Air Transat Pet Travel Policy

Can You Fly with Pets on Air Transat?

Yes, Air Transat allows dogs and cats to travel in the cabin on most flights. However, there are strict rules about breed restrictions, carrier dimensions, health documentation, and advance booking. This guide covers everything you need to know before booking your pet's flight.

Important: Air Transat notes that pets are not permitted on flights to/from certain destinations. Always confirm your specific route with the airline before finalizing travel plans.

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pet fee: CAD $50 one-way per pet
• Maximum carrier dimensions: 40 cm (L) × 25 cm (W) × 25 cm (H)
• Maximum pet weight: 10 kg (22 lbs) including carrier
• Pets per passenger: 1 pet maximum
• Minimum pet age: 16 weeks (4 months) for cabin travel
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
• Advance booking required: At least 24 hours before flight
• Booking method: Phone only (not online)

Cabin Travel: Dogs & Cats

Air Transat allows both dogs and cats in the cabin, provided they meet size, weight, age, and health requirements. Your pet travels with you in the main cabin, not in cargo.

Carrier Requirements

Your pet's carrier must meet these exact specifications:

• Maximum dimensions: 40 cm long × 25 cm wide × 25 cm high
• Maximum combined weight: 10 kg (pet + carrier together)
• Carrier type: Soft-sided carriers are preferred and fit more easily under airplane seats
• Ventilation: Mesh panels on at least two sides for adequate airflow
• Interior lining: Absorbent mat or pad to manage accidents during flight

Measure your carrier carefully before purchasing. Many standard pet carriers exceed Air Transat's 40 × 25 × 25 cm limit. Soft-sided carriers are easier to fit under the seat in front of you.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (Snub-Nosed) Breeds Banned

Air Transat prohibits the following breeds in cabin travel due to respiratory risks during flight:

• All Bulldog breeds (English, French, American, Old English, Shorty, Spanish)
• All Pug breeds (including Dutch Pug, Japanese Pug)
• All Mastiff breeds
• All Boxer breeds
• All Bull Terrier breeds (including Staffordshire, American Staffordshire, Pit Bull)
• Boston Terrier
• Shih Tzu
• Lhasa Apso
• Pekingese
• Shar Pei (Chinese Shar-Pei)
• Chow Chow
• Affenpinscher
• Brussels Griffon (Petite Brabancon)
• Japanese Chin (Japanese Spaniel)
• King Charles Spaniel (Cavalier King Charles)
• English Toy Spaniel (Prince Charles Spaniel)
• Tibetan Spaniel
• Cane Corso
• Dogue De Bordeaux
• Presa Canario
• American Bully (all breeds)

If your pet is a brachycephalic breed, they cannot fly in Air Transat's cabin. Read our brachycephalic breed flying guide for alternatives.

Age Requirements

Your pet must be at least 16 weeks old (4 months) to fly in the cabin. Younger puppies and kittens are not permitted. Your pet must also be fully weaned.

Health & Medical Requirements

Health Certificate (Required): You must obtain a veterinary health certificate issued within 10 days of your departure date. This certificate confirms your pet is fit to fly and free from contagious diseases.

• Schedule a vet appointment at least 2 weeks before travel
• Request the certificate be issued as close to your departure date as possible
• Bring the original certificate to the airport
• Some international destinations may require additional permits — check with your destination country

Sedation is Prohibited: Do not sedate your pet before or during flight. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide.

Pregnant Animals: Air Transat does not accept visibly pregnant animals due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, contact the airline directly to discuss options.

Checked Baggage & Cargo Travel

Air Transat does not allow pets in checked baggage. However, cargo travel may be available for larger pets. We're still verifying cargo-specific details — contact Air Transat directly for pricing, carrier requirements, and availability.

If cargo travel is available, expect:

• Hard-sided, IATA-compliant crates only (soft-sided carriers not accepted)
• Ventilation openings on at least three sides
• Attached water bowl accessible from outside the crate
• "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on all sides
• Absorbent lining inside the crate
• Minimum age: 10 weeks
• Temperature restrictions: No travel if tarmac temps exceed 29.4°C (85°F) or fall below -6.7°C (20°F)

Booking Your Pet's Flight

How to Book

Phone booking only: You cannot book a pet online through Air Transat's website. You must call the airline directly to reserve your pet's seat.

