Pet Travel Airline Rules: Finnair

Finnair accepts for carriage in the cabin pets such as small cats and dogs, as well as rodents such as guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits. Pets exceeding the 8 kg weight limit shall be transported as baggage in the hold. Other pets such as birds, snakes, lizards and insects are not accepted as baggage but must be sent as cargo.
If you intend to take a pet along with you on the flight, you must always declare this when you make your reservation, so that we can confirm that there is still space available in the animal quota. The transport of pets in the cabin depends also on the flight destination. To some countries, such as the UK, Ireland, Hong Kong and Australia, we do not carry pets in the cabin or the hold due to the regulations of the countries in question. Pets can only be carried to these countries as cargo.
Puppies should, for example, be weaned and able to eat on their own to be accepted for transportation. For country-specific regulations, e.g. regarding minimum age of puppies, and required documents, please contact national authorities.
Passengers allergic to animals
Finnair takes into consideration passengers with special needs, for instance, passengers who are allergic to animals. Please mention if you are allergic to animals, to make sure you are seated as far as possible from any possible cat or dog travelling on the same flight, or so we can recommend another flight. The air conditioning onboard the aircraft is, however, very effective, and there is a very small risk of being exposed to animal allergens.
Pet passport
From July 3, 2004, all dogs, cats and ferrets travelling on the same flight with the owner within the EU, must be identifiable by a microchip or a clearly readable tattoo. In addition the animals are to be accompanied by a pet passport. The  passport should include certification of anti-rabies vaccinations, as well as other information concerning the health status of the animal.
Animal unit
Pets belonging to the same litter or which are familiar with each other, and which are indicated in the same reservation, are treated as one animal unit. Several animals of similar size can be carried in the same transportation box under the terms and conditions mentioned below.
The transportation box of a pet carried in the hold
It is recommended that the following matters be taken into account when choosing a transportation box for a pet animal:
The pet will be in the transportation box during the entire flight and that’s why international standards, applying to all airlines, have been prescribed for its travelling comfort.
The box must be so big that that the animal can stand up straight, turn and lie naturally. The box must be sufficiently strong to ensure that it is safe and will protect the animal during the flight. In addition, the box must have air holes on all four sides to ensure a sufficient air supply during the flight.
The door of the box must be locked, to ensure that it does not open by accident and that the animal itself cannot open it during the flight.
The pet’s muzzle or paws must not protrude from the box’s air holes, to ensure the animal does not injure itself. The water and food containers within the box must be reachable from outside of the box. Boxes made of chipboard or chicken wire are not acceptable for air transportation.
Preparing the pet for transportation
The pet should be familiarized with the transportation box in good time, at the latest several days, before the flight. It is a good idea to place in the box a blanket with a familiar smell. It is recommended to feed the pet lightly, because most pets are house-trained and do not want to soil their own bedding. If the duration of transportation is more than 12 hours, a water container must also be included in the box. Water containers must not be filled too much, in order to avoid spillage. The amount of water will be checked by the airline at intermediate landing places.
Pets are generally good travellers and do not need to be pacified with medication. If such medication is necessary, however, it must be agreed with a vet and exact details of the medication and contact information must be clearly marked on the transportation box. Puppies must be at least ten weeks old (in some countries 12 weeks) and weaned; they must also be able to eat for themselves in order for them to be accepted for transportation.
The special permission of the airline is always required for the transportation of pets in the cabin or hold. The International Air Transport Association IATA has laid down precise conditions (Live Animal Regulations) by which the air transport of animals can be approved, and these regulations are adhered to by Finnair. Most pet shops and kennels sell boxes that conform with the IATA’s conditions for the transport of animals.
Pets in the hold
In addition to the above, a pet that weighs over 40 kg/88 lb., must be transported in a strong wooden transportation box. At most three puppies less than six months of age can be transported in the same box, if each of the puppies weighs less than 14 kg/30 lb. Only two animals over six months of age can be in the same box and they can each weigh no more than 14 kg/30 lb. Finnair’s Cargo Department in Helsinki sells boxes that have been approved for air transportation. Enquiries: Finnair Contact Center in Finland 0600 140 140 or Cargo Department +358 9 818 5440.
Pets in the cabin
Small pets such as dogs, cats and pet rodents (i.e. guinea pigs, hamsters and rabbits) can be carried in the cabin on flights. The total weight of the pet and the transportation bag or box must not exceed 8 kg/17 lb. The bag must not leak at the base. One passenger can only have one transportation box or bag, because it must fit under the seat in front of the passenger during take-off and landing. A soft bag is easer to fit under the seat than a hard box. The whole animal must remain in the box/bag throughout the entire journey. The maximum dimensions for the transportation box are the same as for hand baggage (55 + 40 + 20 cm/22 + 16 + 8 in.), but the height must not exceed 25 cm/10 in. When coming from the UK, only a pet in a hard, strong transportation box can be accepted into the cabin. The airline has the right to refuse transportation if the transportation bag, box or cage is too big for transportation in the cabin or if the animal is too big for the box or bag. The animal may also be moved the hold if the above mentioned dimensions are exceeded.
A fee is always charged for the transportation of pets, except for guide dogs, and a pet cannot be included in the free baggage. In Finland the fee is 27 euros (incl. VAT) for a one-way flight for each animal transportation box, regardless of whether the animal is carried in the hold or in the cabin.

Contact information:
Reservations: 800 950-5000
Cargo: 718 656-1633