Pet Travel Airline Rules: British Airways

We offer two different ways for your pet to travel:
Accompanied Pets - allows you and your pet to travel together on the same flight. The pet checks-in with you at the passenger terminal and rejoins you on arrival in the baggage hall at the destination airport. This service is available to most British Airways destinations. Please see below for restrictions.
Unaccompanied Pets - This product is available when you are unable to travel with your pet, or your pet is not a cat or dog, or your pet is travelling into the UK on the Pets Travel Scheme. Your pet must be taken to our cargo terminal and should be collected by you, or a nominated person, from the cargo terminal at the destination airport.
In both cases, pets are carried in the cargo hold, which is located underneath the passenger cabin, in the aircraft. This hold is temperature controlled and provides a comfortable environment during the flight. The hold is not lit, because experience shows that pets quickly settle down and travel better in the dark.
Pets are not permitted in the passenger cabin.
Documentation and health requirements
Before making any transport arrangements, you must make sure that all applicable documentation, such as possible import licences required by country of destination, have been obtained. Vaccinations or health and quarantine requirements must also be met.
In the UK, the Ministry of Agriculture Fisheries and Food (MAFF) - Telephone: +44 020 7904 6347 - has information on import requirements to many countries. Alternatively, contact the applicable local High Commission or Embassy for further advice.
Container requirements
You must have a correctly sized container to carry your pet, otherwise We may refuse travel for your pet. The following requirements must be met:

The container must be large enough for the pet to stand up, turn around and lie down in a natural manner. Your pet will be in the container for some time and therefore, it should be as comfortable as possible.

The container must be strong enough to protect the pet during transport, be secure enough to contain it and have sufficient ventilation on all four sides to ensure the air quality in the container will not deteriorate.

The door must be secured in such a manner that it will not open accidentally or your pet cannot open it during handling and transport.

Your pet's nose and paws should not be able to fit through any ventilation opening or door mesh.

The container must have a water pot and a food container accessible from outside.

Fibreboard or wiremesh containers are not suitable for air transportation

Detailed instructions on the container specifications can be found in the IATA (International Air Transport Association) Live Animals Regulations. Most pet stores and many kennels sell containers or they can be made to measure to the IATA specification.
How do I make a booking?
Accompanied Pets:
Call your local British Airways Passenger Reservations. We will advise you of costs, check-in times and if your pet can travel on the flight of your choice. You need to have the dimensions and weight of the container (container weight must include weight of your pet) in order to confirm availability of space.

For travel to these destinations, the Unaccompanied Pets Service must be used.
Unaccompanied Pets:
Call your local British Airways World Cargo Reservations Department (in the UK call 08457 222 777). They will check the flight availability and advise you of check in times. We need to have the dimensions and weight of the container (container weight must include weight of your pet) to enable us to give you a quotation.
Reservations for Unaccompanied Pets can be made within a maximum of 14 days and minimum of 3 days in advance of flight departure. Details of the person who will collect your pet at its final destination will be required, as they will need to be contacted before the booking is confirmed.
Most animals can be carried unaccompanied, but there are some exceptions and different rules apply for different countries. Your local British Airways World Cargo office can advise you.
For further information on the Unaccompanied Pets Service, and the location of your local British Airways World Cargo office, please see the air cargo web site.
http://www.baworldcargo.com/products/pets.shtml

Contact Info:
800 247-9297
http://www.britishairways.com/travel/pet/public/en_us

During periods of very hot or very cold weather the airline may require an ACCLIMATION CERTIFICATE. You can order this form online in our store.