When pets are like your family members, they can also become a part of your next holiday trip. With several travel options, Aer Lingus can help you carry your loving friend securely and safely to the desired destination. However, you will need to read, understand, and follow the rules mentioned in Aer Lingus’ pet policy.
Entry Rules for Animals
Depending on the country you are planning to travel to with your pet, there will be a set of rules that you will need to follow.
Ireland and European Union (EU):
All pets entering Ireland or the EU must abide by the travel policy and regulations. To enter Ireland from a non-EU nation i.e. the United Kingdom (UK) with your pet, you will need to inform the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.
For the United Kingdom:
Ensure that your pet is in good health and has all the relevant documents for flying.
For United States of America:
Kindly refer to the detailed entry rules set by the EU to understand which animals/birds are approved or banned.
How to Book a Space to Travel with Your Pet?
You will need to ship your pet through Aer Lingus cargo services. To book a spot for your loving friend, you can dial 1 (888) 578-4806. Since this number is available within specific working hours only (9.00 A.M. to 5.00 P.M. and from Monday to Friday), you should check the time and day before dialing.
All the information asked during the process should be correct. Flying with incorrect details may cause hassles in the entry process. Do not forget to check the rules and policy of Aer Lingus to change names on flights in case you want to modify your booking.
Acceptance Criteria for Cargo
Following the Aer Lingus Airlines pet policy, there are a few instances when the airline will not accept your animal. These include the following:
- Snub-nosed and other dangerous breeds of dogs and cats will not be accepted.
- The minimum age of the animal should be at least 15 weeks.
- Importantly, the combined weight of the pet and kennel should be as per the policy and travel rules.
- The A321neo LR aircraft will not accept any live pets due to ventilation and related issues.
Rules for Traveling with Animals in Cargo
Aer Lingus is one of the air operators that look after passengers’ whole families including the feathered and furry members. This airline has been transporting animals of all sizes and shapes for more than 5 decades. With expertise and support, this air operator ensures quick and safe shipment for pets.
The cargo services of Aer Lingus are trusted by people, animal charities, and prestigious zoos. With a dedicated team of passionate and well-trained animal handles, they are transporting various live animals including some endangered species.
Understanding the Cargo Pet Policy of Aer Lingus
The IATA’s Live Regulations along with the policy of Aer Lingus cargo service for pets should be followed. Just like any other service, a cargo facility also comes with certain rules and restrictions. Hence, you should thoroughly read and understand everything beforehand.
- To travel to or from the UK, you will need to reserve a spot in Aer Lingus’s partner service provider Pet Air UK.
- In case you are traveling to or from any other nation, except for the UK, every passenger will need to fill out a form.
- Submit this online form that is available on the official website of Aer Lingus and its pet policy page.
- Since every country can have a different set of rules, you must read and prepare your animal for the next trip accordingly.
Pet Carrier and Related Requirements
To travel with your furry being, you will need to get an approved container. You will need to keep it inside while traveling. Some more points of Aer Lingus’s pet carrier policy have been mentioned here:
- For some countries such as Canada and the United States, you will only need the 200 series carrier.
- It should come with the dimensions of 60 cm (L) x 50 cm (W) x 48 cm (H) for cats.
- Other nations will accept the kennels of series 100.
- The container for the snub-nosed cats and dogs should be at least 10% bigger in size than the animal’s size.
- Carriers should be sturdy enough to keep your pet safe all the time.
- It must be well-ventilated from all 4 sides.
- You should securely lock the container’s door so that it does not get open while handling or moving.
- The paws and nose of your animal should be kept inside the carrier.
- The above-mentioned will only be possible if you choose the right size of container.
- Your pet’s kennel must have space for water pot access from the outside.
- Wicker, wire mesh, and fiberboard containers will not be allowed.
- Keep an extra blanket for making the kennel’s base comfortable.
- The container should have sufficient space so that your animal can:
- turn around
- and remain in the natural postures.
