Flying with pets by private jet
One of the things we are asked most regularly at PrivateFly is whether pets can travel with them on their private jet charter flight.
The answer is a resounding YES! We know that pets are part of the family and our team make every effort to ensure that their travel is as enjoyable and stress-free as possible.
Our flight team are experts in pets on jets, for prices and advice call us 24 hours on {{telephone}}.
A flight can be a traumatic experience for a pet and (unlike on a commercial flight) this trauma can be lessened on a private jet charter by the calming presence of their owner.
On a private flight, pets can travel with their owner in the aircraft cabin, rather than in the hold.
Provided all the pet documentation is correct and up-to-date, we are able to make all the arrangements for clients who wish to travel with their domestic pets, ensuring the animal's welfare and comfort at all times.
Each country has varying rules and regulations as to the importation of pets. But PrivateFly's Client Services team works closely with operators, airports and other agencies to ensure that the process is as simple and transparent as possible in each location.
Flying with pets in Great Britain & the EU
Since the UK left the European Union (on 1st January 2021) there have been some changes to the pet travel document requirements for private flights (or other travel) with pets between the two.
This largely impacts flights from Great Britain (England, Scotland and Wales) into Northern Ireland and the EU - as the EU no longer recognises the old UK Pet Passport as a valid entry document. Flights from EU member states to Great Britain can continue to enter using an EU pet passport.
For travel from Great Britain to Northern Ireland or the EU, pet owners will need to have an Animal Health Certificate (AHC), which must have been issued no more than 10 days prior to travel. This is valid for four months so can be used for travel within the EU or for a return journey. A new AHC is required for each new departure from GB.
In addition to the pet travel documents, for travel in either direction (and indeed for flights to many other non-EU countries) you will also need to ensure that each pet:
- Has a microchip
- Has been vaccinated against rabies
- Has had a tapeworm treatment in the case of dogs (a few countries are exempt from this requirement)
Within the EU, clients with pets can travel freely between airports in most other European countries, without restriction.
Within the UK, many airports and private jet operators now have approval to handle private charter flights with pets onboard.
Dedicated UK pet airports
Blackpool
Bristol
Cambridge
Doncaster
Edinburgh
Gloucestershire
Leeds Bradford International
London Biggin Hill
London Farnborough
London Gatwick
London Oxford
London RAF Northolt
London Stansted
London Heathrow
Manchester
Flying with pets in the USA
The US Department of Transportation and their Department of Agriculture have the following guidelines for flying with pets within the USA:
- Dogs and cats must be 8 weeks old
- Animals must have been weaned
- Require proof of rabies vaccination
- Each State has specific Centres for Disease Control (CDC)
How to book a private flight with your pet
For a personalised quote or further information on pet flights by private jet please contact our team of experts or call {{telephone}}
(24 hours).