Do you face a dilemma over leaving your pets at home when you travel? Bring them along with you—pets and private jets are a perfect match. When you fly private, your furry friend can join you in the cabin, sitting right by your side!
Magellan Jets understands your pet is a member of your family, and deserves the same level of safety and excellent service as you. We’re experts in pet travel, and we’ll go above and beyond to ensure our jet card owners, pay-as-you-go members, and on-demand charter clients and their pets have the most comfortable flight experience possible. Here are some of our best tips to help ensure a safe, seamless, and stress-free trip with your pets:
1. Tell us all about your pet
2. Check in with your veterinarian
3. Know the rules and regulations
4. Control your pet’s food and water intake
5. Bring a little comfort from home
TELL US ALL ABOUT YOUR PET
When you speak with our Private Aviation Consultants about your upcoming flight, be sure to disclose all information about any pets flying with you. We will want to know everything about your four-legged companion so we can prepare a memorable and stress-free experience. With proper notification, we can match you with the right jet to accommodate your furry friend, assign a pet-friendly crew, schedule rest stops on longer flights, and even provide special toys and treats. The earlier in advance you book your flight and the more information you give us, the more we can do to make your pet feel at home and comfortable!
CHECK IN WITH YOUR VETERINARIAN BEFORE YOUR FLIGHT
Before you fly with your pet, you’ll want to be sure they meet the necessary health requirements. Magellan Jets recommends scheduling a check-in with your veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to your trip. You’ll want to be sure your pet is up to date on all vaccinations and gets a physical examination to check for any signs of illness. Your vet can also give you advice on medication and food that can help your pet have a better flight experience.
You should also make sure you’re aware of any additional vaccinations or documentation that may be required to bring your pet to your particular destination, and prepare accordingly—for example, flying with your pet to Hawaii or to an international destination will involve stricter rules and requirements. Magellan Jets monitors these requirements, and will be able to help coordinate any additional pet documentation with proper notice.
And don’t forget—before you travel anywhere with your pet, always make sure their ID tags are up to date!
KNOW THE RULES And REgulations
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has a few basic requirements for air travel with pets: your pet must be at least 8 weeks old, be fully weaned, and be in good health. Pets flying across state lines are also required to have a valid health certificate and rabies immunization. Your pet’s size and weight are also a factor, with FAA rules about where they may sit and when and how they must be secured differing for small pets (those under 150 lbs) and large pets (those over 150 lbs). If you have any questions about what’s required before you and your pet fly, don’t hesitate to ask us—our in-house Flight Support and Guest Experience staff will make sure you’re fully aware of any legal requirements and in-flight rules.
Control YOUR PET’S FOOD AND WATER INTAKE
It is common for animals to experience anxiety, stress, or travel sickness aboard a private jet. If your pet has a full belly or bladder prior to your flight, this could result in stomach troubles or bathroom accidents—meaning an unpleasant flight experience for all involved, not to mention cleaning fees. Before the flight, make sure your pet has a short walk and time to do its business.
Depending on the animal and the duration of your flight, it may be a good idea not to feed them before you fly, or to provide only a small meal; however, you’ll want to bring enough water for them to drink during the flight. When you land, your pet will likely be hungry and thirsty, especially if they were in the air for a long time. Make sure to take them for a bathroom break and exercise once you get to your destination.
