A Comprehensive Guide to Finnair’s Pet Travel Policy
Whether you’re jetting off on vacation with your furry friend or relocating overseas, understanding an airline’s pet transport rules is crucial. This article provides a detailed overview of Finnair’s pet policy to help travelers flying with common companion animals.
What Pets Can Fly?
Finnair accepts most dogs, cats, domesticated birds, and other small pets in the aircraft cabin for an additional fee. To qualify for cabin travel, pets must remain in an IATA-compliant pet carrier or enclosed container throughout the flight. The combined weight of carrier and pet cannot exceed 8 kg (18 lbs).
- Dogs and cats: pets must be at least 10 weeks old.
- Birds: finches, canaries, parrots and other domesticated birds are permitted.
- Other pets: rabbits, guinea pigs, hamsters and other small mammals or reptiles may travel if properly secured.
However, potentially dangerous pets like snakes, spiders, or exotic animals cannot be transported in the plane cabin for safety reasons.
Booking and Reservations
Pet reservations should be made at the time of ticket purchase. Space is limited to just one pet per passenger. At this stage, you’ll need to provide basic pet details and pay the cabin travel fee, which is €90 each way for E.U. routes or €150 each way for long-haul flights.
From my experience booking Finnair tickets, it’s best to clarify pet requirements well in advance. Particularly during peak seasons, pet berths fill up quickly. If preferred dates are unavailable, consider alternate travel options like an approved pet shipping service.
Carrier and Health Rules
All pets must remain inside an IATA-approved soft- or hard-sided carrier at least 15 cm high. Carriers cannot exceed 55 x 40 x 23 cm (L x W x H). Pets are not allowed out of the carrier inflight for animal and passenger safety.
Moreover, pets must be fully immunized and have a valid pet passport or health certificate from a licensed vet. Documents must prove the animal is fit to travel, free from infectious diseases and parasites. Make sure paperwork is prepared well in advance of travel dates.
What About Emotional Support Animals?
At this time, Finnair does not officially recognize emotional support or therapy animals as legitimate service animals. Only recognized guide and assistance dogs are permitted to accompany their owners in the cabin free of charge.
As awareness of emotional support animal rights increases, Finnair’s policies may evolve. But for now, emotional support pets must be treated as regular companion animals subject to booking and handling fees when flying with the airline.
In-Cabin Travel Tips
Once on board with your pet, a few things can help ensure a smooth flight:
- Bring plenty of absorbent paper or pads in case of accidents.
- Offer treats and toys to reduce stress.
- Consider calming supplements or pheromone diffusers if your pet gets anxious.
- Alert the crew if your pet appears distressed so they can check on you periodically.
Also, be aware some pets may feel the effects of cabin pressure changes. Symptoms like yawning, swallowing or crying out could indicate ear discomfort. Using a comforting voice goes a long way in these situations.
Handling at Connections or Delays
If your itinerary requires a connection, ensure sufficient time between flights and double check transfer procedures. Pets cannot be left unattended at airports for any length of time.
In the event of delays, you may need to wait with your pet in an animal relief area. Carry extra food, water and a leash. Try to minimize stress by keeping your animal engaged with treats or toys. But basically, once flight delays start happening, having a pet complicates travel logistics.
Despite potential hiccups, responsible pet owners report that with some planning, pets usually tolerate flight changes smoothly when given extra TLC along the way. Staying positive goes a long way in keeping your companion calm.
Traveling From Outside the EU
If arriving from a non-EU country, pets require extensive documentation including vaccination records, a veterinary certificate, microchip/tattoo id, and a health certificate issued by an official government vet no more than 10 days before travel.
Permit applications can take months to process, so anyone moving to Europe long-term needs to initiate the paperwork well in advance of relocation dates. Consult an expert in pet import regulations to ensure full compliance.
Preparing Your Pet for Travel
To help pets feel at ease flying, start acclimating them to their carrier well before the trip. Feed treats and meals inside it to build positive associations. Practice short training sessions like entering and exiting the carrier multiple times per week.