• Call Air Transat at least 24 hours before departure
• Have your flight details and pet information ready
• Confirm the pet fee (CAD $50 one-way) will be added to your booking
• Ask about your specific route — some destinations don't allow pets

Booking Limitations

• One pet per passenger maximum — you cannot bring two pets on a single ticket
• Limited pet spaces per flight — book early to secure a spot
• Advance booking is mandatory — no same-day pet bookings at the airport

Assistance Animals (Service Dogs)

Air Transat has a separate policy for assistance animals (service dogs). Assistance animals are not counted as regular pets and typically travel free in the cabin.

Documentation required: You must provide proof that your animal is a certified assistance/service animal. We're still verifying specific documentation requirements — contact Air Transat directly with your service animal's credentials.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

6-8 weeks before travel:

• Confirm your destination allows pet imports (check destination country regulations)
• Measure your pet and research carriers that fit Air Transat's 40 × 25 × 25 cm limit
• Purchase a soft-sided carrier with mesh ventilation and absorbent lining

4 weeks before travel:

• Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate
• Check if your destination requires import permits or additional health documents

2 weeks before travel:

• Visit your vet and request a health certificate valid for 10 days before departure
• Ensure your pet is up-to-date on vaccinations (especially rabies)

1 week before travel:

• Call Air Transat to book your pet's cabin seat (phone only, not online)
• Confirm the CAD $50 fee and your pet's reservation
• Ask about any route-specific restrictions
• Arrange for your vet to issue the health certificate within 10 days of departure

24 hours before travel:

• Pick up the original health certificate from your vet
• Pack your pet's carrier, food, water, medications, and comfort items
• Ensure your pet has used the bathroom before heading to the airport
• Arrive at the airport early to allow time for pet check-in

At the airport:

• Present your pet's health certificate at check-in
• Confirm your pet's carrier meets size and weight requirements
• Keep your pet in the carrier during boarding and flight
• Do not sedate your pet

Practical Tips for Flying with Your Pet

• Acclimate your pet to the carrier: Practice short trips in the carrier weeks before your flight so your pet is comfortable during the flight.
• Exercise before the flight: Take your pet for a walk or play session before heading to the airport to reduce anxiety and bathroom needs during flight.
• Bring familiar items: Pack a favorite toy or blanket with your pet's scent to reduce stress.
• Avoid feeding right before flight: Feed your pet a light meal 2-3 hours before departure to reduce nausea and accidents.
• Bring water and a collapsible bowl: Offer water during layovers (not during flight — keep your pet in the carrier).
• Have ID tags and microchip info: Ensure your pet has a collar with ID tags and is microchipped in case of separation.
• Check destination regulations: Some countries have strict import rules, quarantine periods, or additional health requirements. Research your destination well in advance.

International Travel with Pets

If you're flying to another country, you'll need more than just Air Transat's requirements. Different countries have different import rules:

• United States: Requires a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination. Some states have additional requirements.
• United Kingdom: Requires DEFRA pre-approval, microchipping, rabies vaccination, and blood tests. Plan 4-6 months ahead.
• Canada: Requires a health certificate and proof of rabies vaccination.
• Mexico: Requires a health certificate and import permit.

Check your destination's official government website or contact the embassy for specific pet import requirements.

Cost Breakdown

• Air Transat cabin pet fee: CAD $50 one-way
• Soft-sided carrier: CAD $30–$100 (one-time purchase)
• Health certificate: CAD $50–$150 (vet fee)
• Import permits (if required): Varies by destination
• Total estimated cost: CAD $130–$300+ for one pet, one-way

Read our pet travel costs guide for a detailed breakdown.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I book my pet online?
No. Air Transat requires phone-only booking for pets. Call the airline at least 24 hours before departure.

What if my pet is a brachycephalic breed?
Brachycephalic breeds are banned from Air Transat cabins. Explore alternative airlines or consider ground transportation. See our brachycephalic breed guide for options.

Can I sedate my pet for the flight?
No. Sedation is prohibited by IATA regulations on all commercial airlines. A sedated animal cannot maintain balance or respond to emergencies.

What if my pet is pregnant?
Air Transat does not accept visibly pregnant animals. Contact the airline directly to discuss your situation.

Do I need a health certificate for domestic flights?
Yes. Air Transat requires a health certificate for all pet travel, even within Canada.

What if my destination has additional pet import rules?
You're responsible for meeting destination country requirements. These are separate from Air Transat's rules. Research your destination's government website at least 8 weeks before travel.

Need Help Planning?

Pet travel involves multiple requirements across airlines, countries, and vets. Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo — we'll verify all requirements for your specific route and destination.

Data accuracy note: This guide is based on Air Transat's official pet policy, last verified on April 10, 2026. Policies change — always confirm current requirements directly with Air Transat before booking. For international travel, verify destination country requirements with official government sources.

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