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Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Myself, partner and 55kg dog are moving to Nova Scotia...
We've spoken to Air Canada who do direct flights (only interested in direct flights) and they advised the max weight as checked baggage in the hold for dogs is 100lbs including crate. Our girl is a lot bigger than that. They advised that's ok but she'd have to be booked as cargo, which it seems you are not able to do yourself (?) and so we have had to contact pet transport companies... No problem, until the transport company advised that it's not possible to book her London to Halifax as the plane they use on that route does not have a heated hold. So, either she does two flights, which we could not bear being mad dog people and worried enough about one flight!!! Or we all fly to Toronto and take a 16 hour drive to Halifax over 2-3 days. Car hire would add a $500 fee on top of rental for this one way drop. Plus the fuel, hotel's etc. It's looking crazy expensive !!! Has anyone here got any ideas ? We'd be flying April 2019 bye. Anyone here done London to Halifax direct with dog in the hold? |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
We book with Air Canada cargo all the time to transport dogs. We have imported dogs from the US with no issues and we have also transported dogs to the US and Mexico with no issues too. Maybe it's an east coast thing.
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Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Almost Canadian
(Post 12606884)
We book with Air Canada cargo all the time to transport dogs. We have imported dogs from the US with no issues and we have also transported dogs to the US and Mexico with no issues too. Maybe it's an east coast thing.
So it's specifically that flight. The only companies we could find that fly direct UK to Halifax are Air Canada (as above), or West Jet (who do not permit dogs it seems). I was hoping someone here will have done the UK to HALIFAX with a dog and have some experience with that route? |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
It's likely a specific East Coast thing - LHR-YHZ is now a B737. Perhaps that plane doesn't have the heated hold, although that seems a bit odd that AC would tell you that you can ship a <100lb dog as checked baggage, but the air cargo specialist tells you that the same plane doesn't have a heated hold. Air Canada have a deservedly poor reputation at times, but even so I doubt they'd let you put your pet in an unheated hold! So someone has something wrong - I suspect root cause is the smaller cargo capacity of the B737 vs the B767 that used to be flown on this route. Your problem is that I believe AC is the only airline flying direct to Halifax in April. Westjet is a seasonal flight AFAIK & anyway they fly 737's on this route as well.
Your nearest "big plane" airport to Halifax is Montreal. Slightly shorter drive than Toronto but not much in the great scheme of things. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Lion Heart
(Post 12606889)
Yes, we're not saying Air Canada do not transport dogs. Yes they do! However, we have been advised by one pet transport company that the LONDON TO HALIFAX flight by Air Canada cannot have any pets at all in the hold as the hold is not heated.
So it's specifically that flight. The only companies we could find that fly direct UK to Halifax are Air Canada (as above), or West Jet (who do not permit dogs it seems). I was hoping someone here will have done the UK to HALIFAX with a dog and have some experience with that route? |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/s...tions/ac-live/
Air Canada have a special division for pets in Cargo - not sure why you've been told you have to use a 3rd party. I presume you've checked that the breed isn't restricted? Winter restrictions for pets in the hold are common but better to check directly with the airline (link above)... Air Canada have a page that has that info.. but only up to March (although April can be bitterly cold in Canada, that's probably the reason they are saying that even for April).. could you delay your flight to May, perhaps (flights are cheaper then too) - or have you got time restrictions? https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/s...e-restrictions November 1 to March 31 Limitations on travel in unheated cargo holds: Warm-blooded animals are not accepted as cargo on some of our narrowbody fleet, as the cargo holds of these aircraft are not heated. The holds of our A319, A320 and A321 aircraft aren't heated but remain steady at 2 C (35.6 F). Animals may be accepted on those flights if a waiver is signed. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Air Canada website for London-LHR
Note: Live animals cannot be screened at this station. Contact our Local Sales office for help in securing your animal for shipment.Payments on site via debit or credit only Telephone: 44 (0) 371 224 3600 or 44 (0) 20 8750 8260 email: [email protected] Best to call the local cargo office of the departure airport, you will end up with more accurate info as they will know the local procedures and such better then a call center |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat
(Post 12606926)
a bit odd that AC would tell you that you can ship a <100lb dog as checked baggage, but the air cargo specialist tells you that the same plane doesn't have a heated hold.
