Traveling with Pets

• The animal must be carried in a soft bag only, as no hard cage will be allowed in the cabin

• The bag must fit under the seat

• The maximum bag dimensions are 45cm x 35cm x 20cm

• The bag must be leak and odour proof

• Your pet must be able to stand up fully and turn around in the bag

• The bag with your pet must remain closed for the duration of the flight

• Pets strollers are not accepted in the cabin

The comfort of pets and all live animals is crucial. Your pet must be fit-to-fly and carried in a regulation bag. Air Belgium cares about your pet’s wellbeing, so if there is any doubt about animal fitness or the bag they are carried in, we may refuse to transport your pet.

• 2 animals from the same breed are allowed in the same bag. The maximum weight remains at 8kg, including the weight of the bag.

• A passport and/or other travel documents for your pet must be presented.

• Pet travel must be booked in advance, at least 72 hours before your scheduled departure.

• An additional charge is applicable – please check our rates.

• No pets are allowed in Business Class.

• If you are traveling with a pet in the cabin, seating choice is restricted. A seat at the emergency exit is not possible.

• Strollers for animals are not allowed on board, but can be checked into the hold. Excess baggage rates will apply if the stroller exceeds your baggage allowance.

• Short-headed animals are permitted in the hold, subject to a preliminary veterinary examination (between 30 and 3 days before the flight) and completing a fit for travel form

• Some breeds that are classified as dangerous are banned from travel

The cage must meet the IATA (International Air Transport Association) requirements:

• The cage must be big enough for your animal to fully stand up, lie down and turn around

• It must be made out of hard plastic, wood or fibreglass, and may not be foldable

• It must be leak proof

• No wheels are permitted under the cage

• The cage must be closed in a proper and safe way, making it escape-proof

• Cage must have breathing holes and ventilation on all 4 sides

• An empty water and food tray must be provided

• The inside of the cage must be smooth with no sharp edges or protruding nails, to prevent injury to your animal

• Never place your animal’s leash or harness inside the cage. It can be fixed to the top of the cage or taken on board the aircraft in your hand baggage

Your pet must be fit-to-fly and transported in a regulation cage.. Air Belgium cares about your pet's wellbeing, so if there is any doubt about animal fitness or the cage they are in, we may refuse to transport your pet.

• A passport and/or other travel documents for your animal must be presented

• Pet travel must be booked in advance, at least 72 hours before departure

• An additional charge is applicable – check our rates here

There is a risk involved when you travel with your snub-/pug-nosed pet in the cabin. This is because they can potentially experience trouble breathing and respiratory problems can worsen at high altitudes.

Please note that the carriage by air of pug-nosed dogs and cats as a pet in cabin is subject to the completion of a discharge for transport document.

Short-headed animals are permitted in the hold, subject to a preliminary veterinary examination (between 30 and 3 days before the flight) and completing a fit for travel form.

Not sure whether your pet is pug or snub-nosed? Please check the list below :

For safety reasons Air Belgium does not transport following dog species:

• American Bulldog

• American Bully

• American Pit Bull

• American Staffordshire Terrier

• Bull Terrier

• Caucasian Ovcharka

• Dogo Argentino/a

• Fila Brasiliera

• Japanese Tosa

• Karabash

• Rottweiler

• Tosa

Please find our rates for animals transport in cabin, hold and Cargo.

As your animal may not be used to travelling, it can suffer from stress.

Here are some tips to make the flight as comfortable as possible for your pet:

• In order to reassure your pet, you could include a small blanket with a familiar scent, or a favourite toy in the cage

• Allow time for your pet to become familiar with the cage before travel

• Consult your veterinarian to discuss whether sedation is appropriate for your pet during travel

Please be aware that sedatives can sometimes cause circulation problems on a flight, and that not all animals react well to them.