Transporting Animals by Air – Requirements, Documents, and Guidelines

Traveling by plane with a pet can be stressful, but proper preparation by both the owner and the pet can pave the way for a wonderful vacation in the company of your four-legged friend. In today’s article, we discuss the requirements your pet must meet to pass check-in, which carrier to choose, and how to minimize your pet’s stress during the trip.

In the cabin or in the cargo hold? Selection criteria

Low-cost airlines often only allow guide dogs for the blind. For other carriers, the rules are often similar, though they may vary, for example, depending on the amount of space under the seats.

How big can an animal be to travel in the cabin?

If an airline allows pets to travel in the passenger cabin, the weight limit is almost always 8 kg. As for the dimensions of the carrier, these usually depend on the type of aircraft you are traveling on. The most restrictive dimensions among those collected from several of the most popular airlines are as follows:

• maximum height: 20 cm
• maximum width: 30 cm
• Maximum length: 40 cm

What kind of pet carrier should you choose?

The carrier must comply with IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations. It must allow the animal to turn around, stand up, and lie down freely. Carriers also require that the animal have enough space inside to stand, turn around, and lie down. The animal must also remain in the carrier or special bag for the entire flight, completely concealed, with no paws or head protruding.

When does a pet have to travel in the cargo hold?

If an animal, together with its carrier, exceeds the weight limit and is not serving as a guide dog for a blind person, it will automatically be placed in the cargo hold. There are also situations in which even a small animal will not be allowed in the cabin.

Airlines often set limits on the number of animals allowed on board, so to ensure your pet fits within these limits, notify the airline well in advance of your pet’s planned travel.

For flights to certain countries, such as the United Kingdom, animals are transported exclusively in a separate, air-conditioned and heated cargo hold, regardless of their size. The animal must also be transported in a sturdy, certified carrier.

What documents are required to fly with a pet?

Traveling abroad requires the collection of veterinary documentation confirming the animal’s identity and health status in accordance with Regulation (EU) No 576/2013 of the European Parliament and of the Council.

Requirements within the European Union

The basic requirement for traveling by plane with a pet within the EU is that the pet must be microchipped. The microchip must be implanted before the rabies vaccination so that it can be considered valid during verification at the airport.

Every pet must also have a valid pet passport. This document is issued by a licensed veterinarian. It includes the owner’s information and a description of the pet’s physical characteristics, as well as the microchip number.

Some airlines specify that the animal must be at least 3 months old and, regardless of age, must have a valid rabies vaccination. If the animal was vaccinated recently, the waiting period is 21 days prior to the scheduled departure date.

Flights outside the EU and restricted destinations

For transoceanic travel or travel to third countries, additional restrictions apply in addition to the requirements described above.

United Kingdom: According to UK government guidelines (DEFRA), animals may only be brought into the UK in a special cargo hold and a certified rigid crate, which involves higher costs and a separate check-in procedure. An Animal Health Certificate (AHC)—a document issued by a licensed veterinarian prior to travel—is also often required.

USA: The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) requires that, effective August 1, 2024, you complete the CDC Dog Import Form and provide a vaccination certificate that meets the new, stricter requirements (especially for dogs from high-risk countries).

Find out where to take your pet on a trip in the article: Weekend flights from Krakow – where to go? 12 destinations for a city break with a direct flight

When should I book pet transport, and how do I reserve the service?

Transporting a pet is not a guaranteed service and requires confirmation from the carrier on a case-by-case basis due to capacity limits (typically 2–3 pets per cabin).

You must check whether space is available for your pet before purchasing a ticket or no later than 12 hours before departure. For flights to the U.S., this deadline is stricter and must be met at least 48 hours in advance; this is also the deadline for submitting the required documentation for your pet.

In addition, some airlines, such as Lufthansa and Air France, recommend booking at least several weeks in advance, especially during the holiday season.

How do you prepare a pet for air travel?

On the day of departure, the owner and the animal must arrive at the check-in counter at least 3 hours before the scheduled departure time for verification of documents and the weight of the carrier.

It’s also a good idea to start preparing your pet for the trip a few weeks in advance. It is recommended to introduce the carrier into the home environment by placing it in a visible and accessible spot 14 days before the flight, so that the pet views it as a safe haven rather than a threat. You can also help the pet get used to it by encouraging it to go inside while playing and placing its favorite toys inside.

On the day of departure, your pet’s last light meal should be served no later than 4 hours before takeoff. Water may be given in small amounts until check-in. Many airports also have special areas where your pet can relieve itself just before departure.

If your pet has trouble traveling, there are many sedatives available on the market. You must consult your veterinarian before using them, and many airlines advise against heavy sedation due to changes in cabin pressure and the risk of circulatory problems.

If you're planning a weekend trip from Kraków-Balice Airport, check out Flydrive's offer and book parking. From our parking lot, you and your pet can get to the airport via a free shuttle.