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Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 12606957)
https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/s...tions/ac-live/
Air Canada have a special division for pets in Cargo - not sure why you've been told you have to use a 3rd party. I presume you've checked that the breed isn't restricted?[/INDENT] |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Did some more research, and may actually be better this way anyway (London > Toronto, then drive Toronto > Halifax) as flight cost comparison:
London > Halifax direct with Air Canada £1,450 per person London > Toronto direct with Air Transat/Candian Affair £285 per person So even with the $500 one way car hire fee, plus hotels x2/3, plus fuel for 16 hours driving = probably going to save us money, lol!!! We spotted that the only other airline who fly's direct London to Halifax is Westjet, and only from April 23rd onwards for the summer season (ends in October I think?), with prices in the £250-£280 per person range. BUT no pets allowed in the hold on any of their flights via London. But best bet for sure if you don't have a pet to move!!! |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
WestJet do permit dogs either as Cargo or checked baggage: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/pets
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Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by crofty82
(Post 12607230)
WestJet do permit dogs either as Cargo or checked baggage: https://www.westjet.com/en-ca/travel-info/pets
On that page click the 'Checked Animals' tab then click 'Restrictions' and you'll find this: "United Kingdom WestJet does not accept pets for travel to/from Glasgow or London Gatwick" |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Ah, good spot! That potentially scuppers things for us in a few months time also, so now taking an even greater interest in this thread. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by crofty82
(Post 12607239)
Ah, good spot! That potentially scuppers things for us in a few months time also, so now taking an even greater interest in this thread. There is conflicting info out there, and you really need to delve deep. The Westjet is a good example, on the surface it looks all good for pet travel, delve deeper and that excludes the UK! Hence looking at all available options for us now to fly April next year :-) |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Lion Heart
(Post 12607243)
all of this stuff needs to be investigated in full waaaay in advance to save headaches.
There must be a cheaper way of getting dogs from the UK to NS than shelling out a four-figure sum to a pet transport company. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by crofty82
(Post 12607245)
There must be a cheaper way of getting dogs from the UK to NS than shelling out a four-figure sum to a pet transport company.
If your dog including crate weighs under 100lbs then it's easy. Can be booked with Air Canada direct as checked baggage. Easy peasy. Just contact the airline in advance, explain everything and book everything in one go (I think it's $300 or $400 from memory for booking a pet into checked baggage, but do check that for yourself). For bigger dogs like ours, from what I've found SO FAR it seems they can only go cargo, and that cargo can only be booked via a company, not personally? Agree VERY frustrating having to pay £1,200-£1,800 to a pet transport company for something you can do for around $400 (£230) yourself. If our dog was under 100lbs with crate we would DEFINITELY do this ourselves. Your dog needs a rabies shot with certificate, a fit to fly evaluation with your vet 3 days before departure, and also a DEFRA export certificate which you must request in advance, which is sent to the vet to complete at the fit to fly evaluation - most guides seem to omit this but it is required to EXPORT any animal from the UK. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
https://cimg6.ibsrv.net/gimg/british...0314bb5162.jpg
Hopefully these two will weigh less than 100lbs each including crate :) |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Lion Heart
(Post 12607214)
Yes they do (have a cargo department). I called Air Canada cargo department at Gatwick (or was it heathrow?) and they advised it had to be booked via one of their preferred agents and gave me the contact details for a pet transport company. Hence I am assuming (rightfully?) that you cannot book the cargo yourself as an individual?
Yes, you can book cargo yourself as an individual.
