stress. Also make sure to follow their vaccination/health certificate requirements so there’s no issues on arrival. Kind of awesome Air Europa lets small pets fly with their owners in the cabin rather than cargo though!
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Can I request a pet-friendly seat?
While Air Europa doesn’t advertise pet-friendly bulkhead seating like some airlines do, it basically doesn’t hurt to politely ask at booking or check-in if there are any suitable empty rows where your pet carrier could sit at your feet without bothering passengers behind. Throw in a nice bribe of snacks for flight staff too for a little aid. Nevertheless, you never know unless you inquire so it’s worth a shot.
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What if my pet acts up on the flight?
If for some reason your pet does become distressed and noisy during transit despite your best efforts, the crew may ask you to relocate to a more private area such as the back of the plane or galley to minimize disruption. Thankfully this seems to rarely happen according to reports I’ve read online. On the other hand, I’d probably go crazy myself if stuck inside a cramped carrier for hours at a time!
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Is it safe to transport pets as cargo?
While cabin transport is ideal when possible due to stress and temperature control factors, shipping pets as manifest cargo is still considered safe by airlines according to their records. However, non-stop routes apparently have slightly better outcomes than multi-leg journeys with more potential for mishaps. Of course, regulations aim to prevent injuries but incidents remain an exceptionally low risk. Personally I’d still worry though – who wouldn’t about their furry friend’s safety?