I want to take my animal, what should I do?

Travelling with your pet takes some preparation. Here is how to arrange it with Ulysse.

Does my airline accept pets?

Check this before you book. Most airlines accept pets in the cabin or hold, depending on their weight. Some do not accept pets at all, apart from assistance dogs; examples include EasyJet, Level and Ryanair.

Email [email protected] with your route and dates so we can check whether your pet is accepted on the airlines you are considering.

Cabin or hold?

This depends on your pet's weight and the airline's rules. Cabin limits are often around 6 to 8 kg, sometimes including the carrier. Generally, only small pets can travel in the cabin. Contact us for guidance on your booking.

In the cabin, your pet must stay in an approved carrier under the seat in front of you throughout the flight. Make sure it has enough room to move and settle comfortably.

In the hold, your pet travels in a dedicated area that is lit, heated and pressurised. Its crate is securely attached to the floor during the flight.

How should I prepare the carrier?

• Use an approved carrier suitable for your pet's size. It must be able to move and turn around, but the crate should not be so large that it risks injury during turbulence. Travel bags are not accepted in the hold. Check the airline's rules on materials and dimensions.
• Put a blanket in the carrier for warmth and comfort, rather than cardboard.
• Use a water bottle rather than a bowl that can spill.
• Do not give your pet a sedative: altitude can affect its behaviour and increase the risk of an accident.

For a short flight, avoid feeding your pet immediately beforehand and take it outside before departure. For a longer flight, an absorbent pad in the carrier can help with cleaning.

How do I book, and what does it cost?

Once we have confirmed that your pet can travel with the airline:

1. Book the tickets for yourself and any other people travelling.
2. Send us your pet's size, weight and breed, plus the dimensions of its crate or carrier.
3. We contact the airline for the exact price and come back to you.
4. You pay the airline's charge plus a €10 Ulysse handling fee, and we add your pet to the booking.

Prices vary widely: as a guide, expect around €20 for a small pet in the cabin on a domestic flight in France, and more than €200 for a pet in the hold on an intercontinental flight. Contact us for the exact price for your trip.

Do not forget the paperwork

Your pet needs the required identification, up-to-date vaccinations, including rabies, and travel documents. Requirements depend on the airline and destination, so check them before you travel and allow time to prepare. If you are unsure, contact our team.