We travel several times a year to Europe (from Montreal, Canada) with our little sausage dog. This means that we know a lot about airline policies regarding dogs. We checked out British Airways but finally opted to fly with Swiss again. Here’s what we learned regarding British Airways’ dog policies.
Does British Airways Accept Dogs?
Yes but there are many different cases and conditions apply. You are allowed to fly with your dog:
- if you fly with Sun-Air.
- If you fly with your service dog, you must have official proof that qualifies it as a service dog. British Airways does not charge you for your pet, but you must contact them directly to book, as only a limited number of pets are allowed in the cabin on any one flight. Please call the airline before making any reservations.
WITH BRITISH AIRWAYS, SERVICE DOGS ARE ACCEPTED IN THE CABIN FREE OF CHARGE.
For Sun-Air, the airline imposes these limitations:
- the dog cannot weigh more than 6 kg.
- it must travel in a bag or cage no larger than 20 x 30 x 20 cm and must be watertight and sturdy
- his papers must be in order (check the requirements of the country of destination for this)
- only one animal is allowed per flight
- it is not possible to take your dog in the cabin on flights to the UK.
British Airways advises you to contact Sun-Air directly, at least 72 hours before your departure.
Unfortunately, the company does not provide any details about the cost of bringing your pet in the cabin.
Flying with your dog in the hold with British Airways
You will have to use the services of PetAir UK if you are flying from the UK, they are a company that specializes in transporting animals. However, if you are travelling to the UK, you will have to use IAG Cargo.
TO BRING YOUR DOG IN THE HOLD, BRITISH AIRWAYS COMPELS YOU TO USE ONE OF ITS CONTRACTORS / SERVICES – PETAIR UK OR IAG CARGO.
For PetAir UK, you must first request a service offer. The company will then assist you with all the necessary steps, including booking flights, preparing the necessary paperwork and the cage in which your pet will fly. By doing so, you leave everything in the hands of a specialist in the field – PetAir UK even indicates that they use pheromones specific to your dog’s breed in the crate that will be used as a shelter for the flight, in order to calm him down. But no indication is given as to the cost of such services, and it is likely to be quite expensive.
As far as IAG Cargo is concerned, there are several rules for using their services:
- you must sign an agreement which states that you will pay all fees that will be charged if your animal does not pass the arrival checks and is quarantined.
- your dog must meet the conditions imposed by the United Kingdom for the entry of animals into its territory.
- if your dog has a snub nose, the crate in which it must travel must be at least 10% of the area of the regulated minimum
- the cage must be solid, watertight, well ventilated (in its four corners)
- it must be at least 68 cm x 50 cm (width) x 48 cm (height).
- its door must be well secured and must not be able to be opened by the animal
- the holes for airing the crate should not be so large that your dog can get his nose or nose and nose pad through them.
