Ethiopian Airlines Pet Policy

Ethiopian Airlines pet policy permits the transportation of dogs and cats as carry-on luggage in cabin, checked baggage in the plane’s hold, and as cargo. To secure travel for pets, it’s necessary to make prior reservations.

When booking travel for your pet, you’ll need to provide comprehensive information including size, weight (including the pet carrier), breed, carrier type, departure and arrival airports, and other relevant details.

What are the key points of Ethiopian Airlines pet policy?

Here are the important factors to consider – 

Accepted pets – While flying with pets on Ethiopian Airlines, the airline allows small cats and dogs in the cabin. 

Transportation in a carrier – For the safety and comfort of your pets, they must be transported in airline-approved carriers.

Travel options – The airlines offer multiple options for traveling with pets such as travel in the aircraft cabin, as checked baggage, or as air cargo.

In-Cabin travel – Here’s what you need to know:

• The combined weight of the pet and carrier should not exceed 17.6 lb/8 kg.
• The maximum size of the pet carrier is 55cm x 40cm x 20cm.
• Economy class allows for the carriage of up to 2 pets, while Business Class (Cloud Nine) permits the transportation of 1 pet only.

Pet travel as checked baggage – For pets weighing between 17.2 – 70.4lb (8 – 32 kg), they can travel securely in the aircraft hold as checked baggage. 

Air cargo – Larger pets, weighing more than 70.4lb/32kg, can travel under Ethiopian Airlines pet cargo service. 

Service pets– Service animals are welcome to travel in the passenger cabin at no extra charge.

Advance reservation – It is mandatory to book Ethiopian Airlines pets travel up to 48 hours in advance of the commencement of your travel. 

What is Ethiopian Airlines pet policy for in-cabin travel?

Here’s a comprehensive guide for in-cabin travel for your pets with Ethiopian Airlines.

Pet accommodation –

Pet weight limit – As per Ethiopian Airlines pet policy, for pets to travel on board the combined weight of pet and the carrier must not exceed 17.6lb/8kg.

Pet carrier requirements – Please adhere to the following carrier requirements 

• Must be IATA approved.
• Leak proof, sturdy, and made of hard material.
• The domestic of the carrier must not exceed 55cm x 40cm x 20cm

Additional considerations –

• Please note that Ethiopian Airlines maintains a list of prohibited breeds for pet travel.
• There are specific guidelines by Ethiopian Airlines for pets to travel to/from Norway.

Ethiopian Airlines charges for in-cabin pets

Here’s the breakdown of the one-way pet fee for cabin travel 

Documents required for pets in cabin

To comply with travel regulations, you’ll need to provide the following paperwork at the Ethiopian Airlines check-in counter – 

• A health certificate issued by a qualified veterinarian within 10 days of travel. It must reveal the proof of vaccination.
• You must request veterinary certificates from the Ministry of Ethiopian Agriculture.
• Export/Import permit.
• Pet passport
• Receipt of Ethiopian Airlines pet travel charges.

What is Ethiopian Airlines pet policy as checked luggage?

As per Ethiopian Airlines pet policy, pets that exceed the weight of 8 kg should go as checked luggage on the same flight as passengers. 

Here are the specifics to keep in mind – 

Weight considerations – The total weight of your pet, carrier included, should not exceed 70.4lb/32kg.

Carrier specifications – Pet carriers must meet IATA standards. Luggage exceeding the dimensions of 55 x 40 x 20cms will be accepted as checked baggage.

Ethiopian Airlines fee for pets as checked luggage

Here’s a table representing the Ethiopian Airlines pet travel fee for domestic and international travel – 

How to book a pet as checked luggage on Ethiopian Airlines?

