A big dog on a plane
Many people wonder if it is reasonable to take their dog on a plane, especially in the hold, when it is a large dog. Many urban legends circulate on this subject and some do not dare to take the plunge. Here are some tips based on our experience.
01
What the regulations say (example of Air France)
You can transport in the cabin, subject to agreement from customer service, a dog weighing no more than 8 kg (bag included). Your pet must be at least 15 weeks old and have its vaccinations up to date. For flights in mainland France (including Corsica), and between mainland France and Guadeloupe, Martinique and Réunion, the required age is 8 weeks. In the Business cabin on intercontinental flights Air France does not accept pets. For its own safety, your dog must travel in the hold. Please note that snub-nosed animals are not permitted in the hold. In case of stress, snub-nosed animals, such as pugs, bulldogs, boxers, Pekingese and shih tsu, may suffer from breathing difficulties.
Dogs weighing between 8 and 75 kg maximum must travel in the hold. Please note that transport in the hold is also possible for dogs weighing less than 8 kg. The number of animals to be transported in the hold per passenger is limited to 3 maximum. Please note that this number may be restricted depending on the type of aircraft. We therefore recommend that you indicate that you are transporting an animal in the hold when booking your ticket or at the latest 48 hours before your departure.
In some cases, your pet can only be transported by freight:
If your pet is a snub-nosed dog, of the following breeds only: Boxers, Pekingese, Shih Tzu.
If it weighs more than the maximum weight allowed in the hold, including its cage.
If the destination country requires it, whatever your animal.
02
Vaika's Cage
Vaika being a large dog, despite his slender greyhound body, we opted for the XXL model. Indeed, it is necessary for the dog to be able to stand up and turn around in his cage.
The size of the cage we chose is 88cmx122cm. It can carry large dogs such as Great Dane or Saint Bernard (from 41 to 57 kilos).
We opted for a purchase on the Air France Shopping website to be sure to comply with the regulations in force. There is certainly a possibility of paying less, or even finding a second-hand cage. I admit that I went for the "simplest" option.
Despite these precautions, it is important to always check the specifics of the plane you are taking. I invite you to read about our misadventure during Vaika's first flight with Transavia to Lapland.
03
Make the journey enjoyable
In order to make the journey as comfortable as possible, we have positioned in the cage:
a single duvet
a small soft cushion
a "comfortable" toy
We didn't put out a bowl with kibble or water. I think they would spill anyway.
We also decided to dress him in a small fleece to avoid a possible cold snap. I remind you that Vaika is a greyhound (very little hair and no fat). Rest assured: the animal hold is quite separate from the luggage hold. So it is not -50 degrees inside. It is the captain who regulates the temperature of the latter, as for the cabin.
In addition, in order to follow her journey, we equip Vaika with an Airtag attached to her collar. This allows us to locate her directly and reassure us!
04
In practice
It is necessary to arrive in advance at the check-in counter in order to complete the boarding procedures. However, I do not recommend coming "too early" either because the wait for your dog in the cage can be longer.
It is best not to give your dog anything to eat or drink in the two hours before the flight. Note that Vaika has never relieved herself in her crate.
When we board, we systematically make ourselves known to the pilot and the crew so that they can check that Vaika is in the hold and make sure that the temperature is regulated.
When you arrive, you often have to look for "oversized baggage / special baggage". At least that's how it is at CDG. In smaller airports like Rovaniemi, your dog will wait for you quietly at the exit. I think that, generally speaking, there is less stress in small airports than in large ones. When we arrived at CDG, we had to wait almost an hour before picking up Vaika on the conveyor belt.