Originally Posted by Lion Heart
(Post 12607257)
That's what I'm hoping too :-)
If your dog including crate weighs under 100lbs then it's easy. Can be booked with Air Canada direct as checked baggage. Easy peasy. Just contact the airline in advance, explain everything and book everything in one go (I think it's $300 or $400 from memory for booking a pet into checked baggage, but do check that for yourself). For bigger dogs like ours, from what I've found SO FAR it seems they can only go cargo, and that cargo can only be booked via a company, not personally? Agree VERY frustrating having to pay £1,200-£1,800 to a pet transport company for something you can do for around $400 (£230) yourself. If our dog was under 100lbs with crate we would DEFINITELY do this ourselves. Your dog needs a rabies shot with certificate, a fit to fly evaluation with your vet 3 days before departure, and also a DEFRA export certificate which you must request in advance, which is sent to the vet to complete at the fit to fly evaluation - most guides seem to omit this but it is required to EXPORT any animal from the UK. https://www.gov.uk/export-health-cer...rtificate-2923 Are you confusing this with a Pet Passport (necessary if you intend to return to the UK with the pet) application, perhaps? You can read more here: https://britishexpats.com/wiki/Transporting_Pets-Canada or one of the many threads on the subject :) Air Transat is very easy to deal with but book direct, not through Canadian Affair. You can book your pets through their Cargo department yourself... though have you considered the logistics of moving a crate big enough for your 100lb+ dog and having a vehicle large enough to accommodate it both in the UK for getting to the airport and in Canada for getting the dog from the cargo area (you have to go to a different area in the airport, unlike if they go as accompanied baggage) ? Plus many car hire companies require pets to be in a crate.. Then there's the logistics of driving from Mississauga to Halifax with a crate and dog that size, let alone finding motels, who also require dogs to be crated in the room usually - and always if left alone. Is there any way for you to change your relocation date to May 1st or after? Then you could book your dog through to Halifax on Air Canada :) |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 12607435)
I know they have a Cargo department, I gave you the details lol. Air Canada are pains in the bum to deal with, it might be worth sending an email to them to double check.
Yes, you can book cargo yourself as an individual. I'm sure you can book cargo yourself, but perhaps not live animals as cargo?
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 12607435)
though have you considered the logistics of moving a crate big enough for your 100lb+ dog and having a vehicle large enough to accommodate it both in the UK for getting to the airport and in Canada for getting the dog from the cargo area (you have to go to a different area in the airport, unlike if they go as accompanied baggage) ? Plus many car hire companies require pets to be in a crate.. Then there's the logistics of driving from Mississauga to Halifax with a crate and dog that size, let alone finding motels, who also require dogs to be crated in the room usually - and always if left alone.
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 12607435)
Is there any way for you to change your relocation date to May 1st or after? Then you could book your dog through to Halifax on Air Canada :)
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Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Lion Heart
(Post 12607566)
Yes, I telephoned Air Canada in Canada, who passed me to Air Canada in Gatwick, who passed me to the cargo department of Air Canada at Gatwick due to her size, who advised it would need to be booked via one of their preferred agents and gave the details of a pet travel company.
I'm sure you can book cargo yourself, but perhaps not live animals as cargo? Indeed, and the short answer is it's a lot of hassle!! It would need to be a minivan type (Dodge Grand Caravan). The crate would have to be folded (the top and half go inside one another), setas 6 and 7 into the floor, seats 3 (and maybe 4) into the floor with the crate on it's side slid in. FOur suitcases plus carryons in te boot, dog in the remaining back seat. Thankfully she's very well behaved and non-destructive etc. Plus the hire company would not see her loaded as, like you say, that will be done after collecting the car at the cargo department. We'd be sure to use blankets etc on the rear seats, and borrow a vac and ensure it is hair free before returning it. Yes, possibly!! Why, what happens with Air Canada after May 1st that's different to Air Canada before May 1st? https://www.aircanada.com/cargo/en/s...tions/ac-live/ Air Transat are much easier to deal with https://www.airtransat.com/en-CA/Tra...d-service-dogs You said you were told that they wouldn't accept a dog in cargo during the winter months, I thought? After 1st May Air Canada restrictions on low temperature carriage of animals wouldn't apply. Would it be worth considering flying into Toronto or Montreal and then getting an internal flight from Toronto / Montreal to Halifax, perhaps, to save you driving? You might find this website of use (you can check out the various airlines) https://www.bringfido.com/travel/air...es/air_canada/ |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
I spoke to Air Canada cargo at Heathrow, they advised that for pets it had to be booked via one of their preferred agents and provided the contact details for such an agent (pet travel company).
