You are going to travel by air with your Rafeiro do Alentejo very soon. You are stressed and have many questions… Which airline will accept my Rafeiro do Alentejo? What documents and procedures are required? Under what conditions will my Rafeiro do Alentejo travel by air? What equipment is needed to transport my Rafeiro do Alentejo by air?

You are right to anticipate because flying with your Rafeiro do Alentejo implies a preparation sufficiently in advance to avoid any problems at the airport and that everything goes well.

This article is here to tell you how to prepare and organize your trip and give you some tips about flying with your Rafeiro do Alentejo.

Which airline will accept a Rafeiro do Alentejo?

Before booking your flight ticket, it is important to check whether the airline accepts dogs. In fact, some companies such as Easyjet, Ryan Air do not accept dogs. Others limit the number of animals allowed on a flight. Other companies will have age and destination country requirements (See our study: The best airline to travel with an Rafeiro do Alentejo). Dog’s breed is also taken into account. For example, small nosed breeds are not allowed by many airlines and the American Veterinary Medical Foundation recommends not to fly.

Therefore, it is recommended to check directly with the Company to see if they accept your Rafeiro do Alentejo and under what conditions.

If your flight is very long, try to limit your trip to a single stopover so that your Rafeiro do Alentejo is less disturbed.

And if you travel with several airlines, make sure they all apply the same conditions of carriage for your Rafeiro do Alentejo.

Once you have booked your ticket, as a precaution, remember to call the airline at least 72 hours before your flight to confirm the presence of your Rafeiro do Alentejo.

How much does a flight ticket cost with a Rafeiro do Alentejo?

The cost will depend on the Company, the weight and the size of your Rafeiro do Alentejo. Generally, for a cabin flight, airlines apply an additional cost corresponding to the price of a second piece of luggage: between 20 and 60 $ for a one-way ticket. And for cargo hold flight, depending on the airlines, fares can vary between €50 and €100 for a one-way ticket.

What documents and procedures are required for a flight with a Rafeiro do Alentejo?

Whichever airline you choose or the country of destination, your Rafeiro do Alentejo must be chipped and present your health certificate with his updated vaccinations. A European passport will be required if you are European and travelling with your Rafeiro do Alentejo in Europe. Therefore, it will be necessary to make an appointment with your veterinarian, who will be able to check your vaccinations and provide you with the European passport (if needed).

It will then be necessary to make a final appointment with the vet 5 to 10 days before departure (see according to the airline) to request the health certificate. This document is obligatory because it certifies that your Rafeiro do Alentejo is healthy and fit to travel.

You should also note that for some destinations, you will need to take additional steps or provide additional documents. Ask the consulate of the country of destination about the documents necessary for your Rafeiro do Alentejo to enter the country (vaccines, specific certificate, possible quarantines or restrictions).

How will your Rafeiro do Alentejo travel by air?

Transporting dogs in the cabin

There are companies that don’t accept dogs in the cabin. However, most airlines do accept small dogs in the cabin. However, the maximum weight allowed in the cabin varies from company to company.

Also check if your Rafeiro do Alentejo puppy can travel in the cabin, as some companies require a minimum age and maximum weight.

In general in Europe, if your dog weighs less than 4 kg (8 kg for Air France), he will be allowed to travel in a cabin with you. In United States, majority of airlines require that your dog and carrier together not weigh more than around 20 pounds.

Your dog will have to be put into a carrier (see below for the equipment we recommend). This bag must be sufficiently ventilated to allow your pet to get up and turn around. You must be able to slide into the space under the seat in front of you. Dimensions approved by the majority of American airlines: 19 x 13 x 9 inches.

Transporting your Rafeiro do Alentejo in the cargo hold

Beyond the maximum weight authorized by the Companies, dogs must travel in the cargo hold of the aircraft. For your Rafeiro do Alentejo to travel in the hold, you will need a IATA certified travel crate (see conditions on https://www.iata.org/whatwedo/cargo/live-animals/pets/Pages/index.aspx).

The crate of your Rafeiro do Alentejo must also be labelled with your contact details, destination and the identification number (chip number) of your Rafeiro do Alentejo. The crate should be large enough so that your Rafeiro do Alentejo can stand, sit and lie down comfortably and turn around easily (See our recommendations for the best crate below).

Very important: Plan to install a good blanket so your Rafeiro do Alentejo is warm and a large, stable bowl filled with water so he can drink during transport hours.

On one stopover, according to the airlines, you should collect your Rafeiro do Alentejo and check it in on the second flight. Therefore, you will need at least 4 hours between the two flights to make your Rafeiro do Alentejo time to walk and do your business outside the airport, but also to get you drunk. Some airlines may offer to take over this logistics.

Sedatives

To prevent your Rafeiro do Alentejo from becoming too stressed, you may want to consider a sedative. But be careful that you’re not asleep because some companies refuse to ship a sleeping dog. Ask your vet for advice beforehand.

On arrival

Typically, the travel crate is delivered to the large baggage drop-off point or given by an airport agent in a trolley.

It is not unusual for dogs to vomit during the flight and to have soiled their transport boxes. So make sure you have something to clean up when he arrives.

After the big hug, give your Rafeiro do Alentejo something to drink and go through customs formalities, respecting those that will be specific to dogs.

Equipment required for a flight of a Rafeiro do Alentejo

IATA-approved travel crate for cargo hold

Among all the cargo crates approved by IATA, this is the one we have selected for its many qualities and its very low price : SportPet Designs Plastic Kennels Rolling Plastic Wire Door Travel Dog Crate.

This model is perfect in terms of safety for your Rafeiro do Alentejo: no angles, corners or pieces of metal that protrude and can damage it. The structure is stable and robust. Its design is perfect for your Rafeiro do Alentejo to travel comfortably in the cargo hold.

User opinions

High quality, good size, robust, practical… I have note many eloquent comments like this woman who describes this cage as being practical and robust. She says that the door opens easily, that it is spacious and perfect for her dog! IATA” certified, many users recommend it for its very secure and solid closing system.

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Traveling by air - Best travel crate for dogs

Approved carrier for cabin – Best travel bag for your Rafeiro do Alentejo puppy

Here is one of the best transport bags to travel with a doggy in the cabin : PETTOM Pet Rolling Carrier Backpack Dog 

Quite spacious, this approved carrier for cabin travel, is ideal for your puppy to feel good and comfortable. This bad fit perfectly in the space under the seat and is airy enough for a long trip. Airline compliant dimensions:  Up to 17 Pounds : 16.9″L x 11.8″W x 16.9″H, accepted by Southwest Airlines, American Airlines, JetBlue, Delta, Virgin, Alaska, Frontier, Allegiant, United…

This bag is very practical because with its straps, it has the function of a backpack and with its wheels, it can easily be used as a trolley or with its handle, it can be carried like a simple bag.

So you have several options for carrying your pet easily.

User feedback

Many opinions indicate that this carrier is of high quality. I noticed in the notes that the base is rigid but the bag is also comfortable. Others claim that this bag is well ventilated and the latch inside is useful to hook to the dog’s collar to keep him from abruptly jumping out or otherwise escaping when you open the backpack.

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cabin travel bag for your puppy