Under the Aer Lingus pet policy: 

  • Pets are not allowed to travel in the cabin—but trained service dogs are accepted free of charge. 
  • Household pets such as dogs and cats (and rabbits within Europe) can travel as checked baggage in the hold.
  • Pets are also allowed to fly as manifest cargo.

Before traveling, you must book your pet either by informing Aer Lingus Reservations or IAG Cargo.

Aer Lingus Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage 

Aer Lingus accepts pets domesticated dogs and cats (and rabbits on flights within Europe) as checked baggage in the cargo hold section of the aircraft, which has the same temperature and pressure as the passenger cabin. 

  • Pets Allowed
  • Flights within Europe Domesticated dogs, cats, and rabbits.
  • Transatlantic flights Domesticated dogs and cats.
  • Pet Age. Must be at least 10 weeks old.
  • Pet Reservations
    • Call Aer Lingus at to make arrangements.
  • Pet Carrier Requirements
    • Must be IATA compliant.
    • The maximum weight of the pet (plus carrier) must not exceed 141lb/64kg.
    • Only 1 pet is permitted per carrier.
  • Restrictions
    • Breed Restrictions. The following dog breeds (or their crosses) are banned on Aer Lingus: Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier, Mastiff, Fila Brazillero, Argentino, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull, and Akita. The following Brachycephalic/snub-nosed dog and cat breeds are also not accepted:
      • Dogs. Boxers, bulldogs, and pugs. 
      • Cats.  Exotic/Persian cats. 
    • Temperature Restrictions. Your pet may not be allowed to board a flight if the temperature in any city on the itinerary is more than 85°F or less than 45°F. Your pet may be accepted for travel during colder weather if you present an Acclimation Certificate. For more information, call Aer Lingus.
  • Aer Lingus Pet Travel Policy—Traveling with a Pet Within Europe
    • Pets Allowed. Only domesticated dogs, cats, and rabbits are accepted as checked baggage in the aircraft hold. 
    • Pet Reservations
      • If you’re traveling within Europe, you can only book your pet through a pet agent. 
      • Pets presented for travel at the passenger check-in will not be accepted under any condition.
    • The maximum weight of the pet (incl. container) must not be more than 141lb/64kg.
  • Pet Forms/Documentation. Pups and kittens travelling to EU member states must have an EU Pet Passport showing proof of a microchip plus a rabies shot administered not before 12 weeks of age and at least 21 days before the travel date.
  • Breed Restrictions. Refer to Breed Restrictions under Aer Lingus Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage.
  • Temperature Restrictions. Refer to Temperature Restrictions under Aer Lingus Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage.
  • Aer Lingus Pet Travel Policy—Travelling with a Pet from Ireland to North America
    What is the Aer Lingus international pet policy?

The Aer Lingus international pet policy for pets travelling outside of Europe is as follows:

  • Pets Allowed. Only dogs and cats are permitted as checked baggage in the hold.
  • Pet Reservations
  • Call Aer Lingus at , or
  • Send an email to liveanimals.ukisales@iagcargo.com 
  • If you’re not traveling with your pet, you must book through a freight forwarder.
  • Pets can be shipped to the following cities as excess baggage:
    Chicago, Orlando, Miami, New York, Washington, Newark, Boston, and Toronto.
  • No advance booking is needed for pets traveling to Philadelphia and Hartford.
  • Pet Restrictions
  • Aircraft Restrictions. Pets are not allowed in the cargo holds of A321neo LR aircraft as they are not ventilated. 
  • City Restrictions. Pets cannot be shipped to the following cities as excess baggage: Minneapolis, Seattle, San Francisco, and Los Angeles.
  • Breed Restrictions. Refer to Breed Restrictions under Aer Lingus Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage.
  • Temperature Restrictions. Refer to Temperature Restrictions under Aer Lingus Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage.
  • Reference links:
    • Bringing a Dog into the United States
    • Country-specific information and documents: Traveler’s Pet Corner at IATA
  • Aer Lingus Pet Travel Policy—Travelling with a Pet from North America to Ireland
  • Pet Allowed. Only dogs and cats are accepted as checked baggage in the hold.
  • The final destination must be Dublin. 
  • Before traveling, book a compliance check with the Department of Agriculture, Food, and the Marine.
  • Pet Reservations. Can only travel as checked baggage in the cargo hold. 
  • Call Aer Lingus at , or
  • Send an email to petdesk@iagcargo.com 
  • Requirements & Restrictions
    • The owner or authorized person must accompany the pet. For details, refer to the DAFM’s rules on Pet Travel.
    • Pets will not be shipped on Fridays and Saturdays.
    • Pets are not allowed in the cargo holds of A321neo LR aircraft as they are not ventilated. 
    • Breed Restrictions. Refer to Breed Restrictions under Aer Lingus Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage.
    • Temperature Restrictions. Refer to Temperature Restrictions under Aer Lingus Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage.

