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Air Malta introduces pet travel policy
Air Malta will be introducing a Pet Travel Policy on 1 January 2012, which will allow passengers to travel with small dogs or cats in the cabin.
Kasimiera Basaraba and her cat Don Antonio after travelling in Club Class on Air Maltas flight KM307 from Munich
Passengers will be allowed to take small pets aboard the aircraft subject to a number of conditions and procedures to be met.
A spokesperson for the airline said, "Air Malta successfully introduced the carriage of guide-dogs in the passenger cabin more than two years ago. We are now building on this policy to meet the needs of many pet owners who wish to include their pets in their travel plans.
This facility will be available on all Air Malta's network, with the exception of flights to/from the UK.
Pets should be carried in an appropriate pet carrier measuring not more than 55cm x 40cm x 20cm. The carrier must have a leak-proof bottom and meet other requirements related to ventilation, strength, sanitation and design, for the safe handling of the pet.
The maximum allowed weight of the pet including the pet carrier is 10kgs.
A fee of €70 per way is applicable per container.
Pets should be registered in advance with the airline's Call Centre.
Only three pets including guide dogs will be accepted on the same flight. Therefore, pets that are not registered may be refused boarding at the airport.
Two pets of the same species may travel in the same pet carrier, as long as all conditions related to their size, weight, safety and well-being, are met.
While inside the cabin, the pet container must be placed underneath the seat in front of the passenger without blocking any passenger's path. The carrier must remain properly stowed for the duration of the flight.
Pets must be at least eight weeks old and must be weaned for at least five days prior the day of travel.
It is important that passengers travelling with pets are aware of the pet import rules of the destination country.
A valid pet passport and other necessary documents are required for the pet to be allowed entry.
Passengers travelling with pets will be required to provide a pet health certificate confirming that the animal is in good health, harmless and inoffensive amongst others. The pet should be examined by a licensed veterinarian less than three days prior the intended travel date.
Larger pets and other animals can still be carried in the aircraft hold. More information about the applicable conditions of carriage for the different types of animals may be viewed at www.airmalta.com/pets?l=1
