Flying with Your Pet on Atlantic Airways

I've moved internationally three times with Cooper, my 28kg Golden Retriever, and I learned early that every airline has its own rulebook. Atlantic Airways does allow pets to travel with you—both in the cabin and in cargo—but the details matter. This guide walks you through exactly what you need to know before you book.

Key Numbers at a Glance

  • Cabin pets allowed: Yes
  • Cargo/checked baggage allowed: Yes
  • Cabin carrier weight limit: 8 kg (pet + carrier combined)
  • Cabin carrier dimensions: 55 cm (L) × 40 cm (W) × 23 cm (H)
  • Cabin fee (one-way): No fee found—contact Atlantic Airways to confirm
  • Minimum age for cabin travel: 8 weeks
  • Minimum age for cargo/checked baggage: 10 weeks
  • Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
  • Advance booking required: Yes, at least 24 hours
  • Heat embargo threshold: 29.4°C (85°F)
  • Cold embargo threshold: -6.7°C (20°F)

Cabin Travel: Flying with Your Pet in the Cabin

If your pet is small enough and meets Atlantic Airways' requirements, traveling in the cabin means your pet stays with you throughout the flight. This is what I always choose for Cooper when possible—it's less stressful for both of us.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your pet must travel in a soft-sided carrier that fits under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions:

  • Length: Up to 55 cm (22 inches)
  • Width: Up to 40 cm (16 inches)
  • Height: Up to 23 cm (9 inches)
  • Combined weight (pet + carrier): Maximum 8 kg

The carrier must have mesh ventilation on the sides so your pet can breathe properly. Inside, you'll need an absorbent mat or liner to handle any accidents during the flight. This saved me more than once with Cooper during turbulence.

A hard-sided crate won't work for cabin travel—it won't fit under the seat. Save that for cargo.

Who Can Travel in the Cabin?

Both cats and dogs are allowed in the cabin on Atlantic Airways, provided they meet these conditions:

  • Minimum age: 8 weeks old and fully weaned
  • Not visibly pregnant
  • Not a brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breed
  • Maximum 1 pet carrier per passenger

Brachycephalic Breed Restrictions

If your dog is a brachycephalic breed, they cannot travel in the cabin. This is an industry-wide safety standard due to respiratory risks during flight. Restricted breeds include:

  • Bulldogs (all types: English, French, American)
  • Pugs (all types)
  • Boston Terriers
  • Boxers
  • Shih Tzus
  • Pekingese
  • Chow Chows
  • Japanese Chin
  • Mastiffs (all types)
  • Staffordshire Bull Terriers
  • American Pit Bull Terriers
  • Shar Peis
  • Cavalier King Charles Spaniels
  • Lhasa Apsos
  • Brussels Griffons
  • Bull Terriers
  • Affenpinschers
  • English Toy Spaniels
  • Cane Corsos
  • Dogue de Bordeaux
  • Presa Canarios

If your breed is on this list, you'll need to explore alternative options for brachycephalic breeds or contact Atlantic Airways to confirm whether your specific dog might qualify for an exception.

Cabin Booking & Fees

You must pre-book your pet at least 24 hours before departure. Don't show up at the airport with your pet without prior arrangement—Atlantic Airways limits the number of pets per flight, and you'll be denied boarding if you haven't booked in advance.

The cabin fee appears to be no charge based on available data, but I strongly recommend contacting Atlantic Airways directly to confirm current pricing, as this can change.

Cargo & Checked Baggage Travel

If your pet is too large for cabin travel or you prefer cargo transport, Atlantic Airways accepts pets in both cargo and checked baggage. I've shipped Cooper this way on longer international moves, and it requires more preparation.

Carrier Requirements for Cargo/Checked Baggage

For cargo or checked baggage, your pet must travel in a hard-sided, IATA-compliant crate. Soft-sided carriers are not accepted. Your crate must include:

  • Hard-sided construction meeting IATA Live Animals Regulations (LAR)
  • Ventilation openings on at least three sides
  • An attached water bowl or trough that can be filled from outside the crate
  • An absorbent mat or liner inside to manage accidents
  • "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on the outside

This is more involved than cabin travel, but the hard-sided crate provides better protection during handling.

