Pet Travel Blog
PET PASSPORTS
AIRLINE PET POLICIES
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DISCLAIMER:
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on
PetTravel.com reflect the current airline regulations. We cannot predict how a given
airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need
to deny boarding for your pet. We suggest that you minimize the
disruptions that may occur by carefully following the rules of the airline
you are using.
IN CABIN TRAVEL: FLY WITH A SMALL DOG OR CAT
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in >SAS Scandinavian Airline pet policy
to travel in-cabin**, you will need a compliant airline pet carrier.
You must notify SAS Scandinavian Airlines that you are flying with a dog or cat. Reservations cannot be made online.
**Pets inbound to the UK and Dubai must travel as manifested cargo.
Two cats or two dogs will be permitted in the same carrier if there is sufficient room and weight restrictions are met. Maximum weight of pet
and carrier is 8 kg/18 lbs. Maximum dimensions of carrier must not exceed 40 x 25 x 23 cm/16 x 10 x 9". Carriers must have a waterproof bottom, adequate
ventilation and be secure. (zippers, not snaps) Your dog or cat must fit entirely in the carrier and there should be room to stand up and turn around.
CHECKED BAGGAGE OR CARGO TRAVEL: FLY WITH A LARGER DOG OR
CAT OR OTHER ANIMAL
If your pet is too large to fit
under the seat, if it is an animal other than a dog or cat, or if it
is a very long flight, SAS Scandinavian Airlines may transport your pet in the cargo section of the aircraft according to its regulations.
This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
TIP: Be sure to tell the Captain of the aircraft that your pet is
flying in the cargo hold so that they can be sure to keep the temperature at the proper level. Find more tips
on airline pet travel in cargo.
With the exception of service animals, pets traveling in or out of
the UK or Ireland must do so as air cargo. Service animals may fly in
the cabin in or out of the UK with the exception of Aberdeen or
Manchester airports.
If your pet is traveling in the cargo section, whether through the cargo department or
as checked baggage, it must be in a
pet crate that is IATA compliant.
Learn more about IATA compliant
pet crates. We also suggest that you consider
crate hardware for your pet's crate
as more airlines are requiring it. Once you receive your crate, you will need to acclimate your dog or cat to it before traveling. Our guide for preparing
your pet and its crate for travel is helpful, especially for first time pet
travelers. Download Preparing Your Pet and Its Crate for Travel.
HEALTH CERTIFICATE
Many airlines require a health certificate
indicating that the pet is healthy enough for travel, is free of diseases communicable
to humans and has been properly vaccinated, especially when traveling in the
cargo section of the aircraft. A Health Certificate completed by your
veterinarian within 10 days of travel is required by SAS Scandinavian Airlines when your pet is
traveling as manifest cargo.
INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL
If you are traveling to another country, SAS Scandinavian Airlines will want to see
that you have the proper documents to enter that country with your
pet. Most countries have their own version of a Veterinary
Certificate. In addition, some countries require an Import Permit. Find
pet passport forms and instructions
in the Pet Travel Store.
HOT AND COLD WEATHER RESTRICTIONS
When runway temperatures are above 84F (29C) degrees at the departure
airport, SAS Scandinavian Airlines may refuse to board your pet as cargo
or checked baggage. When the weather is very
cold with a runway temperature below 45F (7C) degrees at the time of
departure, SAS Scandinavian Airlines may require what is called an
Acclimation Certificate. Learn more about the pet travel airline temperature restrictions.