What is the airline pet policy?
Planning to take your pet along while flying? You need to be aware of the pet policy your airlines follow. A Pet policy is a set of rules and regulations you need to comply with if you want your pet to travel with you. While some airlines allow small dogs or cats, others may allow bigger ones with a specific weight. Pets can travel in the cargo area or the cabin as part of your luggage allowance. You will be charged a separate fee to carry your pet along depending on the airlines you choose. Let’s know the Ethiopian Pet Policy.
Pet Policy followed by Ethiopian airlines
There are various ways in which your pet can travel if you have opted for Ethiopian airlines. The airlines offer three options for transporting your pet. The pets can travel along as carry-on baggage in the cabin, checked-in baggage in the aircraft hold, and as air cargo. The number of pets allowed is limited, and prior reservation has to be made.
Pet policy Highlights
Here are some of the major points you should note while taking your pet on Ethiopian Airlines.
- Only dogs and cats are allowed on Ethiopian airlines.
- All information regarding the size, weight, breed, etc. must be provided by the passenger.
- Pets can travel only in the containers specified by the airlines.
- The weight of the pet decides whether it can travel in a cabin, in the hold, or a cargo.
- Pets weighing up to 8 kgs can travel in the cabin along with the passenger. If the weight of the pet is between 17.2 – 70.4lb (8 – 32kg), it has to travel in an aircraft hold.
- The box in which the pet is traveling should be of the dimension 55X40X20cms.
- Two pets in Economy class and one in Business Class are allowed.
- Pets weighing more than 70.4lb/32kg have to travel in air cargo.
- Physically impaired passengers (blind or deaf) whose pets(only dogs) are meant to guide them are allowed to take their pets in the cabin with prior information. No fee is charged for such pets.
- Reservation for pets must be made 3 days in advance
Fee Charged for pets
- Pets in cabin- USD 150 / EUR 120 / GBP 110 (one-way)
- Pets transported as checked baggage-USD 370( one-way )
Conditions for transporting pets in the cabin or the hold
- The weight of the pet traveling in the cabin should be less than 8 kg. However, this condition does not apply to service dogs. They are allowed on board regardless of their weight. The service dogs must be equipped with muzzles and dog belts for security purposes.
- The box in which the dog is carried must be able to slip under the seat in Infront of the passenger carrying the pet and should be well ventilated.
- The box in which the pet is transported is additionally chargeable.
- The passenger must ensure that the pet in no case comes out of the box in which it is transported.
- Pets weighing more than 8 kgs must be transported through the hold.
- Vaccination of the pets must be up to date and proof regarding the same has to be submitted to the airlines along with a health certificate issued by a veterinarian.
- The bag in which your pet is traveling is considered additional chargeable baggage.
Conditions for transporting pets in a cargo
If your pet weighs more than 32 kg including pet carrier/container/crate then it must travel on Ethiopian airlines according to the pet policy.
The passengers must ensure that the following standards are met while traveling their pet through a cargo.
- The pet carrier must be large enough and comfortable for the pet.
- The cargo must meet the IATA standards
- The carrier must be properly ventilated yet prevent the pet from escaping.
- It should have a proper system for feeding and providing water for the pet.
- It should be properly labeled.
- The carrier should be made of sturdy material and leakproof.
Conditions applicable for Service animals
Service animals can travel in the cabin along with their owners on Ethiopian airlines. The passenger has to notify in advance to the airlines about such service animals and must comply with the rules and regulations. Dogs that are trained to guide the blind and deaf are termed service animals. The pets can travel free of charge with their owners. Documentation/identity cards should be provided as required by the airlines.
- A verbal/written assurance to prove that your dog can assist you with your disability
- Exit seats are not allotted due to security reasons
- In case you want a specific seat you need to request the airlines in advance,
- You should muzzle and harness your pet while taking it on the flight.
- The passenger should enquire in advance about all the formalities he needs to fulfill before taking the service animal on the flight.
Points to remember
- The reservation has to be made three days in advance if you plan to carry your pet along on the Ethiopian airlines.
- Compliance with the rules and regulations regarding the pet policy is a must to ensure hassle-free travel with your pet.
- Complete all the documentation required by the airlines.
- In case you need to cancel the reservation for your pet, it has to be done 24 hours before the departure.
Conclusion
Traveling with pets can be challenging both for the passenger and airlines. While the airlines must transport the pet safely without causing discomfort to other passengers, pet owners are also liable to follow the practices of pet policy. Ethiopian airlines offer an array of options for its travelers. If they follow the rules and regulations amicably their journey with pets can become easy and hassle-free.
