Georgian Airways Pet Travel Policy

Georgian Airways Pet Travel: Complete Policy Guide

When I booked Luna's first flight on Georgian Airways, I spent hours cross-referencing carrier dimensions, fee structures, and health certificate timelines. As a data-driven traveler, I wanted exact numbers—not vague airline language. This guide gives you those numbers, based on Georgian Airways' verified pet policies.

Georgian Airways (A9) allows both cats and dogs to travel in the cabin with you, which is the safest and least stressful option for most pets. The airline also permits cargo and checked baggage pet transport for those who need it, though cabin travel remains the gold standard for animal welfare.

Quick Comparison: Georgian Airways vs. Industry Standards

Key Numbers at a Glance

• Cabin pet fee: €50 one-way per pet
• Maximum combined weight: 8 kg (pet + carrier)
• Maximum carrier dimensions: 55 cm (L) × 40 cm (W) × 20 cm (H)
• Minimum pet age (cabin): 8 weeks
• Minimum pet age (cargo/checked): 10 weeks
• Health certificate validity: 10 days before departure
• Advance booking requirement: 24 hours (dogs); pre-booking recommended (cats)
• Cold embargo: −6.7°C (20°F) for cargo/checked baggage
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F) for cargo/checked baggage
• Pets per passenger (cabin): 1 carrier maximum

Cabin Travel: The Best Option for Your Pet

Cabin travel is the safest way to fly with your pet. Your animal stays with you in the pressurized, temperature-controlled cabin rather than in cargo. Georgian Airways allows cats and dogs in the cabin, provided they meet size and weight requirements.

Carrier Requirements for Cabin Travel

Your carrier must be soft-sided and fit under the seat in front of you. Here are the exact dimensions Georgian Airways allows:

• Length: Up to 55 cm (21.6 inches)
• Width: Up to 40 cm (15.7 inches)
• Height: Up to 20 cm (7.9 inches)
• Combined weight (pet + carrier): Maximum 8 kg (17.6 lbs)

When I packed Luna for her flight, I measured her soft carrier three times to be certain. The height limit of 20 cm is tighter than some airlines allow, so verify your specific carrier fits before booking. Soft-sided carriers compress slightly, which helps them slide under seats more easily than rigid crates.

Carrier Features You Must Have

• Ventilation: Mesh panels on at least two sides for airflow (IATA requirement)
• Absorbent liner: A washable mat or puppy pad inside to manage accidents during the 2–4 hour flight
• Secure closure: Zippers or latches that won't accidentally open
• Comfort: Enough space for your pet to stand, turn, and lie down

Cargo and Checked Baggage: Alternative Options

Georgian Airways permits cats and dogs in cargo and checked baggage, though these methods are riskier and more stressful for animals. Use these only if cabin travel is impossible.

Cargo/Checked Baggage Carrier Requirements

• Hard-sided IATA-compliant crate required (soft carriers not accepted)
• Attached water bowl that can be filled from outside the crate
• Ventilation openings on at least three sides
• Absorbent liner inside to manage accidents
• "Live Animals" labels with orientation arrows on all sides
• Minimum age: 10 weeks (vs. 8 weeks for cabin)

Temperature Embargoes for Cargo/Checked Baggage

Georgian Airways follows industry-standard temperature restrictions:

• Cold embargo: −6.7°C (20°F). If temperatures drop below this at origin or destination, your pet cannot fly in cargo unless you obtain an acclimation certificate from your veterinarian.
• Heat embargo: 29.4°C (85°F). If tarmac temperatures exceed this, cargo pet transport is prohibited.

These embargoes exist because cargo holds are not always climate-controlled, and animals cannot regulate their body temperature like humans can. Always check weather forecasts before booking cargo travel.

Health Certificates & Documentation

A veterinary health certificate is non-negotiable for all Georgian Airways pet flights—cabin, cargo, or checked baggage. This is an industry-wide requirement, and Georgian Airways will enforce it at check-in.

Health Certificate Checklist

• Issued by a licensed veterinarian (not a vet tech)
• Dated within 10 days of your departure (some destinations require 7 days—verify with Georgian Airways)
• Must include: Pet's name, breed, age, microchip number (if applicable), vaccination records (especially rabies), and a statement that the animal is fit to fly
• Original document (not a photocopy) required at check-in
• Destination-specific requirements: If flying internationally, check if your destination country requires import permits or additional certifications

I scheduled Luna's vet appointment 12 days before departure to ensure the certificate was fresh. Don't wait until the last minute—vet offices get busy, and you need time to address any health issues that might disqualify your pet from flying.