Aer Lingus Pet Travel Policy—Pets as Air Cargo

If your pet is not eligible to travel as checked baggage on Aer Lingus, it may qualify to travel as air cargo—such as on flights to Ireland, within Europe, between Ireland and Britain, Ireland and North America and Canada, etc. 

  • Pets Allowed. Domesticated cats, dogs, and rabbits. 
  • Pet Reservations
  • Call Aer Lingus at , or
  • Send an email to petdesk@iagcargo.com 
  • Forms Required
    • A health certificate issued by licensed vet within 10 days of travel.
    • Proof of rabies vaccination. 
    • Destination country’s documentation requirements.
  • Restrictions
    • Route Restrictions. Pets will not be accepted on flights to/from:
      • Jersey and Ireland
      • Rennes and Ireland
    • Breed Restrictions. Refer to Breed Restrictions under Aer Lingus Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage.
    • Temperature Restrictions. Refer to Temperature Restrictions under Aer Lingus Pet Policy for Pets Travelling as Checked Baggage.

Aer Lingus Regional Pet Policy—How to Travel with a Pet on Aer Lingus Regional Flights

  • Only domestic dogs, cats, and ferrets are permitted on Aer Lingus Regional.
  • Pets are not accepted on flights to/from Ireland and Rennes and Jersey.
  • Pet Reservations. Contact Aer Lingus Regional. 
  • Pet Carrier Requirements
    • The pet container dimensions must not exceed: 
  • Max. Length 127cm/50in
  • Max. Width 56cm/22in
  • Max. Height 53cm/21in 
  • The pet container must be: 
    • Leakproof and durable
    • Well-ventilated on all sides (incl. door) 
    • Sturdy enough to prevent escape
    • Soft-shell crates are not allowed. 

Aer Lingus Pet Fees

How much does it cost to travel with a pet on Aer Lingus?

The Aer Lingus pet fees will depend on the route and distance traveled—and your pet’s weight. It ranges from €40 on short-haul flights to €160 on long-haul flights.

How to Travel with a Service Animal on Aer Lingus

Aer Lingus accepts service animals (dogs only) to travel free of cost in the aircraft cabin with their owner, subject to certain conditions. Service animals are defined as dogs that has been trained to help people with disabilities so that they can act more independently. The disabilities can include physical, sensory, intellectual, mental, and psychiatric disabilities. 

