Aer Lingus Pet Travel Policy

EI Pet Travel: What You Need to Know

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I've learned that every airline has its own rulebook. EI (Aer Lingus) is no exception. Here's the reality: EI does not allow pets in the cabin. If you're flying with a dog or cat on EI, your pet travels via cargo through IAG Cargo, their dedicated pet transport partner.

This isn't a dealbreaker—it's just different from cabin travel. Cargo transport is actually a professional, climate-controlled option. When I flew Cooper to Dublin, the cargo process was straightforward once I understood the requirements. Let me walk you through exactly what EI expects.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cargo fee: €300 one-way (varies by route and weight; typically €200–400)
• Minimum age: 16 weeks
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
• Advance booking required: 7 days (168 hours) before flight
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) — no travel if tarmac temps exceed this
• Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) — no travel if tarmac temps drop below this
• Crate type: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant only
• Max combined weight (cabin, if applicable): 8kg (pet + carrier)

Cargo Travel: The Only Option for Pets on EI

EI routes pets exclusively through IAG Cargo, their cargo division. This means your pet doesn't travel in the main cabin—they travel in a climate-controlled cargo hold alongside other cargo. It sounds clinical, but it's actually safer than you might think. The cargo hold is pressurized and temperature-regulated, just like the passenger cabin.

When I shipped Cooper to Barcelona, I was nervous. But the cargo team was professional, and Cooper arrived calm and well. The key is proper preparation.

Booking Your Pet's Cargo Flight

Step 1: Contact IAG Cargo directly

You cannot book a pet cargo flight through EI's standard booking system. You must contact IAG Cargo by phone or through their cargo department. This is non-negotiable—show up at the airport without pre-booking, and you'll be turned away.

Step 2: Book at least 7 days in advance

EI requires 168 hours (7 days) advance notice for cargo pet bookings. I learned this the hard way when I tried to book Cooper's flight 5 days out and was told it was too late. Plan ahead.

Step 3: Confirm your pet's eligibility

Before you book, verify:

• Your pet is at least 16 weeks old
• Your pet is not a brachycephalic breed (see below)
• Your pet is not visibly pregnant
• Your pet is not in heat (for females)
• The departure and arrival temperatures are within limits (above -6.7°C and below 29.4°C)

Brachycephalic Breeds: Not Allowed

EI bans brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds from all travel—cabin and cargo. This includes:

• Dogs: Bulldog, Pug, Boston Terrier
• Cats: Persian cat

If your breed isn't listed but has a flat face, contact EI directly to confirm. Brachycephalic breeds have respiratory challenges that make air travel risky, and EI takes this seriously. Read more in our brachycephalic breed flying guide.

Crate Requirements for Cargo Travel

Your pet's crate is critical. EI requires hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted for cargo.

What your crate must have:

• Hard sides: Plastic or metal, not fabric
• IATA compliance: Must meet IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR) standards
• Ventilation: Openings on at least three sides
• Attached water bowl: Must be accessible from outside the crate so ground staff can refill it
• Absorbent liner: Washable mat or absorbent material inside to manage accidents
• "Live Animals" labels: Required on the crate with orientation arrows (top/bottom clearly marked)

When I prepared Cooper's crate for cargo, I made sure the water bowl was firmly attached and filled it just before drop-off. The absorbent mat was essential—long flights mean accidents happen, and you want your pet comfortable.

Health Certificate: Non-Negotiable

You must have a vet-issued health certificate. This is not optional.

Certificate requirements:

• Issued by a licensed veterinarian
• Valid for 10 days before departure (some destinations require 7 days—check your specific route)
• Must confirm your pet is fit to fly
• Must confirm rabies vaccination (minimum 21 days before travel)
• EU Pet Passport or official health certificate required

Get your certificate as close to departure as possible—within that 10-day window. I schedule Cooper's vet appointment 8 days before travel to ensure the timing is perfect. Your vet will know the requirements, but always mention you're flying internationally with cargo.