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to book pet travel as checked luggage –

• Please remember to book pet travel with Ethiopian Airlines at least 48 hours prior to departure.
• Reach out to Ethiopian Airlines at the number mentioned below if you’re calling from these locations –

• You can also contact the nearest ticket office, as details are mentioned below – 

• Provide all the necessary details about your pet such as total weight, type of carrier, and any required documentation, such as health certificates, and departure/destination points.
• You must adhere to all the luggage guidelines under the Ethiopian Airlines baggage policy. 
• Once you sort out the details, the airline will guide you through the payment process. 
• Pay the required pet fee for checked luggage.
• After completing the booking and payment, the airlines provide you with a confirmation of your pet’s travel reservation. 
• On the day of your flight, arrive at the airport at least 2 hours in advance.
• At the airport, proceed to the check-in counter. 
• Inform the airline staff that you have a pet travel as checked luggage.
• Follow any specific instructions provided by the airline for checking in your pet as checked luggage.

What are the Ethiopian Airlines pet cargo services?

As per Ethiopian Airlines pet policy, pets weighing more than 70 lb/32 kg should go under the airline’s cargo service.

Pet carrier – You must opt for the pet carrier – 

• Made from sturdy materials such as wood, metal, or plastic.
• Secure the carrier using screws or bolts to prevent accidents or damage during transit.
• Must be escape-proof.
• No part of their body should be able to stick out of the carrier.
• A leakproof carrier
• Proper ventilation is essential.
• The carrier should have securely attached dishes for both watering and feeding

How to request pet travel as cargo?

Please contact the dedicated Cargo booking team at least 3 days before your scheduled travel date. Simply follow these steps – 

• Passengers are requested to go through Ethiopian Airlines pet as cargo guidelines.
• Now send an email to the Ethiopian Airlines pet cargo team at [email protected].
• For any questions or inquiries, feel free to include [email protected] in the CC field.
• Please ensure that you request any Ethiopian Airlines cargo service cancellations at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure.

Ethiopian Airlines charges for pets as cargo

The airline charges per kilogram basis, based on volumetric weight derived from the cage dimensions or the gross weight, whichever is higher. 

To help you understand, suppose

• Dog weight is 15kg
• Kennel weight is 35kg
• The combined weight of pet and carrier is 50 kg

Now let’s say, Kennel dimensions are 121 cm x 62 cm x 87 cm. The Ethiopian Airlines pet cargo team will calculate as 121 * 62 * 87 CM / 6000 = 108.7kg

In this case, Ethiopian Airlines would apply the volumetric weight (108.7kg) for invoicing purposes.

Please Note– the Ethiopian Airlines cargo sales office will quote you the applicable pet travel fee for Ethiopian Airlines. You can contact them via email at [email protected] or call them at 011 5 17 7311/4520/4525.

Documents required for pets as cargo

When traveling to any destination worldwide, Ethiopian Airlines requires certain documents when flying with pets, these are –

• A veterinary certificate issued by the Ministry of Ethiopian Agriculture.
• A health certificate 
• An export/import permit.
• Tracker ID (preferred but not mandatory).

What are the service dog requirements on Ethiopian Airlines?

Here’s what you need to know

In-cabin travel – As per Ethiopian Airlines dog policy, only service dogs, including guide dogs for passengers who are blind or deaf, are welcome to travel in the cabin.

Required documentation – You’ll need to provide written documentation, identification cards, or credible verbal assurance that your dog is indeed trained to assist you with your disability.

Seat selection – When traveling with service dogs, the exit row seats are restricted for safety reasons.

Traveling with visually/hearing impaired passengers – Your service dog, whether a seeing-eye dog or a hearing-ear dog are permitted to accompany you in the cabin without any charge.

Safety guidelines – The service dogs must be properly muzzled and harnessed at all times throughout the journey.

What is Ethiopian Airlines dog policy?

Here are the following guidelines for Ethiopian Airlines dog travel – 

Seeing-eye/hearing ear dogs – If you’re accompanied by a seeing-eye/hearing-ear dog that is properly harnessed and muzzled, you’re welcome to have them in the cabin with you on all our passenger aircraft. No service fee would apply. 

Restrictions– Ethiopian Airlines dog travel may be subject to any local or governmental restrictions.

Ethiopian Airlines pet policy offers a stress-free travel experience for both passengers and their pets. From the cabin to the cargo hold, the guidelines prioritize their well-being, ensuring that your pets are treated with the care they deserve.

Frequently Asked Questions – FAQs