  • Service animals include guide dogs and other assistance dogs. 
  • The owner is required to submit the Special Assistance Request Form no later than 48 hours before departure. 
  • For entry into Ireland, the service dog must be accredited and affiliated to one of the following:
    • Assistance Dogs International (ADI)
    • International Guide Dog Federation (IGDF)
  • Recognized Assistance Dogs:
    • Must be trained by an organization affiliated to ADI.
    • Must have an Assistance Dog Identification Card issued by a qualified organization.
    • Must meet the Pet Travel Scheme Rules. 
    • Aren’t required to wear a muzzle. 
    • Must be able to comfortably occupy the floor space in front of or under the owner’s seat without blocking anyone’s path or aisle access. 
  • Guide dogs must be trained by an organization affiliated to, and accepted by, IGDF.
  • If flying to/from the United States, Recognized Assistance Dogs must meet the requirements of the Air Carrier Access Act and DOT Rules (14CFR Part 382). 
  • If flying into Ireland:
    • From an EU country, Recognized Assistance Dogs must meet the EU Pet Travel Scheme rules and also have an EU Pet Passport/certificate with microchip ID and vaccination proof. For details, refer to this page.
    • From a country outside the EU, Recognized Assistance Dogs must comply with the Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine (DAFM) rules, incl. getting the compliance check booked well before the travel date. 
  • Restricted dog breeds will not be accepted in the cabin or hold. They include:
    • Aggressive breeds such as Tosa, Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier, Mastiff, Fila Brazillero, Argentino, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull, and Akita. 
    • Brachycephalic/snub-nosed dogs due to their inability to adapt to flying conditions. They include boxers, bulldogs, and pugs
  • Up to 4 assistance dogs per aircraft are permitted within Europe, and up to 8 assistance dogs per aircraft are permitted on transatlantic flights. 
  • Must meet all government and quarantine regulations. 
  • Must be vaccinated from rabies, not be exposed to rabies, and free of disease and pests so that other people’s or animals’ health is not endangered. 
  • Other pets (i.e., non-service dogs) travelling under the Pet Travel Scheme are required to travel as manifes freight. You will need to use IAG Cargo as your broker/agent. For details, refer to this page. 
  • If you’re unable to meet all the above requirements, your dog will need to travel as checked baggage on a chargeable basis.
  • Restrictions 

Service dogs are not allowed:

  • To occupy a passenger seat. 
  • Exit row seat accommodations. 
  • To block aisle space or common passage.
  • To eat from a tray table.
  • To have their body part(s) sticking out of the passenger’s foot space. 
  • Behavior
    • The service dog always must be:
  • Under the passenger’s control. 
  • Harnessed and/or leashed.
  • The service dog must not display any signs of aggressive behavior, such as growling, biting, attacking people, jumping on people, or urinating or defecating in the aircraft, airport terminal, or gate area.

Frequently Asked Questions on Aer Lingus Pet Policy

What is Aer Lingus pet policy on accepting pets?

Aer Lingus allows domesticated pets to travel either in the aircraft hold as checked baggage or as manifest cargo on certain flights. Household pets like dogs and cats are accepted most flights, and rabbits are additionally accepted on flights within Europe. Only trained service dogs are allowed to travel in the passenger cabin for free with their owners.

Pet reservations must be made in advance through Aer Lingus Reservations or IAG Cargo. 

How much does Aer Lingus charge for traveling with a pet?

The pet fees charged by Aer Lingus will depend on your route and your pet’s weight. It ranges from €40 for short-haul flights (within Europe) to €160 for long-haul flights (to North America).

Which pets can I travel with on Aer Lingus flights?

You can travel with domesticated household pets like dogs and cats (plus rabbits on flights within Europe), but additional restrictions apply to certain destinations. Remember, certain breeds of cats and dogs are not accepted on Aer Lingus. They include: 

Dogs. Japanese Tosa, Rottweiler, Pit Bull Terrier, Mastiff, Fila Brazillero, Argentino, American Staffordshire Terrier, American Pit Bull, and Akita. Plus, snub-nosed dogs and their cross-breeds like boxers, bulldogs, and pugs. 
Cats. Exotic/Persian cats. 

Your pet must be at least 10 weeks old to travel, and the maximum weight of the pet (incl. container) must be more than 141lb/64kg if your pet is travelling as checked baggage in the aircraft hold. 

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