No, I didn't say anything about winter or summer months, at least I don't think so, lol!!! I noted on Air Canada they do mention that they may take pets in unheated holds during the summer months (but I think that info was more orientated towards USA and Canada non internation flights?), BUT the tempurature sits at around 2 degree's, so not far from freezing, and you must sign a waiver in case your pet dies due to the conditions. So I'll give that a pass!!! Yes, we considered Montreal, but it's still a 12 hour drive rather than 18. So a day less effectively, but not sure on Quebec as they have their own immigration laws etc there so we figured just not worth the potential hassle, stick to what you know. A 2nd internal flight is not an option because we don't want to put our dog through that if we don't have to. One flight is worrying enough!! So the long and short is that it looks like London > Toronto, then Toronto > Halifax by car is going to be the cheapest and best option available. And maybe, in fact, the only realistic option. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
OP - I know that it’s not particularly useful for your case but for the others reading this looking for solutions, I recently flew with my teenage son, 5 suitcases and 3 dogs (one of whom in a huge crate - 50kgs) Dubai - Amsterdam - Calgary with KLM ( all 3 dogs as excess luggage - different weight limits), followed by a two day drive to Winnipeg. Don’t worry about the dogs on the flight - my 3 needy rescues were absolutely fine and KLM do take good care of them. For winter flights to Canada, you need to check the availability of heating in the hold and the very strict weather requirements. I can also tell you that the huge crate does not fit through the hold door of a 737-800 (at least that’s what Westjet said) and that most Canadian domestic flights will only accept 2 dogs (and have unheated holds). Multiple flights is not an issue. We arranged to meetup with someone to donate our crates to a rescue organisation as we didn’t need them again and they were too big to fit everything in the car. Whilst some car hire companies and hotels do have issues with pets, we had no trouble finding pet friendly hotels (look for executive royal hotels - they were particularly good) and Hertz are fine with pets in cars but may charge a cleaning fee. We put a blanket on the back seat and that was fine. They new that we had the dogs. Please feel free to pm me for more details if required. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
It sounds like you've got a good idea what your preferred route is now.. Keep us updated !
:) |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Siouxie
(Post 12607870)
It sounds like you've got a good idea what your preferred route is now.. Keep us updated !
:) |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
We flew into Halifax with our giant breed dog, at the time he weighed 232lbs and he's classed by Air Canada as a dangerous breed, which added to the fun and restrictions!
We flew Heathrow to Halifax, although it was summer and we had to watch the temperatures to make sure they were OK to fly him both in Heathrow and in Halifax. He went cargo, in a specially made crate designed to be able to hold a zoo animal - Air Canada's requirements for "dangerous breeds". We used a pet travel company, PBS transport and they were absolutely amazing, went so far above and beyond. They made the crate too. When we picked him up after rushing through landing to make sure we were there as soon as he was offloaded, one of the CBSA officers asked if he could keep the crate as he needed a new chicken coop, and we were planning to leave it anyway as it wouldn't fit into the vehicle! Not sure if that helps at all, but we were so worried, thankfully it all went really smoothly. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Hey raindropsandroses, yes that does help - very interesting!!!