Breed Restrictions: Brachycephalic (Flat-Faced) Breeds

Georgian Airways, like virtually all commercial airlines, restricts brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds due to respiratory risks during flight. These breeds struggle to breathe in pressurized cabins and are at high risk of heat stress.

Restricted Breeds Include:

• Cats: British Shorthair, Burmese, Exotic Shorthair, Himalayan, Persian, Scottish Fold
• Dogs: Affenpinscher, American Bully, Boxer, Boston Terrier, Bulldog (all types), Brussels Griffon, Cane Corso, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Chow Chow, Dogue de Bordeaux, English Toy Spaniel, Japanese Chin, King Charles Spaniel, Lhasa Apso, Mastiff (all types), Pekingese, Presa Canario, Pug (all types), Shar Pei, Shih Tzu, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Tibetan Spaniel

If your breed is on this list, do not attempt to book. Contact Georgian Airways directly to confirm whether your specific pet qualifies for an exception (rare, and requires veterinary documentation).

Sedation: Prohibited

IATA (International Air Transport Association) regulations prohibit sedating pets during air travel. A sedated animal cannot maintain equilibrium or respond to emergencies. Georgian Airways enforces this rule—do not sedate your pet before flying, even if you think it will reduce stress. If your pet has severe anxiety, discuss calming supplements or behavioral training with your vet instead.

Booking Your Pet on Georgian Airways

Advance Booking Requirements

• Dogs: Must be booked at least 24 hours in advance
• Cats: Pre-booking is recommended (exact advance notice window not specified—contact Georgian Airways to confirm)
• Cannot show up at the airport with a pet without prior arrangement. Airlines limit the number of pets per flight, and spots fill quickly.
• Maximum 1 pet carrier per passenger in the cabin (some airlines allow 2 small pets in one carrier, but Georgian Airways' policy on this is unconfirmed—ask when booking)

How to Book

We're still verifying Georgian Airways' specific booking method (online, phone, email). Contact the airline directly:

• Visit the Georgian Airways website
• Call their reservations team
• Email their customer service

When you call or book, have ready:

• Your pet's name, breed, age, and weight
• Your flight dates and route
• Confirmation that your pet meets all health and age requirements

Special Cases: Pregnant Animals & Animals in Heat

Georgian Airways, following industry standards, does not accept visibly pregnant animals for air travel due to health risks during flight. If your pet is pregnant, confirm directly with the airline before booking—some exceptions may exist, but they're rare.

Animals in heat: We're still verifying Georgian Airways' specific policy. Contact the airline directly to confirm whether your pet can fly during estrus.

What You Need to Do: Pre-Flight Checklist

• ✓ 4–6 weeks before departure: Schedule a vet appointment for a health certificate. Confirm your pet meets all breed and age requirements.
• ✓ 3–4 weeks before: Measure your carrier against Georgian Airways' dimensions (55 cm L × 40 cm W × 20 cm H). Test that it fits under a standard airplane seat.
• ✓ 2 weeks before: Book your pet with Georgian Airways (24 hours minimum for dogs; confirm for cats). Provide your pet's details and flight information.
• ✓ 10 days before: Pick up your pet's health certificate from the vet. Verify it includes all required information and is dated correctly.
• ✓ 1 week before: Confirm your booking with Georgian Airways. Double-check carrier dimensions and weight limits.
• ✓ Day before departure: Pack your pet's carrier with an absorbent liner, familiar toys, and a recent photo of your pet (in case of emergency). Ensure your pet has access to water and food.
• ✓ Day of departure: Arrive at the airport early (3 hours for international flights). Bring your pet's health certificate and any other required documents. Keep your pet calm and hydrated.

Cost Breakdown

Georgian Airways charges €50 per pet, one-way for cabin travel. This is mid-range pricing compared to other European carriers. For a round-trip flight with one pet, budget €100 in airline fees alone.

Additional costs to consider:

• Health certificate: €50–€150 (vet visit)
• Soft-sided carrier: €30–€100 (if you don't already own one)

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