Pet-friendly flights: requirements and tips for traveling with your pet

Are you planning a vacation or a trip abroad and don't want to leave your furry friend at home? Don't worry, here's a complete guide to keep you informed about restrictions and other details so you can enjoy your trip.

Likewise, staying connected during your travels is essential for finding pet-friendly places and other new developments that may arise, which is why at Conecty we offer to be your ally in ideal mobile phone solutions so you can be calm and connected wherever you are.

Traveling with your pets is possible if you meet a few simple requirements. Learn everything you need to know to bring your pet along on your next international trip.

What are the requirements for traveling with pets?

To bring your pet on a flight, the first thing to do is make sure the airline allows it. Check each airline's pet policy for cabin and cargo hold before making your reservation. Generally, the following is required:

• Minimum age of 8 to 12 weeks, depending on the airline . This is to protect puppies that have not completed their vaccination schedule.
• Maximum weight between 8 kg and 32 kg depending on whether it's a cabin or cargo hold. In the cabin, they usually allow small pets up to 8 or 10 kg, such as cats, Yorkies, or Chihuahuas.
  
• A carrier appropriately sized for your pet to allow for movement. It should be made of rigid or semi-rigid plastic and have an absorbent base in case of accidents.
• A valid veterinary certificate attesting to the animal's good health . The certificate's validity period varies between 10 days and one month, depending on the airline.
• Leash or harness. On domestic flights, the dog or cat must travel inside its carrier, but it is important to bring a leash in case you need to take it out at any time.
  

By meeting these basic requirements, you'll be ready to fly with your pet without any problems.

Which airlines allow travel with them?

Most major airlines allow pets, but their policies may vary. Some that accept pets on both domestic and international flights include:

• Avianca : Allows up to two pets per passenger in the cabin or cargo hold on domestic and international flights. The maximum weight in the cabin is 10 kg, and the approximate cost is COP $130,000 for dogs and COP $100,000 for cats.
• LATAM: accepts small pets in the cabin and large dogs in the cargo hold on domestic and international flights. Ticket prices start at COP $100,000.
• JetBlue: allows small pets in the cabin weighing up to 7 kg on international flights with advance document processing.

• Iberia : accepts pets in the cabin and hold on domestic and international flights. The cost of transport in the hold starts at COP $250,000.
• Aeromexico : allows cats and small dogs on domestic and international flights. They charge an additional fee of approximately $55 USD.

Follow all the recommendations and documentation that each airline has for this type of company, as this is a very important factor for your trip to go smoothly.

Remember… the further your destination, the more crucial it is to stay connected at all times and avoid extra costs on your phone communication services. At Conecty, we know this, and that's why we offer global connectivity for you.

And if your pet is traveling alone…

In Colombia there are some companies specializing in the safe transport of pets such as:

1. JetPaq: the leading company in pet transport by land, air, and sea. They offer door-to-door service for dogs and cats, both domestically and internationally. Prices start at COP $450,000.
   
2. Pet Wing: They transport pets on domestic and international flights, making connections when there are no direct flights. They charge by weight and destination, with costs starting at COP $400,000.
   
3. Mipet Cargo: With over 15 years of experience, this company specializes in transporting pets by plane with rates starting from $250,000 COP depending on the destination.
   
4. Aeropet : a company with offices in Medellín and Bogotá focused on transporting pets by plane at affordable rates.
   
5. Wuf Wuf Express : They transport dogs and cats on domestic flights with all safety measures and their fares start from $200,000 COP.

How much does it cost for your pet to fly?

The cost of your pet's ticket may vary depending on different factors such as:

• Size and weight: the larger the size, the higher the cost.
• Travel in the cabin or hold: traveling in the cabin is cheaper.
• Domestic or international flight: International flights are more expensive.
• Destination and distance: the further away, the higher the price.
  

Emotional support pets

This term refers to animals that are considered supportive for the mental, emotional, and psychological health of the owner, in situations of depression, anxiety, or fear.

If your pet is also your emotional support animal, keep in mind that the certificate can only be issued by a doctor, psychologist, or psychiatrist, who evaluates the context and the benefits of a pet for your well-being.

There are also other important aspects to consider before bringing your pet, such as:

• Bring with you the official certification that proves it is a trained pet, which has an average cost of $300,000 COP.

• Confirm the specific requirements or policies that some airlines have for support pets.

• Check if these animals can be allowed in the cabin without crate restrictions, provided they have their respective muzzle and harness during the flight.

Pre-trip checklist

Follow these steps before flying with your pet on a plane and enjoy your trip:

1. Choose your airline, check requirements and additional costs.
2. Book your ticket and your pet's ticket in advance, as they are limited.
3. Visit the veterinarian and get your updated health card.
4. Buy a carrier that allows your pet to move around and label it with your information.
5. Make sure to train your pet in a crate beforehand.
6. Purchase an international communication service with Conecty to stay connected during your trip.
7. On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport early, register your pet, and you're ready to board!

Stay connected with your loved ones and share this new experience of traveling with your pet thanks to Conecty's mobile coverage solutions. Our eSIMs and SIM cards will allow you to communicate seamlessly from any international destination.

Traveling abroad with your furry friend is easier and safer when you have good connectivity. Have a great trip!