Hi everyone!
I'm planning to move from Portugal to Ireland (Dublin) with my cat, and I absolutely refuse to put her in the cargo hold as I believe it's too stressful for her. I want to bring her in the cabin with us, she's been vaccinates and has microchip already. I've checked Ryanair and Aer Lingus, and they don't allow cats in the cabin on direct PT-IE routes (only service dogs or cargo).
Has anyone flown with a cat in the cabin before within the EU to/from Ireland? Which airline do you recommend?
Thanks in advance.
Worst case you could sail over. Heading back “home” in March for a month and bringing the dog and cat. 32hrs from Bilbao
We did this with our dog. She was able to stay in the cabin with us. It was a lovely experience.
We do this with our dog every year (either to France or Spain.) Great way to travel for all involved!
I flew my cats to Ireland from Italy in cabin with air France for one and KLM for the other. You need to book in advance because there can be only 1 pet per class, or at least that was the case in 2019 - I had to upgrade to first class for one because there was already a cat on the regular class that had been pre-booked while mine hadn't.
Both trips required connecting flights stopping in Paris for the first and Amsterdam for the second because there were no companies doing direct flights to Dublin that allowed pets in cabin.
Also I'm sure you have checked it already but I'll say it just in case: make sure your baby is vaccinated for rabies and that you have the proof on you as it's mandatory to enter the country. Sometimes they'll check sometimes they won't but better to have it done. Good luck!
I fly Air France between Paris and Dublin frequently with my dog, and have thankfully never had any issues with animals being oversubscribed. On my flight home last Christmas there were 4 dogs 😅
Dogs are a different story re allergies
Try Iberia, I know they allow pets in cabin. Perhaps you can try to board from Spain or have a layover?
We did it in October via KLM, from Munich. Cost an extra €150 per cat (two cats, two of us). It was a totally fine experience. Lufthansa won’t allow pets into Dublin.
I traveled with KLM with my cats in the cabin about two years ago. I was traveling from outside the EU and there was a lot of paperwork to do and many specific steps to follow. Not sure this would apply to you since you're traveling within the EU, but things I remember that were important:
-Get your cat checked by the vet a few days before traveling. Again, not sure if this would apply to you, but I needed a cert by a vet to travel. In general, it is def worth talking to the vet anyways.
-Carrier: it has to fit under the seat so better to have a soft/flexible one. KLM has the exact measurements on their website. Also, it should be closed from most sides so cat feels protected.
-They ask to open carrier at security. If your cat is nervous, request to take it to a enclosed space where you can safely open the carrier.
-Don't sedate kitty for the trip, it can be dangerous.
Here's a link to info about traveling with a pet from the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine https://www.gov.ie/en/department-of-agriculture-food-and-the-marine/publications/pet-travel/
That's all I can remember for now. I did hire a company that helped me deal with all the paperwork since I was very anxious about the trip. If you have the money for that, I recommend, they are super helpful!
Good luck to you and your kitty! 😺
I would agree re enclosed space. A tenant I had years ago tried to bring their kitty to Ireland from Northern Europe, as I welcomed pets in the letting house, they had her in quarantine, got all the vax, checks etc, and what happened but Dublin Airport staff lost her 😢 and weren’t very nice about it. I would recommend a gentle harness and lead, to get her used to it ahead.
Check with TAP. Pets in cabin (PETC) are allowed up to 8kg, must fit comfortably and be able to turn around and stand up inside a soft shell container up to specified dimension (check website). EU Pet passport is needed with up to date information, microchip number and vaccinations.
Please double check all information on company website
TAP - I often travel with my small dog between Lisbon and Dublin. I’ve been doing it for a few years now so can give you some tips:
Hope this is helpful!
I second this. I often fly with my small dog on TAP from Dublin to Faro and back, stopping at Lisbon (no direct flights unfortunately).
Some points to add:
technically the pet must remain inside the bag during the flight, particularly during take off and landing. My dog is anxious and I found this quite difficult. My vet prescribed a calming tablet for my dog, which I hate giving to him, but on balance it does help him to stay calm and not panic with noises etc.
