Pets are considered one of the toughest ones to carry onboard. Most of the owners know how to handle them, but many don’t, and those create a nuisance throughout the flight. So, it becomes crucial for the person traveling with pets to ensure that the pets are safe and have a comfortable journey. Turkish Airlines, being one of the leading airlines globally, offers a detailed and considerate pet policy to help passengers traveling with pets. If you wish to get an in-depth look at the Turkish Airlines pet travel policy, this article is the best.
Which Policies Allow You to Carry Pets?
Turkish Airlines’ pet policy is designed to meet the needs of passengers traveling with their animals on board. Here’s an overview of the key policies and rules:
- Small cats, dogs, and songbirds can travel in the cabin if the combined weight of the pet and carrier does not exceed 8 kg.
- Pets that are unable to travel in the cabin will then have to travel in the cargo hold that do not surpass the dimensions of height 75 cm x width 75 cm x length 125 cm.
- Pet reservations should be made in advance and are subject to availability.
- Pets must meet health and vaccination requirements, which vary by destination.
- Certain dog and cat breeds may be subject to restrictions due to health risks.
- Turkish Airlines allows pets like service animals on board with the necessary documentation and adherence to specific guidelines.
How To Book Pets on Turkish Airlines?
Turkish Airlines flying with pets requires careful planning, especially when it comes to booking their journey. Turkish Airlines provides two primary methods for booking your pet’s travel: during your own ticket booking and after your ticket has been booked. Here, we have outlined the steps you need to follow for each method to ensure a smooth travel experience for you and your pet.
Booking Your Pet While Making Your Own Reservation
When you’re planning to fly with Turkish Airlines and intend to bring your pet along, it’s most convenient to book your pet’s travel at the same time as you book your own flight. This ensures that all arrangements are made simultaneously and reduces the chance of any last-minute complications.
- Begin your flight booking process on the Turkish Airlines website or mobile app.
- Enter your travel details, including departure and arrival locations, dates, and number of passengers.
- Look for the option to add a pet to your booking. This is typically found under additional services or similar sections.
- Select ‘Add Pet’ and enter the required information about your pet, such as species, breed, and weight.
- Review the pet policy details, including size and weight restrictions, to ensure compliance.
- Confirm and pay for your pet’s reservation along with your flight booking.
Adding Your Pet to an Existing Reservation
If you’ve already booked your flight and decide later that you want to bring your pet, Turkish Airlines allows you to add your pet to your existing reservation. Here are the steps you should follow:
- Retrieve your existing booking using your reservation code (PNR) on the Turkish Airlines website or mobile app.
- Navigate to the ‘Manage Booking’ section.
- Select the option to add a pet to your booking.
- Provide the necessary details about your pet as prompted.
- Ensure that your pet meets the airline’s pet policy requirements.
- Pay the applicable fee for your pet’s travel.
Carrier Size and Pet Limitation
While carrying your pets on board, either in the cabin or on hold, you need to abide by the Turkish Airlines pet carrier size as specified by the airlines. With proper ventilation, the cage of the pet must have enough space for them to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably. It must also be watertight and have a lateral locking mechanism.
In-Cabin Pet Travel
Turkish Airlines permits the carriage of small cats, dogs, and songbirds, such as parakeets and canaries, in the aircraft cabin. The total weight of the pet, along with its kennel, should be less than 8 kg or approximately 17 lbs. The kennel you are carrying must not exceed the dimensions of height- 23 cm, width- 30 cm, and length- 40 cm. You must ensure to keep your pets inside the kennel throughout the journey and keep them under the seat in front of you.
Cargo Compartment Pet Travel
For larger pets or those not eligible to travel in the cabin, Turkish Airlines offers transportation in the aircraft cargo hold. According to Turkish Airline’s pet cargo policy, pets traveling in a cargo hold must not have their carrier size larger than 75 cm in height, 75 cm in width, and 125 cm in length. The total weight of the pet and carrier together cannot surpass 50 kg.
What Dent Pets Put on Your Pockets?
Carrying your pet on board will incur additional fees as it is not included in the baggage allowance. These fees depend on various factors, including the pet’s weight, the travel route, and whether the pet is carried in the cabin or cargo hold. For domestic flights within Turkey, a fixed fee is applied based on the total weight of the pet and its crate. Here are the Turkish Airlines pet fees for domestic flights:
- Pets carried in the flight cabin (PETC) weighing 0-8 kg will be charged 375 TRY.
- Pets carried in the cargo hold (AVIH) weighing 0-15 kg will be charged 600 TRY.
- Pets carried in the cargo hold (AVIH) weighing 16-22 kg will be charged 650 TRY.
- Pets carried in the cargo hold (AVIH) weighing 23-28 kg will be charged 750 TRY.
- Pets carried in the cargo hold (AVIH) weighing over 28 kg will be charged 800 TRY.
For international flights, the fees are calculated according to the weight categories and travel destinations. Here are the fees for domestic flights:
- Pets carried in the flight cabin (PETC) weighing 0-8 kg will be charged 65 USD.
- Pets carried in the cargo hold (AVIH) weighing 0-23 kg will be charged 130 USD.
- Pets carried in the cargo hold (AVIH) weighing 24-32 kg will be charged 150 USD.
- Pets carried in the cargo hold (AVIH) weighing over 33 kg will be charged 190 USD.
Turkish Airlines provides a Pet Transportation Fee Calculator on its website for the most accurate fee calculation.
Summary:
Turkish Airlines pet policy is the basic prerequisite for passengers traveling with their pets and the information of the requirements and fees associated with Turkish Airlines pet travel. By following these guidelines, pet owners can prepare for a smooth and enjoyable journey with their beloved companions. Whether your pet is snuggled safely in the cabin or secured in the cargo hold, Turkish Airlines is committed to providing a comfortable travel experience for all its passengers, including the furry ones.
Frequently Asked Questions:
1) What types of pets are allowed on board?
Cats, dogs, and small songbirds are permitted in the aircraft cabin and cargo hold.
2) What is the pet carriage fee?
The fee varies based on the pet’s weight, crate size, and flight destination. Use the Pet Transportation Fee Calculator for an estimate.
3) Are there weight or size limits for my pet?
Yes, Turkish Airlines pets in the cabin and carriers must not exceed 8 kg and must fit within specified dimensions. For cargo hold travel, the limits are 50 kg in weight and specific carrier dimensions.
4) Can I travel with more than one pet in a single crate?
Turkish Airlines charges pet fees per crate, not per pet. If two pets fit comfortably in one crate, only one fee applies.
5) Does Turkish Airlines allow pets in business class?
Yes, Turkish Airlines allows pets to travel in any of the cabin classes. So yes, you can bring your furry friend to the business class on Turkish Airlines.