According to Aer Lingus pet policy, pets except trained service dogs, cannot accompany passengers in the cabin. However, service dogs are accepted without charge.
Household pets like dogs, cats, and rabbits (within Europe) can travel as checked baggage in the aircraft's hold.
Pets are also permitted to travel as manifest cargo.
To bring a pet on board, passengers must make arrangements in advance by contacting Aer Lingus Reservations or IAG Cargo.
Aer Lingus Pet Policy for carrying your pets as Checked Baggage
As per Aer Lingus pet policy, both within Europe and on international flights:
Pets Allowed:
Within Europe: Domesticated dogs, cats, and rabbits are permitted.
Transatlantic flights: Only domesticated dogs and cats are allowed.
Pets must be at least 10 weeks old.
Pet Reservations:
For flights within Europe, pet bookings must be made through a pet agent.
Reservations can be made by calling Aer Lingus.
For international flights, reservations can be made by calling Aer Lingus.
Pets can also be shipped to specific cities as excess baggage.
Pet Documentation:
Puppies and kittens traveling to EU member states must have an EU Pet Passport with proof of a microchip and a rabies shot administered at least 21 days before travel.
Breed Restrictions:
Certain breeds are restricted from travel, as outlined in Aer Lingus' pet policy.
Temperature Restrictions:
Pets may not be allowed to travel if the temperature at any city on the itinerary is outside certain limits.
An Acclimation Certificate may be required for travel during colder weather.
Additional Aer Lingus pet Policies for International Travel:
Compliance checks with the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine may be required for pets traveling from North America to Ireland.
Pets will not be shipped on Fridays and Saturdays.
Certain aircraft restrictions apply, such as pets not being allowed in the cargo holds of A321neo LR aircraft.
Overall, these policies ensure a safe and comfortable travel for pets in Aer Lingus flights, both domestically and internationally and is popularly known as one of the best pet travel airlines.
Aer Lingus Pet Policy as Cargo
According to Aer Lingus pet Policy if your pet does not meet the requirements to travel as checked baggage on Aer Lingus, it may still be eligible to travel as air cargo. This option is available for flights to various destinations, including Ireland, within Europe, and between Ireland and North America and Canada.
Aer Lingus Pets Allowed:
Domesticated cats, dogs, and rabbits are permitted.
Aer Lingus Pets Reservations:
Reservations can be made by contacting Aer Lingus or sending an email to petdesk@iagcargo.com.
Required Forms:
A health certificate issued by a licensed veterinarian within 10 days of travel.
Proof of rabies vaccination.
Any additional documentation required by the destination country.
Aer Lingus Pets Restrictions:
Pets will not be accepted on flights to/from specific routes, such as Jersey and Ireland, and Rennes and Ireland.
Certain breed restrictions apply, as outlined in Aer Lingus' pet policy.
Temperature restrictions must also be adhered to, as per Aer Lingus' pet policy for pets traveling as checked baggage.
How to Travel with a Pet on Aer Lingus Regional Flights
As per Aer Lingus pet policy pet traveling on Regional flights:
Permitted Pets: Only domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets are allowed.
Restricted Routes: Pets cannot travel to or from Ireland, Rennes, and Jersey.
Reservation Process: Passengers need to contact Aer Lingus Regional to make arrangements for their pets.
Pet Carrier Specifications:
Dimensions: The pet container must not exceed 127cm (50in) in length, 56cm (22in) in width, and 53cm (21in) in height.
Container Requirements: The pet carrier must be leak proof, durable, and well-ventilated on all sides, including the door.
Escape Prevention: The carrier must be sturdy enough to prevent the pet from escaping.
Restrictions: Soft-shell crates are not permitted for transporting pets on Aer Lingus Regional flights.
Aer Lingus Pets Fees
Aer Lingus pet travel costs vary based on factors such as the route, distance traveled, and the weight of the pet. This cost can range from €40 for short-haul flights to €160 for long-haul flights.
How to Travel with a Service Animal on Aer Lingus
Aer Lingus allows service animals, limited to dogs, to travel in the cabin with their owner at no cost, provided they meet specific conditions.
Owners must submit a Special Assistance Request Form at least 48 hours before departure.
For entry into Ireland, service dogs must be accredited and affiliated with organizations such as Assistance Dogs International (ADI) or the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF).
Recognized assistance dogs must be trained by an organization affiliated with ADI, possess an Assistance Dog Identification Card, and meet pet travel scheme rules. They are not required to wear muzzles.
The dogs must occupy floor space under or in front of the owner's seat without obstructing pathways or aisle access.
Guide dogs must be trained by an IGDF-affiliated organization.
Dogs flying to/from the US must comply with the Air Carrier Access Act and DOT Rules.
Restricted dog breeds are not permitted, including aggressive breeds and brachycephalic dogs.
There is a limit of 4 assistance dogs per aircraft within Europe and 8 on transatlantic flights.
Dogs must meet government and quarantine regulations, including rabies vaccination.
Other pets traveling under the Pet Travel Scheme must travel as manifest freight through IAG Cargo.
Service dogs are not allowed to occupy passenger seats, exit row accommodations, block aisles, eat from tray tables, or have body parts protruding into passenger foot space.
Service dogs must be under the passenger's control, harnessed, and leashed, and must not display aggressive behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Aer Lingus pet policy?
Aer Lingus permits domesticated pets to travel either in the aircraft hold as checked baggage or as manifest cargo on certain flights. Aer Lingus also permits international pet travel. Friendly pets like dogs and cats are allowed in most of the flights , and rabbits are also accepted on flights within Europe. Serviced dogs which are trained are allowed to travel in the passenger cabin without any cost with their owners. Pet reservations must be made beforehand via Aer Lingus Reservations or IAG Cargo.
How much do I have to pay for traveling with a pet?
Aer Lingus pet travel prices depend on your route and your pet’s weight. It varies from €40 for short-haul flights (within Europe) to €160 for long-haul flights (to North America).
As per Aer Lingus pet policy, which pets can I travel with on flights?
You can accompany your domesticated household pets like dogs and cats (plus rabbits on flights within Europe), however restrictions apply to various destinations. Keep in mind, certain breeds of cats and dogs are not allowed on Aer Lingus. They include:
Dogs. Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier, Mastiff, Fila Brazillero, Argentino, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull, and Akita. Plus, snub-nosed dogs and their cross-breeds like boxers, bulldogs, and pugs.
Cats. Exotic/Persian cats.
Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old to travel, and the maximum weight of the pet (incl. container) must be more than 141 lb/64kg if your pet is traveling as checked baggage in the aircraft hold.
How can I add my pet on Aer Lingus flights?
For Aer Lingus bookings, you need to:
Make Reservations at least 48 hours prior to travel.
Check in at the ticket counter with your final orders.
Allow extra check-in time (at least 2 hours and no more than 4 hours before your flight)
Complete a checklist with an agent.
Give a health certificate.
What are Aer Lingus policies regarding flying with a dog?
Aer Lingus allows trained service dogs for travel with passengers with a disability or reduced mobility.
How much does Aer Lingus pet flight cost?
You are only allowed to book pets (cats & dogs only) as excess baggage by contacting Aer Lingus reservations. You will be charged €160 per flight sector per crate payable at the airport on the day of departure.
Is Aer Lingus dogs friendly?
Dogs are permitted to travel on Aer Lingus flights as checked baggage. But, they must not be less than 10 weeks old . The dog must stay inside a carrier during the flight's duration. The combined weight of the pet and the carrier must not be more than 141 lbs.