For many pet owners, the cargo hold is a dealbreaker. Most airlines only let small pets ride in the cabin, usually under about 8 kg including the carrier. Larger dogs go in the hold, and some breeds aren’t accepted at all. That’s why pet travel is one of the most common reasons people look at flying private.
Flying this route? Browse shared flights on JetMatch
On a private jet, your dog or cat usually sits in the cabin with you. On a shared flight, part of the cost is also split with other travellers. Here’s how it works.
Why pet owners choose private
- Pets stay in the cabin. Most operators let pets travel with you instead of in a crate in the hold, whatever their size.
- Less stress. You use a private terminal, there are no long queues and you board quickly. That’s easier on anxious animals and on older ones.
- No breed bans. Snub-nosed breeds like French bulldogs and pugs are often refused by airlines. Private operators judge each case individually.
- Flexible timing. You can avoid hot midday transfers on the tarmac.
Sharing a flight with a pet: be upfront
On a JetMatch shared flight, the cabin is shared, so other travellers need to agree to the pet. Mention it when you post or join a flight:
- Say what you’re bringing. Species, breed, size, and whether the pet will be in a carrier or on a lead.
- Allergies come first. If someone in the group is allergic, that flight probably isn’t the one for you. It’s better to find out early.
- Look for other pet owners. A flight shared by two or three dog owners is often the easiest match.
Bear in mind that JetMatch connects travellers. The charter itself is booked with a licensed operator, and the operator and aircraft owner decide whether pets are allowed. Some aircraft don’t take animals, and some charge a cleaning fee. Confirm this in writing before you commit.
Paperwork: what your pet needs
Private flying makes the trip easier, but border rules still apply. Within the EU, dogs, cats and ferrets generally need:
- A microchip
- A rabies vaccination given after the microchip, at least 21 days before travel
- An EU pet passport, or an animal health certificate if travelling from outside the EU
Some destinations have extra rules. Malta, Ireland, Finland, Norway and the UK require dogs to have tapeworm treatment 1 to 5 days before arrival. The UK also only accepts pets on approved routes, and that includes private aircraft. Your operator will need to fly into an approved airport and use an approved pet-handling service.
Rules change, so always check with the destination’s official veterinary authority and your vet well before the flight.
Tips for a smooth flight
- Bring a familiar blanket or bed, plus water and a bowl.
- Walk your dog just before you go to the private terminal.
- Pack absorbent pads, just in case.
- Ask your vet about motion sickness or anxiety before a long route.
- Keep the pet on a lead or in a carrier during taxi, take-off and landing.
What does it cost?
There’s usually no “pet ticket” on a private jet. The charter price is the same whether you bring a dog or not, apart from any cleaning fee or ground-handling charge the operator adds. When the charter is split between travellers, each person pays a fraction of the full price. Bringing your dog then works out much closer to a business-class fare, with none of the cargo-hold worry.
Find a pet-friendly shared flight
Browse open flights on JetMatch, or post your own route and say you’re travelling with a pet. That way, the travellers who join already know about your dog or cat.
JetMatch is a technology platform that introduces travellers who want to share the cost of a private flight. We do not own, operate, charter, or sell air transportation. All flights are arranged with, and operated by, independent certified air carriers selected by the travellers themselves.