El Al Israel Airlines flying with pets

What is EL AL’s policy on pet acceptance?

Animals accompanying passengers will be allowed in the passenger cabin with appropriate documentation, or in the aircraft hold, in accordance with procedures. The animals must remain in the cage throughout the course of the flight. EL AL’s pet policy also applies on UP flights.

Which pets are allowed to travel on EL AL flights?

Passengers can carry only dogs, cats, and exotic birds in the passenger cabin. Animals showing clear signs of illness may not be approved for flight. The animal must not give off offensive odors.

All pets authorized for carriage must be provided with a Health/Vaccination Certificate and Entry Permits required by the relevant authorities at transit and/or end destination stations.

Traveling with Pets

Pets weighing up to 9 kg (including container) will be accepted for carriage in the cabin with the passenger, on condition that they are carried in a closed, strong container, purchased by its owners, and approved by an El Al representative. The container, which can be a soft-sided or hard-sided container, must be padded with a soft material that absorbs dampness and must be constructed in such a way that prevents leakage. The maximum dimensions of the container​ for carrying a pet in the cabin depend on the aircraft and class of travel:

Pets weighing over 9 kg (including container) will be accepted for carriage in the hold of the aircraft only. In one container may be transported as checked baggage up to two fully grown pets (up to 14 kg each) or up to three young animals (up to six months of age and 14 kg each) who were born together.

Passengers must submit their request to carry animals to EL AL’s Reservations office indicating the pet’s weight, including its container, and dimensions of the container so that Central Service Center can confirm acceptance.

Restrictions

Pets to London, Johannesburg, Hong Kong, and Dubai will not be uplifted in the cabin (this is due to regulations of the local authorities in each of these countries). Pets may be uplifted to the above-mentioned stations only as commercial cargo.

According to the Government regulations, Israel allows entry of up to two pets as accompanying baggage for a passenger (either in the passenger cabin or in the cargo hold). When flying animals abroad from Israel, it is the pet owner’s responsibility to clarify which documents and relevant certificates are required at the transit and end destinations.

Pet Fees

The fee for transporting pets is based on the weight of the pet plus pet food plus pet container. Pets will not be considered as part of the passenger’s regular baggage allowance, and payment for transporting animals will be calculated separately. The following fees apply for transporting pets on EL AL flights:

• $100 one-way – pet weight of up to 9 kg.
• $200 one-way – pet weight of 9-50 kg.
• $400 one-way – pet weight of 51-100 kg.

A passenger with an open ticket will pay the charge for a round trip, even if the return date is not known. If there is a codeshare flight with another airline, passengers should arrange payment directly with the other carrier. These fees are not applicable on codeshare flights operated by other carriers.

Assistance Dogs

Service Dogs accompanying passengers with special needs can be carried in the cabin, without a container, free of charge. Passengers must inform the Telephone Service Center no later than 48 hours before departure that they will fly with their Service Dog and comply with the following conditions:

• The passenger must provide:
  • A certificate stating that the dog has been trained to serve as a Service Dog.
  • A veterinary certificate that the dog is vaccinated and has the ability to maintain proper sanitary conditions during the flight.
  • All necessary forms and approvals to fly with a Service Dog to/from Israel.
• The passenger should have:
  • A harness and a muzzle for the dog
  • A cage adapted for the dog and its size, in case it is required.

When flying with a Service Dog to/from the United States, in addition to the above, the Service Animal Air Transportation Form and the Relief Attestation Form are required. Emotional Support Dogs are no longer recognized as Service Dogs.

For travel to the UK, passengers must register 14 days before the day of departure on the website of the Heathrow Animal Reception Centre.

More information here >>