Many Years Ago You Could Just Book A Pet Attached To Your Ticket And Get On A Flight The Same Day. This Is Not How It Works Now.

Live Animal Cargo Vs. Pets As Excess Baggage: Navigating The Skies With Your Furry Friends

When It Comes To Air Travel With Pets, Owners Are Faced With Two Primary Options: Shipping Them As Live Animal Cargo Or Taking Them As Excess Baggage. Understanding The Differences Between These Two Methods Is Crucial For Ensuring The Safety, Comfort, And Well-Being Of Your Pet During Transit.

Live Animal Cargo: A Ticket For Unaccompanied Pets Live Animal Cargo Refers To Pets Traveling Unaccompanied, Booked On Their Own Ticket, Known As An Air Waybill. This Method Is Often The Only Option For Larger Families Of Pets, As Many Airlines Limit The Number Of Pets That Can Be Booked As Excess Baggage. When Pets Travel As Cargo, They Are Subject To Strict Regulations And Handling Protocols, Ensuring They Are Cared For During Layovers, Such As At Lufthansa’s Animal Lounge In Frankfurt.

Advantages Of Live Animal Cargo:

• Professional Handling: Pets Are Handled By Trained Professionals Who Follow The International Air Transport Association’s Live Animal Regulations (LAR).
• Flexibility: Pets Can Arrive Before Or After Their Owners, Allowing For A More Relaxed Transition.
• Safety During Layovers: Strict Regulations Govern The Care Of Pets During Layovers.
• Suitable For Multiple Pets: Ideal For Transporting More Than Two Pets Simultaneously.
• Breed Restrictions: Most Airlines Will Only Fly Snub Nose Pets As Manifest Cargo.
• Convienence: Instead Of Trying To Drag A Large Kennel From Baggage Claim, With Your Own Luggage And Your Family, The Pets Arrives To A Totally Separate Location And Can Be Delivered To Your Home.

Pets As Excess Baggage: Flying With Your Furry Companion Excess Baggage Is An Option Where Pets Travel On The Same Flight As Their Owner, Linked To The Owner’s Flight Booking. While This Might Seem Like A More Personal Way To Transport Your Pet, It Comes With Limitations And Risks. Pets Must Travel In Airline-Approved Crates And Are Subject To The Same Temperature And Pressure-Controlled Conditions As Cargo.

Considerations For Excess Baggage:

• Travel Restrictions: Pets Must Fly On The Same Flight As The Passenger, Which May Not Always Be The Most Suitable For The Pet.
• Handling By Airline Staff: Pets May Be Handled By Airline Passenger Employees Who Might Not Have Specialized Training In Live Animal Handling.
• Limited Tracking: Unlike Cargo, Pets Are Not Tracked With An Air Waybill Number, Making It Harder To Determine Their Location.
• Potential For Extended Tarmac Time: Delays Can Result In Pets Being Exposed To The Elements For Longer Periods.
• Wrong Information: Often Time The Staff At Passenger Reservations Do Not Read Their Own Company Policy Regarding Pets. You Can Arrive To The Airport And Be Told, We Are Sorry Someone Gave You The Wrong Information. Now You Are Stuck At The Airport Potentially Missing Your Flight And Having To Scramble To Rebook Yourself And Get A Booking For Your Pet.

Making The Right Choice The Decision Between Live Animal Cargo And Excess Baggage Should Be Made Based On Several Factors, Including The Number Of Pets, The Size Of The Pets, The Destination Country, And The Specific Needs Of The Animals. It’s Essential To Consult With A Pet Relocation Specialist Who Can Provide Expert Advice Tailored To Your Situation.

In Conclusion, While Both Options Have Their Place, Live Animal Cargo Generally Offers A More Controlled And Safer Environment For Pets, Especially For International Travel Or When Transporting Multiple Animals. As A Pet Owner, The Comfort And Safety Of Your Furry Friends Are Paramount, And Choosing The Right Mode Of Transport Can Make All The Difference In Their Travel Experience.