For passengers with animals and plants
For passengers with animals and plants
The airline sets the rules and conditions for transporting animals, including whether they may travel in the cabin, applicable fees and restrictions on species and breeds. When booking or purchasing a ticket, you need to inform the airline or ticket agent that you plan to travel with an animal and obtain confirmation from the airline.
Animals may be transported:
- in the passenger cabin, if permitted by the airline’s rules;
- in the aircraft cargo hold, provided that this type of aircraft offers a ventilated and heated baggage compartment.
The following documents are required when transporting an animal:
- veterinary passport of a standard form;
- a veterinary health certificate (Form No. 1), issued only by a state veterinary clinic no earlier than 5 days before departure;
- a mandatory rabies vaccination record (the vaccination must be given no earlier than 30 days and no later than 12 months before the departure date).
When traveling by air, the animal must be placed in a container (cage). Containers (cages) must meet the following airline requirements:
- be large enough for the animal to stand up fully and turn around 360 degrees;
- have proper ventilation and a secure lock;
- the bottom of the container (cage) must be leak-proof and lined with absorbent material;
- the base must have raised edges to prevent the absorbent material from spilling;
- bird cages must be covered with thick, light-blocking fabric;
- there must be space inside the cage or container to attach vessels with water and dry food for the entire journey, from check-in at the departure airport to collection at the destination.
The food must comply with the regulations of the country the animal is entering or transiting through. Meat and meat-based products are not allowed inside the container.
The free baggage allowance does not apply to animals. Exception is guide dogs accompanying passengers with visual or hearing impairments. They are carried free of charge in addition to the standard baggage allowance, provided a certificate confirming their training is presented. The guide dog must wear a collar and muzzle and be secured near the owner’s seat.
Plants
Terms of transportation are set by the airline’s rules.
As a rule, the size of the plant together with its pot and other items in the cabin must not exceed the carry-on baggage size limits. Potted plants must fit into the cabin baggage sizer together with the rest of your carry-on.
If the plant, including its pot, exceeds the carry-on limits, it may be handed over as checked baggage. In this case, the plant must be securely packed to protect it from damage during transport.