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 Saudia? How much does it cost to fly a dog or cat on Saudia? What documents will I need? What are the carrier or crate requirements for Saudia? All your answers related to Saudia 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 Saudia based?
Saudia [IATA:] is based out of King Abdulaziz International Airport in Jeddah and the King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh. Most layovers within Saudia’s network will occur in this airport.
What countries does Saudia fly to?
Saudia offers service to pets to the following countries: Austria, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Canada, China, Egypt, Ethiopia, Georgia, Germany, Greece, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Lebanon, Maldives, Malaysia, Mauritius, Morocco, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, South Africa, Spain, Sri Lanka, Sudan, Switzerland, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, Turkey, Uganda, United Arab Emirates, United States and Vietnam.
*Regulations for dogs flying to the United States have changed. Find new regulations to import a dog to the United States here.
Saudia Pet Policy – In Cabin
If your dog or cat meets the requirements listed in Saudia’s pet policy to fly in the 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 flown by Saudia in the cabin
Cats and small birds (with permits) can fly with Saudia in the cabin. Hooded falcons can fly in the cabin with their handler and must be accompanied by appropriate permits. Dogs are flown as checked baggage in the cargo hold. Pets must be clean, healthy, harmless and mannerly.
Reservations
Pet owners must contact the airline in advance to provide notice that they are flying with a pet by contacting the Saudia Sales Office in the origination city.
Weight requirements
The maximum weight of your cat including its carrier is 11 lbs. (5 kg).
Pet carrier requirements
Your pet’s carrier must:
- Have adequate ventilation on at least 3 sides (domestic) 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)
One pet per passenger is permitted per carrier. The maximum dimensions for pet carriers flown in the cabin are 21″L x 13″W x 16″H (52.5L x 32.5W x 40H cm). 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
Route or aircraft restrictions
Pets cannot fly to Bahrain in the cabin due to their pet import requirements. Pets must arrive as air cargo.
Forms required
Falcons will require a current health certificate from a licensed veterinarian and written approval from the National Commission for wildlife Conservation and Development in Saudi Arabia. No other birds will be imported to Saudi Arabia without permission from the Ministry of Agriculture. All other pets must have a current health certificate, proof of current rabies vaccination and all permits, licenses, tests, treatments and other documentation required by their destination country.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported. Upon arrival, health certificates, import permits, and other papers may be required by local authorities depending upon the route on which your pet is traveling.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries including Saudi Arabia
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its carrier at least 30 minutes before normal check in times. Pet owners cannot check their pets in online.
Related: How to clear airport security with a pet
Pet fee
The cost to fly a pet in the cabin on Saudia fis $100 USD.
Service dog pet policy
All service dogs may fly in the cargo hold at no charge. They must be trained by an organization that specializes in service dog training to provide specific tasks for a person for blind and deaf passengers only. Notice must be provided to the airline at least 48 hours prior to departure.
Service dogs must be suitably crated (see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS below). They must be clean, mannerly and not show any signs of aggression toward other passengers or the flight crew.
If flights involve the United States, Department of Transportation form and a Relief Attestation Form 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.
All service dogs are subject to the same requirements as regular dogs when traveling internationally.
Saudia Pet Policy – 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 Saudia 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 Saudia as checked baggage
Dogs, cats and birds can fly on Saudia as checked baggage.
Reservations
Reservations must be made by contacting the Saudia Sales Office in the origination city or calling +966 920022222.
Pet crate requirements
All crates must conform to regulations imposed by the International Air Transport Association (IATA). For more information, see PET CRATE REQUIREMENTS below.
Route or aircraft restrictions
No pets can travel on the following aircraft as the hold does not provide the proper temperature controls: AB300, MD90, B737. All pets must enter Bahrain as air cargo.
Forms Required
All pets must have a current health certificate, proof of current rabies vaccination and all permits, licenses, tests, treatments and other documentation required by their destination country.
The passenger assumes full responsibility and expense for complying with applicable laws, customs and/or other governmental regulations, requirements, or restrictions of the country, state or territory to and from which your pet is being transported.
Related: Regulations and forms required to import a pet to over 220 countries including Saudi Arabia
Check in
Your pet should be presented at the departure airport ticket counter in its crate at least 30 minutes before normal check in times. Pet owners cannot check their pets in online.
Pet Fee
The cost to fly a pet as checked baggage on Saudia is $300 USD.
Saudia Pet Policy – 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 Saudia as air cargo
Dogs, cats, birds, livestock and other animals.
Reservations
Pet owners can book transport through the Customer Service Center. The CCC working hours is 8am – 11 pm Saudi local time (+3 GMT) 7 days a week. Contact the CCC on +966 92000 3111.
Saudia 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. Saudia requires either metal or plastic nuts and bolts threaded with metal inserts to secure both halves of the crate.
All crates must be labeled with LIVE ANIMAL stickers and a Shipping Declaration that includes feeding and watering instructions.
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 your 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 Saudia
Snub-nosed animals will need to fly in crates one size larger than normally required.
Related: Risks for snub-nosed pets flying in the cargo hold
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
The information published here is a guideline for Saudia pet policy. For more pet friendly 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
More information on airline pet travel
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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 Saudia pet policy.
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