How to Fly with a Cat

When you are planning to take a flight and need to take your cat along, then this should be the most important consideration when it comes to choose a flight provider.  This is because you will need to know their pet policies before you leave for the airport to ensure you comply with them and the cat is allowed on the plane.  For example, some will allow them into the cabin while others state they must be in the cargo hold.  And then there is the carrier needed, of which different flights dictate different specifications.

Flying options

There are three main options that airlines can employ to take your cat to the destination.  They may be allowed to be classed as checked baggage for the cabin in which case they fly alongside an adult passenger and are stowed under the seat.  The second option is to be classed as checked baggage cargo at which time they will be send to the cargo hold rather than allowed into the cabin.  Finally, very large or unaccompanied pets will be classed as manifest cargo in the hold, though this is less likely to apply to domestic cats.

Carrier requirements

When pets travel as cargo, there are special requirements as to the carrier that the need to be in to travel.  This also applies if they are flying as checked baggage.  According to the standards set out by the IATA, the carrier must be large enough for the cat to stand, turn and lie down comfortably, with breeds such as Persians requiring one size larger than normal due to their snub nose.

The crate needs to be made from rigid plastic, metal, fibreglass, weld metal mesh, plywood or solid wood, though some airlines such as KLM and Air France will not accepted wooden crates.  It must have a solid, leak-proof floor and there need to be handling spaces or handles on the side.

The container needs to have a secure and spring loaded locking system all around it with pins extending 1.6cm above and below the top margins of the door.  Some airlines will also require cable ties in each corner and doors need to be heavy plastic, welded or cast metal so pets cannot bend them, again not such a problem with cats.  It also needs to be nose and paw proof to avoid injuries to the animal.

The carrier should be non-collapsible and sturdy in construction.  Doors should be at the side not the top as this can be a point of weakness.

Water and food bowls need to be inside the front door and should be able to be refilled from the outside without the need to open the door.  Funnels attached with cable ties can make it easier for airline staff to refill water and food should be attached to the top of the carrier in a plastic bag.

Ventilation should be on a minimum of two sides for domestic flights and four for international flights.  Live animal stickers should be placed on the top and sides in at least one inch tall letters as well as directional stickers and a shipping declaration needs to be added with last time of water and food being given.