If your pet and carrier exceed the size and weight restrictions required for in-cabin transport, they will need to fly in the aircraft hold as checked baggage. However, there are a few additional breed and species restrictions applied to animals traveling in cargo. For more information about the other ways your pet can fly with this airline, visit our main page for Iberian Airlines Pet Policies.
Pet Restrictions for Flying as Checked Baggage
Only cats and dogs can travel in the cargo hold as checked baggage. The exceptions include brachycephalic animals and dangerous breeds. Iberian Airlines recognizes brachycephalic animals as those with short, snubbed nosed and a disproportionally broad head. This includes boxers, terriers, bulldogs, some mastiffs, spaniels, exotic shorthairs, and Persians, among others. The airline designates pit bull terriers, Staffordshire bull terriers, American Staffordshire Terriers, Rottweilers, Argentine Dogo, Brazilian Mastiffs, Tosa, and Akita as dangerous breeds, but they reserve the right to reject other breeds depending on their build, muscle, height, and weight. The Iberian Airlines pet policies page includes a full list of restricted breeds for both brachycephalic and dangerous animals.
Iberian Airlines recommends booking cargo hold pet travel accommodations well in advance. The airport and airline staff will need to know you are bringing an animal at least 48 hours prior to departure. When booking, you will need to indicate the breed of your dog or cat. The maximum number of crates, as well as the sizes permitted, will vary by aircraft, so get your reservation confirmed as soon as possible.
Travel Container Specifications
To travel safely with your pet in cargo on Iberian Airlines, they must have a specific container. According to the airline’s pet policy, they must meet the following criteria.
- The crate must be hard-sided and made of solid material.
- The crate should have a secure locking system to ensure it remains closed at all times.
- The animal must have enough room to stand, turn around, and lie down comfortably, and there can be no defects on the outside or inside that may injure the pet.
- The crate must have adequate ventilation and a leakproof floor.
- For Iberia Regional Air Nostum flights, the maximum dimensions permitted are 83cm x 65cm x 56cm.
The maximum combined weight of the pet and its container cannot exceed 45kg, or around 100lbs. Though the airline’s website does not state this, it is important to affix a label to the pet’s cage containing your contact information and any important notes about the animal.
Other Restrictions
If the temperature outside is too hot or cold, your pet’s safety may be at risk. The cargo hold is pressurized, but it is rarely climate controlled. If you are traveling during the hot summer months or frigid winter months, book your flights strategically to avoid peak temperature hours. Iberian Airlines does not have anything about this factor on their webpage, so it is up to you to make the determination.
Additional restrictions apply to connecting flights. If the transit time between flights is between 90 minutes and 4 hours, your pet will be able to fly as checked baggage. If your connecting time is less than 90 minutes, or if it is more than 4 hours, you cannot bring your pet. This window provides the airline crew with enough time to transport your pet to the connecting flight without placing undue stress on the animal.
Iberia Airlines also states that permission to travel with your pet will only be granted when all the flights in the booking have been confirmed.
What is the Cost to Fly Pets in Checked Baggage with Iberian Airlines
Flying with your pet as checked baggage is a slightly more expensive option. For domestic flights within Spain, excluding the Canary Islands, the pet fee is $95 per animal in cargo. For flights traveling to the Canary Islands, other countries in Europe, Northern Africa, and the Middle East, the rate increases to $145. Traveling to Asia and America will cost $360. Unlike most airlines, Iberian Airlines pet fees are not determined by size and weight.