Important: You should always check the container types accepted by the airline. A wrong container may lead to denial of boarding or unnecessary delays.
Policy for Trained Service Animals
Aer Lingus only accepts fully trained dogs as service animals. They can travel with a passenger with reduced mobility or any sort of disability. However, the carrier of the trained service animal is also subject to certain rules and conditions depending on the departure/arrival destinations.
- Service dogs should be fully trained.
- They should be able to perform tasks for passengers with special needs.
- The carriers of these animals should be 100 series.
- They will remain in the cabin with the designated passenger.
- As directed by the Aer Lingus pet-in-cabin policy and rules, emotional support animals or under-training dogs will not be allowed.
- For some safety reasons, owners will need to harness, leash, or tether their service dog all the time.
- In case the service animal becomes out of control for any reason, the airline has the right to handle things.
General Requirements and Rules for Traveling with Service Animals
To have a smooth and safe journey for the passengers, as well as service animals, you must remember the following:
- The service dog should be well-behaved and clean.
- Some breeds will not be allowed to bring as service animals. These include:
- Bullmastiff
- American pit bull
- English bull terrier
- Japanese Akita
- German shepherd or Alsatian
- Doberman pinscher
- Inform the carrier at least 24 hours before the scheduled time of departure about the service dog.
- Then it can put reasonable efforts to ensure a space for the pet.
- The cage of the dog must be placed:
- in the passenger’s lap (if the dog is small)
- or under the front seat.
- You will not be allowed to sit with a service dog in the emergency or exit row.
- No fee will be levied by the company for traveling with this animal.
- You may need to pay some amount if the dog’s carrier is unable to fit within the allotted space.
- Then you will have to book an additional seat for it.
- The airline will give the final approval after assessing everything including the dog’s behavior and other aspects.
Special Requirements for Traveling with Service Dogs within Europe
Travel rules may be different for venturing with service dogs in different countries. When it comes to Europe, the EU regulation 1107/2006 will be applied. According to this regulation, you need to ensure these:
- It must be fully trained by:
- a certified trainer
- or a firm.
- The training source should be affiliated with the:
- Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
- or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
- An ID stating that the animal is trained and qualified for assisting a passenger on board is required.
Remember: You will need to send the airline a “special assistance request’ at least 2 days before the flight’s departure time. Based on your request, it evaluates everything and allows you to travel with a service dog.
Special Requirements for Traveling with Service Dogs from/to North America
You will need to follow different regulations while traveling with a service dog to or from the USA as well as Canada. However, the following conditions will be applied:
- Every passenger will need to submit a duly filled US DOT Service Animal Air Transportation Form.
- Along with this, the pet’s health certificate is also important.
- For flights that are 8 hours or longer, you will have to submit the US DOT Service Animal Relief Attestation Form.
- Come equipped with health certificates too.
- Each document and aforesaid forms should be submitted 2 days (48 hours) before the flight’s time.
- In case you have booked tickets before 48 hours, you can show and submit the same documents at:
- the departure gate
- or check-in counter.
- You can only bring 2 service animals at no additional cost.
Aer Lingus is a popular option for moving animals in the safest manner possible. You should be familiar with the pet policy and other applicable rules to have an amazing experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some commonly asked questions about the pet policy of Aer Lingus along with the relevant answers:
According to the policy, you can bring dogs, cats, small birds, reptiles, rabbits, ferrets, hedgehogs, rats, mice, and so on.
No, only service animals are allowed in the cabin. Other pets should be transported through the cargo services of this company.
In general, it will cost you around 40 euros for short routes and 160 euros for longer ones.
The travel fee depends on various factors such as the animal’s weight, distance, and route. However, this is just an indicative amount, you should check with the airline for accurate costing/fees.
No, the airline does not accept all breeds
Some snub-nosed and dangerous breeds such as pitbull are strictly prohibited
Every passenger is advised not to feed heavy meals or give a lot of water to the furry member right before the journey. Instead, you can give light meals, small treats, and some water to your animal so that they do not feel uneasy while traveling.
