New research compiled by Compare the Market reveals the most pet-friendly airlines for any owners wishing to take their four-legged friends on holiday.
With winter fast approaching, many of us will be thinking of some winter sun or dreaming about hitting the ski slopes. However, many pet owners will also be fretting about our furry friends at home and wouldn’t it be much easier if we could just take them along with us!
Compare the Market has commissioned new research into the most pet-friendly airlines around the globe, so pet owners can take their dog, cat or even meerkat on holiday with them.
Getting your pet to your chosen location might seem daunting, but most airlines today have a policy in place to allow pets to accompany their owners onboard.
While the polices themselves are manifold, no two are the same and Compare the Market have pulled together the top travel options for people wishing to holiday with their pets.
- Air France – leaders in the pet transport field, Air France allows you to bring up to three pets along for the cost of an extra suitcase. Pets of up to 75kg (including carrier) can travel with you in the cabin, and you can buy carriers to keep your small friends in comfort. There are also freight options for heavier pets, who’ll be made welcome in their own holding area.
- Thomas Cook – there’s not only a wide range of animals allowed on Thomas Cook, there’s no maximum weight for pets on holiday either – and you can get them on board for just 15 euros per dossier, plus an excess baggage fee.
- TUI – while a more expensive option, with a total cost of 81.60 euros per pet – TUI allows pets up to 6kg to travel in the cabin alongside you, and heavier pets can be put up in the cargo hold for the duration of the flight. Pets can also be added to an existing flight with a quick call.
There are however, some airlines that won’t let you onboard with a pet at all, which include, EasyJet, Emirates and FlyBe. If you are wishing to take a pet on a flight with you, it’s always best to check with your flight provider before booking.
When looking into travelling with pets, it is always advisable to look at getting them their own passport, as a third of destinations will require one.
An EU passport is the best bet for speedy pet transfers, with most European countries, including Spain, Germany and the Netherlands accepting these.
It’s always recommended to check with your travel agent whether there are any restrictions for pets with regards to the country you are travelling to, as a whopping 90% of countries require your pet to be microchipped and some countries to have a list of banned animals.