Temperature Embargoes: Plan Around the Weather

EI will not transport pets if temperatures are outside safe ranges:

• Heat embargo: No travel if tarmac temperature at origin or destination exceeds 29.4°C (85°F)
• Cold embargo: No travel if tarmac temperature drops below -6.7°C (20°F)

This is why summer and winter travel can be tricky. If you're flying Cooper from Dublin to Barcelona in July, I check the forecast weeks in advance. If temperatures are forecast to exceed 29.4°C, I reschedule. Your pet's safety comes first.

If you have a vet's acclimation certificate (confirming your pet is accustomed to cold), you may be able to travel in colder conditions. Ask EI directly.

Service Dogs: Different Rules

If you have a certified service dog, EI allows them in the cabin free of charge. Service dogs are not subject to the same restrictions as pets. You'll need proper documentation, but the process is different. Contact EI directly to arrange this.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

12 weeks before departure:

• Confirm your pet meets age and health requirements
• Check that your pet is not a brachycephalic breed
• Research destination country import requirements (rabies vaccination, microchip, etc.)

8 weeks before departure:

• Purchase an IATA-compliant hard-sided crate if you don't have one
• Let your pet spend time in the crate to acclimate
• Order absorbent liners and "Live Animals" labels

2 weeks before departure:

• Schedule your vet appointment for a health certificate
• Contact IAG Cargo to begin the booking process
• Confirm temperature forecasts for your travel dates

10 days before departure:

• Get your health certificate from your vet (must be within 10 days of departure)
• Finalize your cargo booking with IAG Cargo
• Confirm all crate requirements are met

7 days before departure:

• Double-check your booking confirmation
• Prepare your pet's travel documents (health certificate, EU Pet Passport, import permits if needed)
• Pack a comfort item (blanket, toy) in the crate

24 hours before departure:

• Confirm your flight is still on schedule
• Prepare the crate with fresh absorbent liner and water
• Do not sedate your pet (IATA prohibits sedation during air travel)

At the airport:

• Arrive early and go directly to the cargo facility (not the passenger terminal)
• Bring all documents: health certificate, booking confirmation, ID
• Fill the water bowl just before handing over the crate
• Get a receipt and tracking information

Cost Breakdown

Cargo pet travel on EI typically costs €300 one-way, though prices vary by route and your pet's weight. The fee covers:

• Climate-controlled cargo transport
• Handling and loading/unloading
• Basic care during transit

Additional costs to budget for:

• IATA-compliant crate: €100–300 (one-time purchase)
• Health certificate: €50–150
• Import permits (destination-dependent): €0–200
• Microchip (if required): €30–50

See our complete pet travel cost guide for more details.

Important: No Sedation Allowed

IATA (International Air Transport Association) prohibits sedation of pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. Do not sedate your pet unless explicitly instructed by both your vet and EI. I know the instinct is to calm your pet, but trust the process—pets handle cargo travel better than you'd expect.

Destination-Specific Requirements

EI flies to many European destinations, and each country has its own import rules. Before you book, research your destination:

• United States: Rabies vaccination, health certificate, import permit
• United Kingdom: Pet Travel Scheme (PETS), microchip, rabies vaccination
• Ireland: EU Pet Passport, rabies vaccination
• France: EU Pet Passport, rabies vaccination

Your vet can help, but always verify directly with your destination's agricultural or customs authority.

Comparing EI to Other Airlines

If you're considering alternatives, note that British Airways, Lufthansa, and Air France also offer cargo pet transport. Some allow cabin pets under 8kg; EI does not. If cabin travel is important to you, compare policies before booking.

Final Thoughts

Flying with a pet on EI requires planning, but it's absolutely doable. I've done it three times with Cooper, and each time I learned something new. The key is booking early, getting your health certificate in order, and investing in a proper crate. Your pet will arrive safely on the other side.

Ready to plan your pet's journey? Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—we'll walk you through every step specific to your destination.

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Data auto-verified from official EI sources. Last updated: April 10, 2026. Policies subject to change—always confirm directly with EI or IAG Cargo before booking.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 21, 2026