Can you give some more info on the summer flight please. So it was Air Canada Heathrow > Halifax (direct?) and done in the summer. I assume from what you described that this was not a heated hold? Who had to watch the tempuratures to make sure they were ok? During the flight, or beforehand (or both)? I assume the 232lbs must have been including the crate as that's 105kg!!! Yes, noted that Air Canada have a strange policy with regards to strong breeds (they list as 'strong', not 'dangerous') which includes all Mastiff breeds, rottweiler's etc, and yes exactly as you said they need to go in a zoo standard crate designed for wolves and big cats etc!!! What year was the flight? How long do you estimate your pooch was in the crate for in total? You got lucky finding an adopter for the crate upon landing, that's awesome! |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Lion Heart
(Post 12608288)
Hey raindropsandroses, yes that does help - very interesting!!!
Can you give some more info on the summer flight please. So it was Air Canada Heathrow > Halifax (direct?) and done in the summer. I assume from what you described that this was not a heated hold? Who had to watch the tempuratures to make sure they were ok? During the flight, or beforehand (or both)? I assume the 232lbs must have been including the crate as that's 105kg!!! Yes, noted that Air Canada have a strange policy with regards to strong breeds (they list as 'strong', not 'dangerous') which includes all Mastiff breeds, rottweiler's etc, and yes exactly as you said they need to go in a zoo standard crate designed for wolves and big cats etc!!! What year was the flight? How long do you estimate your pooch was in the crate for in total? You got lucky finding an adopter for the crate upon landing, that's awesome! Glad I could help - we were so worried and stressed about the whole thing. Plus he's my service dog, I'm not used to not having him by my side, and above all that he is an adored member of our family. - Yes, Heathrow to Halifax direct with no stops in August 2016. Not a heated hold, although we flew our reptiles and cats out at the same time and all went like clockwork. - The pet transport company spoke to Air Canada and arranged a provisional day when the forecasted temps on the ground at both Halifax and Heathrow would be in the safe range. We actually ended up delaying flying for four days as I was paranoid that it would be too hot. - Nope, 232lbs is his weight alone, he's a Caucasian Ovcharka. Goodness knows how much the total weight with the crate was - you could have fitted a single mattress easily into it. Halifax airport did have to check they'd have lifting gear on hand to be able to get him off! - He was in the crate for about eight and a half hours I think, but he's a fully trained personal protection dog and I had to put him into the crate and get him out at the other end as he won't tolerate being handled without me present. We waited until the very last minute to put him in his crate, and then he was immediately loaded onto the plane, and then Halifax airport rushed us through at the other end so that I could get him out as soon as we were off the plame. He is classed and registered as a service animal though, and we had statements from the French and German police stating all the details, so I think that helped. Plus as much of an adorable hearth rug as he is, I think they were pretty keen on me being with him for as much of the time as possible to make sure he didn't go rampaging off trying to find me! You can leave crates as Halifax airport, they donate them to the local animal shelter usually. The staff were lovely and so helpful, plus they were used to dealing with military dogs. Our pup made quite a lot of new fans that day! If there's anything else I can help with just let me know :) |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Hi raindropsandroses - thanks for the info, genuinely much appreciated!!
That's amazing. I thought our dog was big at 55kg, but yours is almost double ours, lol!!! I just had to Google the breed as it's not one I'm familiar with - amazing! Yes, 8.5 hours crated it really good. That's what concerns me a bit as you have to arrive 3 hours before you fly these days, and the pet transport companies require you to arrive with them onsite at the airport around an hour before that. We were told we leave the dog crated with the pet transport company and they do the rest. So that would be around 3.5 hours before flight, plus 8 hours flight, plus likely at least an hour messing around on the other end = 12.5+ hours, which is a long time if you need a wee!! It's great to know you can leave the crates at Haliax airport. They are worth a lot of money and this service could provide thousands (if not tens of thousands!) in funds for animal shelters etc, so a great idea. Does anyone reading happen to know if they also do this at Toronto Pearson? |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
You're very welcome. Its so worrying arranging for pets to fly, ours have been around the world with us and it never gets less scary.
