When transporting a pet by a commercial airline, it is extremely important to understand their pet policy. These policies vary between airlines. Some allow small pets to fly in the cabin and others don’t. It is important to know the answers to all your questions before making your decision to fly your pet on any commercial airline. Can my pet fly in the cabin on air transat? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Air transat? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Air transat? All your answers related to Air transat pet policy are answered below.
Note: It is important to mention that the pet policy of the airline that operates your pet’s route will preside over the policy of the airline that owns the route. This is important to note because if the operating airline changes during your trip, then you will likely need to claim and recheck your pet on the next airline. This will cause you to clear customs and enter the layover country. You will need time and extra documentation to accommodate this process during the layover unless flying domestically.
Classes of service offered to pets by commercial airlines
- In-Cabin: Pets traveling in the cabin must fly with an adult passenger and travel in an airline compliant
carrier stowed under the seat. - Checked Baggage: Pets traveling with a passenger that are not permitted in the cabin due to size or breed can be transported as checked baggage in the cargo hold.
- Air Cargo: Unaccompanied, very large pets or pets flying to countries that require that pets enter under air cargo will travel as manifest cargo in the hold.
Can my pet fly with me in the cabin? Yes (Certain Flights)
Can my pet fly with me as checked baggage? Yes
Can my pet fly as manifest cargo? Yes
Where is Air transat based?
Air transat [IATA:TS] is based out of Montréal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport in Montreal, Canada. Most layovers within Air transat’s network will occur in this airport.
What countries does Air transat fly to?
Air transat offers service to pets to the following countries: Belgium, Canada, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, El Salvador, France, Greece, Guadeloupe, Haiti, Ireland, Italy, Martinique, Mexico, Morocco, Netherlands, Panama, Peru, Portugal, Puerto Rico, Spain, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.
Air transat Pet Policies – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Air transat’s pet policy to travel in-cabin, it will need an airline-compliant pet carrier unless you are flying with a service dog who is trained to assist you in a task required to address a physical or medical disability.
Pets allowed flown by Air transat in the cabin
Small dogs and cats accompanied by a passenger who is at least 16 years old. No pets are allowed in Club Class. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly.
Reservations
Reservations should be made at least 72 hours prior to departure. There is a limited number of pets allowed per flight, so pet owners are encouraged to reserve early.
Age/Weight requirements
Pets must be a minimum of 12 weeks of age and fully weaned. Age requirements may vary depending on requirements of the destination country. Maximum weight of pet including its carrier is 22 lbs. (10 kg) (Air transat flights) and 17 lbs. (8 kg) (Smartlynx Airlines flights).
If any passenger divulges an allergy to either a cat or dog, seats at least 5 rows between them and any pet in the cabin will be assigned.
Pet carrier requirements
Maximum carrier measurements are 17″L x 10″W x 9.5″H (43.2 x 25.5 x 24.1 cm). No hard sided carriers are permitted. One carrier per passenger is allowed.
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least 3 sides (domestic US) or 4 sides (international)
- Be large enough for your pet to stand up and turn around comfortably
- Be able to accommodate your entire pet. No part of your pet can extend out of the carrier
- Be able to fit under the seat in front of you
- Have a waterproof bottom and absorbent pet pad
- Have secure fasteners (heavy duty zippers are recommended)
Exit row or bulkhead seats cannot be reserved when flying with a pet. Pets must remain in carriers for the duration of the flight.
Related: Selecting a pet carrier that is airline compliant
Forms required
Pet owners will need proof of current rabies vaccination and a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. All required treatments, tests, permits and other documentation required by the destination country must be available at check in on international flights.
Route restrictions
Dogs and cats are only permitted on flights to or from the Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba, Peru, Morocco and Haiti when booked as round trip through the Air transat service center.
Check in
Pets should be checked in at the airport ticket counter a minimum of 90 minutes prior to departure.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Cost
Prepaid
- Domestic: $50
- United States: $50
- European Union/Africa: $100
Paid at airport
- Domestic: $75
- United States: $75
- European Union/Africa: $115
Service dog pet policies
All service dogs may fly in the cabin at no charge. Disabled passengers must provide documentation that their dog is trained by a person or organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person with a disability.
Service dogs must be suitably marked, harnessed and leashed. They must fit in the space provided at their passenger’s feet without intruding on cabin operations or other passengers. They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
Passengers must submit a request for transport for an assistance dog. This form will include the breed and physical characteristics of your dog for seat assignment and any other needs you may have. If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation forms must be completed and submitted at least 48 hours prior to departure. All required documentation required for the destination country must be provided at check in.