I did this journey with KLM and would not book with them again. Perhaps it was just the cabin crew on board that day but I found them to be very strict re: keeping the pet underneath the seat in front etc. It only added to the stress of the journey. TAP are generally much more relaxed and friendly. I always fly TAP.
sometimes the cabin can become hot. Even for us humans with an overhead fan it can be too warm. So for a dog inside a zipped bag it can be a lot. I bought a small rechargeable fan from Ale-hop which I always bring and it helps to keep him cool so that he won’t get distressed by the temperature.
Oh, one more point. I don’t know if travellers with pets are seated close together but the first time I flew TAP, we were seated in the row behind a couple travelling with their cat. Luckily not a problem for our dog and the cat seemed okay but if your cat is nervous of dogs it might be wise to ask the airline about this.
We flew with Air France when bringing our dog in the cabin from the US (we had to fly via Paris). We found Air France to be the most accommodating for pets in the cabin.
I’ve flown Transavia, Vueling, and Air France with my dog (in cabin). Air France was by far the best. Not a budget airline so much roomier for my dog under the seat.
What should people who are allergic to cats and seated near you do?
I fly with my dog often, and always ask the people seated around me if they’re allergic. There’s never been an issue, but I assume the airline staff would move us as far away from each other as possible. I suppose the same would go if there was a service dog on the flight, since you can’t really remove them as they’re classified as “medical equipment”.
They’ve paid for their seat, I’ve paid for my seat and to bring my dog. At that stage I’d leave it up to the airline to sort out.
Tell the airline about their allergy so they don't book pets onto the same flight.
As someone allergic to cats, I thoroughly respect the airlines who tell you no.
For airlines that do allow pets, you can just tell them about your allergy so no cats are booked on the same flight. No need to ban pets from all flights incase someone is allergic.
you know the cat stays in its own little carrier bag right?
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i mean most of them have a mesh screen. i think they’re regulated by airlines probably because of cases like the user above who has allergies
I'm not allowed a Snickers if someone on board has a peanut allergy,and rightly fkn so. Your cat needs air to breathe, it's the same concept. I can't breathe with cats in my space. A peanut allergic person cannot breathe with me eating a Snickers in their space. And tbh your cat can't breathe if it's in an air tight space
that’s just dishonest. you can buy whatever you want before boarding including snickers.
also the air a cat breathes does not give you allergies. their fur in the air does.
If there's someone on board with the peanut allergy, it is announced.
I'm allergic to cats, I know how it works 🙄🤣🤣
nah I don’t think you do
I've flown with my cat in the cabin before and they specifically make it so people with allergies won't be on that flight. If someone allergic to cats is flying (and the airline is aware) then no cats will be on that flight. When I flew there were four other cats that I saw on that flight so I believe the options are more limited.
There are easy workarounds that allow people to bring their pets with them, instead of just a blanket "no".
Who on Earth tells an airline that they are allergic to cats when they book their ticket? That some BS.
seems like common sense if the airline allows pets
I haven't ever, but I will from now on
How? Assuming like 99% of all passengers you buy your ticket online that would mean having to call (good luck!) the airline and make this request. And if you buy a ticket a week before flying and they have already sold tickets to folks with their mental support donkeys what are they going to do?
The same way someone with a wheelchair would...
Nope. That’s an option when booking. Animals can go in the hold or on the ferry.
(Awaits down votes from the fur baby crowd)
"Why doesn't the world revolve around me?"
Do you also not check with people if they have pets, if you are that allergic that you cannot stay in the same place as they?
Same way people that are severely allergic to nuts should/have to inform the airline so no nuts or nut containing products are on board. Cheaper to let them know than having to have the plane diverted because someone is having an anaphylactic reaction
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This is how I feel about children
Ah there’s always someone comparing human children to dogs
Not at all, I don't mind dogs.
As someone who thinks “cat allergies” are a character flaw, I thoroughly respect anyone who tells you to go choke on a turd.
“Cat allergy” = Karen
Please go back to school. Your reading comprehension skills are falling behind. 😘😅
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I flew Air France and delta with a dog in cabin recently. AL/ryaniair/lufthansa all do not
Can I ask how your dog manages on a transatlantic flight? I’ve only ever done Dublin to Paris so it’s fairly short, but I’ve always wondered about the longer flights
He does perfectly fine. I stop feeding a while before we go to the airport then limit water until we’re close to the destination. He sleeps 85% of the time and the remaining time he just stares at me from his bag. I’d say it definitely depends on the dog but he’s never had an issue (and many airports have a place for him to pee so that helps)
That’s fair enough!! My dog can only manage about 7 hours in her bag, which for Paris gets us to the airport, the wait at the airport, flight, bag collection, and back home from the airport. I think I’d need to do business class if I were to take her to the US so I could try sneak her out of the bag for a bit of a break
TAP fly direct from Lisbon and they allow you to bring kitty on board. Our little guy had a great visit to Portugal a few years ago, though he did get bullied a bit by the local strays.