Haha yes he is a big lump, makes choosing a vehicle a challenge too! When we looked into itbwe got quotes from several pet transport companies, but the one we chose really gave us the confidence that they deeply cared for the animals in their charge. For our reptiles they designed three different back up heating systems so that they would stay warm enough in their boxes on the flight, all of the other pet transport companies just planned to put disposable heat packs in with them. It was that extra care which was so reassuring. They weren't the most expensive either, their quote was average. Yes its a long time to go without a wee, but they put mats in the bottom with extreme absorption capacities, so they soak up the wee. Grim, but the best option in not ideal circumstances. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
- Yes, Heathrow to Halifax direct with no stops in August 2016. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Atlantic Xpat
(Post 12608345)
Note that in 2016 AC flew 767 aircraft on the London - Halifax route. They now fly the 737Max which has a much smaller cargo capacity. That may play into ability to accommodate a large pet.
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Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by raindropsandroses
(Post 12608329)
When we looked into itbwe got quotes from several pet transport companies, but the one we chose really gave us the confidence that they deeply cared for the animals in their charge.
For our reptiles they designed three different back up heating systems so that they would stay warm enough in their boxes on the flight, all of the other pet transport companies just planned to put disposable heat packs in with them. It was that extra care which was so reassuring. They weren't the most expensive either, their quote was average. For us the quotes are coming in £1,200 - £1,800 not including crate (we have one already, IATA spec, bought specifically for this trip, 120cm x 81cm x 90cm - this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/L120-approved-Luxx-airline-carrier/dp/B01CCYJ6NI/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1544708299&sr=8-1&keywords=l120+iata) We're also doing the fit to fly check with Defra certificate at our vets a couple of days beforehand, so they're not doing that either. So nice easy job for them!! |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
The approximate dimensions for 737 max cargo door, gives and idea of what can fit into the belly.
Forward hold 48 in./122cm wide 51 in./129.5 cm tall Aft hold 48 in./122 cm wide 48 in./122 cm tall but the door opens inward making a usable height of roughly 33 in. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
In 2013, we flew from Gatwick to Halifax with our dog (Rhodesian Ridgeback). We flew with AirTransat and used a company called Pets Away... I can honestly recommend both! However, we flew in May and I believe they don't allow dogs in the hold during winter months due to the cold temperatures.
It was a nerve racking experience as our dog suffers from seperation anxiety at the best of times, but it only took one week before she stopped giving us the cold shoulder treatment...! |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Hi, sorry to jump in on the thread but we have the same issue...Chocolate Labrador weighing 37 kg needing to travel with us. We are heading to New Brunswick so Halifax would have been perfect. We are looking at early May this year. Both West Jet and Air Canada use the Boeing 737-800 max which has the restricted hold access as mentioned above. Any item higher than 31 or 32 inches would need to be turned sideways or angled to get through....if it can’t get through the cargo door they will not take it. Pretty certain they wouldn’t even attempt angling a combined weight of 60 odd kg....Our only real option is to fly into Montreal...Options available are Air Transat (Airbus A310-300) or British Airways (Boeing Dreamliner) we have been quoted either £1250 or £1680.00 respectively. My personal choice would be the Dreamliner ...however finances may dictate Air Transat! my biggest concern is how long we are likely to have to wait in between touching down and Sookie being taken to the Cargo area and us being able to get through the immigration landing process at Montreal, picking up the hire car and then getting Sookie...has anyone been through this? � ���� |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Hi Magiscribe