Passengers with a mental or cognitive disability can request the carriage of an emotional support dog. The dog must have been trained to behave in public settings and take direction, be at least 6 months old, less than 12 lbs. (12 kg), and be able to manage without access to relief facilities for extended periods of time. A behavioral assessment will be done at check in.
The dog must be preapproved. Air transat will require that passengers transporting an emotional support animal complete a form at least 48 hours prior to departure. A licensed veterinarian must attest that the passenger suffers from a disorder listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental disord ers.
Note that dogs designated as banned will not be transported as service or emotional support dogs. See BREEDS BANNED BY AIR TRANSAT for these breeds.
Air transat Pet Policies – Checked Baggage
If the size of your pet is too large to fit in an airline-compliant pet carrier, or it is a pet other than a cat or dog, it will be transported as checked baggage on Air transat if it is flying with an adult passenger. This section of the cargo department has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin.
Live animals are checked in by reservation employees and are checked in at the airport terminal. The airline will move your pet between aircraft in their fleet during layovers if the layover is not over about 3 hours in length.
Pets flown by Air transat as checked baggage
Dogs and cats only are flown as checked baggage. No aggressive behavior must be displayed. Pets must be delivered clean.
Reservations
Reservations should be made at least 72 hours prior to departure. There is a limited number of pets allowed per flight, so pet owners are encouraged to reserve early.
Age/Weight requirements
Pets must be a minimum of 12 weeks of age and fully weaned. Age requirements may vary depending on requirements of the destination country. Maximum weight of pet including its carrier is 99 lbs. (45 kg).
Pet crate requirements
Crates must be premanufactured with two halves (top and bottom) that fasten together with metal hardware. Maximum size of crate is 48″L x 32″W x 35″H (122 x 81.3 x 89 cm). One pet is allowed per crate and one crate per passenger.
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route or aircraft restrictions
Dogs and cats are only permitted on flights to or from the Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba, Peru, Morocco and Haiti when booked as round trip through the Air transat service center.
Forms Required
Pet owners will need proof of current rabies vaccination and a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. All required treatments, tests, permits and other documentation required by the destination country must be available at check in on international flights.
Check in
Pet owners must present their pet in its crate a minimum of 90 minutes prior to departure.
Cost
Prepaid
- Domestic: $100
- United States: $150
- European Union/Africa: $275
Paid at airport
- Domestic: $115
- United States: $175
- European Union/Africa: $300
Air transat Pet Policies – Air Cargo
All live animals flying as air cargo travel under an airline manifest or air waybill and are tracked throughout the entire flight. The airlines are responsible for caring for your pet during layovers as well. Unlike checked baggage, pets are generally checked in and claimed at the airline’s cargo facility. This facility is located on airport grounds; however, not the terminal. Many airlines require that an agent books the transport. If you need a licensed agent to arrange your pet’s transport, send us an email at info@pettraveltransport.com.
Pets flown by Air transat as air cargo
Dogs and cats who are traveling unaccompanied or whose weight including its crate exceeds 99 lbs (45 kg) as air cargo. This portion of the cargo hold is pressurized, and temperature controlled.
Reservations
A minimum of 72 hours in advance, reservations must be made for your pet by contacting Air Transat Cargo. There are a limited number of pets accepted per flight. Air Transat has a nifty tool for pet owners to see if there is room for their pet on their specific flight. See if there is room for your pet on your flight.
Age requirements
Minimum age for transport is 12 weeks.
Pet crate requirements
Air transat will transport your pet as air cargo if the weight of your pet and its crate exceeds 45 kg. All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For further details, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS.
Route or aircraft restrictions
From the Dominican Republic, Colombia, El Salvador, Cuba, Peru, Morocco and Haiti: Cats and dogs can only fly on these routes when booked round trip through the Air transat service center.
Forms Required
Pet owners will need proof of current rabies vaccination and a health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel. All required treatments, tests, permits and other documentation required by the destination country must be available at check in on international flights.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries
Check in
Your pet will be checked in at the Air transat cargo facility which is located on airport grounds; however, with few exceptions, not at the airport terminal.
Cost
The cost of transport will depend on the itinerary, the weight of your pet and its crate and the size of the crate.
