When traveling by plane with their pets, many ARISTOPARENTS are overwhelmed by questions. At ARISTOPET we have prepared a brief guide on how to travel with IBERIA, the world's most punctual airline.
Our first piece of advice if you are planning to take your pet with you on your next vacation is to plan your trip further in advance than usual. This will help you arrange all the documentation you may need and secure a place for your pet on the plane, especially if you are flying outside Europe. Having this extra time will be very useful for dealing more easily with any unexpected issues.
It is important to find out exactly what documentation you need to fly with your pet, as it may vary depending on the destination country. The essential requirements are that your pet has a microchip and that you carry a valid European veterinary passport.
For Europe, a passport will be sufficient. However, if you are traveling abroad, you will need some additional documents. As for cats, they must be vaccinated against rabies, and you need to consider the timing, because some countries require the vaccination to have been administered several months in advance. Other countries also require specific deworming treatment, or they may impose a quarantine period if the country has very strict requirements, as is the case with Thailand.
Remember that to travel with your pet, you need to reserve a place for them in advance. Each aircraft has limited space for animals, so all journeys must be authorized in advance by the airline.
Your pet can fly in the cabin or in the hold. If it weighs less than 8 kg -including the weight of the carrier- you can take it with you either on your lap, at your feet or under your seat. The maximum permitted dimensions are 45 x 35 x 25 cm. Several pets of the same species may travel in the same carrier as long as the total weight does not exceed 8 kg. Of course, you must pay close attention to your animal’s needs and make sure it does not inconvenience the other passengers.
If your pet weighs more than 8 kg, it must travel in the hold. The maximum carrier dimensions depend on the aircraft you will be travelling on.
The carrier, regardless of where your animal will travel, must be suitable. Rigid, sturdy, with sufficient ventilation and suitable for the size of your pet. It must also have a waterproof base and a secure fastening. If the carrier does not meet the established conditions, its transport may be refused at the boarding gate, so be sure to take them into account.
Don’t worry if you can’t take your pet with you in the cabin; animals travelling in the hold are transported in a special compartment that is pressurised and adapted to their needs. To help it travel more calmly, make sure you put a toy or its favourite blanket in the carrier.
SPECIAL CASES: For their safety, on IBERIA flights, brachycephalic cats and dogs (bulldog, pug, boxer, Persian…) cannot travel in the hold. These animals have delicate respiratory systems, and the journey may be harmful to their health. They may travel in the cabin only if they weigh less than 8 kg including the carrier.
Dogs classified as potentially dangerous (pit bull terrier, Rottweiler, …) must wear a muzzle when outside their carrier.
Regarding prices, they range from €25 to €300 (per journey). We recommend checking them before travelling, as these rates are indicative and may vary.