Your Pet’s Flight Day: From Leaving Home to Arrival

Keep departure day simple: one accessible document folder, one bag of pet essentials and a clear handover plan. Use the meeting point and reporting time supplied for your confirmed flight, since those details vary between departures.

The evening before

Save the latest flight instructions and team contact number where you can find them without searching through emails. Check that the driver has the exact address and enough space for the assembled crate or carrier. Put original documents, owner passports and required pet records together. Follow your vet’s individual food, water and medication plan.

Before the door opens

For a cat, secure the carrier before luggage loading begins. For a dog, use a well-fitting lead arrangement and a suitable toilet stop before the transfer. Have one person responsible for the pet while another checks bags and doors. If the animal seems unwell or a medical condition has changed, tell the team before travelling to the airport.

Keep a small care bag within reach

Pack the permitted water bowl, absorbent liners, waste bags, cleaning supplies and familiar bedding. Keep prescribed medication in its labelled packaging with the agreed instructions. Avoid putting all replacement supplies in checked luggage. The amount of food carried and what can enter the destination should follow the route’s instructions.

At check-in and during boarding

Arrive at the stated location rather than a terminal assumed from the airport name. Allow time for security, document review and animal checks. Keep your pet secured and follow the staff’s instructions during transfers to the aircraft. Once onboard, use the approved restraint for take-off, landing, turbulence and whenever the crew requires it.

After landing

The aircraft’s arrival time is not the collection time. Inspections and clearance may follow, and pets subject to quarantine go through the authorised transfer process. Arrange your driver around the confirmed release or collection arrangements. If travelling onwards, allow flexibility instead of booking a tight connection from the scheduled landing time.

If the schedule changes

Keep the travel team and preparing vet on the same update. A moved departure can affect timed treatment, health-certificate or permit windows. Ask which items need adjusting before repeating an appointment. Read the earlier preparation steps if you are still planning your flight.