Air transat Pet Crate Requirements
All pet crates must conform to regulations set by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). The container must be large enough for your pet(s) to stand, turn around, and lie down. The crate must be made of fiberglass, metal, rigid plastics, weld metal mesh, solid wood or plywood.
The crate door must have a secure, spring-loaded, all-around locking system with the pins extending beyond the horizontal extrusions above and below the door. The floor must be waterproof. The crate must not have wheels attached when checking your pet. Metal hardware should be used to fasten the top and bottom halves of your pet crate together. Air transat requires either metal or plastic threaded nuts and bolts to secure both halves of the crate.
Related: Is your pet’s crate IATA-compliant?
All pets should be acclimated to their crates prior to travel. This may take weeks or even months to accomplish; however it is the best thing you can do for pet before flying.
Related: Acclimating your pet to its crate or carrier
Temperature Restrictions – Checked Baggage and Air Cargo
When temperatures rise above or drop under certain levels, commercial airlines will prohibit the transport of live animals in the cargo hold. These restrictions are implemented for the safety of your pet. It is important to note that the risk from high or low temperatures is not when your pet is airborne. The risks come during preflight holding, loading on the tarmac and taxiing to the take-off runway.
Pets will not be accepted as checked baggage or air cargo when actual or forecasted temperatures are above 85°F (29.4°C) or below 45°F (7.2°C) at any airport on the itinerary. Pets may be accepted at temperatures below 45°F with an acclimation certificate, however, no pet will be transported at temperatures lower than 20°F (-6.6°C).
Note that the temperature restrictions for summer travel are lower for brachycephalic (snub-nosed) pets.
Cold-blooded animals are exempt from these restrictions.
Related: Why temperatures matter for pets flying in the cargo hold
Breeds Banned by Air transat
The following dog breeds classified as dangerous will not be transported: Mastiffs: All breeds including; Argentine (Dogo Argentino), Bandog (Bandogge/band dog), South African (Boerboel), Brazilian (Fila Brasileiro), Italian (Cane Corso, Neapolitan), Canary Mastiff (Presa Canario), Japanese Mastiff (Tosa Inu), Pit Bulls: all breeds, including American Bully, American Pit Bull Terrier, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Akita, Caucasian Ovcharka (Caucasian Shepherd Dog), Karabash Dog (Kangal/Anatolian Shepherd Dog), Rottweiler, Wolf-dog hybrids and Doberman Pinscher
Nore that Bull Mastiffs and French Mastiffs (Dogue de Bordeaux) are exempt from the above restriction and will be accepted for transport.
Brachycephalic (snub-nosed) dogs and cats will be accepted for transport; however, pet owners must sign a release of liability, the pet must be transported in a kennel one size larger than would normally be required and there must be ventilation openings on the four sides of the carrier.
The following is a list of dogs considered snub-nosed: Affenpinscher, Boston Terrier, Boxer, Brussels Griffon, Bulldog (all breeds), Chihuahua, Chow Chow, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, Lhasa Apso, Pekingese, Pug (all breeds), Shar-Pei, Shih Tzu, Teddy Bear Dog (incl. Shichon or Zuchon), Tibetan Spaniel and Mastiffs (many breeds).
The following is a list of cats considered snub-nosed: British Short Hair, Burmese, Exotic Short Hair, Himalayan, Persian and Scottish Fold.
Private Jet Charter
Another option for pet owners who do not want their pet to fly in the cargo hold is a pet-friendly private jet charter. Your pet can fly in your lap, at your feet or beside you comfortably without being confined. We can arrange flights from anywhere in the world to anywhere you need to go on your time schedule, without the crowds or commotion of a commercial airport.
Other Information
Sedation is only recommended under the advice of a licensed veterinarian.
The information published here is a guideline for Air transat airline pet policies. For more airline pet policies, click the banner below.
Further Reading
How to keep your pet safe when flying in the cargo hold
Tips for airline pet travel
Requirements for a pet transiting a country by air
When do you need a pet transporter?
Routing your pet’s flight
Flying with a snub-nosed breed
More information on airline pet travel
Have a comment or question about flying with Air transat? Post it below and we will respond. You can also reach out by posting to our Blog, Forum, X (Twitter), Facebook, or Email or follow our activities on Instagram and TikTok.
To the best of our ability, we ensure that recommendations given on PetTravel.com reflect the current regulations. We cannot predict how a given airline may enforce these regulations. Noncompliance may result in the need to deny your pet boarding privileges at the time of check in. We suggest that you minimize the disruptions that may occur by following Air transat pet policy.
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