Updating its pet travel policy, pets including cats and dogs, flying with the airlines, can travel in the mid-air cabin.

Pet parents flying on Etihad Airways have good news as they can bring their cat or dog along with them in the cabin and not worry about transporting them.

Paying an additional cost of the person’s cabin bag, pets will get to travel along with their owners. They will be required to present the veterinary and official documents for animals at the time of check-in.

Updating its pet travel policy, pets including cats and dogs, flying with the airlines, can travel in the mid-air cabin menagerie. Previously, the airlines only permitted ‘trained service animals’ and falcons to stay in the cabin with their travel buddies. While cats and dogs are permitted to travel in the cabin, other types of pets are still going to travel as cargo.

The cost of travelling in the economy class is $150 (Dh550) per pet, per flight, to travel six hours or less, and $250 (Dh920) for flights more than six hours. If you are transiting, then the combined price will apply. Pet parents can also purchase a seat for them, which must be done in advance.

If a passenger is flying business or first class, they can purchase an adjacent seat for their pet to sit in their carrier next to them. The pet travel bag or carrier must not exceed the measurements of 50 x 43 x 50cm (L x W x H).

One adult traveller can bring one pet per flight, from and via the UAE, provided all travel conditions are met. However, the number can be increased to two pets if two guests are travelling together, provided the pets are from the same household.

To book the tickets, documents need to be submitted at least 72 hours before travel via an online booking form. For the pet to travel, they need to be microchipped and must contain a certified health certificate, pet passport and a fit-to-travel certificate.

The combined weight of the pet and travel bag or kennel must not exceed 8 kilograms and travellers will be responsible to check all entry and exit regulations for the country they are flying to and from whilst travelling with a pet.