10 Simple Tips To Fly With Your Pet!

A few years back, travelling by air for a pet owner meant that they had to bid a painful farewell before going on a trip.

Today, that scenario has changed. Thanks to airlines and hotels becoming pet-friendly, you can now bring along your furry friends with you when you fly.

But you need to prepare yourself if you want to enjoy a hassle-free flight along with your pet.

We at AirWhizz have come up with a few simple tips you can follow the next time you decide to fly with your pet!

1.CHECK AIRLINE POLICY

Check whether your airline allows pets on board and if they do, carefully read the airline’s policy regarding travelling with them.

There are rules regarding the pet’s size and weight which you have to keep in mind.

So go through the guideline and restrictions mentioned in the airline’s policies multiple times before booking flight tickets.

In India,  Air India, Jet Airways, Spice Jet and Vistara allow you to carry pets on their flights.

2.BOOK EARLY

If the airline allows you to bring your pet along, you will have to book your flight tickets by directly calling the airline.

Also, airlines only allow limited pets on board.

So, the sooner you call them and book, the better. Also, it would be clever on your part to select a backup airline just in case the first option doesn’t work out.

3.VISIT THE VET

Now that you have selected the flight you and your pet will travel in, check whether your pet is fit for travel.

Consult your vet as to how you can keep your pet comfortable on the flight and whether they should be given a sedative.

Also, don’t forget to get the clearance certificate from the vet deeming them fit to fly and carry an up-to-date copy of the vaccinations that have been given to your pet.

4.GET A COMFORTABLE PET CARRIER

Buy an animal carrier which is comfortable for your pet and meets the criteria given by your airline.

A few weeks before your flight, take your pet out for car rides in their pet carrier. This will help them to get used to it and will be comfortable when they fly.

Also, attach an information label to the carrier with your personal details and the details of the destination you will be travelling to.

5.GIVE THEM SOME EXERCISE

Do everything you can to get them tired before getting on the airplane.

Take them for a long walk, play catch and spend time talking to them before leaving for the airport.

Get all that playful energy out and hopefully, they will be tired enough to sleep through the flight.

6.PACK YOUR PET’S TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

Pack your carry-on with things that are essential for your pet.

It’s important to make sure you have enough toys and treats to keep your pet occupied for a while during the flight.

If possible, carry a collapsible travel bowl inside of the carrier and place a few ice cubes in it on the flight.

Don’t be alarmed if your pet doesn’t play with his favourite toy. This could just be due to travel anxiety. Similar to how humans get butterflies when they lift off!

7.FEED YOUR PET

Feed your pet and make sure they are well hydrated before boarding the flight.

Many airlines suggest that your pet must be fed four hours before the flight’s scheduled departure so that they are comfortable on the flight.

Just make sure you don’t stuff your pet with food or give them too much water to drink. A pet with a full belly may vomit from anxiety and travel sickness.

8.ARRIVE EARLY AT THE AIRPORT

Once you’re set to go with your pet, make sure you reach the airport well in advance.

Pets need to go through additional security checks where they are weighed, measured and examined properly before boarding the flight.

Many airline policies state that the extra fee for carrying pets has to be paid at the airport and not during the booking.  Try to reach the airport as early as possible so all such formalities can be taken care of conveniently.

9.CONSIDER UPGRADING YOUR SEAT

If you want to travel comfortably on your flight, then you might want to consider upgrading your seat.

Your pet’s carrier will be eating up a lot of your seat’s leg room.

An upgrade would mean you will be able to stretch your legs comfortably and will get some extra space for your pet’s carrier.

10.EXAMINE YOUR PET UPON ARRIVAL

When you arrive at your destination, open the carrier as soon as you are in a safe place and examine your pet.

If something seems wrong, take your pet to the vet immediately. Don’t forget to get the results of the examination in writing with the date and time on it.

Follow these travel tips and make air travel simple for you and your pet. After all, your pet is also going on a trip!

If you want to know about your airline’s policies for carrying pets on flights, Simply download the AirWhizz app. Get all the information about your airline’s regulations regarding pets along with real-time flight updates on your phone itself and plan your trip on the move.

Bring your faithful companion along the next time you travel and Fly Stress-Free!