Consider flying your pet as cargo on shorter hops to get travel experience in a lower stress environment before a long-haul international flight. Exposing them to new situations gradually reduces fear of the unknown.
Talk to your vet about calming aids like pheromone diffusers, anxiety wraps, calming supplements or temporary anti-anxiety medication. Every pet is unique, so seek professional guidance on options right for your furry friend’s needs.
With preparation, pets can learn to handle flight changes with minimal fuss. Applying these tips helps furry travelers feel safer and build confidence for their big adventures. Safe journeys to all animal owners and companions!
In closing, I hope this comprehensive overview of Finnair’s pet policies answered any questions readers may have about flying with common animals on this airline. Let me know if you need any clarification or have additional queries after reviewing the article. Proper preparation is key to stress-free travel for humans and pets alike.
Finnair Pet Travel Policy
Pet Type | Cabin | Crate Size | Maximum Weight |
---|---|---|---|
Cats | Cabin | Must fit under seat | 8 kg |
Dogs | Cabin | Must fit under seat | 8 kg |
Small pets | Cabin | Must fit in small pet carrier | 4 kg |
Dogs and cats | Cargo hold | Varies by animal | No more than 32 kg |
Snakes | Cargo hold | Snake bag or tub | No more than 32 kg |
Ferrets | Prohibited | N/A | N/A |
Birds | Prohibited | N/A | N/A |
FAQ
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Can I bring my pet on a Finnair flight?
Basically, Finnair allows pets to fly in the cabin or cargo hold on certain flights. However, you need to check their guidelines carefully regarding things like size, health, paperwork, etc. Different rules exist for domestic vs international flights too. Overall it’s possible, but know what’s expected.
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What types of pets can fly with Finnair?
Finnair accepts dogs and cats mainly. Small pets like rabbits in cages are allowed too occasionally. Birds must travel in the cargo hold instead of the cabin. Large pets over a certain size or weight may have trouble onboard. Always check their site for the list of approved animals.
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Do I need any documents for my pet?
Absolutely, paperwork is crucial when flying with pets. You need a health certificate from your vet, rabies vaccination records, import permits for international trips, and the airline’s container requirements met. Leaving proof at home would be awful, so double check you have everything in order.
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Is my pet allowed in the cabin or cargo?
It depends on the animal’s size. Small pets under 10kg can go in the cabin if you buy them a ticket. Heavier pets must travel in the pressurized cargo hold, which some owners find uneasy. If Fido is a big fella, cargo it is. Maybe consider shipping as baggage instead if it helps ease your mind about temperature control and such down there.
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How much does it cost to fly with a pet?
Ticket prices vary depending basically on the pet’s weight and size. But generally figure around �200-�300 each way for cabin pets and somewhat less for cargo. Food, kennel, vaccines, and documents add to the tab too. Flying with pets basically never comes cheap! Make sure to budget appropriately or your dream vacation could turn into a fiscal nightmare.
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What are Finnair’s pet policies for emotional support animals?
Finnair has strict rules around emotional support animals (ESAs) due to scams. A letter from a mental health provider must verify an actual disability requiring the ESA. Last minute notes won’t fly either – book ahead. And pesky pooches don’t count, only trained dogs or small horses allowed. (Kidding about the horses!) Overall, legit ESAs can come but prepare ESAs policies seriously.
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Do I need to reserve a pet space in advance?
Definitely. Waiting until the last minute to bring up Fido is never wise. Most airlines like Finnair require reservations well ahead of time, usually weeks or months depending on destination. Space is limited, and animals booked into cargo require feed times scheduled too. Leaving it to chance could end with Fluffy getting grounded. Play it safe by arranging early!
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What if my pet behaves badly on the flight?
If sadly poor pooch acts up and causes disturbances, the crew may require relocating him. In serious or unsafe cases, some pets get denied boarding altogether or put off at the next stop. For everyone’s comfort level, only bring well-socialized and trained pets. Keep pup on a short leash, use a lid on the carrier, and follow flight attendant instructions. With teamwork, even challenging critters can fly with flying colors.