Age & Health Requirements for Cargo

  • Minimum age: 10 weeks old (older than cabin minimum)
  • Not visibly pregnant
  • Not a brachycephalic breed

Temperature Embargoes

Atlantic Airways will not accept pets in cargo if temperatures exceed safety thresholds:

  • Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) or higher at origin or destination
  • Cold embargo: -6.7°C (20°F) or lower at origin or destination

If you're traveling during extreme weather, you may need an acclimation certificate from your vet to prove your pet can handle the conditions. This is something I've had to arrange when moving Cooper during summer months.

Advance Booking for Cargo

Like cabin travel, cargo pets must be pre-booked in advance. Contact Atlantic Airways' cargo department to arrange this—it's a separate process from passenger booking.

Health Certificates & Documentation

This is non-negotiable: you must have a vet-issued health certificate for any pet traveling on Atlantic Airways, whether cabin or cargo. I've seen travelers denied boarding at the gate because they skipped this step.

Health Certificate Requirements

  • Issued within 10 days of departure (some destinations require 7 days—check your destination)
  • Signed by a licensed veterinarian
  • Confirms your pet is healthy and fit to fly
  • Must be presented at check-in

Schedule your vet appointment as close to your departure date as possible. If you're traveling internationally, also check the import requirements for your destination country—many countries require additional permits or vaccinations beyond the basic health certificate.

Important: No Sedation During Flight

Do not sedate your pet for air travel. IATA regulations prohibit sedation because a sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. This applies to all commercial airlines worldwide, including Atlantic Airways. If your vet or the airline suggests sedation, get a second opinion.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

8-10 Weeks Before Departure

  • Confirm your pet meets Atlantic Airways' age requirements (8 weeks for cabin, 10 weeks for cargo)
  • Check if your breed is restricted (especially if you have a brachycephalic dog)
  • Research destination country import requirements
  • Book your vet appointment for the health certificate

4-6 Weeks Before Departure

  • Pre-book your pet with Atlantic Airways (at least 24 hours required, but earlier is safer)
  • Purchase or confirm you have the correct carrier:
    • Cabin: Soft-sided, 55×40×23 cm max, 8 kg combined weight
    • Cargo: Hard-sided, IATA-compliant, with water bowl and "Live Animals" labels
  • Order absorbent liners/mats for the carrier
  • If traveling to a country requiring import permits, apply now

2 Weeks Before Departure

  • Confirm your pet's health certificate appointment (within 10 days of departure)
  • Check weather forecasts for your destination—if extreme heat or cold is expected, ask your vet about an acclimation certificate
  • Practice acclimating your pet to the carrier if they're not used to it

1 Week Before Departure

  • Visit your vet and obtain the health certificate
  • Collect any import permits or additional documentation
  • Prepare the carrier: add absorbent mat, ensure ventilation is clear, attach "Live Animals" labels (if cargo)
  • Confirm your Atlantic Airways booking one final time

Day of Travel

  • Arrive early at the airport
  • Have your health certificate and any import permits ready at check-in
  • For cabin travel: keep your pet calm and hydrated before boarding
  • For cargo: say goodbye at check-in and confirm your pet's flight details

Questions to Ask Atlantic Airways Directly

The data I've provided covers industry standards, but Atlantic Airways may have specific policies. Contact them to confirm:

  • Current cabin pet fee (listed as no charge, but verify)
  • Exact cargo booking process and fees
  • Whether your specific breed qualifies for any exceptions
  • Specific routes with pet restrictions (if any)
  • Whether they accept multiple pets in one carrier
  • Service animal policies and documentation requirements

Final Thoughts

Flying with a pet requires planning, but it's absolutely doable. I've done it three times with Cooper, and each move got smoother because I learned the rules upfront. Atlantic Airways' policies are straightforward: book in advance, get a health certificate, use the right carrier, and avoid extreme temperatures. Follow this checklist, and you'll be well-prepared for a smooth journey with your furry friend.

Ready to plan your pet's trip? Get your free personalized travel plan from Pawgo—they'll handle the destination-specific requirements and help you navigate any country-specific import rules.

This guide is based on verified data from official airline sources and industry standards (IATA Live Animals Regulations). Atlantic Airways policies are current as of the latest data verification. Always confirm directly with Atlantic Airways before booking, as policies can change. For destination-specific requirements, consult your country's agricultural or customs authority.

Auto-generated from verified data · Last updated: April 23, 2026