Aer Lingus flying with pets

What is Aer Lingus policy on pet acceptance?

Transporting pets on Aer Lingus flights is allowed only in the hold. Depending on the passenger’s itinerary, the rules for pet acceptance may vary. The pets must be booked through IAG Cargo, and they will be carried in the aircraft hold. Separate rules apply for passengers traveling with Service Animals and Aer Lingus Regional flights.

Which pets are allowed to travel on Aer Lingus flights?

Household pets (cats, dogs, rabbits) are accepted for transportation, but further restrictions may apply depending on the destination. These breeds will not be accepted: Akita, American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Argentino, Boxers, Bulldogs, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Pitbull Terrier, Pugs, Tosa, Rottweiler, and Persian/Exotic cats. Animals need to be at least 15 weeks old. Pets are not accepted on A321neo LR aircraft.

Pets in the Hold

Different rules apply for the transportation of pets on Aer Lingus flights, depending on the itinerary you want to book.

General rules for traveling with pets on flights to Ireland or the EU from a non-EU country

  • Pets can be booked to travel only with IAG Cargo.
  • Any dog or cat presented for transport at passenger check-in will not be accepted under any circumstances.
  • For flights from North America, pets can be booked via North American Pet Desk (1 (888) 578-4806 or email).
  • When entering Ireland or the EU from a non-EU country (which includes the UK excluding Northern Ireland), your pet must comply with EU Pet Travel rules:
    • If you are entering Ireland, you must notify the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine of your intention to bring the animal into Ireland at least 24 hours before departure by completing an advance notice form and scheduling a compliance check on arrival. At check-in, you will be required to present evidence that a compliance check has been scheduled.
    • If you are transiting through another EU country on the way to Ireland, you may have the compliance check carried out at the first point of entry into the EU or in Ireland. If you are transiting Ireland on the way to another EU country, it may be possible to arrange for the compliance check to be carried out in Ireland or in the EU country that is your destination.

General rules for traveling on Aer Lingus Regional Flights

  • On Aer Lingus Regional operated flights only domestic dogs and cats will be accepted for carriage. This applies to domestic flights within Ireland and between Ireland and the United Kingdom (except to/from Jersey).
  • At the time of booking, you must contact Aer Lingus Call Center if you plan to travel with a pet. A fee per flight, per animal box, will apply. When booking, you will be advised of all restricted breeds for travel on an Aer Lingus Regional flight.
  • While there may be risks to the health or welfare of their animal caused by the reaction of an animal to flying, the carriage is permitted only with the animal owner’s acknowledgment.
  • All pets must be in their own individual box, which must be durable and strong enough for secure travel. The maximum dimensions permitted are 53 cm high, 56 cm wide, and 127 cm long.
  • The carriage of animals on Aer Lingus Regional flights is subject to space availability in the aircraft. Aer Lingus Regional reserves the right to refuse to carry an animal up to and including the scheduled departure time.
  • The following animals are not accepted for travel:
    • Puppies or Kittens under 10 weeks old.
    • An animal that is more than 6 weeks pregnant.
    • An animal that has been sedated.
    • The following breeds of dog (Including cross-breeds): Snub-nosed dogs, Boxer dogs, American Pit Bulls, Pit Bull Terriers, Japanese Tosas, Togo Argentinos, Fila Brazilieros, all Bulldogs Pugs, Pekinese.
  • The animal must be accompanied by valid health and vaccination certificates, entry permits, and other required documents.

Assistance Dogs

Recognized Assistance Dogs accompanying disabled passengers are carried free of charge in the cabin on all short-haul and long-haul flights when they are suitably harnessed (no requirement for a muzzle). Recognized Assistance Dogs are guide dogs trained by an organization accepted by and affiliated to the International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF) and assistance dogs trained by an organization affiliated with Assistance Dogs International (ADI).

Passengers are required to provide a minimum of 48 hours notice of their intention to travel. The dog must sit on the floor at the passenger’s feet and not at an emergency exit or first row. All quarantine and government regulations must be complied with.

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