The hold is not one service: a dog can travel as accompanied special baggage or as cargo. Booking, handover, collection, paperwork and price all change. The first question is not weight, but whether this route and aircraft accept live animals.
If the dog cannot use the cabin, check in this order: operating airline, hold acceptance, breed, temperature, crate and documents. If any one fails, ask about cargo or change the route.
Hold baggage or cargo: the practical difference
- Accompanied special baggage. The owner flies on the itinerary; the pet is added to the booking and handed over under the airline's process.
- Cargo. The shipment uses a freight terminal or agent. It may be required for unaccompanied animals, oversized crates or countries that do not permit entry as baggage.
- Operating flight. On a codeshare, the aircraft and rules of the operating carrier apply to each segment.
The six checks that decide whether the dog flies
- Written confirmation. A passenger ticket does not reserve hold space.
- Breed. Many airlines exclude snub-nosed breeds from the hold; some publish broader lists.
- Temperature. Extreme heat or cold can suspend carriage even after booking.
- Crate. It must meet both IATA and airline/aircraft requirements.
- Transfers. A long layover or an airport without live-animal handling can block the itinerary.
- Country. Import rules, quarantine and authorised entry points sit on top of airline policy.
Preparation in the preceding weeks
IATA recommends buying the crate early and gradually acclimating the animal. The dog must enter, turn, stand and lie down without being forced. Labels, microchip details and temporary contact information should be checked before departure.
On travel day: exercise before check-in, keep water available until handover and offer a light meal about two hours beforehand unless your vet advises otherwise. IATA discourages sedation because it can affect balance, breathing and the ability to maintain a safe posture.
Frequently asked questions
- Is the aircraft hold ventilated and heated?
Pets are accepted only in suitable compartments, but availability depends on the aircraft and airline. Aer Lingus, for example, excludes A321neo LR aircraft because their holds are not ventilated. - Does the dog travel with suitcases?
The dog travels in a suitable pressurised compartment when the flight allows it, inside a rigid crate. Handling follows a live-animal process rather than ordinary baggage handling. - Can I sedate my dog?
IATA and many airlines discourage sedatives and tranquillisers because of possible adverse effects in transit. Any medication must be discussed with a vet and declared under airline rules. - When is cargo required?
When the airline will not accept the pet as baggage, weight or crate exceeds limits, on destinations such as the UK, or when the animal travels without its owner. - How early should I book?
As soon as the route is chosen. Hold and cargo capacity is more constrained than cabin capacity, and pet confirmation should precede any non-refundable ticket.