Aer Lingus Pet Policy

Aer Lingus allows pets on their flights, but only on certain routes as stated in their Pet Policy. Therefore, the traveler should conduct thorough research before departing. To ensure your pet has a safe and comfortable journey, it’s important to have a good understanding of the Aer Lingus pet travel program. This means you need to know all the criteria and make appropriate plans.

This page has information about what you need to do to bring your pets with you, how to bring them on board, and other related requirements. 

Aer Lingus Criteria for Pet Acceptance

There are different circumstances in which animals cannot be transported:

• Certain dog breeds that are considered hazardous, as well as cat and dog breeds with short noses, may not be permitted to travel. 
• The animals must be at least 15 weeks old. 
• Both containers and animals have weight restrictions. You should contact IAG Cargo to find out about any restrictions or limitations that may apply. 
• The A321neo LR aircraft cannot carry live animals because the cargo compartments do not have proper ventilation.

How do I make a reservation for a pet on Aer Lingus?

Before you make and confirm your booking, be sure to contact the airline.

• If you want to fly with your pet on Aer Lingus, you need to schedule the booking through an IAG Cargo pet agent. They will help you arrange for your pet to be transported on the aircraft. 
• If you want to bring your pet(s) to Ireland using IAG Cargo, and you are traveling from North America, you should contact the North American Pet Desk. You can call them at 1 (888) 578-4806 from Monday to Friday, between 9:00 am and 5:00 pm EST. Alternatively, you can send an email to [email protected]. 
• Animals that are taken to the passenger check-in area for travel will never be allowed.

What Are the Pet Criteria for Traveling With Aer Lingus?

The Aer Lingus Pet Policy states that only cats and dogs are allowed to travel with pets on the aircraft.

Pet Travel in Cabin

Currently, Aer Lingus does not allow pets to travel in the cabin of their aircraft.

Pet Travel as Checked Baggage

Pets can travel as checked baggage if they meet the conditions mentioned below:

• Pets are allowed on Aer Lingus flights as checked baggage. 
• The pet needs to be in a container for the entire trip. 
• The total weight of the pet and carrier cannot exceed 141 lbs.

Pet Travel in Cargo

Pets are also allowed to travel as cargo:

• The combined weight of the pet and the Aer Lingus pet carrier cannot be more than 141 lbs.
• When you need to travel alone with a big pet, the airline’s cargo service will transport them for you. 

Emotional Support/Service Animal Policy

Aer Lingus allows trained service dogs to accompany people with disabilities or limited mobility on their flights. Only service dogs that have been trained can be transported, but there are rules and laws that need to be followed for their travel.

• Aer Lingus allows disabled passengers to bring their service dogs on board the airplane cabin without any additional fees. 
• The airline allows a maximum of eight support dogs on each flight that crosses the Atlantic Ocean. 
• In order to get permission for a service dog to travel, you need to follow specific quarantine procedures and legal rules.
• Service dogs can be transported for free as long as they can fit in the designated area.
• If your service dog is too big for the designated area, you might need to pay for an extra seat if there is one or change your travel plans to a trip with more available seats. Alternatively, you could choose to travel with your dog as a pet. 
• You can find the form to request a trained service dog here.

Basic Guidelines for Trained Service Dogs for Flying

All pets that are traveling on the aircraft must follow the rules outlined in the Aer Lingus Pet Policy.

• Service dogs need to be clean and well-behaved. They should always be kept secured by being fastened, leashed, or tethered. 
• Contact the Special Assistance staff of the airline as soon as you can to book your seat. Make sure to do this at least 24 hours before your flight. 

Placement of Service Dogs:

Aer Lingus pet transport advises that dogs should not wander around, but instead should be seated and placed securely.

• The service dog should be small enough to fit on your lap, under your seat, or at your feet. 
• If you have a service dog in a kennel, both the kennel and the dog should be small enough to fit under the seat in front of you. 
• If you’re traveling in business class with your service animal and want to have them on the floor area by your feet, you won’t be able to use the lie-flat function in your seat.
• Service animals cannot sit in the exit row, block the aisle, or stick out into it. 
• The animal won’t be approved for travel until you go to the airport and make sure it can fit securely in the designated space.
• A responsible person who is at least sixteen years old must walk the following dog breeds. They should wear a secure muzzle and use a leash or chain that is no longer than two meters. 

Restricted Dogs Breeds

According to the Aer Lingus Pet Policy, there are certain breeds that are not allowed to travel.

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 Such As Boxers, Bulldogs and Pugs

FAQs

Can Birds Be Brought as Pets on Air Lingus Flights?

No, only cats and dogs are permitted to travel with pets on Aer Lingus.

What is the Minimum Age for Pets to Be Able to Travel?

The animals must be at least 15 weeks old.

How Much Should the Pet and Carrier Weigh Together?

The combined weight of the pet and carrier cannot be more than 141 lbs.

Do Different Countries Have Different Requirements for Entering?

Yes, each country’s government has its own set of requirements. 

Can a Child Under 18 Travel With a Pet?

Yes, but the person must be at least sixteen years old.