Etihad Airways Extends Reduced In-Cabin Pet Travel Fee
Pet-friendly travel has become a major topic among UAE pet owners, and Etihad Airways recently announced an update that many pet parents will welcome.
The airline has extended its reduced in-cabin pet travel fee, allowing eligible dogs and cats to travel on selected Etihad-operated flights to and from Abu Dhabi for a significantly lower fee than previously charged.
For pet owners who have been considering international travel with their furry companions, this extension provides additional flexibility and potentially significant savings.
Information in this article is based on Etihad Airways’ official pet travel policy and announcements. Always check directly with the airline for the latest requirements before booking.
What Is Etihad’s Current Pet Travel Fee?
According to Etihad Airways, eligible pets travelling in the cabin can currently be booked for a fee of USD 399 on selected routes.
The fee applies to approved cats and dogs travelling with their owners in the passenger cabin rather than the aircraft’s cargo hold.
This represents a substantial reduction compared to Etihad’s previous in-cabin pet travel pricing, which made pet travel significantly more expensive for many families.
Which Pets Are Allowed In The Cabin?
Etihad currently allows:
- Cats
- Dogs
Pets must travel inside an approved carrier that meets the airline’s requirements.
According to Etihad, the combined weight of the pet and carrier must not exceed 8kg for in-cabin travel.
Important Requirements Before Booking
Before travelling, pet owners should carefully review Etihad’s latest requirements, which may include:
- Valid health certificates
- Vaccination records
- Import permits (depending on destination)
- Approved pet carrier dimensions
- Destination-specific pet entry requirements
Rules can vary significantly depending on the country you’re travelling to, so it’s important to verify requirements well in advance.
Is This A Temporary Offer?
At the time of writing, Etihad has publicly communicated extensions to the reduced pet travel fee.
However, airlines can update pricing and policies at any time. Some travellers have suggested the reduced pricing may become a longer-term option, but pet owners should rely only on information published directly by Etihad Airways.
For the most up-to-date details, visit Etihad’s official pet travel page:
👉 https://www.etihad.com/en/plan/travel-companion/travelling-with-pets
Why More Pet Owners Are Travelling With Their Pets
International pet travel has become increasingly popular in recent years as more pet owners choose to relocate, work remotely, or take longer stays abroad.
At the same time, airlines around the world are gradually introducing more pet-friendly policies, making travel easier for owners who want their pets to remain close during their journey.
Etihad’s in-cabin pet option gives eligible pets the opportunity to travel alongside their owners rather than being transported separately.
If you’re planning to travel internationally with your pet, don’t leave preparations until the last minute.
Many destinations require:
- Microchipping
- Vaccination schedules
- Rabies titre tests
- Import permits
- Approved travel crates
Some processes can take several weeks or even months depending on the destination country.
Etihad’s reduced in-cabin pet travel fee is welcome news for UAE pet owners looking to travel with their dogs or cats.
With eligible pets able to fly in the cabin for USD 399, the option becomes considerably more accessible than before. Just remember to review all airline and destination requirements before making travel plans.
For the latest updates, booking information, and pet travel requirements, always refer to Etihad Airways’ official website.
