How to Make Travelling with Pets Comfortable on a Plane

Flying with your pet can feel daunting at first, but with the right preparation you can ensure the journey is safe and stress-free. When travelling with pets, your planning matters as much as the trip itself. Comfort starts long before you arrive at the airport. From choosing the right airline to preparing your pet for the cabin or hold, every step helps make the experience smoother for both of you.

Understanding Airline Rules Before You Book

Every airline has different rules when it comes to pets. Some carriers welcome cats and small dogs in the cabin if they can fit under the seat. Others only allow pets to travel in the hold. Knowing this in advance avoids last-minute stress.

Check the size and weight limits carefully. A few airlines also have restrictions on specific breeds, particularly short-nosed dogs such as pugs. These breeds can face breathing issues at altitude.

If your pet is too large for the cabin, they will travel in the hold in a pressurised and temperature-controlled area. This is safe, but it’s essential that you choose a reputable airline with strong animal welfare policies.

Should You Choose Cabin or Hold for Your Pet?

Airlines usually decide whether your pet travels in the cabin or the hold, but sometimes you have a choice. When travelling with pets, the cabin feels safer for many owners. Being close to your animal allows you to reassure them and check their comfort. This option works best for small pets who can fit under the seat in front of you.

For larger animals, the hold is often the only solution. Modern aircraft are designed with temperature-controlled and pressurised spaces specifically for animals. While you can’t see your pet, the conditions are safe and monitored by staff.

Think about your pet’s personality as well as their size. Nervous pets may find the bustle of the cabin overwhelming, while others are calmer when close to their owner. Ask the airline about both options so you can decide what works best.

Preparing Your Pet for Air Travel

Just as you wouldn’t run a marathon without training, pets also need time to adjust. Start by getting them comfortable in their travel crate at home. Place familiar bedding or toys inside so they feel secure. Encourage them to rest in it for short periods.

Take short practice journeys by car with your pet inside the crate. This helps them get used to the feeling of being transported. The more familiar the crate becomes, the less stressful the flight will be.

On the day of travel, give them a light meal several hours before departure. A full stomach can cause discomfort during the flight. Always ensure they have access to water right up until boarding.

Training and Behaviour Preparation

Preparing your pet’s behaviour before the trip can make the flight smoother. Start with short training sessions at home to build confidence. Teach your dog to settle quietly in their crate or at your feet. Cats benefit from gradual crate familiarisation and positive reinforcement.

Socialising your pet is also valuable. Get them used to noises, strangers, and different environments. Airports are busy places, and new experiences can overwhelm an unprepared pet. Small steps in advance can reduce anxiety.

You can even mimic travel conditions. Play low-level aircraft sounds while your pet rests in their crate. Combine this with rewards, so they associate the sounds with something positive.

If your pet struggles with separation anxiety, speak with your vet early. They may suggest natural calming aids or strategies tailored to your animal’s needs. A well-prepared pet is far more likely to remain calm on the day of the flight.

Choosing the Right Travel Crate

A safe crate is one of the most important pieces of equipment when travelling with pets. Airlines usually require IATA-approved crates, which meet international safety standards. These crates must be big enough for your pet to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably.

Sturdy metal doors, secure locks, and strong ventilation are non-negotiable. Stick a label on the crate with your contact details and your pet’s name. It can be calming for staff to address your pet by name.

Line the bottom with absorbent bedding. Some owners use puppy pads to manage any accidents. Avoid overfilling the crate with items, as too many things inside can reduce airflow and make your pet feel cramped.

What to Pack for Your Pet

Think of your pet’s carry-on bag just as you would your own. Include:

Collapsible water bowl
Small amount of dry food for after the flight
Familiar blanket or toy
Spare lead or harness
Any medication they may need

Having these ready in your hand luggage ensures you can care for your pet immediately on arrival. For longer flights, you might also want a cooling mat or comfort spray that’s safe for animals.

Health Checks and Paperwork

Before flying, your pet must have an up-to-date microchip and vaccinations. Many destinations also require a pet passport or an animal health certificate from your vet. Timing is critical. For example, tapeworm treatment for dogs often needs to be administered within a specific window before travel.

Speak with your vet at least a month before departure to plan everything. This is also the right moment to discuss whether your pet may benefit from calming aids. Not all animals need them, but some respond well to pheromone sprays or natural remedies.

Never give your pet sedatives unless your vet specifically recommends them. Sedation can interfere with breathing and cause complications during the flight.

Food and Hydration During the Journey

Flying can dehydrate pets quickly, just as it does with humans. Always provide water before and after the flight. If they’re travelling in the hold, attach a water dish to the inside of the crate that can be refilled from outside.

