A flight means a lot of stress for a dog, so the plane is generally not recommended as a means of transport for a holiday with the dog. As a dog owner, you have to weigh up the relationship between the hardships and the benefits of the trip. In any case, you should refrain from flying with your dog for a short holiday. You should only make an exception if it is absolutely necessary, e.g. B. when moving overseas. If possible, always choose a direct flight!
Smaller and lighter dogs (between five and ten kilograms, regulations vary by airline) may be carried in the cabin. However, the animal must remain in a locked animal transport container for the entire flight. The transport box must not exceed the dimensions of normal hand luggage. Book well in advance, the flight provider may only allow a limited number of dogs in the cabin.
Dogs that exceed the prescribed weight for staying in the passenger compartment must be carried in the cargo hold in a transport box. Although the room is fully air-conditioned and heated, the entire procedure is a great burden for the dog: Unfamiliar and loud noises, a strange environment and being alone scare it. In addition, as a pet owner, you usually cannot be present during loading and unloading, so you have no influence whatsoever on how the dog is handled. Especially in times of high travel volume, there can be more rough handling of the animals. We therefore advise against traveling by air with large dogs.
Since a flight puts a heavy strain on the dog’s circulation, give it only light food before departure, up to a maximum of a few hours before departure. Make sure you book and register your pet in good time.