Introduction
Airline companies, which are being used by more and more people in the globalizing world order, impose some limitations against people who have pets, as well as things such as baggage weight limit. Turkish Airlines also applies those kind of restrictions and adjustments. Sometimes while traveling from place to place, there are times when we can’t find someone to leave to look after our pet, or we may want to travel with our pet. In this case, the pet policy of the airline we will use is very significant for us. Turkish Airlines, which we will focus on, has various basic methods on this issue. Let us know ‘Turkish Airlines Pet Policy’.
Normally, the Turkish airlines does not allow any pet on a same plane. Anyone willing to take back a pet will not be allowed at the same plane. But, there could be some legal documents and permissions needed on special cases for the individual.
General Informations
Passengers traveling with their pets must first make a reservation at least 6 hours in advance. In addition, a maximum of 2 pet cages can travel with a passenger. Only one of these cages is allowed in the cabin and the other must be in the cargo compartment. In addition, both can travel in the cargo. There are also criteria for accepting pets in the cabin. Pets whose cage weight does not exceed 8 kilograms and whose sizes do not exceed 23 cm in height, 30 cm in width and 40 cm in length are allowed into the cabin.
Depending on your flight duration, the cages of pets traveling in the cargo hold must have a hard surface. Soft surfaces are not accepted. In addition, passengers should pay attention the feeding of pets. Namely, there should be things such as automatic drinkers and food attached to the cage. Pets are not involved in the baggage allowance. There is an extra charge for pets. Before you go to the check-in, you need to have your pet’s cage ready, such as name and surname, phone number, how many animals there are, and your pet’s name.
Also, you need to have some documents for your pet traveling with you. For example, you need to have a vaccination certificate containing vaccination information for dogs and a flight certificate for birds. Rabies vaccines should not be newer than 30 days and older than one year. The appearance of your pets is very noteworthy. They should be calm and clean looking. In addition, the health condition of the pet is very prominent for traveling. Animals that are not in good health are not allowed to travel.
Some Special Criteria and Limitations
Within the framework of Turkish Airlines policies and measures, although some pet policy are accepted and the passengers are tried to be facilitated, some species are not accepted for travel. Aggressive and endangered species such as American Pitbull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, American Staffordshire Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Pitbull Terrier, Dogo Argentino, Bull Terrier, Fila Brasileiro are not allowed within the scope of International Aviation rules.
Service Animals
Separate and special arrangements have been made under the umbrella of Turkish Airlines for service animals that are used to assist a person with a disability or for a special task. Only dogs are allowed as service animals throughout the flight. Seeing Eye Dog, Hearing Dog, Medical Alert Dog and Rescue Dog from service animals are authorized to the cabin free of charge. These dogs must be trained and certified. In addition, you must have your dog’s training certificate, vaccination paper, and identity card with you. Otherwise, your dog will not be accepted for the flight and will travel in the cargo compartment depending on availability. Moreover, if your dog is not in good health and is not well-groomed and clean, and if it is thought to interfere with the service, it is not be allowed to fly again and travel in the cargo compartment according to availability. In addition, the passenger will be responsible for any damage caused by the service dog.
Restrictions In The Context Of The Destination Country
Apart from general restrictions or permits, some countries apply different limitations. This issue affects the pet policy of Turkish Airlines. For example, in line with the decision of the United States Center for Disease Control and Prevention on rabies, as of July 14, 2021, the entry of dogs that have been in high-risk countries in the last six months to the United States has been temporarily restricted. Due to these and other differences, passengers should consider such criteria on flights to the United States of America.
Conclusion
For people who want to travel with their pets, Turkish Airlines has created different policies and regulations that determine the status of pets during the flight and the conditions on whether or not pets can be allowed.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I take my pet’s food in my cabin baggage?
You can keep only dry food of your pet and it can be kept in a bowl so that its smell does not disturb other passengers.
- Will I pay extra to transport my pet?
Yes, pets are not included in the baggage allowance and are paid extra.
