If traveling in style is a priority for you, then it’s important that you include your pets in the experience. They’re members of your family and deserve that added luxury just as much as you do. The height of luxury travel is hiring a private jet and many families will jump at the idea of having their loyal pooch or faithful feline companion flying right alongside them. So, how to go about it?
Why is it Appealing to Have Your Pet Alongside You on the Plane?
- Because your pet is part of the family, it’s natural to feel anxious about their wellbeing when they’re in the hold by themselves. Although you know that you made them as comfortable as possible, you’ll be thinking about them the whole way to your destination, sometimes meaning that you can’t enjoy your flight. Having them with you removes all of those concerns and you can sit back, knowing they’re okay.
- There are some extremely specific rules for flying with your pets in the hold. You’ll need to buy a crate that suits their size and weight and ensure they have a soak-up cushion to clean up any wet patches. Being in the cabin with you will remove all of those complications. You can also get a Dog Stroller or carrier, which will allow you to transport your pet from one place to another with ease.
- During COVID there’s difficult getting the flights you want to certain destinations globally, private jet makes it simple.
- Animals traveling in the hold can be extremely sensitive to temperature change because of where the hold is on the plane, and the loading/ unloading process by the tarmac. Flying to destinations with extremely cold or hot temperatures can prevent your pet from flying for health reasons. In the cabin, however, they’ll be just as warm as you, so you’ll be able to attend to their needs more efficiently.
- Feeding times can be difficult before a flight. You obviously don’t want your pet to go hungry, but it’s difficult to provide a full meal before a flight in case your pet becomes ill. Flying in the cabin means that you don’t need to disrupt their normal feeding routine and it’ll help to settle your pet in when they get to their destination.
- Animals can become easily stressed in new situations. Dogs, especially, are pack animals and see you as their leader. They naturally look to you for guidance in situations that they’re unsure of. When they can’t see you and they’re in a new place, it may be scary for them. However, if they get to take their first flight alongside you, they’ll just see it as an exciting new adventure.
What Do You Need to Do to Ensure Your Pet is Allowed on a Private Jet?
Before you get to the airport to take your flight, you’ll need to ensure that you have everything in order so that you don’t come across any complications when escorting your pet onto the plane.
- Health Checks
Before you consider booking your pet onto the flight, you’ll need to make sure they’ve seen a veterinarian and got a clean bill of health and all of their injections that need to be registered for your destination. We recommend to use a pet relocation agent and Ferndale Kennels has almost 30 years of doing documentation for international pet travel including private jet pet travel. https://www.ferndalekennels.com/resources/private-jet-pet-travel/ They have partners globally so can assist anywhere.
Rabies vaccinations are essential for all travel destinations. Your vet will give you certificates to prove that your pet is healthy to fly. Without this, the airline may deny them travel. It’s also worth noting that most airlines won’t let pregnant animals fly and won’t accept animals under 8 weeks of age due to health concerns. This might restrict your travel dates slightly.
- Microchips
While you’re at the vets, it’s a good idea to have your dog or cat microchipped. This stops them from getting lost while you’re traveling and ensures all medical facilities in other countries can trace your pet’s health records, should you get separated. Some vets like Homevet can offer this service even at home! https://www.homevet.com.hk/
- Documentation – Pet Passports
Some destinations require pet passports. This is to make sure that the places they’ve been previously don’t put them at risk of diseases that could be transported overseas. You’ll need to have this passport to allow them to board the flight, just like your own passport. It’s worth getting in touch with the airline prior to booking to discuss the documents that you’ll require for your destination. Use an IPATA agent like Ferndale to help you with the documents. IPATA a non-profit trade association of independent members who are dedicated to the safe and humane transport of pets and other animals so your pet travel agent needs to be a member!
The EU no longer accepts old pet passports if travelling from the UK to the EU as Brexit has changed these laws. This means that there may be an additional charge for new documentation to transport your pet. Don’t rely on pet passports that you’ve had in the past.
- Customer Service
Boarding a private jet is great as you won’t need to worry about booking seats or weight allowances. However, you should contact the airline before your departure to make sure that they’re expecting your pet and are fully prepared for their needs. They might need to put food and water bowls or blankets on the plane or prepare a space for a crate or cage. It’s unlikely that they’ll be able to properly meet your needs if you just turn up with your pet on the day.
Ferndale can act as an aggregator and help find other pet owners flying the same route, to help you share costs. https://www.ferndalekennels.com/resources/private-jet-pet-travel/
- Secure Take-off
During take-off and landing, your pet is required to be secured at all times. You can purchase a seat belt that attaches to your dog’s leash to that they’re strapped in or ensure that they’re in a crate or cage for their own safety.
Where to Go
Private jets that are able to accommodate animals are restricted to certain airports in the UK, so you may need to travel initially to be able to book onto a private chartered flight with your pet on board.
UK airports that do support pet cabin travel are:
- All London based airports
- Bristol,
- Edinburgh
- Doncaster
- Gloucestershire
- Cambridge
- Manchester
These major airports should cover most destinations, so your pet shouldn’t restrict you during travel.
What to Expect
Travelling in style is the key when chartering a private jet. Once you board the flight your pet may also experience the same luxury as you. They’ll often have their own seat or designated space to nap and the airline is likely to provide their own first-class gift box so they can enjoy their flight. It might contain toys, treats and, in some cases, hair care products.
You may also be able to request a dedicated pet’s menu so your pet can enjoy the luxury of a champagne lifestyle just like you.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
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