Do you travel often with your pets? Are you new to flying privately with a pet? Trilogy Aviation Group is here to go the extra mile with making your experience as seamless as possible.
Minimizing the everyday stressors of travel like security lines, baggage claims, and mass flight cancellations is undoubtedly one colossal driving factor when flyers choose private charter versus commercial airlines.
Keep reading to find out everything you should consider when booking travel with the comfort and safety of your pet in mind.
What Kind of Animals are Typically Allowed?
99.9% of the time, dogs and cats are permitted to fly in the main cabin with you. Other animals like reptiles, birds, aquatic pets, and smaller animals will be accepted case-by-case, depending on the FBO. It is essential to let your broker know about your animal passengers!
Pre-Flight Tips
- Pet health: It is never a bad idea to ensure your pet is in good health and has the approval of their doctor to fly. Especially if traveling internationally, schedule a vet appointment to make sure your pet meets all requirements. Every country’s policies vary, but vaccination records, blood tests, microchip identification, permits and health certificates, and pet passports may be required.
- Packing: Consider roughly how much your pet’s food and supplies weigh. If you want to be seated comfortably with adequate space for you and your passengers, verify your chosen aircraft’s luggage capacity and consult with your charter broker.
- Anticipating your pet’s needs: Think about your pet’s stressors, bathroom habits, favorite toys or comfort blankets, etc.… depending on flight duration, bring plenty of potty pads, dog bags, or diapers. It is always a good idea to overprepare when it comes to unexpected emergencies. Do your research on vet clinics in and near your final destination, so that you have a doctor to call in case you need the advice of a professional.
In-Flight Tips
- Be attentive: Make sure your pet is being attended to! It will make them much less nervous knowing their companion is checking up on them. You may or may not want to keep your pet on-leash or in-carrier depending on the dog’s comfort level.
Expert tip: Remember that animal ears adjust to the altitude just like ours. This may cause some discomfort, but giving them a small amount of water to drink will alleviate built-up pressure.
- Toys: Consider packing a mentally stimulating dog toy that will keep your pet focused on one thing instead of running throughout the cabin.
- Food/Water: Collapsible bowls are beneficial when conserving packing space. Don’t forget to measure out the correct amount of pet food to last the duration of the trip!
Post-Flight Tips
- Make sure you don't leave any personal pet items on the aircraft! (Including the pet itself)
- Take notes! Traveling with your pet might be a lot of trial and error. Learn what works best for your pet and what you need to pack versus what can stay at home to avoid unnecessary extra luggage weight. Depending on flight time, you may also learn that adjusting their in-flight food/water intake may make cleanup and bathroom usage more manageable.
