Flying Aer Lingus with a dog or cat: how it works

Aer Lingus does not accept ordinary pets in the cabin. Dogs and cats must be booked through a specialist agent and travel in the aircraft hold when the route and aircraft type allow it.

At a glance

• Cabin. ordinary pets not accepted
• Booking. required through a pet agent
• Passenger check-in. animals presented there are refused
• Transatlantic. household dogs and cats only, in the hold
• Aer Lingus Regional. no pets on Emerald Airlines operated flights
• A321neo LR. no live animals because the holds are not ventilated
• Service dogs. free cabin travel with at least 48 hours' notice

Booking does not use the normal passenger flow

Aer Lingus requires transport to be arranged with a pet agent. Turning up at the passenger desk with a kennel does not work: its official information says animals presented at check-in will not be accepted under any circumstances.

Cost and requirements depend on the agent, route and container. An Aer Lingus published tariff states €160 per flight sector and crate on certain departures from Ireland, but the current operating page directs passengers to an agent, so obtain a confirmed quote before buying.

Regional flights and aircraft type can block the journey

If any segment is Aer Lingus Regional operated by Emerald Airlines, pet transport is currently not permitted. That matters on Irish and European itineraries: an Aer Lingus flight number does not guarantee the main airline operates the aircraft.

No live animals can travel on A321neo LR aircraft because their cargo holds are not ventilated. Check both the operating carrier and planned aircraft type for every segment before committing to the booking.

Breeds not accepted

Certain breeds are refused in both the cabin and the hold, even as assistance dogs: Akita, American Pit Bull, American Staffordshire Terrier, Argentino, Fila Brasileiro, Mastiff, Pit Bull Terrier, Tosa and Rottweiler. Snub-nosed breeds are also excluded (all Bulldogs, Pugs, Boxers and Persian/Exotic cats), which struggle to breathe and regulate their temperature.

Special rules from North America

From North America to Ireland, Dublin must be the final destination. Animals cannot be shipped on Fridays or Saturdays, and pets arriving from the USA need a compliance check arranged in advance with the Irish authorities.

Trained service dogs use a separate process and may travel free in the cabin with suitable harnessing and documentation. Aer Lingus asks for contact at least 48 hours before travel.

Frequently asked questions

• Does Aer Lingus allow dogs in the cabin?
  No ordinary pets. Trained service dogs use a separate cabin process.
• How do I book a dog on Aer Lingus?
  Through a pet agent. An animal presented at normal passenger check-in without prior arrangements will be refused.
• Does Aer Lingus Regional carry pets?
  No. Regional flights operated by Emerald Airlines currently do not carry pets.
• Can dogs travel in the hold on an A321neo LR?
  No. Aer Lingus states that this aircraft type has unventilated cargo holds and cannot carry live animals.
• How much does Aer Lingus charge for a dog?
  The current process requires an agent quote. A published Aer Lingus tariff states €160 per sector and crate on certain Ireland departures, but confirm it for the actual journey.

Experiences from people who flew Aer Lingus

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