I flew with Air France with my cat in cabin so they definitely allow it. It was part of a longer flight though so it was Air France from China to France and then Aer Lingus from France to Ireland. Aer Lingus only allow it if it's part of a stopover like that. But see if you can fly with Air France.
You’re lucky you have a choice.
I was told that TAP allow dogs and cats in the cabin but you will have to verify that
Try Air France, Transavia or Vueling/Iberia Cat must be under 8 kilos, bag included Pet passport + rabies vaccine needed.
Ireland doesn’t take pet passport but you’re spot on about rabies. Pets must be vaccinated AND blood tested a month later to show the vaccine has taken effect.
You need a pet passport to cross any EU border with a pet. Don’t mess with that
For within the EU Ireland does take the EU pet passport. I’ve never had the blood test either and I’ve flown with my dog 12 times.
Air France your best option for flying, but you may need to make a connection. I've taken my dog on the ferry many times. Bilbao to Rosslare is a little over a days travel, but is pretty pleasant.
I’ve flown Vueling between Spain and Ireland many times with my cat. No issues, you just have to sit after window seat and have the European kitty cat passport.
Check out KLM. I ended up getting the ferry instead because I was traveling from the UK and I thought it would be less stressful.
A lot of the rules have changed so my advice will be out of date.
Air France allow it you’ll have to go via Paris
Iberia and KLM allow pets in cabin and hold. You’ll have to travel with one of them and I think they allow up to 8 kg in cabin.
I saw a few doggies on a TAP flight before, try them!
Ireland and pets dont mix
What does this even mean💀
Ireland is not a pet friendly country.....at all.
Yeah that helped nice one. Do you mean as in when bringing pets from another country?
I mean in general. But bringing pets from another country is an absolute chore.
For context I work in the Northwest UK. Home is west of Ireland. Was bringing my dog back once using public transport. Never again.
No issues in the UK. Once I got to the Irish ferries terminal in Holyhead the pain began. Dog must be in a crate going onto boat (absolutely zero need) Then crated for the entire crossing. Again no need. Minimal pet friendly cabins. Brought him into a regular cabin once under the radar but not on this occasion.
Crate again getting off the boat (which I refused to use as it was 30°c so wouldn't put him in under welfare grounds. There was an argument which I won)
Then getting a train back West was refused boarding....also kicked off the Luas.
And no he's not too big or difficult. So please dont go there.
My sister did it with TAP Portugal. Booked in advance, 2 people were able to go with 2 cats, no issues. Direct flights only from Lisbon.
I can't see this in your message, but please make sure she's vaccinated against rabies
I fly dogs to me from different countries in Europe . Use a courier so is pre check out without complications or quarantine. Dont be silly . You will be in a world of trouble or otherwise dealing with forms and charges and if you do not have the correct paperwork it will cost over €600 a day on quarantine.
Flew mine with us from Canada. Totally get the fear, shes like our child so we were so anxious for her. We had no choice but to do cargo. We had her at the airport with us for a few hours before and we were worried about how she would be in public because shes an indoor cat. But we bought that Fellaway spray and sprayed her things in her crate before the airport and she was sooooo calm!!! We couldn't believe it! It was horrible because its such a long flight from Vancouver, so of course she had wet the crate but she was honestly completely fine afterwards, no anxiety or anything. It's shit not being able to tell your cat what's happening and you feel so horrible, but its one day and it'll be worth it, just give her lots of attention after.
Good luck finding accommodation that will allow pets in Dublin.
Well as I am highly allergic to cats as are many people I would be surprised you are allowed in cabin-
I’ve flown with Vueling, Transavia and Air France with my dog, and there have been cats on board sometimes. Probably better that you alert the airline or stick with Ryanair/aer Lingus/British airways, since they don’t allow them. Most short haul continental european airlines do.