The Smartwings pet policy for 2023 includes various options for flying with dogs or cats in the cabin and hold as checked baggage. For dogs and cats in the cabin or hold, puppies and kittens must be at least 12 weeks old. When flying with dogs and cats in either the cabin or cargo hold with Smartwings , pets must be able to move around within their carrier, and they have to travel with an adult passenger. The price for flying your pet in a Smartwings cabin or hold varies, depending on the route, method of travel and the size of your pet. Smartwings pet travel rules do not allow for cats and dogs on certain flights, or to specific international destinations. In addition, the Smartwings dog policy doesn’t accept certain breeds either in the cabin or hold. From 2021, Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) are no longer recognised by Smartwings , and most other airlines. Only professionally trained Assistance and Service Dogs are permitted, ESAs must travel under the standard Smartwings Pet Travel Policy. You can also check out reviews for Smartwings by fellow pet travellers to discover how their pet policy is experienced in practice. Read on for the full Smartwings pet policy 2023.
Submit your review | |
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
Table of contents
| Dogs & Cats in the Cabin of the Plane | ✅ |
| Dogs & Cats flying as Checked In Baggage | ✅ |
| Pets flying in Cargo Hold | ❌ |
| Assistance Dogs in Cabin | ✅ |
| Psychiatric Service Dogs in Cabin | ✅ |
| Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) in Cabin | ❌ |
Does Smartwings allow pets in the cabin?
Only dogs and cats are permitted to fly in the passenger cabin with Smartwings in their travel bag, up to a combined weight of 8kg.
The travel bag or kennel must meet the Smartwings specifications outlined in their pet travel policy. On the flight, the travel bag will be stowed underneath the seat in front of you, you can’t remove your cat or dog during the flight for safety reasons.
Snub-nosed animals such as Boxers, Pekinese and Persian cats can have trouble breathing during the flight, due to high temperatures and stress. To ensure their well-being, most snub-nosed animals may not be transported in the hold. However, they may be transported in the cabin.
Smartwings pet in cabin price
It costs €59 per pet, per flight.
Does Smartwings allow pets in the hold?
If your feline or canine weighs more than 8kg, and up to a maximum of 32kg, they must travel in the hold in accordance with the Smartwings pet travel policy. Only cats and dogs can travel as checked baggage.
For the safety of your pet, the travel kennel must meet the legal requirements of the International Air Transport Association (IATA). Also, if your pet kennel has wheels, make sure that the wheels can be dismantled or locked before travel so that the kennel is not able to roll around in the hold.
Animals may not be accepted to travel in the aircraft hold if you have a flight connection exceeding 3 hours. Like other airlines, Smartwings doesn’t allow brachycephalic (snub-nosed) breeds of cats and dogs to travel in the aircraft hold. This is due to respiratory issues they may face in the controlled ventilation within the hold of the plane.
Smartwings pet in hold price
A charge of €119 per pet per flight is payable to fly your cat or dog as checked baggage with Smartwings.
Smartwings Pet Policy for dogs and cats as cargo or freight
No pets flying as cargo service is currently offered by Smartwings.
Smartwings policy for Assistance & Service Dogs
You may travel with your Assistance or Service Dog in the cabin free of charge with Smartwings. It’s recommended that you make the request during booking and no less than 48 hours before your departure. But try to make the reservation as far in advance as possible.
Your Assistance or Service Dog must be fully trained and accredited, and their original documentation has to be provided at check in. Your dog must also wear their identifying harness and vest.
Smartwings Policy for Emotional Support Animals & Psychiatric Service Dogs
Smartwings no longer accepts Emotional Support Animals (ESAs) for travel. Only registered and professionally trained Assistance & Service Dogs are accepted to travel in the cabin free of charge. Note that trained Psychiatric Service Dogs are classified as Assistance or Service Dogs for flights to and from the USA with Smartwings. Psychiatric Service Dogs differ from ESAs, as they have been professionally trained to perform a specific task, or tasks, for their owner.
All pets other than Assistance & Service Dogs, including Emotional Support Animals (ESAs), must adhere to the standard Smartwings pet policy, and comply with the size, weight and breed restrictions.
Remember the two golden rules when flying with your pet:
- Protect your pet against vector borne diseases when travelling
- Leave a review if you fly your cat or dog with Smartwings !
