Turkish Airlines has recently launched a new online booking service specifically benefiting passengers traveling with their pets; an unsurprising move given its headquarters in cat-friendly Istanbul. The global airline—which flies to more countries than any other—will provide passengers the opportunity to book pet carrier services online via the website and mobile app while booking the original passenger ticket.
This means that passengers will no longer have to phone ahead to register a pet or go through adding fees to the price of the airfare after booking, like most competing airlines.
“We understand and value the importance of our passengers’ beloved pets and we’re pleased to introduce this online process which will make the booking experience easier than ever,” said Turkish Airlines Chairman of the Board and the Executive Committee, Prof. Dr. Ahmet Bolat, in a press release.
“[This will provide] an effortless premium travel experience is at the core of our mission, and this new service is another important add-on that we’re glad to offer.”
The new service places emphasis on the importance of traveling comfortably with our furry friends and will allow passengers to book reservations for their pets—both for in-cabin travel and aircraft hold—both during the initial ticketing process or anytime thereafter. Once booked passengers will simply be able to present their pet’s documentation upon arrival at the airport.
Note that cats, dogs, and small singing birds kept as pets (such as parakeets or canaries) may be transported in the cabin when accompanied by a passenger. The pet must be kept in a carrier that fits underneath the seat in front of the passenger for the duration of the flight.
It’s also important to keep in mind that to transport a live animal on a Turkish Airlines flight, the reservation must be made and confirmed no later than six hours before the flight in question.
More information about traveling with pets on Turkish Airlines can be found on the airline’s pet travel guidelines page.
Source: Forbes