I can offer some partial help on this. For us (going to Haliax) we are actually going to fly to Toronto and then drive to Haliafx from there as we don't want to put our dog through a second flights. We considered Montreal as it's 12 hours rather than 18, but were concerned about immigration not going how it should if we land there as Quebec have completely different immigration laws/system, and we will be landing as Canadian Residents without a card but a foil in our passports. So we thought best be safe and land in a part of Canada that has the same regs we signed up for!! We did the landing process February of last year, and we did this at Toronto. Not sure how it compares to Montreal airport, but I would imagine Toronto would be a little busier, but on the flip side maybe has more immigration staff on hand? Time-wise it may vary depending on time of day landing etc, but for us took around 1.5 hours I would say. The actual 'interview' took less than 10 minutes, five probably! BUt a lot of queing!! Maybe an hour? But from memory seemed to drag on, so it took us 1-1.5 hours approximately But that was Toronto. Might be of some help though? So, from the airplane touching down you have to clear through passport control which can take some time, then immigration for landing (as I assume from your post you are doing it all in one go). You'll then have to go to customs and present your goods to follow list and get the stamped paperwork. That took us 30 minutes, but it was quiet when we arrived. And of course immigration, allow at least an hour. Then, go to the car hire place and sign the papers, load the car etc. Another 30 minutes Then find the place to collect from cargo, which I have been advised is not easy to find for us at Toronto, so 30 minutes there. So could be 3 hours from touch down by the time you have done everything as long as all goes smoothly. And that does not count the time walking around the airport, which can add up!! Hope this is of some use. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Lion Heart
(Post 12638684)
Hi Magiscribe
I can offer some partial help on this. For us (going to Haliax) we are actually going to fly to Toronto and then drive to Haliafx from there as we don't want to put our dog through a second flights. We considered Montreal as it's 12 hours rather than 18, but were concerned about immigration not going how it should if we land there as Quebec have completely different immigration laws/system, and we will be landing as Canadian Residents without a card but a foil in our passports. So we thought best be safe and land in a part of Canada that has the same regs we signed up for!! We did the landing process February of last year, and we did this at Toronto. Not sure how it compares to Montreal airport, but I would imagine Toronto would be a little busier, but on the flip side maybe has more immigration staff on hand? Time-wise it may vary depending on time of day landing etc, but for us took around 1.5 hours I would say. The actual 'interview' took less than 10 minutes, five probably! BUt a lot of queing!! Maybe an hour? But from memory seemed to drag on, so it took us 1-1.5 hours approximately But that was Toronto. Might be of some help though? So, from the airplane touching down you have to clear through passport control which can take some time, then immigration for landing (as I assume from your post you are doing it all in one go). You'll then have to go to customs and present your goods to follow list and get the stamped paperwork. That took us 30 minutes, but it was quiet when we arrived. And of course immigration, allow at least an hour. Then, go to the car hire place and sign the papers, load the car etc. Another 30 minutes Then find the place to collect from cargo, which I have been advised is not easy to find for us at Toronto, so 30 minutes there. So could be 3 hours from touch down by the time you have done everything as long as all goes smoothly. And that does not count the time walking around the airport, which can add up!! Hope this is of some use. have you booked with Air Transat for the flights? |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
We have not booked yet, but yes Air Transat for us. We have to book the dogs flight first, and once confirmed we then book on to the same flight.
By comparison, even if the Air Canada Halifax direct flight DID have a heated hold (which it does not apparently) the flights were circa £1,500 EACH compared to £300 each with Air Transat. So £3,000 vs £600. So we're £2,400 up, which should more than cover the 18 hour drive, two hotels etc!! So we don't mind it too much now :-) |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Originally Posted by Lion Heart
(Post 12638752)
We have not booked yet, but yes Air Transat for us. We have to book the dogs flight first, and once confirmed we then book on to the same flight.
By comparison, even if the Air Canada Halifax direct flight DID have a heated hold (which it does not apparently) the flights were circa £1,500 EACH compared to £300 each with Air Transat. So £3,000 vs £600. So we're £2,400 up, which should more than cover the 18 hour drive, two hotels etc!! So we don't mind it too much now :-) We might potentially be doing this same journey with dogs next year, and a quick search with Canadian Affair for picking up at Pearson and dropping off in downtown Halifax threw up one-way charges of $1,300 CAD. Sneakily, they add in smaller print that this is "payable locally". UPDATE: Managed to find it for $600 CAD or so in total on some other car rental sites so doesn't seem too bad and is understandable considering the charges they will incur for moving vehicles to where they need to be. |
Re: Flights WITH DOG (cargo) UK to Halifax NS - can it be done?
Yes, also $600 one way car hire fee for us Toronto to Halifax. £380ish, which is quite reasonable considering the length of the return journey.
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