Etihad Airways now allows passengers to bring their cat or dog into the cabin for a fee. Whippee! Pets will be charged an extra fee based on the passenger’s cabin baggage allowance. At the time of check-in, owners will be required to produce veterinarian and governmental documents for their animals.
Travelling six hours or less in economy costs $150 (Dh550) per pet, per flight. For flights of more than six hours, the cost is $250 (Dh920). The total pricing per flight will apply if you are transiting. This is a new policy that began in January of this year. Since September 30, 2021, Etihad has allowed trained service animals and pet cats and dogs on board. All flights to, from, and via the UAE allow guests to bring their small pets in the cabin. Assuming that all travel requirements are met. Per flight, one adult can bring one pet. If two visitors are travelling together, this can be raised to two pets. As long as the pets are from the same family.
Bookings must be made at least 72 hours in advance of travel using an online booking form. Declaring information such as the microchip number of the pet. A verified health certificate as well as a certificate of fitness to travel are required. The pet’s total weight, including the travel bag or kennel, cannot exceed 8 kilogrammes. It is also the passenger’s responsibility to examine all entry and exit restrictions for the nation to which they are flying. If a person with an allergy and a pet both request to fly on the same flight, the request of the person who made the reservation first will be honoured.
How Will Your Pet Travel?
1. In economy, the pet will be transported in its carrier beneath the passenger seat. Alternatively, the owner/guardian might purchase an adjacent seat for the carrier to sit in next to them.
2. If you have purchased an adjacent seat, the pet travel bag or kennel must not exceed 40 x 40 x 22 centimetres (L x W x H) to fit beneath the seat or 50 x 43 x 50cm (L x W x H).
3. If the passenger is travelling in business or first class, they can purchase an adjacent seat for their pet to sit in. The maximum size of the pet travel bag or carrier is 50 x 43 x 50cm (L x W x H).
4. During the flight, the pet must remain in the travel bag or kennel.
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Criteria For Travel
1. The cat or dog must be at least 16 weeks old and weigh less than 8 kilogrammes, including the carrier.
2. The animal must be able to sit and stand naturally with its head fully upright (without touching the roof). They must also be able to lie down and turn around.
3. At least three surfaces of the pet travel bag or kennel must be ventilated. And it has to be leak-proof and escape-proof.
4. The bag or kennel’s floor must be made of absorbent material.
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How Much Does It Cost?
For flights of six hours or less, it costs $150 (Dh550) per pet each flight, and for flights of more than six hours, it costs $250 (Dh920) per pet every flight. The combined pricing for each flight will apply if you are transiting. If you want to purchase a seat next to you, you must do so ahead of time.
Business: You must reserve a spot for your pet in advance. On flights operated by Etihad partner airlines, pets are not permitted.
At least 72 hours before your flight, you must submit a booking form, which may be found on the Etihad Airways website.
Checklist For Animals Travelling In The Cabin
You must ensure the following before travelling with an animal in the cabin:
1. You’ve double-checked all entry and exit requirements for the nations to which you’ll be flying.
2. All veterinary examinations or treatments that are required have been done.
3. Bring any medication for your pet that may be needed during the voyage.
4. Have all of the necessary government documentation for your pet to travel.
5. You’ve submitted a pet travel registration form and gotten confirmation of pet acceptance.
6. You have a leash and a harness or collar that is appropriate for your dog.
7. In your cabin luggage, you have dry pet food in a sealed container.
Information Required For Booking Form
1. Specify if the animal is a pet or a service animal.
2. An animal’s name, breed, and date of birth
3. Microchip identification number
4. A medical certificate (signed by authorised vet)
5. A certificate stating that you are fit to travel (from a local vet within 10 days of travel)
6. A certificate of vaccination (completed in full)
7. Vaccination against rabies (EU 21 days, other countries 30 days)