Dogs yes, rabbits no -- how it works with animals in the cabin. And hawks get on Etihad, too
On Facebook a few days ago, Alexander (one of our readers) regretted that the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss, [...]
Qatar Airways
Etihad Airways
Emirates
On Facebook a few days ago, Alexander (one of our readers) regretted that the Lufthansa Group (Lufthansa, Eurowings, Swiss, Austrian Airlines and Brussels Airlines) had Cancelled the possibility of taking rabbits with them in the cabin, despite the fact that these are "the third most common pet after dogs and cats and, unlike dogs and cats, make no sound, produce no odors, and are generally small in size."
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The same "loyal customer" of the said Lufthansa Group rejoiced in that same post that "fortunately in Italy we have ITA Airways and Aeroitalia."
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The latter appears to be particularly 'pet friendly', to the point of having recently announced a partnership with ALFA Love for Animal Associations that in a containment of straying, popular especially in southern Italian regions, involves airlifting dogs and cats given up for adoption "through the Palermo-Rome and Rome-Bergamo relay.", reads a note released by the ompany.
That of the companion animals transported in the cabin is a very delicato, for objective reasons such as allergies that other passengers may suffer from, and also for reasons related to peace of mind and relaxation on board for those who are uncomfortable having a cat or dog within inches of their legs for the duration of the flight, especially if long haul we are talking about.
'Accidents' can then happen, as The one that occurred a few weeks ago in an Australian couple who was returning home after vacationing in Europe with Singapore Airlines. Seating in Premium Economy, husband and wife, after several hours of flight, had had to surrender and Moving to Economy because of their neighbor's 'farting' and 'drooling' dog (although one wonders why the crew did not move the dog and owner to a quieter area of the plane, instead of the two elderly passengers).
In short, on the subject of 'pet onboard', airlines are being cautious, and it is best to inform yourself very well about the policies adopted by the carrier you intend to travel with. Generally, The criteria by which animals are, or are not, accepted on board (upon payment of their fees, which can also be quite steep, of course), is related to the dimensions (which must be such that the animal and carrier can be accommodated in the space under the seat in front) e Weight, which cannot exceed 6-8 kilograms (depending on the company).
There are, however, Dog breeds that are banned in the cabin, regardless of size and weight: these are those deemed to be dangerous because they are potentially aggressive Or those (including boxers, bulldogs, pugs). so-called brachycephalic, who breathe noisily and may experience asphyxiation in confined spaces and a pressurized environment.
Some companies they really don't accept any kind of animal in the cabin. Or they do not accept it in Business and First Class. Still others (very few) that they don't even accept them in the cargo hold.
And to think that in the Middle East some carriers allow owners to take nothing less than ... hawks with them on the plane. Falconry, in the Gulf countries, is still quite widespread, and the falcon is a popular pet especially among the wealthier classes.
These include. Emirates (but only on some routes), Qatar Airways (which allows the boarding of one falcon per passenger up to a maximum of six falcons for the entire Economy cabin) and Etihad, which in 2022 raised ticket prices for dogs and cats but made it free to carry this bird of prey species in the cabin: in Economy, passengers are allowed to carry one falcon per person and two falcons for each additional seat purchased on board. In Business and First, each passenger may carry up to two falcons, or three falcons for each additional seat purchased.
Can you imagine the butler of The Residence Keeping a flock of hawks at bay during the eight-hour flight between Abu Dhabi and London? We don't envy him (or her)...