Do you want to travel with your pet on Etihad Airways? It is simple. If your furry friend meets Etihad Airlines’ in-cabin travel rules, grab the recommended pet carrier. Just make sure it’s safe, waterproof, and roomy enough, with vents on three sides. Toss in some absorbent pads, and you’re good to go!
Let us help you know everything about flying with your pets on this airline.
Complete Details About Etihad Airways Pet Policy In 2024
Getting Your Bookings Done
Booking is a breeze! You just fill out the form a week before your trip. Shoot over all the needed papers at least 72 hours before you take off.
If you are headed to Abu Dhabi, make sure your pet gets a release pass and a UAE Health Certificate. This certificate needs a sign-off from a health bigwig in your country, and it should be done five days before your flight. Don’t forget to flash it at the airport. Otherwise, your pet can’t join the sky-high adventure!
If you’re jetting in from countries like Australia, Canada, or the US, a local health certificate will do the trick.
Etihad Airways Pet Traveling Costs
Here is what you would need to pay to travel with your pets-
| Class |
Travel Details |
Cost (USD) |
Etihad Guest Miles |
| Economy |
With Pet (each way) |
$1,500 |
215,000 |
| Economy |
In Transit (combined price) |
Combined |
Combined |
| Economy |
Next to You (extra seat + $1,500 each way) |
Extra Seat |
$1,500 |
| Business or First |
Extra Seat for Pet (extra seat cost + $1,500 each way) |
Extra Seat |
$1,500 |
Remember, grab those extra seats ahead of time!
Etihad Airways Rules For Traveling With Pets
Taking your cat or dog on an Etihad flight to or from Abu Dhabi? Just pay a fee. For other places, you can check with the local authorities. If you are carrying any other pets, they go as cargo with Etihad Cargo.
The below-mentioned are some rules for taking your pets on flights.
- Book directly with Etihad and your flight must be operated by them (ticket number starting with 607).
- If you’re in Economy, your pet chills in the carrier under your seat or on the one next to you.
- In Business or First, it’s the adjacent seat only; no under-seat VIP treatment.
- Carriers should fit under your seat: 40 x 40 x 22cm, or 50 x 43 x 50cm if you bought an extra seat.
- If your pet’s only flying one way in an extra seat on a round trip, make two bookings.
- Your cat or dog should be at least 16 weeks old, max 8kg with the carrier.
- You, the human, must be 18 or older and can’t sit in an exit row.
Travel Checklist
If you are ready to travel with your cat or dog, here’s your checklist:
- Check the rules for where you’re going and coming from.
- Gather all the pet papers, vet checkups, and treatments.
- Get the green light from Etihad Airways to travel.
- Fill out the booking form a week ahead.
- Ask your vet about any meds your pet might need.
- Make sure your furry friend is comfy in their travel bag or kennel.
- Bring a leash and a good harness or collar.
- Pack dry pet food in a sealed container; wet food might work depending on the rules.
- Bring all the original pet documents for a check by the airport vet at your destination.
Pet Carriers
When your pet is on board, they’ve got to hang out in their carrier. It should be just the right size—no more than 40 x 40 x 22 cm to slide under your seat, or 50 x 43 x 50cm if you grabbed an extra seat.
Here’s the carrier lowdown:
- The carrier should have ventilation on three sides.
- Make sure it’s escape-proof and won’t spring any leaks.
- Line it with something absorbent, just in case. Easy, right?
Reaching The Airport
- When you reach the airport, be there at check-in with your pet in a good carrier three hours before takeoff.
- At check-in, show all the needed papers; otherwise, your pet can’t catch the flight.
- Your pet can come along with your regular carry-on stuff.
- If you can use one of our cool lounges in Abu Dhabi, your pet’s invited too. Lounge access for pets in other spots depends on local rules.
- For a smoother journey, hop on the plane before everyone else. That way, our crew can get your pet ready for the adventure!
Arriving At The Destination
If you’re stopping in Abu Dhabi, follow the rules of the UAE when you arrive. The Ministry of Climate Change and Environment (MOCCAE) vet will check your pet in the Customs area.
For other places, do what the local rules say. The checking and clearance spots may differ, so ask the people in charge at your destination for the details.
Country Restrictions
There are some places where you can’t take your pet due to government rules. Here’s the list:
To Or From
- India (Ahmedabad and Kochi)
- Maldives
- South Africa
- UK (London)
Going To
- Australia
- China (Guangzhou and Shanghai)
- Qatar
- UK (Manchester)
- US
Pet Breeds Banned On Flights
Some dog breeds that are considered risky can’t join Etihad flights. Here’s the list:
- Pit Bulls
- Staffordshire Bull Terrier
- American Pit Bull Terrier
- American Staffordshire Terrier
- American Bully
- Mastiff Dogs
- Brazilian Mastiff (Fila Brasileiro)
- Argentinian Mastiff (Dogo Argentino)
- Any Mastiff or Hybrid
- Japanese Tosa or hybrid
- Tosa
- Rottweilers breed or hybrid
- Doberman Pinschers
- Canario Presa
- Boxer
- Any mixed breed of the above dogs or their hybrids
Also, Read – Etihad Airways Baggage Allowance 2024- All You Need To Know
Terms And Conditions For Traveling With Pets
Here’s the scoop on the rules:
- Get the right papers for your pet based on the rules and the country you’re going to.
- You can bring one pet with you. If you’re traveling with another person, you can bring two pets from the same home who know each other. Just fill out a form for each pet.
- The airline is not responsible if another country won’t let your pet in because of rule issues. You might end up with extra charges if the airlines have to say no to your pet.
- Etihad Airways doesn’t take responsibility for your pet’s health in the cabin.
- Your pet’s bag can’t be too big, and it is your responsibility to cover import or export costs.
- Pregnant pets can’t fly.
- Be at the airport three hours before takeoff.
- Bring sheets for your pet to do its business, and you’re in charge of replacements.
- Only dry pet food in a sealed container is allowed in the cabin.
- If someone on the plane is allergic to animals, the crew might have to move you and your pet around.
- Sedating your pet isn’t recommended unless it’s under vet supervision.
- Lounge access for pets depends on local rules.
- If someone with a pet request and someone with an allergy is on the same flight, the pet request gets priority.
- If someone with a trained service animal and someone with a pet are on the same flight, the service animal takes priority.
- It’s $1,500 or 215,000 Etihad Guest Miles each way for your cat or dog. If you’re making a stop, the cost adds up.
- You can use Etihad Guest Miles to pay; just call the airline.
- Your pet can only fly on an Etihad-operated flight. If there’s a connecting flight with another airline, sorry, no pets are allowed.
- Customs and vet checks at the destination might take a while; it’s up to the airport folks.
It’s A Wrap!
Traveling with your pets on Etihad Airways isn’t much of a big deal. You can easily fly with your pet provided you comply with the rules and regulations of the airlines. Also, it’s important to ensure that your pet breed isn’t banned on the flight. If not, just fill out the booking form and you are good to go!