Avoid giving a heavy meal just before the flight. Instead, keep it light and plan their next proper feed for after you land. Some airlines allow you to tape a small bag of food to the top of the crate, which staff can use if there are delays.

Seasonal Considerations When Flying with Pets

The time of year can significantly affect how comfortable your pet feels during air travel. Airlines often apply seasonal rules to protect animals from extreme weather. For instance, some won’t transport pets in the hold during peak summer or winter months on certain routes.

If you’re travelling with pets in summer, think about heat. Choose flights that depart in the early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler. For winter travel, focus on keeping your pet warm and ensure the crate has proper insulation.

Destination climates matter too. Landing in a hot, humid location may require extra cooling aids, while colder countries mean packing blankets or thermal bedding. Always plan for the environment your pet will encounter on arrival.

Ask your airline about seasonal restrictions before you book. This avoids last-minute disappointments and ensures your pet’s welfare is the top priority throughout the journey.

Protecting Your Holiday When You Book with Us

When you book with Jamie Wake Travel, you not only benefit from expert advice on travelling with pets, but also from financial protection. We are proud members of Protected Trust Services and hold an ATOL licence.

That means your money is safe, no matter what happens. All tailor-made holidays also include Supplier Failure Insurance and Scheduled Airline Failure Insurance. This gives you peace of mind that even if a supplier closes, your holiday is protected.

It’s this combination of personal service and strong financial security that makes booking through us a safe and reassuring choice.

Booking Support from Jamie Wake Travel

When travelling with pets, the logistics can feel overwhelming — airline rules, health certificates, crate sizes, and hotel policies all need to align. That’s where we step in. At Jamie Wake Travel, we do more than simply book flights. We help you design the whole journey with your pet in mind.

Our team keeps track of airline regulations, including weight limits and breed restrictions. We can advise on the best routes, avoiding unnecessary layovers or airlines with restrictive policies. We also match you with pet-friendly hotels, villas, or resorts that welcome animals.

Because we work with a wide network of suppliers, we often have exclusive packages at properties where pets are treated as honoured guests. Add this to our ATOL protection and Supplier Failure Insurance, and you get a holiday experience that’s both seamless and secure.

Let us handle the details so you can focus on enjoying the trip — with your pet by your side.

Tips for Long-Haul Flights with Pets

Short flights are one thing, but long-haul journeys require extra planning when travelling with pets. The main challenge is managing their comfort over many hours. A well-ventilated crate becomes even more important on these trips, as does ensuring water is always available.

Choose direct flights wherever possible. Every layover adds stress and increases the risk of delays. If a stopover is unavoidable, research how the airline handles animals during transit. Some carriers have dedicated pet lounges where animals are checked, watered, and exercised between flights.

Consider timing, too. Flying overnight may mean your pet sleeps for much of the journey, making the experience less tiring. Keeping them well-exercised before departure also helps them relax once on board.

Think about your own arrival time. Landing during the day allows you to quickly settle your pet, find green spaces, and re-establish their feeding routine. Planning these small details makes long-haul travel manageable for both of you.

Managing Stress for Your Pet

Pets pick up on your emotions. If you’re calm, they’re more likely to relax. Keep your tone soothing when you speak to them. Bring along a familiar toy or blanket to remind them of home.

At the airport, keep walks calm and avoid overstimulation. Don’t let lots of strangers crowd around them. A few quiet minutes together before boarding can make a big difference.

After You Land

Once you’ve arrived, head straight to a quiet spot where your pet can stretch and drink water. For dogs, a short walk helps burn off energy and reset their routine. For cats, a private space in your accommodation where they can rest undisturbed works best.

Be patient with them. Flying is tiring for animals, and it may take a day or two for them to fully settle. Keep their food, bedding, and routine consistent so they quickly feel at home in the new environment.

Final Thoughts on Travelling with Pets by Air

Flying with a pet doesn’t have to be stressful. With careful planning, the right equipment, and supportive airlines and hotels, it can be an enjoyable part of your holiday. At Jamie Wake Travel, we help you every step of the way, ensuring both you and your pet arrive happy and ready to enjoy your break.

Plan Your Next Pet-Friendly Adventure

Your pet deserves to travel in comfort, and you deserve a smooth journey. Booking through Jamie Wake Travel means you’ll have expert guidance, access to trusted airlines and pet-friendly hotels, and full financial protection throughout your trip.

Call us today on 01495 400005 or use our holiday enquiry form on our website to discuss your plans. You can also create and book your own bespoke holiday — “as unique as you are” — using our search function, available on every page. And if you’d rather let us handle everything, we’re just a message away.